A

ough he knew Ayla didn't. Her scent, a subtle mix of lavender and honey, drew him in, just as it had the night they first

nd, her eyes fixed on the table in front of her as questions raced through her mind. Why did he reject her wit

zed, "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you sooner..

back down, her voice barely above a

w have you been?" He cleared his throat, searching her face

-" he began to say, but she i

him hard. "I know I'm not supposed to be here, but the clock is ticking, and ther

t we mated...I got pregnant." She finally said. Ethan ex

hen I realized I was having triplets, it was too late...So I accepted my fate and raised them on my own." Her voice cracked as she con

een hit by a ton of brick and was struggling to process it all. He had kids? Triplets

g me I have kids?" he asked, his voice laced with disbeli

es of coming back here and I know this is a lot to take in. But I

wn up now, after five years? But he pushed those questions aside, and finally managed to say, "You sho

like she hadn't slept in weeks, and her body weak from exhaustion. But as he spoke, a glimme

feet, he asked, "W

y for the meantime," she replied,

have been taken to a guest room in the estate. You'll stay here, in

t him in shock. "I...I don't think--I

ed help, and you need protection. Let me provide t

our children," but she didn't say anything. Also, she knew there was n

nd her, dripping with disdain. "You just got here and you've gotten a guest room and n

stood in the corridor that stretched across the house

ommanded, "All of

ing the two of them alone. The air was th

g bitch!" she seethed. "You promised! Three?! How dare you! And n

r off. "You think you can just waltz back in here and take everyt

you were in my shoes." A

you!" Her hand raised, and Ayla flinched, expecting a slap. But befo

arm twisted at an awkward angle. "I wouldn't do th

he stranger's imposing frame, his features sculpted and mysterious. Wh

at