Kamille’s POV

Tucking my children into bed each night was a sacred ritual. It was the one time of day when everything felt serene and normal. Tonight was no different. I first went to the boys’ room. Torin, Royer, and Reon were already half asleep, their soft breathing filling the room. I bent down, kissed each forehead, and whispered, "Goodnight, my loves. Sweet dreams."

Leaving their room, I went to Tyris’s, which is closest to mine. She was clutching her new favorite teddy bear, the one Zeke had given her during our hospital stay. She looked so peaceful, holding that small comfort. I tucked her in gently, careful not to wake her, and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, baby," I whispered.

I returned to my own room, but sleep evaded me. Zeke’s words about the lawyer replayed in my mind. Why would they plant a dead body in the room? What was their plan? The questions swirled, refusing to settle. If they had the lawyer with them, it would be difficult to meet him.

Just as I was about to give up on sleep, my phone buzzed with a message from Zeke. I read it and exhaled heavily. I couldn’t bring myself to reply. I was torn between my feelings for him and my anxieties.

Why can’t I get my emotions sorted out?

I dozed off thinking about Zeke and the lawyer.

Morning came too quickly. I got up early, went to the kitchen, and started preparing breakfast. The routine of getting the kids ready for school calmed my restless mind.

"Good morning, Ms. Kamille," I lifted my head to see Nanny Dona.

"Good morning, Dona," I replied. "I'm sorry I left the door open."

"I understand, Ma'am. Let me get the kids ready," she said, smiling.

I nodded, and she left the kitchen. I continued preparing breakfast. The kids came down soon after I set the table. The excitement of returning to school was beautiful to watch. They hurried through breakfast and were soon ready.

As we were leaving, I opened the door to find Zeke standing there.

"Zeke," I said, surprised. Seeing him unexpectedly was completely unexpected.

The kids’ reaction was immediate. Tyris ran forward, her eyes wide with excitement. "Mr. Reid!"

Torin, Royer, and Reon followed, clambering around him, vying for his attention. They were full of questions, their voices vibrant and happy.

"Are you Daddy? Are you Daddy?" Tyris asked.

Zeke scooped Tyris into his arms, smiling warmly. "Yes, Tyris, I am Daddy."

"Why didn’t you say so?" Torin asked, confused.

Zeke smiled and ruffled Torin’s hair. "There were some things that needed sorting out first."

"Are they sorted out now?" Royer asked.

Zeke looked at me, then back at him. "Well, sort of. But I promise nothing will ever tear us apart again."

Tyris snuggled deeper into his neck.

I watched, feeling a pang of guilt. I had kept their father away for years, and their joy made me question my actions. I looked at Zeke, who met my gaze with understanding and something deeper. I noticed Roen staring at me; he’d seen through my lies.

Zeke crouched down, opened his arms, and the children fell into them. "Daddy is here now and promises to make up for lost time. I’m going to protect you all and your mummy, okay?"

They nodded excitedly. Reon smiled contentedly before closing his eyes.

"Come over here," Zeke called, breaking me from my thoughts.

I smiled, almost tearful, as I embraced him. After a moment, we broke apart, and the kids rushed to Zeke’s car.

"I’ll take them to school and bring them home," Zeke announced.

"Zeke, I…"

"Kamille," Zeke interrupted softly. "I know this is a lot, but I want to be here for them. For you."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don’t know if I can, Zeke. There’s so much at stake, and I need to be sure of their safety."

"Then let me share the burden," he said, stepping closer. "You don’t have to do this alone."

I looked into his sincere eyes. For a moment, I imagined sharing my troubles with him, trusting him completely.

"Alright. Please take care of my kids," I said.

"Our kids," he corrected. "Now you rest while I take care of them."

I nodded. "I’ll be here if you need me," I said softly.

He smiled and hugged me. I closed my eyes, wishing we could stay that way longer.

I broke free first.

"Bye," I waved and went back inside.

Trusting Zeke wasn't as hard as I thought.