âMom, is there anything else we need to get rid of?â Atticus turned to ask Thalassa. His cheeks flushed a rosy red from the tense focus of the past hour.
Snapping back to reality, Thalassaâs gaze softened upon seeing her sonâs ruddy complexion, Beads of sweat had trickled from his forehead, rolling down to dampen the collar of his shirt.
In her rush to delete the video, she hadnât noticed how Atticus had been straining himself.
A pang of tenderness swelled in her chest. She reached for a tissue and gently wiped the sweat from his face and neck. âNo, sweetie, thereâs nothing more to do. Youâve been such a big help to Mom today, and I canât thank you enough.â
Atticusâ young face also went cheerful as he saw Thalassa finally relaxing and no longer looking lost or restless. A wide smile broke out, and in his childish voice he said, âDonât mention it, Mom. I like helping you out. As long as youâre happy, thatâs all that matters.â
Thalassaâs eyes brimmed with tears as she pulled Atticus into a hug and whispered, âHaving you kids is the greatest blessing of my life.â
âAnd having you is our biggest happiness.â Atticus replied, his voice muffled against her shoulder.
Thalassa laughed through her tears. She had her children, and with them, she had everything.
âMom, Atticus, are you guys done yet?â At the door, a knock was followed by Elowenâs sweet, questioning voice.
Thalassa had rushed back to Royal Estates, immediately sequestered herself with Atticus in his room, and instructed her other three little ones not to disturb them. She had been determined to delete the compromising video that Bruce had without any distractions.
Now that the ordeal was over, the other children were still waiting outside. Shaking off her daze, Thalassa let go of Atticus and stood up to open the door. But Atticus, eager and happy, beat her to it.
âIâll get the door!â
He scampered over, his small legs carrying him quickly, and swung the door open to reveal his siblings.
Theyâd been waiting with rounded, curious eyes, looking like a trio of adorable bear cubs.
âDid you manage to teach Mom how to use the software, Atticus?â Elowen tilted her lovely head and asked.
They had wanted to be with their mother but had patiently refrained from disturbing her.
Theyâd been waiting for so long, so they came to knock.
09.25 Atticus grinned, showed off his little canines, and nodded enthusiastically. âYep, mission accomplished!â
âWow, Atticus, youâre awesome! We love you and Mom!â Elowenâs eyes sparkled with admiration, generously heaping on the praise.
Flattered by Elowenâs admiring gaze, Atticus felt a sense of achievement. He shyly scratched the back of his head.
âHave you guys bathed yet? Letâs get you cleaned up.â Thalassa suggested, full of affection for her little ones.
âMom, the boys can go with Fitch; theyâre guys. Me and Sophia, weâre girls, so we can bathe with you.â
Elowen suggested, her voice soft and sweet.
âAlright, letâs go then.â Thalassa agreed. She took Elowen and Sophia by the hand and left the room.
Atticus and Dorian trailed behind.
As they were about to step into the bathroom, Evelyn came hurrying in, breathless with news.
âThalassa, you are home! Oh my, tonight just took me by surprise.â
She stood before Thalassa and slapped her thigh in exasperation. âYou wouldnât believe it.â she sighed.
Thalassa inquired curiously, âWhat happened? Trouble at finding a job?â
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