As soon as Thalassa appeared in the doorway, four pairs of innocent and ebony eyes turned to look at her simultaneously. Seeing their mother, their eyes lit up like the night sky filled with stars.
The expressions of sadness that had haunted their faces just moments before were instantly replaced by excitement.
âMommy!â
âMommy!â
âMommy!â
âMommy!â
The little ones let go of Fitch and dashed towards Thalassa; they ran like baby penguins as their chubby legs moved fast.
Thalassa crouched down, arms outstretched, ready to welcome her little cherubs.
Sophia ran a little too fast that she tripped over her own feet and fell flat on her face, sliding a few feet forward on the polished marble floor. âSophia!â Thalassaâs heart clenched with worry.
âMiss!â Fitch called out in concern as well.
Without waiting for the adults to react, Sophia pushed herself back up onto her feet as agile as a gymnast and continued her sprint towards Thalassa. The other three tots reached Thalassa first and piled in her arms. Thalassa, already weak at the knees, was nearly bowled over and pitched down to the floor by their enthusiastic swoop.
But a strong arm wrapped around her from behind and steadied her.
She didnât need to turn around to know who it was. The familiar warmth and strength were unmistakably Lysanderâs.
Thalassaâs racing heart slowed as she gathered the three little ones in her arms.
Sophia was a step behind the others and found no room left in Thalassaâs embrace. She stood there, looking lost for a moment, before spotting a small gap and squeezing herself into Thalassaâs arms.
Holding two of her kids in each arm, Thalassa couldnât hide her wistful thinking. She planted a kiss on Elowenâs chubby cheek, then one on Sophia, followed by Dorian and Atticus.
Their cheeks were soft and squishy, smelling sweetly of milk. Thalassaâs heart swelled with affection.
âMommy, why havenât you come to see us for so long? I missed you so much I couldnât eat,â Elowen pouted, voicing her grievances.
âOh, my poor little Elowen, you are losing weight these days. Iâm so sorry that I stayed away for so long. Mommy needs to work, but how about I take you to Grandmaâs place tomorrow?â Thalassaâs heart filled with warmth as she gently pinched Elowenâs rosy cheek.
âYes, yes, I miss Grandma so much,â Elowen danced with joy.
âMe too, I miss Grandma, Dorian nodded in agreement.
âMe too, chimed in Atticus.
âI want to stay with Grandma!â Sophiaâs eyes welled up with tears.
Thalassa felt a pang of guilt and helplessness. She looked at Lysander for approval.
She hadnât mentioned her plan of taking the kids to their grandmotherâs place to Lysander before. Now she was bringing it up to the kids so abruptly and worrying about Lysanderâs refusal.
Lysander caught her apprehensive gaze and said, âWeâll discuss tomorrowâs plans when tomorrow comes.â
He then turned to Fitch, âHave they had dinner?â
âThey just finished not long ago. I will arrange for two more servings right away,â Fitch responded, about to hurry off to the kitchen when Lysander stopped him.
âNo need, take them for a bath; itâs time they went to bed,â Lysander instructed.
âUnderstood, Fitch nodded, summoning the maids to take the children to the bath.
Thalassa caught Lysanderâs deep-set gaze. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly averted her eyes, âElowen, Sophia, let Mommy help you with your bath.
She then quickly followed the kids towards the bathroom.
Being alone with Lysander was dangerous; his mere look was enough to unsettle her.
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