Chapter 2 Unexpected Emergence

"L...Lilian?" Since I hadn't heard Dan mention this person in a while, I felt my heart tense as he talked. "Ma, do you know this guy? He's incredibly sweet; he provided most of the money for our play. "Ava said while grinning.

My vision became hazy as I observed my infant standing next to her father, both of whom appeared to have the same facial characteristics and hairstyle.

Isabelle shouted out from behind her, clutching her elbow and beckoning her to where they were standing: "Ava, baby, come here."

"Lilian, how are you? How are you doing? said Dan

I uttered "good," but it was hardly audible.

Theo leaned down close to me and said, "We can go."

"Is she your daughter?" I took a big breath and gently nodded in response to his question as he looked at Ava.

I heard Olivia say loudly, "Ava looks like him," as a stab of pain shot through my chest.

"Olivia!" Theo and Isabelle remarked

I hastily uttered "I need to go" as I turned, but a hand stopped me.

Dan stated as she turned to face the individuals behind me and continued, "Something about this place is off."

Lilian said, "Get your hands off her, and let's go." Theo motioned for Isabelle to take the children.

He released his hold on my hand before Theo drew me away. Immediately after I left the school.

I inhaled deeply before my eyes started to tear up.

What is he doing in this place after all these years?

"You're okay, you're okay, Lilian." Theo murmured as he fiercely hugged me.

"Baby, nothing happened; you're fine; Ava's fine; don't cry," the mother said. As they both gave me hugs, Isabelle added,

"Mom, are you all right? Ava questioned, "What happened?

Is Aunt Lilian all right? Olivia enquired

Isabelle kneeled next to her and assured her that her mother was well.

"Ma?" She regarded me, unsure of whether to believe Isabelle.

I said, "I'm okay, love; I'm always okay, as long as you're beside me," after wiping my eyes. She embraced my neck with her arms as I pulled her close to my chest.

"Would you like to stay here with us?" Theo asked while holding my cheek.

I said, "She won; she deserves a celebration," to the request to "just drop me at the house; you guys go celebrate with Olivia."

Ava also merits it. And no, we won't listen to you; you're coming to our house, so either you stay with us or we stay with you. We all walked to Theo's car as he put an arm around me and whispered.

Isabelle motioned for me to take a seat at the front, but I shook my head and took a deep breath before giving her a feeble smile.

I said, "I'll sit with the girls," since I needed to be near Ava. I had to hug her.

Between the two girls in the backseat, I sat.

"Aunty Lilian, are you all right?" Olivia looked up at me and questioned

I nodded, saying, "Don't worry, girls; I'm fine. I just feel a little worn out." I replied, encircling them with my arms. I pulled both of them to my chest.

Ava was lost in thought; her eyes were closing, and I knew she wanted to sleep but kept stopping herself. She would look at me, but by the time we arrived at their house, she was asleep. Theo glanced at me from the front mirror, while Isabelle glanced back at me every few minutes. Olivia slept soundly on my chest.

Before he and Isabelle descended, Theo parked the car in their driveway.

Before entering the house, Theo picked up Olivia cautiously and stated, "I'll take them to bed."

Despite Isabelle's "I'll take Ava" offer, I rebuffed her.

Isabelle replied as I took her up, "I'll just take her to bed because it's all right."

Since I don't even have her clothes, "I should change her clothes!" I sighed in frustration as I ran my fingers through my hair.

'Because, baby, she and Olivia are one; they always use each other's things, and it's no different today, and Olivia's nanny could change her,' the speaker said. Reaching for my hand, Isabelle replied

Isabelle offered me a feeble smile and said, "Let me assist you."

"Babe, you take Lilian inside; I'll make sure the girls are asleep." Taking Ava away from my chest, Theo said

I walked into the home and changed into Isabelle's clothing, then sat on the couch in the dim living room and sobbed subtly.

He can't show up now, not after all these years. He departed; therefore, he's not here right now.

"Lilian?"

"Because don't, don't, don't do this to yourself." Pulling me close to his chest, Theo said

Theo, how could this happen after 7 years? I'm frightened! How? I sobbed into his chest, and I murmured, "I don't understand.

Nothing will happen because Theo is with you, I'm with you, and I have Avary confidence that Theo won't allow anything to happen to Ava. As Isabelle placed her hand on my arm, I overheard her say.

"I believe he was aware; Even Olivia noticed how much she resembled him. How can he fucking reemerge after seven years? How! I don't comprehend! God, I can't handle this. What if he finds out now? Imagine if he took her. I cried and said,

Theo released his hold on me, then he moved and cupped my face.

"Lilian Liam, I want you to hear me clearly. Nothing bad is going to happen to Ava; she will remain with you despite everything. She is your baby; you raised her; he can't take her; you won't let that happen, and I swear to you that I won't let that happen. And only then would you consider me serious? Now, please take me seriously, because I sincerely promise that nothing will happen as long as I'm alive. Nothing! Will something bad happen to my family, which includes you and Ava? Do you hear me? said Theo

"Do you hear me, Lilian?" I nodded as Theo stated.

"Quit crying now! Just halt! Don't do this to yourself; you are strong enough, because all you need to do is look after Ava; the rest will be taken care of, okay? I nodded as he requested.

"Now, get some rest. I swear, Lilian, if I hear you cry, you'll regret it." I glanced at Isabelle as Theo spoke, pointing a finger at me and trying not to laugh. Then the three of us started laughing.

"Yes, everyone, that's my best friend." Isabelle shook her head and muttered.

"Now, get some rest," Theo said.

Why do you say that? you ascend to your room," I remarked.

Isabelle remarked, "You're an idiot, because..."

Because Isabelle already wants to sleep with you and you can't accommodate both in your room, he stated, "You both are going to my room, sleeping together, so I can take the couch."

I held her hand and said, "Isabelle, babe, I'm fine. Go sleep with your husband."

"Because let's go; I've been sleeping with him for the past six years." Pulling me up with her, Isabelle said

We both walked to Theo's room and sat on the bed there after saying goodnight to him.

"You are aware that everything will be fine, correct?"

I replied, "I hope so, Isabelle. I really hope so," before she drew me in for a hug.

We are available to you.