Chapter 5 Six Years Later

Six years Later

My lips curved into a sweet smile the moment I stepped into my baby's room. My smile grew even bigger when I saw my little angel still sleeping soundly on the bed.

Her golden curls framed her chubby face, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest showcased the peacefulness that embraced her dreams.

The room was bathed in a soft, morning glow, casting a warm hue on the delicate pastel walls adorned with flower decorations.

A collection of stuffed animals stood guard around her peaceful form, and a gentle melody played from the mobile above. The air was filled with the comforting scent of baby lotion, creating a cocoon of sweetness around my precious little girl.

I gently shut the door behind me and made my way over the bed. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Sweetheart," I said, but she didn't even stir. I chuckled, she was such a deep sleeper. "Janice" I said patti g her back.

"No...go away, fighting the bad guys," Janice said with her eyes closed.

I chuckled, she was probably thinking about her video game playing again.

"You know, if you keep on fighting the bad guys, you are going to be late of school"

"So...without sleep how can I think properly?" She mumbled not opening her eyes.

I laughed, Janice was never a morning person or a school person for that matter.

"Okay...but if you go to school early today I may allow you to get that new play station"

Her eyes flashed open, "Really?!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. Little Janice hurriedly sat up, her messy curls bouncing as she eagerly faced her mother. Squinting her eyes, she hesitated for a moment before declaring, "You aren't trying to trick me like the way parents do."

With a mischievous grin, I gently placed her small hand on her chest and said, "Scout honor."

Janice, ever the discerning one, wrinkled her nose and replied, "They don't do Scout honor like that, mummy." She then leaned in for a morning hug, saying, "Good morning, mummy."

In the warmth of our morning embrace, I chuckled, feeling the softness of her embrace. "Good morning, my clever little explorer," I replied, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. Janice, still nestled in the hug, looked up with those sparkling eyes and added, "Promise you'll get me the new play station?"

I nodded, pretending to think hard, "Hmm, depends on if you willingly go to school early today."

Janice giggled, her laughter filling the room. "Now you're bringing in the excuses!" she teased, her eyes dancing with mirth. With a playful grin, she asked, "How old are you again?"

Humoring her, I played along, "Let me count... I am two."

She burst into laughter, "No, silly, you're not two; you're much, much older!"

I ruffled her hair, "No, sweetheart, you're the two-year-old. Now, brush those little teeth. Morning breath is not nice."

Janice feigned a dramatic gasp, "I'm not two! I'm five!" She then darted away, giggling, to the bathroom, leaving me to chuckle and begin straightening up her room before heading downstairs to the kitchen.

In the cozy kitchen, the aroma of breakfast filled the air as I descended the stairs. There, standing by the stove, was a tall man with a head of tousled dark hair, his tattoos lining his arms, his packs looking rather delicious.

Orion, with his sleeves rolled up, moved with a graceful confidence as he expertly flipped pancakes and tended to sizzling bacon.

My lips curled into a grin, and I couldn't resist saying, "Well, hello, handsome."

Orion turned, a gleam in his emerald-green eyes as he greeted me, "Good morning, Lyra." He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on my cheek, "Hey, Lyra baby."

I playfully scrunched my nose, "Lyra or baby, you better choose one to call me."

He chuckled, mischief dancing in his eyes, "Mi amore."

I responded with a playful swat to his arse, making his eyes widen in surprise. "Oh, you are so dead," he teased.

I smirked, "Focus on your eggs, don't burn them again, please."

Orion feigned innocence, "Me? Burn eggs? Never!"

I smirked, "I distinctly remember a certain incident last week."

He chuckled, "Fine, fine, I promise no burnt eggs today."

As I walked away, I could hear Orion behind me, "But you know, mi amore, you like a little crispy edge."

I laughed, shaking my head, "Just focus on your cooking"

Orion's laughter echoed through the kitchen as he resumed his cooking duties. Apart from my Janice, Orion was the next best thing to happen in my life.

I loved him, he was my fiancé, a shining armor in my distressed life.

The morning sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow on our playful banter. His features were striking – a strong jaw, deep-set of blue eyes, and a gentle smile that made my heart flutter.

As he platsd the breakfast, I leaned against the kitchen counter, watching him with affection. Orion, with his easygoing charm, carried an air of confidence that complemented his caring nature. He set the plate on the table and turned to me with a grin, "Breakfast is served, mi amore."

I rolled my eyes playfully, taking a seat at the table. "Only because you called me that, you charmer."

Orion joined me at the table, and we enjoyed the morning feast together. The pancakes were light and fluffy, the bacon perfectly crispy – a testament to Orion's culinary skills. Between bites, he stole glances at me, his gaze filled with adoration.

That was interrupted with the sound of Janice's footsteps approaching the kitchen. In her neatly pressed school uniform, she entered the room with an air of youthful confidence. Orion, always ready for a playful exchange, exclaimed, "Arrgh, look, Batman has awoken!"

Janice, unamused, crossed her little arms against her chest. "I think you have mistaken my gender, Uncle Orion."

He feigned realization, "Oh... Catwoman."

"I hate cats," Janice retorted with a pout.

Orion bent down to adjust her uniform with a grin. He likes to taunt Janice whenever he gets, sometimes I feel like I am living with two children.

Janice kissed his cheek and said, "Good morning. I hope I won't be eating a roasted meal today."

I couldn't help but laugh, "I have tested it for security purposes."

Orion joined in, "Oh, you two women, did you forget I am a chef? Hello, the owner of a restaurant speaking."

Our banter filled the kitchen, creating a lively atmosphere. Janice, with a twinkle in her eyes, added, "Well, Chef Orion, make sure breakfast is up to superhero standards."

"Aye aye batwoman"

After settling for breakfast, Orion playfully fed me a piece of pancake. With a gentle smile, he said, "Dinner at 6, my love."

I savored the bite and replied, "Hmm, I'm sorry, love. I have a meeting with a ghostwriting client by 1, and I need to meet a detective by 4 to discuss the whereabouts of my grandma. Maybe by 8pm."

Orion's expression softened, and he nodded understandingly. "Oh, I totally understand, love. How is that going?"

I sighed, since I got out of prison I had no idea where Adrian had put her. I was worried, "Not as good as I thought."

Orion reached over, rubbing my hand reassuringly. "You'll find her," he said with conviction.

I managed a smile, albeit a sad one, appreciating the comfort and support Orion offered in moments of uncertainty.

****

I was running late for my meeting, I knew I would seeing the way traffic had been very distressing.

"Thank you," I smiled at the security who opened the door for me.

The joint was a cafe that was very popular for the rich meaning the client I would be meeting would be someone of high standing. He would probably want a non fiction book, that's what most rich people want anyways.

I looked around trying to figure out who my client was, the cafe hardly had anyone in it by this time so it was easy to sight the person.

Well I felt like that was him, as he was the only person wearing a suit and looked as if he had come for business. I don't know what my clients looked like for confidentiality reasons and he was the only one occupying the table.

With gentle steps, I made my way over to where he was seated.

Getting to the table, I saw the client was busy with his laptop, his head down.

I was about to greet him but I froze clutching my handbag tightly.

It can't be, it couldn't be. My heart was beating faster than normal, I could recognize that voice anywhere. The one I had wished not to hear in a thousand years.

"I would need another cup of coff-" He was saying something but froze as his eyes slowly trailed up my body, lost of words