Alexander draped one of his arms around Felicity, pulling her closer. She smiled warmly at him, resting her hand over his chest, feeling the rhythm of his steady heartbeats under her palm. Alexander’s hand instinctively reached over, covering her palm with his larger one before kissing the crown of her head.

“Alexander,” Felicity called, her soothing voice complimenting the tenderness spilling from her gaze. Alexander hummed a response.

“I can forget and forgive every betrayal and every crime of Johnathan, but the only thing I’ll never forgive him for is stealing our daughter from us,” Felicity declared. Had he not abducted Hera from them, life would have been so much easier and happier.

“I promise, angel, this wait will be over soon. The pain we suffered waiting for Hera’s return over the years, it’ll all be worth it in the end,” Alexander affirmed. He had a strong feeling that Hera would be with them soon. “Trust me, Felci, I know it in my guts. Hera is near,” he stated. Felicity wished it to be the truth, and she never doubted Alexander. If he said it, she had no reason not to believe him.

“Closer than we know,” Alexander whispered more to himself, almost inaudibly. “She’ll be home soon, Felci,” he promised. His men had recently reported to him about a phone call at ungodly hours made by Johnathan. The suspicious call hinted at a lead Alexander had waited for so long in all these years.

Alexander knew Johnathan depended on Rouvin for his illicit, secretive affairs, and Rouvin had been too clever to leave any trace behind so far. However, a recent misstep leaked an unknown number for Alexander to proceed further.

Alexander’s assuring smile was all Felicity needed. Warmth spilt around her heart as a new ray of hope blossomed. Returning his smile, Felicity motioned him to resume his driving. Alexander obliged her command, and afterwards, it was a smooth drive in comfortable silence. He glanced at her every now and then to check if she was alright.

The deep sadness pooled in Alexander’s eyes diminished upon seeing her smile, a glum one but a smile nonetheless. He knew she was reliving one of their moments from the past.

“My little boy was so sad and heartbroken when I sent him away that day,” Felicity recalled. The feeling of pensive sadness once again surrounded the air while their thoughts raced down the path of memory lane. The image of little Hunter glaring at his parents with his chubby cheeks soaked with tears and rosy lips jutting out in an angry pout seemed too fresh in their memories, as though it happened yesterday.

“He was struggling so hard to stop his tears. My boy wanted to be brave even though he was scared to leave me,” Felicity said, smiling at the image. Her voice held pride, and Alexander let out airy laughter. How could they not be proud of their little boy for holding onto his pride till the last moment?

Alexander remembered how his little brat threw tantrums solely to get a reaction from his mother. Felicity had refused to speak to him. The silence was Hunter’s punishment. Both father and son detested it so much when Felicity gave them the silent treatment.

“He wasn’t scared because you sent him away. He was mad at you because he hated your way of punishment, the silent treatment and also you refused to comply with his demand,” Alexander pointed out, reminding the actual reason behind Hunter’s anger.

“Oh yes, of course, his marriage proposal to Hera,” Felicity filled in and laughed, which held genuine merriness this time. “How can I not remember his epic vow before leaving? That little devil was so adamant,” she concluded with a shake of her head.

Their little boy had successfully pulled them both out of their gloomy mood. Alexander laughed along with Felicity reminiscing the joyful days they lived before disaster struck in the form of Johnathan.

“Felci, figuratively speaking,” said Alexander, glancing at her briefly before continuing, “if Hera was still with us, would you have approved if Junior grew up with the same intention?” he asked. Felicity frowned, not comprehending the meaning behind the question.

“To marry her, I mean,” he clarified.

Alexander didn’t dare look at her while she appeared in deep thought. He didn’t know what exactly he was expecting an answer, but for some reason, he felt nervous. He didn’t even know where the damn thought came from, and now he was probably afraid of upsetting her. As Felicity took too long to respond, Alexander decided to let it go.

He noticed the cars his men escorting them in, one leading the way while the other trailed behind, slowed down. Both the drivers honked their horns, signalling they had arrived at their destination.

Alexander followed the one ahead, taking a right turn to park. He took his suit jacket off, tossing it to the back seat. He got rid of his tie as well before getting out.

Meanwhile, the guards took their positions, providing them with safety. Norman rushed to open Felicity’s door.

Shoving a hand into his pocket, Alexander brushed his hair with his free hand while he waited for her to walk across the vehicle to join him. He caught Felicity’s lips pursing into a thin line as her eyes scrutinised the assembled guards. Her eyebrows slanted with a frown of displeasure taking over her features.

“Norman, I permit only two of you to accompany us. Let’s not trouble the public and scare them away,” Felicity affirmed. Norman inclined his head at the firm command. However, he couldn’t stop his eyes from briefly glancing at Alexander to get his approval. His boss had his attention solely fixed on the lady, a charming smile playing at his lips and an outstretched hand waiting for her to take it. Norman got the message and signalled his team to obey the lady’s command.

Inside the shopping arcade,

Alexander was trailing beside Felicity, matching step to step. It had been an hour or two since they walked into the building, and now he was bored. Yet, he was patient and obedient, nodding yes and no, adding his opinion here and there.

Sue him for willingly enduring the pain and not daring to defy his woman. Alexander was too much in love with his angel to deny her anything and upset her.

So far, they had shopped for furniture, cots and beds, bedspreads, pillow covers and curtains, bed lamps, and everything a bedroom would require because Felicity decided her sons’ bedrooms needed a makeover. Alexander had suggested hiring an interior designer for the nth time, and he would bring the best one, but Felicity had outright declined the idea.

She loved pampering her boys and would love to decorate their bedrooms all by herself. After all, the mother knew the best. However, Alexander was worried that she would overexert herself in her excitement to please her children.

“No, get me a shade darker,” Felicity said to the young girl, rejecting her suggestion for the nth time. The sales staff attending them couldn’t even dare to sigh though it was clear as a day they were exhausted. Who could blame them when the customer was Felicity Hunter herself? The woman was a perfectionist. Nevertheless, they aimed to please her no matter how impossible the task seemed.

Alexander knew what shade Felicity was demanding, but he didn’t know why. Michael loved colourful themes, whereas Hunter preferred black or grey like his father, and Felicity had already purchased everything needed for their respective rooms as per their taste.

Felicity was searching for a particular shade of deep purple.

Alexander shook his head as a smile slowly crept onto his face.

“What do you need it for, Felci?” he asked matter-of-factly.

“I’m preparing the room for our special guest,” Felicity said, her hand reaching up immediately, pressing a finger to his lips when he opened his mouth, probably to reprimand her. “I know, I know, I’m not intruding or trying to influence their decision. I want to keep everything ready in advance just in case, you know,” she offered in her defence.

Alexander’s brow arched up, eyes intently scanning her face.

“Felci, do you realise it doesn’t automatically become everybody’s favourite colour just because we love it?” asked Alexander. His alert eyes suddenly focused on the pile the staff were clearing. He found the exact shade his wife had been looking for and signalled them to bring it over.

“I think I found your colour, Felci,” Alexander announced, lifting the material in his hands to examine. Felicity beamed, approving the colour and requesting the attending staff to pack everything.

“That girl stole my boy’s heart, Alexander. Trust me, if she loves my boy as much as I do, then I bet this particular shade of purple is her favourite colour, too,” Felicity declared, answering his previous question.

Alexander rolled his eyes, but the fondness in them never wavered.

Felicity tilted her head, looking up at him through her pretty lashes, the glint in her hazel eyes lighting up her whole face. Her happiness meant everything to Alexander. His lips stretched subconsciously, a default setting at this point, really. As her radiant smile melted his insides, he couldn’t help smiling, matching her bright one.

They finally left the shopping arcade, the guards carrying the bags. Alexander took her to eat at her favourite place.

It was a long day, and they were exhausted when they reached home. Alexander suggested showering together to save time and water. He wanted nothing more than to make love to his beloved wife and cuddle her to sleep.

However, Felicity had other plans, much to his disappointment.

What a bummer!