Chapter 96
The house buzzed with life the moment they arrived. “Mommy, we’re home!” Lucian called out, his voice warm and lively.
The sound of quick little footsteps echoed in the hall, and the twins–Lucian and Lucio–came barreling into the room. Their faces lit up when they saw their grandfather “Grandpat They squealed in umison, Lucian holding his arms up for Lucin to lift him, while Anjie veered toward Callistes with equal enthusiasen
“Uncle” the chirped, reaching up, her tiny hands outstretched.
Callisto’s lips curved into a soft smile as he bent down to scoop her up. Moments like these made coming home worth it. Having someone waiting for you—it was a comforting thought
Did you miss me?” he teased as he spun her around, eliciting a cascade of giggles. Her laughter was infectious, filling the room with a sense of warmth that was hard to describe.
Setting her down, he let his gaze I linger on the living room. “Where’s my wife?”
“Perfect timing! Mona’s voice suddenly broke through his thouglas. She emerged from the kirchen, a bright unile on her face as she rolled her wheelchair toward them. “Cady and I just finished cooking dinner.”
Cadyfollowed closely behind, untving her apron as she walked.
The twin’s face lit up when he saw her. Doc Cady is here!”
Cady laughed, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm. “Yes I’m heret Don’t you want me here!”
“Is Lucio still sick!” Lucian asked.
“Don’t worry kids, Lucio is getting better and better, thanks to your diligent father.”
“Yey!”
Callisto laughed along, pulling away with a radiant smile.
Henry turned her attention to Callisto. “How was your visit to Liam?” he asked
Callisto moved to kneel beside his wheelchair, his expression contemplative. “It was okay,” he replied after a moment. “He’s still the same, but you can tell he’s miserable. It’s like his borns have been cut off. He must have regretted everything”
Callisto rose to his feet and took his place behind her wheelchair, pushing it toward the dining room. The twins had already scampered ahead, their excitement palpable,
“What’s for dinner?” Anjie’s high–pitched voice rang out as she climbed into her chair with Callisto’s help. He did the same for Lucio and Lucian before pretending to inspect the dishes on the table.
“Hmm chicken! Isn’t that your favorite? he asked, grinning as the kids nodded eagerly
Mona, standing nearby, gestured subtly toward the stairs. Callisto caught the signal and nodded a knowing smile playing on his lips. He excused. himself and headed upstairs, his heart beating faster with each step-
care. The sight of the figure resting peacefully on the bed brought
As he reached his room, he opened the door quietly, shutting it behind him with ca an unbidden smile to his face.
Callisto sat beside Lorraine, his gaze lingering on her as she lay still. Gently, he brushed her thick hair away from her face. A soft laugh escaped him when he noticed her lips twitching, trying to suppress a smile.
“You’re awake, aren’t you?” he teased, shaking her lightly “Get up now. Stop pretending to be asleep! Hey–ah!”
Before he could say more, Lorraine suddenly grabbed him, pulling him down beside her.
Her arm quickly wrapped around his waist, and she buried her face in his neck. “Why are you only here now?” she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.
Callisto chuckled and hugged her tightly in return. “Because I visited those rats first. I told you I’d be a little late, didn’t I?
“Hm?” She tilted her head, her eyes meeting his as she stared at him for a moment before resting her head against his chest. “I missed you?
Callisto ran his fingers through her hair, his voice soli. “I love you.”
12:14 PM
Chapter 96
I love you more
curious about what happened earlier he asked, his tone careful, his eyes mudying her reaction.
Lorrame stayed silent for a long time. “No, Not at all”
Callisto les em a quiet sigh, offering her a small, understanding smile. “I get ir
“And I’m still scared, she added, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if they get mad at me even more and do something had again to us??
Callisto gently pinched her check, his tone firm yet comforting. “They can’t, baby, I promise you they’ll never hurt you–or un—again”
He thought about the time he almost lost her. It was a pain he vowed never to endure again.
Calliste had wanted to punish himself for what happened in the past, but Lorraine insisted that he’d suffered enough, constantly reminding him that none of her sacrifices were his fault.
she was the mod forgiving person he’ll ever known. She forgave him–and even her father–without hesitation. But Callisto knew the trauma still Ingered, keeping her from visiting the rats in prison. He also knew their refusal to admit their wrongdoings only made it harder for her
“Let’s eat!” Callisto said, sitting up and pulling Lorraine with him
““Hmm…..” Lorraine slumped back down, her reluctance to move evident.
Laughing, Callisto playfully smacked her arm.
Come on
“Kiss” Lorraine tugged him back onto the bed, catching him off guard as her lips claimed his.
h his shirt, eliciting a gasp from
Callisto wrapped his arms around her neck, their kisses growing more fervent. Lorraine’s hand wandered beneath his him. He responded to her touch with equal passion as her lips trailed down to his neck.
“We still have to eat dinner, Callisto managed to say between breaths.
Tim eating Lorraine teased, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
“Baby, not me. Dessert comes last.”
Lorraine laughed softly, her gaze locking with his as she stroked his cheek. She pressed a tender kiss there. “I love you so much, baby,” she said lovingly. TII save you for later, then“.
Callisto chuckled at her teasing and nodded. “Love you too. Now, let’s go.”
The two got up and headed out of the room. By the time they reached the kitchen, everyone else was already seated, waiting for them
“Dude, wipe your lipick, Cady said sternly.
Callisto smirked. “What lipstick?”
“I said wipe it! There are kids here–it’s weird.
“Nala!” Callisto retorted playfully.
Lorraine rolled her eyes and grabbed a napkin, wiping the lipstick smudge from Callisto himself.
“Sit down already, Mona urged, gesturing to the table.
Callisto and Lorraine sat next to each other, with Cady on Lorraine’s other side. Across from them at the twins and Anjie, already halfway through. their meal. Henry and Mona took her place at the head of the table and led the prayer before everyone began eating
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