Luca

We returned back to the mansion - later at night. The doctor gave Clara clear instructions on how to prevent the false labor pains. While in the car, Clara didn't say a word. She was scared and worried, scared she won't be able to raise two children. But I know she can, she's stronger than she thinks. We entered the mansion, Vanessa was there along with Andrew, talking in low tones. They looked at me with excitement and a glint of remorse. I don't think Clara could sense the tension, I was sensing. Walking closer to Vanessa, my eyes avert to the sofa. A girl was sitting there. My eyebrows knitted together, showing my obvious confusion. "Hey," I said. Vanessa hugged me tightly, and I got a pat on the back from Andrew. The first curious question that came to my mind was; Who died?

I walked closer towards the girl - as my instinct instructed me. She stood up facing away from me. I remained silent and for some reason my heart started racing. When she turned around, I inhaled sharply. I placed my hand over my heart as it reassured it self of who's standing right in front my bare eyes. "Hi Lucas," she greeted with a faint smile. I took a step back.

"Kate..." I said her name slowly and surely.

"Yes Lucas it's me," she walked towards me and hugged me. I didn't hug her back, as my heart was too overwhelmed. I didn't know what to do. "I missed you so much."

"But you died," I said something I was sure I knew of. She kept her hand on my cheek and looked right into my eyes. It felt like I was talking to a ghost, was I the only who saw her. Am I going crazy?

"I am not dead Lucas. Your father paid me to leave and never look back. He said if I didn't he would kill me and harm you as well. He staged my death. Once I found out about his death, I came straight back to NewYork..." she spoke, tears falling from her eyes. I don't know how to feel. I don't know... I hugged her - tightly. To assure myself this is real, and she's not dead.

"Mum," I heard a little boy call out. I stopped hugging her and turned to look behind me. A small boy stood in front of me. It wouldn't take a test to prove his my son, just by looking at him. I just knew... Kate walked past me and went to him.

"Yes Sebastián," she spoke to him.

"I want to go home," he spoke in a loud-whisper.

"Oh honey you are home," she said and hugged him. She held her hand and walked to me. "Lucas meet Sebastián," she said, tears streaming down her cheek. Tears she quickly wiped of with her hand. He hid behind his mother and peeped. I couldn't help but smile.

"Hm where is Sebastián? I can't see him," I looked at Kate. "Has anyone seen him?" I looked around and from a distant I notice Clara, a smile plastered on her face.

"I am right here!" He jumped in front, with a wide smile.

"Oh there you are. I was looking for you," I told him.

"Honey go with aunt Vanessa. I need to talk with Lucas for a while," she looked down at him and kissed him on the cheek. We headed over to my office. She sat down on the chair and I sat facing her. It was awkward at first because I never thought I'd see her again.

"You haven't aged at all," she complimented.

"Motherhood has done you justice," I said.

"Still a flirt?" She asked and started laughing.

"Old habits die hard," I replied and smiled. I took a deep breath in and continued talking. "I can't believe you're here, I wish I could be there for you. I don't understand why you didn't come to me."

"He was going to hurt you and me. Your dad is a freaking psychopath, I didn't want to take that chance. After I left is when I found I was pregnant which made it harder to forget you, he as your eyes, your rage - you do not want to be there at bedtime, he doesn't like his curfew and the drama he makes. If only I could go back in time..." she spoke, her voice breaking.

"I am sorry you had to go through this alone," I spoke sincerely.

"It's fine. I suppose it happened for the best. Is she your wife or girlfriend?"

"Ha?"

"The pregnant woman?"

"Uh Clara, it's complicated and it's a long story," I replied - haunted by Clara's words.

"But you still love her, it's obvious and whatever you do, don't ever give up on her. And I want to hear the story make it brief, I don't have much time..." she spoke in a low tone.

"After you were presumed dead, I never thought I'd fall in love again. Then I saw her and nothing ever made sense again, nothing mattered more than her happiness and smile," I said.

"That's amazing. At least she kept you warm, something I could never do." She spoke her head down.

"It's not your fault ," I tried to assure her. "You will be staying here, right?" 

"Lucas, I am dying. I have lung cancer, both of my lungs are cancerous. And it can't be treated, it's stage three. I don't have much time, the doctor said I have about two week or even less," she spoke.

"Kate you can't die, you just came back to me. Are you sure there's nothing that can be done? Does Sebastián know?"

"They tried everything, and Sebastián doesn't know. I couldn't look into his eyes and tell him I am dying, it would break him and me. And I don't want him to know. Not yet. Today I will tell him your his father and that he'll be staying with you. I will go away and never look back. Lucas promise me something, live for him, love him until death..."

"I promise Kate, I'll give him all the love. I will make sure he never feels the void." I stood up and hugged her.

Clara

"Are you pregnant?" Sebastián asked me.

"Hah yes I am," I replied.

"So there's baby in your tummy?" He asked.

"Uh yeah in my womb," I answered to one of his many questions.

"You have a big belly," he said and ran off. I started laughing. He is the cutest little boy, and the sweetest. I went to the kitchen and looked for snack as I was hungry. Sebastian has his father eyes, you could just see it. Luca has a son now, and I am happy for him.

"Clara right?" I turned around to see Kate.

"Yes," I smiled.

"I am Kate," she introduced herself. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Yeah sure," I replied.

"You seem like a nice person. I am glad Luca found you. When I left him, a part of me knew he would turn cold and his vileness would take over. But he had a plan to stop his father, he's a good person. I guess when I "died" he lost hope. He loves you and if I know Lucas he will never hurt you or even think of it," she spoke tears streaming down her cheek. " Whatever he did please forgive him, he needs you. A request from a dying mother."

"I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything. Just listen, I know we have only met but if Lucas trusts you. I know I can trust you as well. Please take care of my son, I know you will have your own beautiful baby..." Her gaze shifted to the floor.

"And I will love him like my own child and he will never know the difference. I will not replace you. I'll take care him. Until you meet again in another time, another place. You can trust me Kate," I said and hugged her.

"Thank you so much," she said.

"Mum! I am hungry!" Sebastián grumpily whined.

"Sebastián what would you like to eat?" I asked him.

"Umm pizza! Margherita," He yelled excitedly.

"Okay pizza it is. Let me go make an order," I said and walked out of the kitchen. I looked at Lucas who was talking to Andrew standing by the stairs. He looked at me, and all I wanted to do there and then was to hug him and tell him how much I love him. Share my excitement with him that lingers in mind at thought of us being a family. I smiled at him and climbed the stairs.

I love him, I always have and always will...

***
Thanks for reading.❤️