Xeria’s P.O.V

The thought of opening the basement's door has not crossed my mind in all these years, but for the last two years it's been hard to resist, and yesterday was the reminder that I shouldn't do that because Dad is now again surveilling me, not that he's the only one.

"Yes, Moira?" I finally pick up his call.

"Xeria, what're you doing? You didn't come yesterday. You knew how important that meeting was to you. You were working so hard for that opportunity," he rants in an irritated voice.

"Leave it be, Moira; I know what I'm doing." I hang up the call and walk out of the jewelry store.

"Now why are you following me? That's not very likely of you," I chuckle as Khaos joins me.

"Well, I was waiting for you, but you left without even calling me. That made me feel bad." He takes the shopping bags from my hands and carries them for me.

"Your habit of appearing out of nowhere is surprising yet concerning." I slow down, and he looks back at me.

"Let's have lunch together, ok?" He nods his head, and I join him.

"Is the food to your taste?" He asks, as if he hadn't ordered all of my favorites, and smiles, aware of what I'm thinking. It's surprising how easily he understands me.

"I found your baby pictures," I pull out my phone, and he's clearly surprised.

"I've never looked back at them; I left all of those memories behind, but now that you're so excited about it, I'll definitely take a look." He smiles, and I lean in to show him the photos.

He didn't frown or smile, just kept a poker face.

"You look like an angel in these," I exclaim, swiping through the photos without mentioning his father.

"If you want, we can simply make an angel like this," he grins.

"Oh, aren't you moving too fast?" I grab his chin and shake his head.

"Fair enough," he takes my hand in his and places it on the table.

"Is everything okay?" "I mean, you're dropping some of the big projects," he asks.

"I need to rest, and it's not like I can't earn them again." I reassure him with a smile.

"You know I'm just a call away," he hints to me, and I know he won't go any further.

"I guess I've done enough in these two years; I should take it easy now." I intertwine my fingers with his, and he nods.

"Let's go now." Khaos walks me to my car but prevents me from entering, trapping me between him and the door, his eyes sparkling as he leans in and plants a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Happy?" I ask, but he keeps looking at me with his sparkling eyes. When I reach for his cheek, he leans down again, and I kiss his cheek.

"Happy," he says, smiling.

*

Potato rushes towards me like a bullet straight out of the barrel as I enter the house, but he still looks towards the door as if waiting for someone.

"No, Khaos isn't here," I bend down and give him my full attention.

"Ma'am, these letters were delivered for you." Aunt Nora comes out and hands me the letters.

"Thank you; I'll be in my room. Inform me when Dad returns," I tell her, as Potato follows me back to my room.

I set the letters and envelope down on the table and turn on the table lamp. I position the camera to record the contents inside.

The first letter came from my office and was not required here. I open the envelope and examine its contents.

A smile spreads across my face as I look through my pictures from the afternoon, including those with Khaos. I have to thank whoever took them; they are very cute. I place the pictures inside the drawer; oh, I will cherish them.

Next, I open the letter and read its content.

"Missed me?"

My grip on the letter tightens, not out of fear but rather with excitement.

"Xeria?" The door to my room unlocks, and I see Dad and snap out of my straying thoughts.

"Hand that letter over to me," he instructs me, and I look down and loosen the grip on the letter.

"Yes, Dad," I nod and do as he say.

The following day, both mine and Ivan's security were enhanced.

"So your father has the letter now?" Ivan asks on FaceTime.

"Unfortunately, more than a letter, it was an invitation," I sigh, regretting not seizing the opportunity and letting it pass.

"Stop right there. We can't return there. You're on a slippery slope. If you don't hold yourself together right now, both of us will have to face the consequences." Ivan warns me, and the memory of that incident sends shivers down my spine.

"I'm sorry, Ivan," I apologize to him.

"It's ok; it's not like you started this; it was me who wavered." he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's ok; we both are safe now; he's long gone." I gulp; even remembering him was a scary thought.

I squeeze my eyes shut as his blurry face begins to appear in front of my eyes.

A second call catches my attention, and I see Khaos's name. Yes, it's different now; we're safe; he's gone.