27. Annalise

27

ANNALISE

I set a plate of steaming pancakes before my twin girls. Their eyes light up with excitement, and I can’t help but smile at their enthusiasm.

“Guess what we’re doing today, sweethearts?” I ask, savoring the anticipation that flickers across their faces.

“Are we going to the zoo?” Franny blurts out, her blue eyes sparkling with hope.

“Yup!” I confirm, grinning as they squeal in delight.

“Mommy, will we see lions and tigers?” Gina chimes in, her voice filled with wonder.

“Of course, darling.” My heart swells with love for my daughters. They’ve been through so much, and I’m determined to give them a carefree day filled with laughter and joy.

Besides, it’s the first time that I’m actually allowed to take them out. I guess I’m finally trusted not to take them and run off.

Just as I’m about to sit down and join them, the door clicks open, and Cassius strides into the room. His wavy, dark blond hair is tousled, and his tailored suit hugs his athletic frame.

“Good morning,” he greets us, his blue eyes twinkling with warmth. “I couldn’t help but overhear your plans for the day. Would you mind if I joined you?”

“Really, Uncle Cassius? You want to come too?” Gina asks, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Absolutely,” he replies, flashing us a dazzling smile. “I haven’t been to the zoo in years, and I’d love to spend the day with all of you.”

“Okay, you can come!” Gina exclaims, clapping her hands in excitement.

Cassius pulls up a chair and joins us at the table, his presence filling the room like a comforting embrace. It’s astonishing how easily he fits into our little family unit, as if he’s always belonged here.

“Tell me everything you want to see at the zoo,” he prompts, his voice gentle and engaging.

“Monkeys!” Franny declares without hesitation.

“Elephants!” Gina adds, her eyes shining.

“Zebras and giraffes too!” I chime in, unable to resist the infectious enthusiasm that permeates the room.

“Sounds like we have quite an adventure ahead of us,” Cassius says with a chuckle. “I can’t wait.”

In no time, we’re all bundled into the car and on our way to the zoo. As the cityscape gives way to lush greenery, I can feel the anticipation building in the air. The kids chatter excitedly about all the animals they want to see while Cassius engages them with stories of his own childhood visits to the zoo. I steal glances at him, admiring how effortlessly he connects with my girls, and wonder what other mysteries lie beneath his charismatic exterior.

As we pull into the parking lot, the excitement reaches a fever pitch. We exit the car and head toward the entrance, where we’re greeted by the fragrant scent of blossoming flowers and the buzz of families eager to explore. Cassius takes my hand, guiding me through the bustling crowd with a protective gesture that sends warmth flooding through my veins.

“Alright, ladies, where do you want to start?” he asks, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Monkeys!” Franny exclaims, pointing toward a nearby exhibit. “They’re this way!”

“Lead the way, then,” he says, ushering us forward.

We weave through the throngs of people, stopping periodically to admire the exotic creatures that surround us. I watch as Cassius crouches down beside the girls, pointing out interesting facts about the animals and asking them questions to fuel their curiosity. Their laughter fills the air like a sweet melody, and I can’t help but feel grateful for this unexpected day of joy.

“Here, try this,” he says, offering Franny a handful of popcorn. She hesitates for a moment before taking it, her eyes widening in delight at the unexpected treat.

“Hmmm, it’s good!”

As we approach the flamingo exhibit, Cassius crouches down next to Gina. “Did you know that flamingos are pink because of the shrimp they eat?” he asks, pointing out the elegant birds standing on one leg.

“Really?” Franny gasps, her eyes wide with fascination.

“Absolutely,” he confirms, sharing a knowing wink with me.

“That’s a lot of shrimp.” Gina frowns. “Yuck!”

We continue on, and I watch as Cassius effortlessly engages with the girls, making them laugh with silly jokes and encouraging their curiosity about the animals. As the day progresses, I find myself studying him more closely, noticing the tender way he treats my children and wondering what other depths lie beneath his charming exterior.

I steal glances at Cassius. The sight of his strong hands gently guiding my daughters sends warmth flooding through me, and I’m overcome with a sense of gratitude for this unexpected connection.

In that moment, I realize that there is so much more to Cassius than I initially thought. Beneath his confident, charismatic exterior seems to lie a caring, tender soul. A man who can make my daughters laugh, share their wonder, and protect them with fierce loyalty. And as our eyes meet, the growing connection between us is undeniable.

I could do this. I could be with him…live this life with him.

“Thank you for today,” I whisper, my voice full of emotion.

“Anything for you and these beautiful girls,” he replies softly, his gaze never leaving mine.

The girls cling to Cassius’s hands, their eyes bright with excitement. My heart swells at the sight, but I can’t shake the nagging feeling that something is off.

“Have you been considering what I said the other?—”

I cut him off, peeking over his shoulder and frowning. “Is that Nikhil?”

Cassius turns around and tension fills his shoulders. “It is.”

Nikhil’s expression is stormy and his strides purposeful. I brace myself for the confrontation I sense is about to unfold.

“What are you doing here?!” he snaps at Cassius.

“Girls, why don’t we go feed the giraffes while they talk?” I suggest, nodding toward the nearby exhibit, not wanting them to hear any of this.

“Okay, Mama!” the twins agree, oblivious to the charged atmosphere. As we walk away, I can’t help but glance back, catching the heated exchange between Cassius and Nikhil.

I guide the girls up the ramp to the feeding platform, my mind racing with questions and concerns. What could they be discussing? And why does it feel like everything is about to change?

“Here you go, sweetheart,” I say, handing a piece of lettuce to one of my daughters as she reaches out to the towering giraffe. The wonder in her eyes pulls me back into the moment, but my ears remain attuned to the indistinct murmurs coming from the two men.

“Look, Mama! He’s eating it!” cries my other daughter, her delight contagious. I force a smile and nod, but my thoughts are tangled in the enigmatic conversation Nikhil and Cassius are having.

“Good job, baby girl,” I whisper, trying to tamp down my curiosity and focus on the girls. Yet the pull of the unknown is too strong, and I find myself straining to catch even a snippet of their conversation.

As the giraffe feeding session comes to an end, I notice Cassius and Nikhil walking toward us. Their expressions seem less hostile, but a lingering tension remains.

“Are we ready to go?” Nikhil asks, his voice devoid of emotion.

“Actually, I was wondering if we could stay a little longer,” I venture, glancing at Cassius for support. “The girls would love to see the starry zoo and camp tonight.”

“No.” Nikhil’s answer is quick and absolute.

“We’ll both be here,” Cassius offers. “They’ll be fine.”

Cassius offers a reassuring smile, while Nikhil hesitates for a moment before giving a curt nod. “We leave as soon as the sun rises.”

“Yay!” the girls exclaim.