22 REBECCA A smile grew on my lips as I approached the door leading to my apartment : the hallway was filled with a delightful smell of homemade pizza , and I could hear the joyful laughter of Reiner and the kids . I paused for a moment before walking in and revealing my presence : for a moment , I stood behind the door , closed my eyes , and imagined what was happening on the other side . I could clearly see Reiner , Violet , and James in the kitchen , laughing and having fun , covered in flour and tomato sauce , smiling like never before … and as they always , always should have been . In those last few weeks , the kids had truly blossomed : it was as if , with finally knowing their dad and having him around as a parent , a side of them Id never seen had emerged . They were still the same , and yet … they were different . They were much happier . I saw them watching and imitating Reiner in everything from the way he talked to the way he walked , and even his hobbies and passions : ever since hed started renovating his house , the kids hadnt left his side , fascinated by drills , hammers , and all of those toys of his ( which gave me a certain amount of anxiety ) . For the past two months … Id been happy too . I was happy to have my mate around again , happy to see him finally being a dad , and happy to see how our children were growing , also thanks to him . Seeing them finally have Reiner as their dad was like seeing how they would have been from the start if Sheila hadnt decided to separate us : and inevitably , the thought of it broke my heart and made me furious . The fact that , most likely , her horrible and disgusting scheme wasnt just due to her hatred and classism toward me , but was part of a larger plan to weaken Reiner and put that useless jerk of Garrett on the throne made my blood boil even more . I felt my canines lengthen and it took every drop of self control to prevent my nails from turning into claws . Goddess , I really needed to shift . Tomorrow , I reminded myself . Tomorrow . I took another moment this time to calm down and push away all thoughts about Sheila and Garrett , and when I was sure I had everything under control , I opened the door to the house . 1/6 +3 Point 22 MOMMY ! Two seconds later , I was attacked by my two little devils : and who cared if my rather expensive jacket was now covered in flour , oil , and tomato sauce . Nothing was more precious than that hug . Hey , you two ! I smiled , hugging them tightly . Then I dramatically sniffed the air , making a surprised face . What is this absolutely delicious smell ? Pizza ? Two huge smiles spread across their mischievous faces . Were making it with Daddy ! Jim nodded . We made some for you too because you took so long ! I know , sweetie , Im sorry I got stuck in traffic , I sighed . As Reiner had suggested , Id reminded that crazy bride I was working with that it was she who needed me , not the other way around , which had considerably calmed her down : when I left the venue , though , I found myself stuck in traffic . Twaffics a pain in the ass , Vi commented : at that word , both Reiner and I turned towards her , shocked . Excuse me ? he said , stunned . Where did you hear that word ? I asked . You know its not a nice thing to say ! But you always say it , our little girl argued . Yes , because because your mother has a sailors mouth , Reiner huffed with a half smile , joining us . One day well wash it out with soap . We dont want to hear that word again , understood , sweetheart ? Okay , Daddy , Violet smiled , running over to him and hugging him knowing exactly how to win him over . Go cut the mozzarella with your brother , he said . I cant do everything myself . Its not twue you did evewything , James objected . I got the to … toma … tomatoes from the fwidge . Yes , and you did great . Now go , or well never eat . 14 The kids ran to the kitchen to play cooking , and as was now his habit , Reiner quickly wrapped an arm around my waist to greet me . I never pulled away from that touch I knew it was selfish , and that it didnt mean the same to him as it did to me , but … I missed feeling him close , smelling his scent , his body brushing against mine . 2/6 * Points 22 22 In those brief moments when he hugged me , it was as if nothing had ever happened . As if the hatred and anger I had felt in his mind that day had never existed . That evening , strangely , his hug lasted not just a moment longer but he surprised me with a kiss on the cheek . It took basically every drop of my self control to stop myself from rubbing my face against his chest to melt into that hug like I would have four years ago . My body knew exactly how itd go I would cling to him , and he would tighten his grip , then lower his face to mine and capture my lips with his … Control yourself , damn it ! 1 It wasnt easy at all not when the bond between us seemed stronger than ever , and growing stronger every time he touched me . The crazy bride ? I swallowed , trying to calm my heart , which was doing several somersaults . Brought back to mental peace , I forced myself to chuckle . Reiner smiled . Go relax for a bit , Ill send one of the devils to tell you when its ready . Well , that sounded absolutely terrific . I really needed a shower not just because I was dead tired , but because I felt a certain … warmth growing in my core , and it was absolutely not the case for him to notice . Slut , Sheilas voice slipped into my ear , thin and malicious . It wasnt the first time Id heard it in the last few weeks and my good mood dimmed a bit . Reiner and I had never talked about what had happened or what he believed had happened: if I made myself … available … what would he think ? It wouldnt be like that , my conscience insisted . You know hed never think that . You know him . Just look at his face . Though it took an immense effort , I decided to believe reality: my conscience , what I saw , what I knew of Reiner . Dont let that b *** h ruin you anymore , I ordered myself . Youre home , with your kids and Reiner . Everythings fine . Shes no longer here to ruin your life . You know what ? Ill take your word for it , I nodded , stifling a yawn . After all the screaming 3/6 22 and complaining of the day , I really just needed a shower and a moment for myself . I really needed to rest especially because I had a lot of driving to do the next day . Just the thought of it made me smile : finally , wed be going to the mountains , to nature I could finally shift again . I loved New York for what it had offered me , but … it wasnt the right place for my nature , nor for the kids . Your usual ? Reiner asked . Spicy pepperoni? I nodded . You guys have fun . I headed down the hallway to my bedroom : and as I left my heels at the entrance of the room and heard the laughter of the kids and Reiner … I felt happy . At home , like never before . REINER It was late when I left Becks and the kids and went back to my apartment upstairs : dinner had been amazing , filled with laughter , jokes , and mutual teasing . Once it was over, Becky had cleaned up the kitchen while I helped the kids with their bath and put them to bed and after what had become our nightly ritual of a glass of wine , where we updated each other on the kids and strengthened our co parenting bond , I bid her goodnight . It had been extremely hard , during the evening , to keep a normal facade : not only was it impossible not to remember , every second , that the letter Violet had found , which I had tucked into my pocket after telling her it was just a bill , was there and that most likely , given the first three words , it contained unimaginable secrets … but I couldnt get the way Beckys scent had changed when Id hugged her out of my mind a scent that had brought me back to wonderful times , to delicious me mories of pleasure and love . She wanted me it was undeniable . She wanted me just as much as I wanted her . Needless to say , my shower had been quite cold and long . I collapsed onto the inflatable mattress that was my bed , undressed , and retrieved the crumpled piece of paper from my jeans, looking at it trying to find the courage to open it . The paper was a bit yellowed , which meant it wasnt a new letter : she must have written it a few years ago . Whether before or after our separation , I didnt know . Come on , I told myself . Youve never been a coward . 4/6 22 I swallowed , and before I could rethink it , I opened it and began to read . My dearest Reiner , love of my life . Im scared and I dont know whats happening . Im writing this on a soft mattress and in a warm room , but without you , everything feels so cold and lifeless . Its the one on the 55th , you know the hotel Im in right now . The one we stopped at 3 years ago , during that storm . The fact that I was given the room next to ours doesnt really make me feel better . Its like having you at arms reach too close , and yet too far . Im not alone , though our babies are with me , and the thought of it brings me both joy and pain . Joy , because we wanted a child so bad and , in the most unexpected time , weve been blessed with two . Pain , and sorrow , because I know chances are youll never know about them . I just want you to know Im not angry at you . I dont hate you , even if , right now , you do hate me . If only , Im sorry . Im sorry for not fighting for you , for us , for our family . I know I should have I just dont know how . You wouldnt believe a word coming out of my mouth I believe I know you well enough to say that . Its also the reason why youll never read this letter . Its okay . Ill carry the pain and the truth , how heavy they might be . And Ill carry our love too . I hope a day will come when well reunite , when well all be a family again. In the meantime , I wish you all the very best and all the happiness this world has to offer . Theres no one , apart from this pups in me , more deserving of it than you . I love you . Your beloved , Becks . 44 North Wave Hi guys ! Double pov today , eheheh ! Hope you liked it ! In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.