[NOT EDITED, NOT PROOF READ, NOTHING, BUT IT'S LONG SO HAPPY READING]

Cara's POV

"Come with me please." The nurse said with a smile. I nodded in return and followed her.

I wrapped my arms around myself as i felt a wave of coldness sweep over me. My steps heavy as i walked further inside as if some force is trying to pull me backwards.

It's for the best. I kept saying. Things will be better after.

It's the only way.

It's for the best. I kept on repeating.

I will be okay.

I am trying to stay calm. I am trying to catch a glimpse of light throughout this darkness. I have to do this. I have to step over my heart and overcome it. I am strong. I can do it.

This child is a mistake.

That's how everyone will see him. His father is messed up and so is his mother. He is better off far away from this cruel world.

I woke up early today, they all were sleeping when i left the house. I just wanted to do this on my own.

It's my mistake, and I will undo it by myself.

I didn't tell my mother, she won't accept it. Neither did i tell Katherine, because she will try to kick some sense into my mind and make me act otherwise.

As for Alex, he knows this is for the best.

Last night when i told him about my decision, he said nothing. He didn't support me nor did he stop me. He just stood there silently as i walked back to my room.

I don't blame him though, if i was in his shoes i would want the same.

I shook all my thoughts away when the nurse ushered me to the doctor's clinic, "You can wait here, the doctor will be with you in few minutes." She said with a polite smile, "I will leave you to change."

With that she walked away, she closed the door and left me alone to my thoughts. I took in a deep breath and changed, then laid down and waited.

I tried to turn off my feelings, at least for these few minutes.

I closed my eyes hoping it will blind me from this harsh reality. My hand involuntary went to my belly and more of my inside broke.

I am not just killing his child. I am killing my child, i am killing Lilly's brother or sister. I am ending an innocent life.

"I am sorry." I whispered as I felt a tear trickle down my cheek.

Cara no don't, don't back away now.

But the more i thought about it, the more it broke me. The more pieces of my soul crumbled, cried then died.

My inside is getting bloody, messy, and even with everyone around me, in this moment i felt desperately alone.

More tears went through my closed eyelids and scrolled down my cheek. I brought my hand and covered my mouth trying to suppress my feelings-

"Cupcakes."

My thoughts took a pause as i heard his very soft voice. I snapped my eyes open to first meet with his worried brown eyes looking at me.

He brought his hand to my cheek, his thumb brushing the tears away. The light graze of his calloused finger over my skin silenced all the voices in my head.

My eyes traveled from him then around, I didn't even hear him entering. How ? How did he come here ?

"How ? How did you-"

"I saw you trying to sneak out of the house in the morning." He said answering my unspoken question.

His eyebrows furrowed as he wiped my tears away, "Those tears kill me, you know that."

I swallowed hard before i sat straight, "What - what are you doing here ?" I asked.

He let out a low breath before he pulled his hand away, "I can't let you do this." He said, he shook his head, "I can't let you do this to yourself."

My eyebrows furrowed at his words, "What do you mean ?"

He shook his head again, "I know you don't want this Cara-"

"You don't know-"

"No i do, i am sure too." He said interrupting me. "If you really want to do this then i will stand by your side, i will support you before and after it but - but you don't want it, i know you Cara, i know you very well."

I sniffled and with the back of my hand tried to wipe the left tears away. I looked away from him, "No Alex - i want to. I can't keep him, this child is a mistake." I said, my tone came confident, the opposite of how my soul is shaking inside.

"Don't lie Cara." He said, a hint of anger in his tone. "You've always been so bad at lying. You don't want this-"

I turned to him, "Why you are so sure ha ?" My voice raised a bit, my anger inwardly directed, "Why you are even here ? You hate this child - "

"Cara -"

"You wanted him dead from the very start. So why now act like a hero ?"

"Ca-"

"Is it guilt of what you said that pushed you to come here, if it is then don't worry, i am doing this because i want to not because of anyone else, so -"

My words hitched in my throat when he suddenly inched closer, my eyes widened a bit when his figure hovered over me as he pressed his palm beside my head, "Can you shut up please." He said with a raised eyebrow, annoyance filling his tone.

I swallowed hard at the hardness in his eyes, "This is not about me. Goddammit Cara, this is about you."

He pulled away and raked his fingers in his hair as he looked away, "I remembered what you told me before, about when you were first pregnant -" he looked back at me, "About the time before Lilly with - with our child."

"Do you remember what you said ?" He asked but he wasn't waiting for an answer. My gaze dropped down, "How you didn't want the child at first but then when you miscarried him how you felt that a part of you went missing, how you regretted even thinking like that in the first place."

True.

"What if this happened now ? Cara you won't even forgive yourself. I know. You are just scared and your fear pushed you to pick up this choice."

He is right.

I hate how right he is. I hate how he understands me so well. I hate how he can easily see throughout my act.

I kept looking down, "But-"

I didn't know how to even complete my words when his finger rested under my chin, gently lifting it up, "Look me in the eye and tell me that you want do this and i will be on your side, i promise. I will support your decision as long as you really want it."

"So - do you ? Do you really want to kill this child ?" He asked as he looked me in the eye.

Just one look, it took only one look to pull the truth out of my mouth. I shook my head, "No." I whispered.

"I know." He said with a nod.

"But Alex, he will be born as Nikolas's child. Do you know what that mean ? Do you know how dangerous that is ?" My eyes glistened with tears, "I can't do this to him, I can't, what if - what if Nikolas found out, what if he found me and took him away, i -"

"He won't." He said. He sounded so sure.

"He will." I know him. I know he will. Eventually he will find me.

Alex shook his head, "No, he won't, I won't let him, he won't know about this child because - " he paused for a mere second, " - he'll think he's mine."

My eyebrows pulled together at his words. "Cara i will be a father to your child. I will help you. You won't be alone, we will do it together, i know you are scared to do it on your own." He shook his head, "But don't be, because you are not, we will raise him together." He said, his words so sincere. His words giving me a promise that he looked so sure he can keep.

I shook my head, "You are just saying this now for me. You don't mean it." My throat closed up, "You will see this child as a result of my betrayal, nothing more, you will treat him based on that."

His eyebrow raised at my words, "Am i like that ?"

He is not. But you never know.

"Cara no one came and asked me to do this, i am doing it because i want to. If I don't then I wouldn't be standing here now begging you to stop this before it's too late." He said, his voice pleading me to understand, "I will care about him as much as i care about Lilly, i will protect him, from everyone including his very own father."

"I know you are scared i may treat him bad, that i may differentiate between him and Lilly, but no, i am not like that.

I won't punish a child for a mistake he didn't commit." His voice lowered, "I know how it feels to be alone and I wouldn't wish that on anyone, i wouldn't do that to him."

My heart contracted into a tight lead fist in my chest. I just didn't understand, "But he is not your child." My voice came so low.

"But he is yours." He said with a nod, the softness his eyes held drove my heart to the edge, "And you're mine. And that's enough for me."

More tears pricked my eyes, i still couldn't understand. Nothing he is saying made sense to me, "Why you keep doing this ?" I asked, my voice cracking.

"Do what ?" He said.

"Why you keep forgiving me when I don't deserve it ? Why keep giving me other chances ? Why you are so nice to me ?" My voice raised, his actions left me bewildered, "Why you keep saving me from everything including myself ?"

He blinked, and ever so softly he said, "Because i love you."

His very few words started to unravel the knots from around my heart, freeing it again.

"Because no matter how hard i try, i can never stop loving you." He brought his hand and held mine, he was picking up the pieces, "Because even when i thought you were dead -" he took my hand to his chest and pressed it against his wildly racing heart, "This heart kept beating only for you."

"And it will stay like this forever." He added. And for the very first time since two years, it didn't feel so painful to breath.

Every dark thought fled away. The wounds somehow didn't sting anymore. And for once i felt things can go back to the way they were before.

"Isn't that an enough reason ?" He asked as he kept my hand tightly held in his.

"But i just keep killing you over and over again." I said.

If it's hard on me to forgive myself, how can it be easy on him ?

"Then stop -" he said, i can still see the pain in his eyes, "Stop killing me."

"And for once bring me back to life --because you only are capable of doing so."

I felt the cold wet tears that went down but i cared less, all my attention, all i cared about is this browned eyed guy who keeps stealing my heart again and again.

I don't deserve him. I surely don't.

"But aren't things long ruined between us ?"

My mouth just couldn't shut up.

"Everything can be fixed." He said. He sounded ready to let go of the past and start over.

"What if it couldn't, what if we tried and failed ?" I said, "It was perfect before, we were perfect together but then - then the hour stroke midnight and i left and the story ended."

A small smile came to his lips as he shook his head, "No cupcakes, the story actually starts after midnight."

He shook his head again, "Our story didn't end." Maybe it actually didn't, "And it'll never will."

"Between us, it's never off the table." He added.

"Why ?" I asked. He gave me a wink, "Because i am Alex. I can't be easily forgotten."

I chuckled lowly and lightly slapped his chest. He shook his head with a smile, "No not that -" he pursed his lips, "Because by the end of the day, who is Alex without Cara ?"

If he keeps doing this, i may have a heart attack right here and right now. Good thing we are in a hospital. Just in case.

"So - so you are giving me a second chance ?" I asked still trying to let it all in. It felt so surreal.

He nodded his head, "And i am asking for a second chance as well." He said, the look in his eyes eased all my worries away.

He pulls me together in a way I can never be able to comprehend. He keeps changing everything i believe in. He distort all the logic in my life in his very own charming way.

"So will you ?" He asked, "Will you stay this time and fight ?"

I didn't need to think about it. With my eyes connected with his, I nodded, "Yes."

At my word it came back, his smile, the one i fell in love with long ago, it's finally back. I wore the same smile as i said, "Because you are worth the fight."

If possible, his smile widened, something in me moved pulling me toward him, i wrapped my arms around his neck and held into him.

I closed my eyes and tightened my hold as he brought his arms and hugged me back, he buried his face in my hair, breathing me in before he kissed my head.

"Don't you dare leave me again." He whispered, his lips beside my ear.

I shook my head, "I won't. I promise and this is a promise i will forever keep." I gave him my word as i laid my head over his shoulder.

I inhaled deeply trying to calm my erratic heartbeat. My face so close to his neck, and i can smell his cologne invading my senses, while my lips millimeter away from his skin.

I couldn't help but leave a light kiss over his neck, allowing myself to enjoy this closeness.

I heard him clear his throat before he said, "Cupcakes if you gonna keep doing that, you will wake up Alex junior and believe me it's not the right time for him to wake up. "

I chuckled lowly before i pulled away, my arms still around his neck as i faced him, my eyes took into his features memorizing them once and for all, from those eyes that got me so addicted to those lips that still makes me want to sin.

"I missed you." The words left my mouth as a whisper as i brought one of my hand to his cheek. I ran my fingers along his jaw feeling the rasp of his slight stubble against my fingertips.

He brought his hand and took mine in his then he brought to his lips, he closed his eyes and kissed it, he let out a breath, "And I can finally breath again."

I smiled, "Do you have any idea how lucky i am." I said, my words out of the blue, "That i had found you in my life."

He brought comfort to my life. He taught me how to love.

He loved me for me. And he didn't want anything in return.

"I should thank Katherine for that." I said, my eyebrows furrowed and I shook my head, "Oh no no wait, i should thank Ashton."

A low chuckle vibrated from his chest, he brought his hand and brushed the hair over my face away, he shook his head, "Even without them, i would've found my way to you somehow."

~~~~

As we made our way home, I couldn't help but be thankful that i woke up last minute and didn't commit that mistake.

I don't have it in me to end an innocent life. And if i had done it, I would've just broken myself more, I would've cut the last thread of hope i had left.

No matter what and despite the awfulness of this situation, this baby is mine and he deserves to live.

I just needed someone to pull me out of that chaos, if just for a second, to clear the path of my thoughts and allow me to pick up the right road.

I can do it. I can be strong, because the real strength doesn't lay in walking over your heart, but the opposite, it's all about embracing what your heart wants and fight every damn obstacle on that hard curved path to get it.

I can fight back. And i will.

I have to break free from the cuffs that's still shackling me to the past -to him.

I have to grasp more courage and step over my fear. The fear of him coming back and stealing me away.

Because he will.

He will find his way back to me.

But this time, i will fight. I will not be a pawn for him to play, for him to move me according to his own wicked way.

This game must reach an end.

And the winner shall not be him.

My gaze dropped to my lap, to my hand and the other hand holding it. A smile came to my lips at our perfectly intertwined hands.

I know that together, we can fight any battle. It's like, we complement each other. Like he said, who is Alex without Cara. And to be honest, Who is Cara without Alex, as well.

I lifted my eyes and turned my head to him, his other hand holding the steering wheel, his attention on the road ahead of him.

I sighed and took him in, it's like I can't get enough. The sun reflecting across his face, the gold rays enlightening his features.

His dark eyes now held a lighter shade as the suns golden hue reflected off them, they are stained with the color of hot chocolate, the one that engulfs you in its warmth, that wraps around you like a blanket in a cold winter day.

The one that makes you feel at home and god - didn't it feel good to finally be home.

His eyes held the sweetness of chocolate, that melts you in. And in the same time, they held the bitterness of a strong black coffee, that imprisons you, and although its bitter taste it gets you so addicted like nothing else.

He blinked. I followed the movement of his eyelashes as they dropped down then up again. I was captured by the fringe of the long thick lashes rimming his eyes.

It's illegal for guys to have such lashes. I always envied him for them. They would've looked better on me, wouldn't they ?

The corner of his lips lifted up in a smile, "You checking me out ?" He said teasingly as his eyes drifted to me then back at the road.

I smiled and nodded, yup, I wasn't ashamed, i am checking what's mine.

He chuckled, his smile changing into a smirk, he shrugged, "Can't get enough of my hotness can you ?"

I almost rolled my eyes, i was feeding his infinite ego already, "I surely can't."

His hand left mine and he brought his arm up, "Come here." He said as he wrapped it around my shoulder and pulled me to him.

The smile stuck on my face as i leaned my head over his shoulder, my heart was slowly healing again, because it didn't hurt as it used to, my lungs exhaling and inhaling freely without the old tightness pressuring them.

"Can i ask something ?" I said. "Yup, ask."

I cleared my throat, "Uh that -" i cleared my throat again, not knowing how to get my answer without sounding so possessive, "That Anna-" i mean that bitch. Ugh.

I felt his chest vibrating as he chuckled lowly, i hit him lightly, "Don't laugh." The asshole, he was enjoying it.

"What about Anna ?" He asked, amusement filling his tone, and it looked he was trying to not laugh again.

"So are you two - like you know - are you two dating or something ?"

Okay fuck me, i sounded like a jealous girlfriend and i hate that.

"Yup she is my girlfriend and now you are my side chick." He said, ever so seriously.

Wait - WHAT ?

My eyes widened and i pulled away from him, he looked back at me silently but his eyes alone laughing hard. I shot him a glare and hit his arm, "It's not funny."

He chuckled and fixated his eyes on the road again, "Believe me it is."

The asshole.

He shook his head, regarding me a side glance he said, "We are just friends, nothing more, why everyone keep thinking like that."

"Well the way she acts with you, it's more than just friends." I said, irritation filling my tone. That bitch. I hate her. If no one is going to stop me, i may shoot her, no kidding.

He looked at me and raised an eyebrow, "What's my fault if girls can't resist my charm ?"

I rolled my eyes this time as i leaned back into my seat and crossed my arms over my chest. Even after everything, he is still the asshole him.

I turned my head toward him to see him grinning. The fool, he is actually grinning.

He looked back at me, and at my irritation his smile widened, "Come on, you know i only have one cupcakes."

And like that - I wasn't angry anymore.

God, it's just when he calls me like that, I don't know why i feel those stupid butterflies making a party in my stomach.

"Well, actually, two." He added, his eyes back on the road , "You and that little daughter of yours."

I swallowed hard at his choice of words. I rested my hand over his to grab his attention back to me, he looked at me as i said, "Little daughter of ours."

At my words, the playful look faded in his eyes and that did hurt me a bit, there is still lots of things that needs to be fixed. We still need time to properly heal every wound, but what i am scared of the most, is these wounds leaving a scar. A scar that will always reminds us of what passed.

Alex pulled his hand away and pinched the bridge of his nose. He cleared his throat, "How we can make her understand ?" He asked, his eyes not meeting mine.

"She will." I am sure. "It will just need time. And she's already getting used to you -"

"Cara she is my daughter, she shouldn't just get used to me." There was anger, and there was pain, both lurking in his tone.

I swallowed hard and looked away, "I know." I said, "I am sorry."

He sighed before his hand came to my cheek turning my face to him, "I am not saying this to make you feel bad, it's just - it just kills me whenever she calls him dad."

I nodded, "It kills me too." I too desperately want her to recognize Alex as her father.

I have to somehow make her understand, i have to start undoing my mistakes, if he is able to forgive me after everything then i should be able to make it up for him.

"She will." I assured him, i took his hand in mine, "I promise she will."

He nodded with a small smile. A moment of silence settled between us before he broke it with a question i hated to answer, "He treated her well ?"

I gulped, "He did." Like his very own daughter, like they share the same blood.

"Why ?" Alex asked, sounding confused.

I looked out of the window and sighed, i shook my head,

"I don't know."

~~~~

The rest of the drive was silent, but it was the comfortable type of silence.

We walked inside the house, hand in hand, together, and we left behind what's behind.

My eyes roamed around searching for my mother, i wanted to tell her about this child, about the fact that i am actually going to keep him.

I stopped when Alex stopped, "Oh my god guys, get a room." He said, annoyance and disgust filling his tone.

My eyebrows furrowed as i looked at what he is looking at, my eyes landed on Katherine who was sitting over the wooden table in the Kitchen, while Ashton hovering over her, his palms pressed at each side of her thighs.

They were probably kissing or maybe more - who knows.

Ashton's jaw tightened as he backed away and shot Alex a glare. While Katherine's face turned red, she looked at me and i gave her a wink.

"Gosh we eat on that table, go love each other and suck each others mouthes away from here." Alex added. Katherine rolled her eyes at him before standing up.

"Well it's my house, so if you don't like it, you leave." Ashton said sounding annoyed, making Katherine elbow him in the stomach, she hissed at him before she walked toward us.

Her eyes going to our intertwined hands, a smirk came to her lips before she crossed her arms over her chest, "So where were you ?" She asked, her eyebrow raised, "I thought you two ran away."

Alex wrapped his arm around my shoulder, "Yes we were going to but then we figured out we forgot Lilly here."

Katherine shook her head at him, happiness glowing in her eyes, i know what she is thinking about.

"Where is my mother ?" I asked as i looked around.

"Oh she went, but she said she is gonna come back." She said as she uncrossed her arms, "She didn't tell your step dad, so she went to tell him and all."

I nodded, my eyes roamed around again, there is another person missing, "And Anna ?"

Alex fake-coughed beside me, his mouth twitched and i was pretty sure, he was fighting a smile, so i simply elbowed him in to stomach. The asshole loves annoying me.

"Oh she went to the city. She said she have some work to do."

Great. Better than great even.

I hope she gets lost and never find her way back.

The thoughts of shooting Anna if she came back fled away as Lilly came running to the kitchen, "Alis !" She said excitedly before she ran toward him.

The little devil, she didn't even see me. And despite that, it made me so happy.

Alex immediately crouched down, "Come here little bug." He said and took her in his arms, his smile warm and genuine.

Lilly's eyes drifted to me, her smile bright as she said, "Mommy."

My eyebrow raised, "Now you noticed me."

She had one arm wrapped around Alex's neck, the other one she extended it, she curled her fingers into the inside of her palm as if telling me to come closer.

I walked closer closing the gap between me and Alex, she leant toward me and kissed my cheek.

I ruffled her hair, "You know since we came here, i never see you." I said with a frown.

"Yeah, she is busy hitting my son." Katherine said with a low chuckle.

I shook my head at Lilly and raised my eyebrow. She looked at me with her most innocent eyes and hided herself further in her father's embrace.

Alex smiled proudly and kissed Lilly's head, "My daughter is a badass, i will teach her to hit all the boys later."

He looked down at Lilly, "Right ?"

She looked like she didn't understand but she nodded her head anyway. Alex brought his fist up, Lilly did the same and they fist bumped.

Ah my heart.

I shook my head again and extended my arms to take her, "Come let's go take a shower."

She just shook her head, she inched her face to Alex's ear and whispered something to him.

Alex smiled and nodded, he looked back at me, "No we have somewhere to go."

I narrowed my eyes at Lilly, she gave me her puppy eyes, and before i had the chance to say no, she said, "Cara lithen."

I tried to hide my chuckle but couldn't, Alex the same. Like she said it last time and i couldn't help but accept, she did it again. I told you she is a little devil.

I smiled and nodded my head, all i care about is them spending time together and i can't be happier that she is getting attached to Alex.

It's obvious, he stole her heart as well.

"Okay but let's change your clothes first." I said and a wide smile spread across her face, she nodded eagerly as we made our way to my room.

Alex placed her down and sat on the bed's edge as i went through her stuff and picked an outfit.

I walked back to her but the clothes were snatched from my hand by Alex, "I will dress her." He said, i raised my eyebrow, he just waved me off as he pulled Lilly closer and did actually dress her. Lilly didn't even complain, which is weird.

Instead they kept on talking, totally ignoring me.

That little devil and her father !

When he finished, Lilly ran out of the room to grab her shoes. Alex was still sitting as i went through my stuff getting something to wear as i will take a shower.

"What the -" Alex's shocked voice made me turn around to him, his eyes wide a bit as he gazed at the gun, my gun, who is now resting in his hand.

I gulped as he lifted his eye up and met mine, "There is a freaking gun in your bag."

I nodded my head, "It's mine."

His eyebrow raised before he stood up, "Yours ?" He asked as if he couldn't believe it.

I nodded, "You know how to use it ?" He asked again, still not believing.

I nodded my head, he snorted, "Yeah of course !" He mockingly said as he swirled the gun in his hand.

I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest, that asshole, "You think I can't use it."

He shrugged, "Well yeah, you don't look like you can do it."

He is pushing my buttons now, "Really !" I exclaimed contemplating whether i should show him or not.

He nodded, "Yup, I don't think-"

He didn't have time to complete his words as i stepped a bit closer, in a swift motion i grabbed the gun from him as i twisted it down probably hurting his finger that was beside the trigger, i used my right hand to hold his wrist, my other one holding the gun as i kicked his leg. I was able to rip it from his hand, pressing the barrel under his chin, i raised my eyebrow, "Can i or can't i ?"

His eyes were wide as he gazed at me, "Woah-" he said breathlessly, "You suddenly became so sexy."

I gave him a proud look, he still looked shocked, "How - like how - what the actual fuck ?!"

A smirk made its way to my lips as i pressed the barrel further against his skin, "Don't underestimate me."

His eyebrow raised, he tried to move away but winced, "I think you broke my wrist, no kidding."

Well, those two years didn't go for waste then.

"Damn you are strong." He added.

"Sometimes strong is the only option you have left." The words left my mouth with a hint of sadness.

Alex's eyebrows furrowed at my words, he was about to say something as i was about to pull away when -

"OH MY GOD !" Katherine screamed almost in panic, "THEY GONNA KILL EACH OTHER !"

I pulled away and rolled my eyes whereas Alex started laughing , she was standing by the door, her eyes wide, her face paled as she looked at the gun in my hand, "THERE IS A FREAKING GUN -- OH MY GOD ASHTON !"

She said, sorry no, she screamed before she ran away to grab Ashton still shouting his name. I walked and placed it back in my bag again, hiding it better this time.

"ASHTON ! " Katherine was still screaming. She lost her mind, i am sure.

Alex looked at me and shook his head, "She is crazy." He said before he inched closer, his arm went around my waist as he pulled me to him, "Do that again, Alex junior pretty much enjoyed it."

I chuckled and bit my lower lip, as a result his gaze fell on my lips, he brought his hand and freed my lower lip from my teeth, he shook his head, "Don't - those lips are mine." He said as his thumb gently brushed over my lower lip, "I am only allowed to taste them."

My heart pounded forcefully as he lowered his face, his hand traveled to the back of my neck titling my head a bit so he can meet my lips.

A wave warmth went through my body, excitement exploded in my veins as i waited for his lips to clash with mine.

BUT -

"Oh god i swear look, they we- AHH WHAT THE HELL, get a room."

We are in OUR FREAKING ROOM.

I want to kill Katherine now. I really want.

Alex hand tightened over the back my neck, annoyance filled his brown eyes, "She did that on purpose, didn't she ?" He said before he pulled away.

He turned his head to her, he narrowed his eyes, "I will kill you." He said, his tone threatening before he walked to her, her eyes widened in return and she ran away.

While Ashton and I just stood there looking at the crazy people we love.

I followed them outside the room, Alex captured Katherine, he wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her head down, he messed her hair, "How many times you have to do that ?" He said as she tried to pull away.

"Leave me - you little ! LEAVE MY HAIR." She snapped as she hit his chest, he just messed her hair more.

"LEAVE ME." Katherine snapped again, "Ashton !" She pleaded for help. Ashton just chuckled and leaned  against the wall, i did the same.

He looked at me, "What did we get ourselves into."

I nodded, "Tell me about it !"

I turned to them and this time, I couldn't fight against the smile that stayed over my lips. They are crazy, weird, they are annoying sometimes, other times i feel like just slapping them - But by the end of the day, they are my family.

They welcomed me in even after everything that have happened. They forgave me. They've got my back and they never did give up on me.

I am lucky. I truly am.

The feelings that overcame me at the moment, I can't even put them in words.

I have everything i need, everything I've ever wanted. Life did play its dirty game with me, it did give me few slaps here and there and it did break parts of me that are still yet not healed.

But I can't deny, that a part of it is still beautiful, it is still pure and not taunted.

They proved to me that there is still good in this world. That love can't be measured by distance nor by time.

That love can define a path full of curves.

And now it's defining mine.

I would do anything to keep this side of my life the way it is.

Because when this was snatched away from me, a part of me died.

But now, that same part is slowly getting back to life again.

~~~~

I was in my room tiding it a little, because Lilly keeps messing everything, when that little devil came running in.

How can she be active all day long ? That's beyond me.

She went with Alex few hours ago to I don't know where and they're back.

Alex followed her inside the room, she looked at him and jumped a bit , "I win !" She said while panting.

Alex chuckled and nodded, "Yes you did !"

I looked back at her, my eyebrows furrowed, "Why your hair is wet ?" I asked.

Her smile so big, "Swim." She said, still panting.

My eyes widened, "Really ?" I asked then looked at Alex, "Was she scared ?" It's her first time.

Alex shook his head, "Hell no, she knows how to swim more than i do." He said, "She did try to drawn Chase but let's say that went well."

I chuckled and shook my head. She looked so happy. And that made me happy as well.

"Did you have fun ?" Alex asked, she nodded her head repeatedly.

He removed the wet strands away from her face, "Do you want to go again tomorrow ?" At his question, her eyes widened, "Weally ?" She asked as she looked between us.

Alex nodded, she squealed "Yess !" She said before she jumped on him and wrapped her arms around his neck, she hugged him tightly and ever so sincerely said, "I love you !"

If my heart did a little jump at her words, i can only wonder what happened to his.

He closed his eyes as he brought his hand and hugged her back, so tight, "I love you too." He said, his voice low, not playful yet full with emotions.

He hugged her so tight, i can tell, he pulled her up into his lap, he kissed her head, he breathed her in and my eyes watered, from happiness this time.

She pulled away but Alex didn't look ready to break the hug yet, she kissed his cheek, and both of our hearts melted for sure.

I sat beside them, "No one loves me ?" I asked faking sadness.

Lilly laughed, " Me love you."

I smiled and pecked her cheek, "Me loves you too."

I felt Alex's arm sneak around my waist pulling me closer to both of them, he lowered his head, his lips beside my ear as he whispered, "And i love you." My heart needs to get a grip, "To the point where it hurts."

I lifted my head and my heart hammered against my chest, my breath uneven as i brought my hand to his cheek and ever so softly pressed my lips over his.

I kissed him, slowly, enjoying every moment of it. And he let me, as if too shocked to react to my kiss.

I pulled away, my lips brushing over his as i said, "I love you, more than you can imagine."

~~~~

Alex's POV

When i was sure Lilly fell asleep, i walked to the living room, Katherine and Cara were sitting watching something over the TV.

Cara's eye met mine and she smiled. That goddamned beautiful smile.

Trying to not let Katherine notice, i nodded my head to outside sending her a message, her eyebrows furrowed and she gave me a questioning look.

Come with me. I mouthed.

Where ? She mouthed back.

Fucking shit Cara, is this time for you to ask questions !

"He is telling you to go with him so you two can make out without me interrupting." Katherine said grabbing our attention to her. She was looking at me, totally aware of the failed telepathy i was trying to use, "Seriously Cara you are so slow sometimes." She added.

Cara shot her a glare. Katherine looked back at me and narrowed her eyes, "Don't worry i am going to sleep anyway."

"I hate you." I muttered lowly.

She shot me a glare, "I hate you too." She grumbled.

"You two act like kids, i swear." Cara said before she stood up.

She walked toward me and i directly pulled her out of the room not forgetting to throw a glare toward Katherine first.

"Come let's go." I said once we were alone.

"Go where ?" She asked.

"I wanna steal you away." I raised my eyebrow, "Do you have a problem with that ?"

She smiled and shook her head. "Okay let me go change first and fix my hair."

"Nope. You don't need to." I said as i fingered the loosened strand of her hair, "I like your hair more when it's down."

I titled my head a bit, eyeing her hair, my eyebrows pulled together, "Why did you cut it ?"

"I liked it more when it was long."

At my words something flashed in her eyes, she swallowed hard and looked away, i was about to ask what's wrong when she took my hand, she gave me a smile, not so genuine, as she said, "Okay then let's go."

I ignored that as we went away, we hopped inside the car and i drove us to our destination.

When we arrived, i stopped the car. Cara looked around, confusion written on her face, she turned to me, "Where are we ?"

"Just somewhere where we can be alone for a while." I said before i opened my door and went down.

She went down as well, her eyes roaming around. It was dark except for the round moon in the sky lightening the whole place.

It was more like a cliff that looks to the sea, the scenery from out here mesmerizing but my eyes kept on looking on the specific girl beside me.

She looked around in awe, a smile came to her lips, the moonlight reflecting off her eyes, "This is so beautiful."

I nodded my head, my eyes roamed around then finally landed on her, everything was beautiful, "It is."

She looked at me, her smile shone more than those stars in the sky. Time stops when she looks at me like that, my heart loses control as I stare at her unable to look away.

Her smile alone brings back a million memories in a split second.

Despite everything she've been through, she is still persisted to smile and that brightened up the saddest days i have lived.

"Come here." I said motioning her to me, she immediately came to my arms and inside them she fits like nothing else.

I leaned my back against the car and held her close to my heart. Who i am kidding, not just close, she's inside it, in its deepest depth.

She is more than just a women i loved, she became my bones, my blood and even after tearing my skin apart to let her go, it didn't work, i failed to tear her away from me.

She sighed, "Why this feels so good." She wasn't waiting for an answer.

"I can show- i mean do things that will make you feel even better." I said as a smirk came to my lips.

She laughed and my stupid heart did a little jump, "You never fail to impress me." She said.

She broke free from between my arms and i just wanted to grab her back and never let her go, she pulled herself up and sat on the car's hood.

I stood between her legs as my arms wrapped around her waist.

She pursed her lips and then her eyes lightened up, "Let's play 20 question."

I laughed at her idea, i raised my eyebrow amused. She nodded, "Yes come on, since we are starting over, let's start fresh."

I shook my head at her silly thought but played along, "Okay you start."

She nodded, her lips pursed again thinking it through and it took everything in me to not take those lips in mine.

"Oh okay - so when you first saw me what did you think ?" She asked, walking me back down memory lane.

"At the party ?" I asked, she nodded.

"Well, i was walking around when i first saw a very beautiful girl sitting alone, she was crying, so Alex junior moved a bit pushing me to her." I started and she rolled her eyes, "I stopped few steps away and she didn't notice me. So i thought to myself, what if she have a boyfriend but then i was like nah i can make her forget him easily.

So i took a step closer but then stopped again, i was like what if she is engaged, then my eyes traveled to her hands and there was no ring, i was like if she is, then she have such a prick of a fiancé who didn't even get her a ring."

"You are so weird." She said with a low chuckle. I raised my eyebrow, "Shush i am still talking."

"So i took another step but stopped again, i was like fuck but what if she is married, then i shook my head and said, well then she is so unlucky, she missed out on a night full with mind blowing sex."

I finished and she shook her head, a smile curving her sinful lips, "I don't understand why i love you."

I shrugged, you do anyway, "It's my turn now."

She nodded, "Okay ask."

It didn't take me long to think of a question, "When did you first realize you are in love with me ?"

At that, her eyes gleamed up, "I remember." She said, "We were first dating and i was at your house, we were just sitting in the backyard talking, actually we were even playing 20 questions like kids."

"And I remember you asked me, where do i see myself in ten years, and i was like I don't know. So you came from behind me and pressed your hand over my eyes closing them and you whispered beside my ear, imagine you are ten year from now and you woke up, what's the first thing you see ?"

I recalled the memory so I couldn't help but ask now, "Yeah what did you see ? You never told me."

Her eyes held that look that gets my dick hard, as she said, "You."

"I saw you."

"I didn't tell you so you won't freak out, we weren't that serious yet I was already imagining a future with you." She said.

She shrugged, "And then i was like to myself, shit girl you have fallen for the asshole himself." She smiled, "And that got me so scared."

I cupped her cheek in my hand, my finger gently stroking her skin, "It's okay to fall -" i started, "Because this asshole will always catch you."

I don't know how, but suddenly all i felt was her lips on mine. She kissed me slowly and my world fell away. Her soft lips comforting me in ways that words would never be.

My hand rested below he ear, my thumb caressing her cheek as our breath mingled, uniting as one.

She ran her fingers in my hair pulling me closer until there was no space left between us and i could feel the beating of her heart against my chest.

My brain lit on fire and the warmth spread throughout my entire body.

She broke the hold our lips had, much to my disappointment. My forehead pressed against hers as we both take in shaky, shallow breaths.

Unable to contain myself anymore, I held her head in my hands and pulled her into a fiery and passionate kiss.

My hands work their way down her body, feeling her, and god- if it didn't feel so good.

I hovered over her, the position we are in weren't that comfortable. I gently move forward and lay her on her back over the metal of the car as i match her body's form, still not for once breaking the kiss.

What was going to happen next was beyond me. My attention all on this women in my arms that I can't seem to get enough of.

My hands venture over her body, exploring. I pull apart and open my eyes. We stare at each other, deep into each other's eyes. No words are spoken but a story worthy of us is communicated.

I lean in and softly kiss up and down her neck. She lets out little whimpers of anticipation.

Everything i felt, she experienced it. Our emotion, our very senses intermingled as our bodies intertwined.

I started nibbling on her ear and her movements slowed increasing the need in me, then i pushed my lower body against her and moved my hand below her waist.

She started breathing heavily when my hand reached the waist of her pants. Her hand came to my head, no she wasn't pulling me in, she was suddenly pushing me away.

"No." She whispered, her voice quivering.

I stopped and broke away to face her, my eyes widened as she closed her eyes and tears went through her closed eyelids, "I can't - Please don't continue." She said brokenly before she covered her face.

"What ?" My voice came as a whisper. My heart that was healing suddenly stopped, what happened ?

I tried to remove her hands from over her face, i cupped her face in my hand before i pulled her up, seating her again.

With my thumb i tried to brush her tears away but they didn't stop.

"Cara whats w-"

And in that moment, my world fell apart again.

I can't believe she went through all this and none of us noticed. Katherine's words rang in my ears again.

This child is a mistake.

I am disgusting. Her words from that day.

No, No, don't hurt me. How she pushed me away.

The panic attack.

The bruises over her back, the goddamn bruises.

The dots joined together, and now now - this.

"No." I whispered as my hand left her face and i backed away.

Sometimes strong is the only option you have left.

I shook my head as i gazed at how broken she looked at the moment.

The thought i tried to escape came and stroke back again, penetrating through my flesh.

He broke me.

Pain. No it's Anger. A type i never experienced before.

I couldn't believe that this had happened to her - to my girl.

If she really did cheat on me, it would've been easier.

She was forced.

I didn't have a choice. She really didn't.

I felt something wet over my cheek, but i cared less, fury burned within my inside.

Grinding my teeth, "NO !" I bellowed before my fist collided with the car's window.

**********************************

Well it was a happy chapter, and Yara couldn't help but kinda ruin it at the end *shrugs*

I have no words, i just love them, like this is the first time that i really really love my characters *cries*

Since i am so generous, here is a teaser for the next chapter :

~~~~
I turned around in his arms, my mind still trying to get everything in, "Why you are telling me this ?" I asked lowly.

He brought his hand up and tucked the loosened strand of my hair behind my ear, he smiled, yet his smile held so much pain, "Because i want you to see the part of me i show to no one."

~~~

Well well well, few things will be revealed next chapter, stay tuned *wink*

Btw for the very first time, i had a dream about my characters, should i write it down ?

Love ya all❤️