1 year later...

I stood by the little tomb with Leo by my side. A plague was nestled in the patch of grass with the name written in gold, Alyssa Barrett.

It has been 365 days ever since my unborn daughter's death. I couldn't get over it, neither could Chase.

But, he has changed a lot in the past year. He managed to consult a psychologist and had his trauma cured.

So did Leo. Even though he was still young, but he was at the age where his mind could absorb these memories.

I didn't want these horrifying images to haunt my little boy. I want him to grow up in the best environment that we could provide.

And the psychologist has mentioned that Leo was doing great so far.

As for me, I just want to look at the bright side and move on from the past.

Even though it still gave me nightmares, but Chase would always stay by my side and keep me safe in his warm embrace.

That's all I needed.

Wilson, my bodyguard walked up to me and bowed. "Ma'am, boss is already waiting for you."

I smiled, nodding in acknowledgement.

I looked down at Leo who was staring up at me with wide eyes. "Are we going now?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes, let's go."

As we followed the path back to where we came from, I thought of how everything has changed in just a year.

Chase no longer associated himself with the mafia world. Instead, he closed up all the illegal business and disbanded his gang.

He managed to set up a company by himself with his former gang members working under him.

Now, apart from being the CEO of the company, he has also owned buildings all over the city and has dealings with other influential companies.

I was still managing the restaurant that my former manager had passed on to me, letting the restaurant continue to flourish like before.

I would still pick up Leo to and from school like the past and bring him to my office.

Life returned to how I wanted it to be. Except that Chase would find excuses to drop by just to see us.

The door opened. I looked up, expecting to see Wilson opening the door, but was surprised to see Chase standing by the door with a smile.

He extended a hand for me to take and I took it without hesitation. Leo climbed out of the car and ran up to his papa.

"Hey, little rascal. Did you miss papa?" Leo nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, yes."

Chase threw his head to the back and laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I smiled, a cooling breeze hitting me as I shivered involuntarily.

"Come on, let's get back into the house. The weather is getting chilly." I said, walking up the steps as I entered the front door.

Chase placed Leo down but instantly regretted it when he had to chase after his cheeky son around the house.

I chuckled, shaking my head. Returning to our bedroom, I changed out of the dress and threw on a tank top and sweatpants.

I reappeared into the kitchen once more, making myself a mug of hot chocolate. The aroma of the hot chocolate calmed down my nerves as I sighed.

I supposed every year at this time of the day, only a mug of hot chocolate could calm me down.

Alyssa, my daughter...

Arms wrapped itself around my waist as I figured who it was from the scent of cologne. "Have you bathed Leo and tucked him to bed?"

"I did, babe." He whispered, removing my hair tie as my hair fell to my shoulders.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not having sex with you tonight if that's what occupying your mind right now."

His nose gently rubbed itself against my jaws, deliberately teasing me. "Don't worry, I won't force you to do something that you don't like. But, don't blame me if I sleep on the couch tonight."

I spun around, raising a brow in disbelief. "And why is that so?"

His eyes skimmed across my body, lust and hunger visible in his dark orbs.

"What you're wearing now is already making Chase junior itchy. Do you think I can stand sleeping on the same bed with you tonight?"

"Then go ahead and sleep on the couch tonight." I sassed back, swaying my hips as I made my way back to our room.

A second later, I could hear a loud frustrated groan coming from the kitchen.

+++

Darkness in the room enticed me to sleep. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to sleep after tossing and turning on the bed for ages.

Geez, I was so accustomed to sleeping beside Chase that I can't sleep without him tonight.

Dragging my body out of the bed, I entered the living room silently.

A sleeping Chase laid on the couch, his arms and legs spread wide and open.

I rolled my eyes, moving towards him as I laid on top of his body.

His arms sneakily trapped my body while I tensed. "I knew you would join me here tonight." He whispered gruffly, his hands groping my ass.

My eyes widened as I grunted in frustration, glaring at him. "Before I scream and wake Leo up, get your hands off my ass, you lecher."

His hands were off my ass in a second, a smile spread across his face. "I like you better when you're angry, babe."

I rolled my eyes at his shameless statement. "Shut up and sleep."

"As you wish, my lady." He chuckled lowly, leaning in to peck my forehead before closing his eyes.

I can't help but to smile as I leaned against him, snuggling into his warm embrace.

As usual, this man always has his way to cheer me up. It's a no wonder I would fall madly in love with him in the first place.

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Thank you for going through this journey of ups and downs with me :) This book was one of my favorites and I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. Until the next time!

19th February 2017