Chapter 184
Elara’s POV
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The private dining room Marcus had reserved overlooked the city, floor-to-ceiling windows framing Manhattan like a postcard. Elara sat across from her husband, candlelight catching on her wine glass, and felt something she hadn’t experienced in months.
Peace.
Complete, uncomplicated peace.
“You’re smiling,” Marcus said, reaching across the table to take her hand.
“I’m happy. Is that allowed?”
“It’s mandatory. I went through a lot of trouble planning tonight.”
Elara squeezed his fingers. “The vow renewal was perfect. Emeka’s face when you kissed me was worth the price of admission alone.”
“He did look personally offended by our romance.”
“That’s just how Emeka expresses love. Through sarcasm and judgment.”
They’d sent the twins home with Elara’s mother an hour ago, both babies sleepy and content after being passed around by every guest at the vow renewal. Catherine had fallen asleep on Richard’s shoulder while Alexander had charmed Mimi into letting him grab her hair repeatedly.
It felt strange being out without them. Elara kept reaching for her phone to check if they were okay, to see if her mother needed anything, to make sure the world hadn’t fallen apart in the thirty minutes since she’d last verified everyone’s safety.
“Stop,” Marcus said gently.
“Stop what?”
“Worrying. Your mom has handled babies before. She raised you, remember? Alexander and Catherine are fine.”
“I know. I just can’t help it. They’re so small and the world is so big and dangerous.”
“They’re home in the most secure building in Manhattan with their grandmother who loves them. Nothing bad is going to happen in the two hours we’re having dinner.”
Elara forced herself to relax. Marcus was right. Her mother was capable and the penthouse security was insane. She needed to let herself have this moment without catastrophizing every possible disaster.
The waiter brought their entrees and Elara focused on the food, the conversation, the way Marcus looked at her like she was the only person in the room. They talked about the boutique opening, about the orders
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Chapter 184
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already coming in, about the fashion editor who’d asked if Elara would be interested in showing at New York Fashion Week.
“That’s insane,” Elara said. “I’ve been open for six hours.”
“You’re talented and people recognize that. You should do it.”
“Fashion Week is in seven months. I’d need an entire collection ready.”
“So start designing. You’ve already proven you can create beautiful things under pressure.”
Elara thought about it. A full runway show with models and lighting and her designs being seen by every important person in fashion. Six months ago the idea would have been a distant fantasy. Now it felt almost possible.
“I’ll think about it,” she said.
“That’s my girl. Dream big.”
Marcus ordered wine and they sat there talking about nothing and everything. About Mimi and Dante’s honeymoon plans. About Richard selling his shares and what that meant for the company’s future. About Emeka’s dramatic complaints about Lagos traffic and his mother’s matchmaking attempts.
Normal couple conversation. The kind Elara had never thought she’d have when she’d signed that contract six months ago.
“Thank you,” she said suddenly.
“For what?”
“For tonight. For the vow renewal and the boutique and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For making this weird contract marriage into something real.”
Marcus lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You made it real. I just had the good sense to fall in love with you.”
“We’re disgusting. Emeka was right.”
“Completely disgusting. I love it.”
They ordered dessert even though Elara was already full. Some chocolate creation that came with gold leaf and unnecessary architectural elements. Marcus took one bite and made a face.
“That’s way too rich.”
“You ordered it.”
“I was trying to be romantic. I failed.”
Elara laughed and stole his fork, taking her own bite. He was right, it was absurdly sweet, but she ate it anyway just to watch him watch her.
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Chapter 184
Her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother’s name.
“Probably just checking in.” Elara said, answering with a smile. “Hey Mom, how are my babies?”
“Elara, are the kids with you?”
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The question made Elara’s smile freeze. Something in her mother’s voice was wrong, tight and high-pitched in a way that sent ice down Elara’s spine.
“What? No, you took them home. Remember? You left with them over an hour ago.”
Marcus was watching her now, his expression shifting from relaxed to alert.
“I know, but…” Her mother’s voice was shaking. “Elara, they’re not here.”
“What do you mean they’re not here?” Elara heard her own voice rising. “Where are my kids?”
Marcus was already standing, his hand reaching for her phone.
“There was an accident on the way home,” her mother said, the words tumbling out fast and panicked. “The driver said he felt dizzy, that we needed to pull over. Then an ambulance showed up and the paramedics said both babies were showing signs of distress. They had badges and equipment and they said we needed to get to the hospital immediately.”
Elara’s heart was pounding so hard she could barely hear. “What hospital?”
“Mount Sinai. They said Mount Sinai. The paramedics took Alexander and Catherine in the ambulance and told me to follow in the car.”
“Okay, so they’re at Mount Sinai. Good, we’ll meet you there then.”
“No, Elara, you don’t understand.” Her mother’s voice broke completely. “I’m at the hospital now. I’ve been here for twenty minutes talking to nurses and doctors and security. They have no record of any ambulance arriving. No pediatric admissions at all in the last hour.”
17:11 Mon, May 11 M…
Chapter 185
