The C.E.O'S shattered heart (MxM, C.E.O X C.E.O)

Chapter 43. Pay back Part 1

Zachariel's P.O.V

I slept till late in the afternoon after Alexei left for work. I took a shower when I woke up, then sent a heartfelt email to Andrew. I felt sick to my stomach when I read Andrew's reply. He wrote that he loved me and that he couldn't wait to get back together with me. I took my medicines, then went downstairs to play with the kids. I could hear the kids squeal from the stairs. Maverick ran to me when he noticed me. I almost lost my balance when he crashed into me. I petted the dog, then went to see why the kids were so excited. The kids were doing tricks with Mia on the indoor patio. Alexandre and Amelia gazed lovingly at their grandchildren. Amelia approached me when she saw me standing by the entrance. She stroked my head, then asked me, "How are you, Zachariel?"

I grabbed Amelia's hand, then answered her with, "I'm fine, Amelia. My fever is gone. I haven't had a headache since yesterday either." Amelia pulled me into her arms, then uttered, "I'm so glad to hear that, Zachariel. Alexandre and I panicked when we saw you lying unconscious in that bed the other day. We thought that Giovanni had kidnapped you. And we all know what would have happened if that proved to be true." I hugged Amelia back, then said, "Thank you so much for supporting us when I got sick, Amelia. We wouldn't know what to do without you guys." Amelia chuckled, then stated, "It was our pleasure, Zachariel. You guys are our family, so we were happy to help." Amelia let me go when she heard Dominique yell, "Look at what Mia can do, papa!" I laughed when I saw Mia roll over on Dominique's command. I greeted Alexandre, then joined the kids on the floor. Dominique instantly started telling me about how he wanted to show me how intelligent Mia was ages ago.

Amelia and Alexandre had brought a bunch of healthy snacks for the kids and me. We ate them while doing activities together. I was surprised when Charlotte walked onto the indoor patio with a beautiful girl. The girl's beauty instantly piqued the children's interest. Images of how the kids had fallen in love with me started flashing into my mind. I clutched my chest when I realized what could occur. The kids were in a world of their own. They slowly walked to the girl to gaze at her. The children squealed when Charlotte uttered, "This is Madeline Addison, kids. Starting next week, she will be your homeschool teacher. Be nice to her, okay." I gazed at the kids while they happily introduced themselves to Madeline. Fear crept into my heart and settled there when I saw Madeline cuddle the children. I got startled when Alexandre put his hand on my shoulder then said, "Never doubt their feelings for you, Zachariel." I smiled at Alexandre, then responded to him with, "Thank you for pulling me out of the darkness, Alexandre. I almost drowned in my sorrows just now." Alexandre smirked, then stated, "I can see why everyone is so obsessed with you, Zachariel." I looked in bewilderment at Alexandre.

Alexandre chuckled, then uttered, "It's nothing. Don't worry about it. Go greet the kid's new homeschool teacher." Madeline took a step back when I approached her. Charlotte grabbed Madeline's arm, then said, "This is Zachariel Joseph, Madeline. He's Mr. Marquis's other half and the father of his children." Madeline bowed her head, then uttered, "It's nice to meet you, sir. I can't wait to work with your adorable kids." I stroked Jacques's head, then replied to Madeline with, "Welcome to the Marquis mansion, Madeline. It's a pleasure to meet you." Madeline grinned, then responded to me with, "Thank you, sir." I watched Madeline gracefully greet Alexandre and Amelia. The kids kept following Madeline's every move. The children went back to playing after Madeline left. Alexandre and Amelia had a party to attend. They left after helping me put the kids to bed.

I was feeling anxious. I decided to have a long relaxing bath to keep my emotions under control. I went downstairs to wait for Alexei when I saw that it was about to rain. Mia was still playing with her toys on the indoor patio. I took a seat on the couch then gazed at Mia. Mia climbed on the sofa when I called out to her. The bird seemed to be quite fond of me. I put Mia on the sofa's hand rest then started stroking her back. Mia instantly fell asleep. I thought about how excited Andrew got when I invited him to have dinner with me while looking at the falling rain. I criticized myself for falling in love with someone vile like him. It was cold, but I was too disturbed to cover myself up with a blanket. I sighed while looking at the plants outside. They were probably happy that it was raining. Many things had happened in a short time, and they were all taking a toll on me. I smiled when I smelled Alexei's cologne. My heart melted when I saw Alexei standing with roses in his hands. No one had ever given me flowers before. The beautiful flowers instantly cheered me up. Alexei became happy when I shared this information with him. I was glad that Alexei was open to listening to my grievances. Alexei was understanding, and that's what I liked the most about him.