Heart of Pains

Chapter Thirty-Three

Damien's POV

"I wish we could stay like this forever," I said, looking around. Taking care of kids was always hectic, but I enjoyed every moment of it.

Mariel is lying on my chest while Leo is wrapped up in Hannah's protective and loving embrace.

I felt a little bit jealous of that little buddy, but I didn't care because my wife's face was in the crook of my neck. She snuggled closer to me, and I groaned. It's a pretty uncomfortable position, but after going to the beach, playing with the kids, and trying to control them, plus the fact that Hannah and I were up most of the night rolling around in the sheets, you know what I mean, right?

We're so damn exhausted.

"Oh my God, I think it's time we put the kids to bed," she said. I guess she has woken up to tuck them in.

"Our bed is large, so I don't mind," I answered while placing a kiss on her forehead, which was a little bit hard, but then I still managed to achieve it.

"Alright, then, if you continue to be the best dad, I might be pregnant. With you, everything looks easier and is more enjoyable. I can see that being a father suits you," she answered.

I felt a surge of happiness go through me, and I grinned. She stood and rearranged the kids, making them comfortable and giving us enough space on the other side of the bed.

"What was your first reaction when you discovered that you were pregnant?" I asked after a few minutes of silence. I always wanted to know. Most people would have been so surprised and would have wanted an out.

"Funny you ask, Damien," she replied while chuckling. I didn't answer because I didn't understand what she meant.

"I got support from my Nanna and Nonna, so the decision was not that hard. I had money to raise, I was too young, but you grow so fast when you realize that there is a bundle of life growing inside. I love them, the world was against the decision, but God has a reason for everything. I don't regret it, Damien.

They were just the light I needed, no matter the circumstances surrounding their birth. God gave them to me to be a light in a world full of despair, pain, and numbness. So, you mean, what was my initial reaction? At first, it was confusion, heartbreak, so many uncertainties, and questions. But at the end of it, I know the world isn't about fairy tales, Prince Charming, and happily ever after," she replied.

I looked at her in admiration.

"No matter the negative curveballs the world throws at you, how did you manage to remain positive?" I asked yet again.

She smiled sadly at me.

"Well, my dad was positive, even until he took his last breath. So I can do it too. It runs through our blood, and I don't mind talking about it with you," she replied while biting her lower lip, which I found attractive.

"Damien, why did you decide to branch out? I mean, what encouraged you to take that decision?"

I shrugged.

"Uh, well, I don't know how to put it, but I always wanted to make a name for myself. I know it sounds cliche, but that company has passed through several generations, and normally, it's addressed to the name of the person who started it. So I don't want to waste blood and sweat and have the credit given to someone else at the end of the day. But enough about me. How many companies do you have?"

Finally, I popped the big question. That wasn't so hard.

"Hmm, I thought that I was a gold digger, so I don't have any money attached to my name, right?" She chuckled.

The fact that she recalled me calling her a gold digger caused shame to redden my cheeks. I looked away from her, embarrassed and horrified I had said that to her face more than once.

"I'm so sorry that I said all those words constantly to keep you away. I've always liked you, ever since the first time we met, but my brothers were telling me how you killed your dad. I'm sorry for listening to them. But most of the time, I said those words to get your attention," I explained.

She gave a real grin that made her dimples appear, and I grinned too. I'm happy to be the cause of it. Her dimples make her look very beautiful.

"Alright, handsome, I honestly don't know how many companies I own, but I started my first one when I was 17. I had always wanted to own a production company, but it wasn't easy at first. I didn't have any experience in productions since my father only taught me the business aspects," she explained to me.

"Hold up, I thought you studied theatre arts in school," I interrupted.

She looked down in embarrassment.

"Yeah.... But my dad only taught me business when I was first learning how to read," she replied.

I gaped at her in shock.

"Wow, weren't you bored?" I'm enjoying this conversation; Hannah is a mystery.

She groaned and put a hand to her forehead.

"Oh, it was so hectic and confusing as fuck, but I'm glad he did. Now I'm the only one with the right headspace to run so many companies all over the world," she said.

"Okay, what about your net worth?" I asked yet again.

"I don't know, but if shadow, which is me, is richer than three presidents, then I don't know my net worth," she replied.

"Wow, that is so fucking awesome, but you don't act like it. Wait, you mean to tell me that you're Shadow?" I asked in shock.

She nodded while avoiding eye contact.

"Wow. I don't know what to say," I said.

Just keep it a secret," she told me.

"I will. Now, is there anything you want to know about me?"

Hannah pursed her lips before nodding and giving me a steely look.

"Well, before we got married, I read one particular thing that said that you're repulsed by girls. But of course that turned out to be wrong: you just don't let them touch you. I know we shouldn't believe everything we read on the Internet, but you haven't been seen with any girls apart from Gracia. Why is that?"

"You really know how to take someone unaware. I did not like girls. It's not like I'm gay, but I wasn't ready to commit until I was sure that this is someone I'm gonna spend my life with until death do us part," I answered honestly.

"I guess your parents made that decision for you," she remarked.

"Yeah, and I don't regret it," I answered truthfully.

She turned to me, her dark eyes serious. It was like she was staring into my soul.

"Seriously. You know this marriage is forced, but why are you taking it so real? I mean, I'm really curious," she asked.

"Because you're my first love, so its not bad if we make it real. Our vows and the church tied us together," I said.

Hannah gave me a confused look.

"But I thought you weren't a Christian?" she asked.

"I'm not, but my grandfather and my wife are Christians. I figured I would just key into their faith," I said.

"Very funny," she said.

I'm so happy right now because I made her laugh. After a few minutes, she stopped, making me look at her. She furrowed an eyebrow at me in confusion.

"What?"

"You're really beautiful, Hannah," I said.

"Oh, shut up and kiss me."

And I did just that.