Mr Ceo's Pregnant Ex-Wife

Hearing Claire's words made my chest want to burst with emotions.

Vien had been waiting for me!

Once Ace returns we would be one big happy family again!

The thought brought a tear in my eyes and a smile on my lips. 

I lifted my fingers and caressed Vien's rosy cheeks. She would be a wonderful sister to Faith.

My eyes turned to Claire who stood a few steps away from the bed. She was looking intently at Vien with longing in her eyes.

She was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she didn't notice I was watching her closely.

Claire must have been thinking about her son. She hadn't held him for so long. Ace was around ten years old when she left him because of his abusive father. Until now, Claire couldn't even touch her own son. The situation is difficult for her.

I could feel she's a good person. If only one day Ace would learn to accept his mother. I know once he hears what Claire had been through, he would learn to forgive her. After all, the two looked so much alike. Ace will one day understand that he couldn't continue hating the woman who had given birth to him.

A deep sigh escaped my lips. My gaze drifted back to my daughter.

There's so many questions swirling inside my thoughts now. But among those questions I only got one which I needed the answer the most.

If Lucas Nicholas wants to keep Vien until this issue is resolved, why did Claire decide to tell me about Vien now?

As if reading my thoughts, Claire slowly made her way to me. "Lady Ravenwood?" My wide, questioning eyes landed on hers.

Claire forced a smile on her lips but the glint barely reached her eyes. "Perhaps you're wondering why I insist on telling you the truth even if Lucas is against it?"

I looked deep into her beautiful sapphire eyes and nodded my head. I want to hear the response coming from her.

She took a deep breath before she continued, "I told you the truth because I don't want you to suffer anymore. It's been four years and without you telling me, I know it was the worst years of your life. My child was taken away from me too. That's my worst nightmare as a mother. For years, I suffered because of it. So if there's someone who could understand all your pain, it was me. Phoenix."

By just looking at her, I could almost sense the agony and loneliness she kept hidden all these years.

It makes me want to wipe the sadness within her with reassuring words despite knowing it would not be enough to ease them. Only Ace has the power to take all her pains away.

I saw a tear drop from her eye but she quickly turned away and walked towards the window.

She lifted her fingers and wiped the tears off her cheeks.

She didn't turn towards me, instead she kept looking towards the view on the window.

The light and dark merely finished their tug of war. In the end, it was darkness that won and it spread a pitch black ink through the horizon.

For the first time in four years, I felt a heavy burden was lifted off my chest. I felt lighter and that is because I have my precious princess with me today.

My only regret is, I couldn't make Claire feel better. And no amount of words nor reassurance will. Unfortunately, I couldn't give what she wanted but I hope one day she will have what her heart desires.

***

"From now on, I will hire two bodyguards to watch over you wherever you go."

We were having dinner when Claire brought her plans up. From looking at my plate my gaze shifted across the table to where she sat.

I don't have any objections since it's a brilliant idea. I want to keep my children safe too and I couldn't do it on my own so I agreed.

She was elated to hear I don't have objections.

"Also, I'm sorry that I couldn't allow you to go home tonight." She said sincerely, her gaze meeting mine. "Especially since you are bringing Vien with you, I couldn't just allow you to leave. We don't know what will happen once you leave Claymore Mansion. At this point it would be dangerous to go out even if you bring half a dozen bodyguards with you. Vince might be lurking in the darkness and waiting for the perfect timing to catch you."

I nodded my head in understanding. The only thing that saddens me is not being with Faith tonight. I'm worried that she would notice my absence. I don't want to bother Elisa. I don't want her to be deprived of a goodnight sleep because of the favor I want to ask her.

"However, you could return tomorrow morning and I would come with you. I haven't seen my other granddaughter and I want to grab the chance to spend some time with her…. Well if you would allow me?"

How could I say no to Claire?

I gave her a smile before I replied, "I would be grateful if you would come with me. Please spend your time with Faith and Vien, they needed you too." 

Claire's eyes popped up in happiness. Her lips curled into a smile that lit up the whole room. 

"Thank you." She mumbled.

"You're very much welcome, Lady Ravenwood."

When dinner was finished, I immediately excused myself and retreated to Vien's room. She was still asleep when I entered the room.

I gingerly moved to the night table where a wireless telephone sat and dialed the number to Madam Stella's estate. 

I was relieved when it was Madam Stella who answered.

"Dear lord! You called at last. We've been so worried about you, Beatrix." Madam Stella began. I winced and distanced the telephone from my ears to protect my ears from her high-pitched tone.

"I apologize for what happened today. I was nearly kidnapped today."

"Kidnapped!!" Madam Stella was horrified.

Sighing, I told her what exactly happened today.