Chapter 161:

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Kelly’s POV

I was sipping coffee while staring at the beach when I felt a pair of warm arms wrap around my waist. I smiled, recognizing Pierce’s familiar scent as his lips gently kissed my neck.

“Why are you still here?” he asked.

He stood beside me after releasing his hold, and then he caressed my cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Just enjoying the fresh air,” I replied.

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He gazed at the sea, resting his arm on the railing. The sky was dark, but filled with stars. The waves were wild, full of mystery, as if nature itself held some enchanting secret. It was fascinating how everything could blend so beautifully—a mystery, a magic.

“What do you think about having a house by the beach?” he suddenly asked, breaking the silence. His words hit me unexpectedly, and my heart raced. It felt like it had been a million years since I last spoke to him this way. I missed him.

“It’s nice,” I answered honestly, smiling. “Relaxing and beautiful.”

He turned back to face me, gently taking my hands. He placed the mug on the table and moved closer to me, his eyes studying mine as if memorizing my face.

“I want to marry you again, Kelly. I want it so badly.”

I bit my bottom lip, locking eyes with him. Those eyes—always honest, always gentle—were filled with sincerity. He had told me he loved me before, and now he was telling me he wanted to marry me again. And in my heart, I knew that I’d say yes, without a doubt.

“Do you want to marry me again, Kels?” he asked. “Is it okay if I become a part of yours and Snow’s life? Is it okay if I hold your hand while you’re delivering our baby? Is it okay if I stay by your side until we’re old and gray?”

Tears welled up in my eyes. I had always searched for a love that wouldn’t consume me, but I realized it was impossible. The love I had for him had always been consuming… but it was worth it.

He kissed the back of my hands, his fingers brushing the empty ring finger on my left hand. “I want to put another wedding ring on this finger. I want to call you Mrs. Anderson again. I want to… be part of your life, and our children’s life… Please, let me.”

A single tear rolled down my cheek as I chuckled. “Are you proposing? Because I think there should be a ring.”

He chuckled softly and shook his head. “I don’t want to pressure you into making a decision before you’re ready. I have a ring, but I won’t rush you. We’ll take this slow.”

I nodded, smiling at him. “Thank you, Pierce.”

He smiled and gently caressed my cheek with his left hand. “But I’m your boyfriend now, right?”

Smiling, I nodded again. “Yes…”

He took a single step closer and kissed my cheek. I squeezed my eyes closed as his soft lips traveled from my cheek to my nose, then to my eyes, and back to my cheek before finally landing on my lips. His kisses were gentle, shallow, and sweet, as though he were memorizing the taste of my lips, leaving a trail of soft, lingering kisses.

I wrapped my arm around his neck, pulling him closer as I started kissing him back, my kisses hungry and deep. He must have sensed my need, for he lifted me and kissed me with the same intensity and hunger.

I had lost count of the days I spent trying to ignore him, trying to push my feelings away. All I knew was that those days were empty, painful, and lonely. I never wanted to go back to that. I never wanted to deny my feelings again.

Pierce’s lips trailed down to my neck, his warm breath and soft kisses sending shivers through me. My heart was pounding, my body burning with desire. My mind couldn’t think straight. I had already lost my inhibitions, just as I had when I gave myself to him once more, after so many years apart. That night in our hotel room, we shared steamy moments, entwined in each other’s arms. He was careful, gentle, soft, and comforting. It was one of the best nights of my life, and I never expected it to be shattered the next morning when Ana came to our room, crying.

“KELLY! KELLY!”

I rushed to the door, still naked beneath the sheets, hearing Ana’s desperate cries.

When I opened the door, I saw her standing there, eyes red and full of tears.

“Ana! What’s wrong?” I asked, my voice trembling. Pierce’s presence was behind me, his arm wrapped around my waist, resting on my stomach under the white sheets.

Ana sobbed, her voice shaky. “I—I’m sorry. We were just playing in the pool because Snow wanted to, and then she—”

“She what?” I asked, panic rising in my chest. Pierce looked alarmed, his eyes wide with concern.

“S-She tripped and hit her head…”

It was like a bomb exploding right in front of me. I froze, unable to move, as tears welled up in my eyes. My hands and lips trembled.

Pierce quickly dressed me and held my hand, leading me to where our daughter was. I was in shock when I saw her being transferred into an ambulance from the clinic. My heart shattered. Oh my God! No, please! Not my daughter!

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