Thalassa's plan to return that night was derailed by another storm. But deep down, she was grateful for the delay, because it meant she got to spend more time with Alex. Thankfully, Kris didn't show up outside the gate like he had the day before, which would have forced her to let him in again.

However, that didn't stop him from sending her a series of texts from a different number, telling her how much he missed her, how he couldn't stop thinking about their night together, and how he planned to make her the happiest woman on earth when she gave him another chance.

'When', not 'if'. Every time she read one of those messages, she felt a few bricks fall from the walls she'd built around her heart.

The following morning, she flew back to Baltimore. After dropping off her luggage at the house, she headed to the office, texting Luisa to let her know she was back.

A few minutes later, her office door swung open. Thalassa stood up, and they embraced.

"I can't believe I missed you this much when you were only gone for three days. The house felt so empty," Luisa said, releasing her.

"I missed you too," Thalassa replied.

"Liar." Luisa rolled her eyes and dropped into one of the visitor chairs. "How's my nephew doing?"

"He's growing so much, Luisa. You should see him."

"I still can't believe Betty pulled that prank on you-pretending Alex was sick just to make you rush back to New York." Luisa chuckled, shaking her head.

Thalassa smiled. She had been annoyed with the nanny at first, but that feeling quickly faded.

"She did it because she knew Alex missed me. And I'm grateful she did. I had missed him so much, too."

She sighed wistfully. It had taken all her willpower to say goodbye to Alex again and return to Baltimore, but she knew it was for the best.

"Why did you come back so soon then?" Luisa asked.

"I already told you. Kris almost found out the truth. I couldn't take the risk."

Luisa bit her lip, hesitant. "About that... Do you really think it was a good idea to lie to Kris and say Alex is Betty's son?"

Guilt slashed through Thalassa even as she gritted her teeth. "What was I supposed to do, Luisa? He heard Alex crying and started asking questions. I had no choice." "I'm sorry, but you did, Lassa," Luisa said softly.

Thalassa's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What are you saying, Luisa? That I should tell Kris about Alex?" Her voice trembled. "You were the first one to support me after I gave birth to him and I decided I would never let Kris find out about him."

Luisa pursed her lips. Thinking about Zeke, she knew he would be disappointed by what she was about to say, but she couldn't hold back.

"That's because back then, I thought

Kris was the biggest scum to walk

Bel

the surface of the planet. But after getting to know him a little, I've realized it's the opposite. He's hurting too, Thalassa, just as much as you are for what happened three years ago. And deep down, I think you know that not everything was his fault."

Thalassa clenched her jaw, fighting the tears burning her eyes. "Can we change the subject?"

Luisa refused to back down. “No, I won't. You love him, Thalassa. The more you deny it, the more it hurts you. I know he has his flaws, and yes, he hurt you. But how long are you both going to suffer for his mother's wickedness? Linda did everything she could to tear you two apart years ago, but even now, she's still winning." noveldrama

Luisa slowly stood up, letting out a sigh. "I'll bring you the new market report. Excuse me."

With that, she left the office, leaving Thalassa glaring at the door.

That night, Thalassa stepped into her darkened bedroom, sighing from exhaustion. Just as she reached to turn on the light, an arm suddenly snaked around her, a hand covering her mouth.

"Don't scream."