~Katherine's POV
I shook my head immediately, my voice firm even as it wavered slightly. "No… no, Mathew. You can't cancel that opportunity because of me. This… this is too important for the company, and for you. I'll make sure I get through it."
He sighed deeply, a mixture of relief and concern crossing his face. "You don't have to prove anything," he said softly, running a hand over his face. "But I know you will. I've seen you handle challenges before… I just don't want you to push yourself too far."
I managed a small, exhausted smile, grateful for his faith but determined not to let him down. "I know," I said, my voice quieter now. "But this is my responsibility. I'll handle it. I promise."
Mathew leaned back slightly, nodding, though the tension in his shoulders didn't completely fade. After a long pause, he said with a gentler tone, "Then… take the remaining day off. You've earned it. Go home, rest. Clear your head. Tomorrow, you handle the rest."
I blinked, surprised at the suggestion, but I knew he was right. My body and mind were still raw from everything: the shock of seeing Aaron, the memories, the weight of five years, and I could feel exhaustion pressing down like a heavy blanket.
"I… okay," I murmured. "I'll take the day. Thank you."
He gave me a small, reassuring nod, the kind that said he trusted me even when I doubted myself. For the first time since seeing Aaron, I felt a tiny flicker of calm, knowing that someone had my back, that I didn't have to face everything completely alone.
I thanked Mathew quietly, my voice soft, almost swallowed by the fatigue and lingering tension in my chest. "Thank you for… everything," I said, feeling the weight of the day pressing on me.
He gave me a small, reassuring smile and nodded. "Take care of yourself today," he said, and then, almost casually, "Give my regards to the twins, will you? Tell them I said hi."
I nodded again, a faint smile crossing my lips despite the heaviness still clinging to me. I grabbed my bag, making sure my belongings were secure, and walked out of the office. The cool air in the driveway hit my face, and I inhaled slowly, trying to let it settle me, though the memories of Aaron and the tension of the morning clung to my mind like shadows.
I slid into my car, started the engine, and drove to the twins' school. The drive was quiet, the city moving past in slow, indifferent streams of cars and people. I thought about the contracts, about Aaron, about Amanda, and a fire of determination burned in my chest. I needed to focus, to pull myself together, and there was only one thing that could help right now: my children. Jasmine and Hanith.
When I arrived at the school, they ran toward the gate as soon as they spotted me. Jasmine, her long hair bouncing, grabbed my hand and practically dragged me toward the car. Hanith, ever stubborn and independent, refused to get in at first, standing with his arms crossed and a frown that mirrored mine more than I liked to admit.
"Hanith, come on," I said, kneeling to his level. "We have to go home."
"I'm not tired!" he protested, but his little sister's tugging and my calm but firm insistence won the day. He huffed but climbed into the car, muttering under his breath.
Once we were home, I set down my bag and let them wander the living room, their energy uncontainable. I went to the kitchen and started preparing dinner, trying to focus on something practical, something grounding. I chopped vegetables, smelled the onions and garlic, and stirred sauces, all the while listening to the twins' voices bouncing around the house.
"Can I help, Mommy?" Jasmine asked, her eyes wide, eager to be part of the cooking.
I handed her a small wooden spoon and let her stir the sauce while I sauteed the vegetables. Hanith, never to be left out, hovered near the counter, asking constant questions about what I was doing.
"Mommy, why does it smell so good? Is this for me? Is it ready?"
I laughed softly, a sound I hadn't made in a long time, letting the normalcy wash over me. "Yes, it's for both of you," I said, ruffling Hanith's hair. "But we have to wait until it's all cooked, okay?"
They grumbled, of course. Hanith's stubbornness flared, and Jasmine tried to persuade him with whispers and cheeky smiles, but eventually, they let me finish cooking. We sat down together, and I watched them eat with such unrestrained delight, their laughter filling the kitchen, the small arguments over who got the last bite making me smile despite the lingering ache in my chest.
After dinner, we moved to the living room for playtime. Blocks, puzzles, and drawing supplies were scattered across the floor. Jasmine insisted we build a castle, while Hanith demanded a spaceship. I found myself laughing and scolding them lightly at the same time, trying to negotiate peace between a princess tower and an intergalactic spacecraft.
"Mommy, it's too high! It'll fall!" Hanith shouted, reaching over to grab a block from Jasmine.
"Then make your spaceship taller!" I suggested, smiling. "We can build both together."
Minutes stretched into an hour, and soon, their endless energy began to soften. I guided them slowly to the bathroom, helping them wash their hands and faces, and brushing their teeth while they yawned and complained about being tired. Jasmine leaned against me, her small hands holding the toothbrush awkwardly, and I helped her, smiling at her sleepy attempts. Hanith was a little more stubborn, insisting he could do it himself, but I let him struggle a little, only stepping in when he made a mess.
After teeth brushing, I led them to their bedroom. Jasmine climbed onto her bed quickly, curling up with her favorite stuffed animal, while Hanith insisted on climbing in beside her, making a little fort with blankets over their heads. I sat on the edge of the bed and picked up a short storybook, reading slowly, letting my voice fill the quiet room. I watched them listen, eyelids growing heavier with each sentence. Jasmine's head tilted to rest on my shoulder, her small breath warm and steady against me. Hanith fidgeted, pulling the blanket up around his shoulders, then slowly stopped moving, finally settling down beside his sister.
When they were finally asleep, I stayed still for a long moment, just watching them. The house was quiet, except for their soft breathing. My chest tightened as I noticed their features, Jasmine's small, slightly upturned nose, Hanith's sharp jawline, and I could see Aaron in them, clear as day. My stomach twisted at the thought of facing him at work, seeing him every day, knowing that those same features belonged to him. But I pushed the fear and dread down. I had made it this far. I could handle tomorrow. I whispered to myself, "I can do this. I have to."
I quietly turned off the light, leaving them asleep, and walked to my room.