Liana's POV:
I was sitting on my bed, sipping coffee and scrolling through social media. That post from yesterday was still the hottest topic. Fans had already built a hundred theories around it, and of course, some people dropped their usual "kind" comments about me being a lesbian.
Honestly, I'll never understand what their problem is. It's not like I'd ever marry them even if I were straight.
I rolled my eyes and restricted those accounts. Mental peace matters more to me than follower count... especially when Ethilia's name gets dragged into things.
Thankfully, my real fans were amazing. They defended and supported me. Some started shipping me with every woman possible, and honestly? It was hilarious.
Most people assumed the girl in that photo was Laura, but I didn't bother correcting them. Not because I didn't care, just because I love the funny theories they were making. I genuinely enjoy watching the chaos of their theories.
My thoughts broke when I heard the door being opened. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden race of my heart. This was Ethilia, I knew, and I didn't need to turn to look.
Only Ethilia could make my pulse race like this.... like my heart recognizes her presence before my eyes do. I don't know if she feels the same, but I love this thing.
Ethilia sat down beside me, the bed dipping under her weight, and gently rested her head on my shoulder. "What are you watching?" she asked softly.
I smiled, turning the screen toward her. "Here… I posted this picture of you, and it went viral."
She chuckled, glancing up at me with curious eyes. "When did you even take that?"
I shrugged and slipped an arm around her shoulders, handing her my phone. "When you were busy running around," I teased.
She gasped dramatically and smacked my arm lightly. "Shut up, I wasn't running around."
I rolled my eyes with a grin, leaning in to press a quick kiss to her temple. The warmth of her skin under my lips made my chest flutter. I love this woman in my arms.... having her this close, her laughter, her scent, the way she relaxed against me.
She giggled, and that sound warmed my heart like nothing else could. I gave her a gentle squeeze.
"Don't squeeze me…" she complained softly, but she didn't move away.
I was about to say something when I heard a knock on the door or rather, a playful clap sounded on the door. I frowned and got off the bed to go and open the door.
When I opened the door, the oldest member of our little family stood there with her tiny arms crossed.
"Angel," Alena said with a pout, "you don't love me anymore. You're always with Mommy. You never come to me."
I glanced back at Ethilia, who burst into laughter, and then looked down at Alena.
"Oh? So, are you complaining now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I crouched to her level.
Alena nodded, and I smiled before sliding my arms under her to lift her up. She giggled instantly, wrapping her tiny arms around my neck.
"Angel," she whispered sweetly, and I couldn't help but smile. This little bundle of joy... she's my favorite.
I closed the door behind us and walked back to the bed, settling down with her on my lap. "You're always with my mom," I said with a playful pout, "so I'm with your mom today."
Alena pouted for a second before breaking into giggles as Ethilia tickled her side. I chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "My cutie," I murmured, smiling when she looked up at me with those bright eyes.
She shifted on my lap, getting comfortable. "Granny is really good," she said cheerfully.
I blinked, raising a brow. Beside me, Ethilia turned to her with visible confusion. "Wh–why are you calling her granny?" she asked, trying to stay calm.
Alena looked between us innocently. "Because last night she said I should start calling her granny."
I tilted my head. "Last night? When?"
Alena huffed dramatically, making both of us bite back smiles. "When you and Mom came back with all those dinners," she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
I frowned slightly, thinking back. Yes, we had brought dinner for everyone last night, but what on earth did that have to do with my mom being a granny?
Leaning back against the headboard, I wrapped my arms around her, gently swaying her in my lap.
Alena rested her head against my shoulder with a soft sigh. "You smell so good, Angel," she mumbled sleepily.
I chuckled and glanced at Ethilia, who rolled her eyes with a tiny smile tugging at her lips. Pressing a kiss to Alena's hair, I whispered, "Why are you sleepy this early in the morning, hmm?"
She lifted her head, blinking up at me. "I'm not sleepy…"
I frowned playfully and tapped her nose. "Then what are you doing, little one?"
Her grin widened as she darted a quick glance toward the door before leaning close to whisper, "I'm hiding from Aunty Laura."
Ethilia pinched her cheek gently. "Don't tell me you're playing tricks on her again?"
Alena nodded proudly, then nestled back into my shoulder, her small arms tightening around my neck. "Yes… she was talking to some princess when I entered her room."
My eyes widened, and so did Ethilia's. We exchanged an amused, slightly confused look before turning to Alena.
"Princess?" I asked, half-smiling in confusion.
Alena nodded and grinned proudly, "Yes! And she said she'll play with me, but I mustn't tell anyone about what I heard."
Ethilia rubbed her forehead with a sigh. "Great… and why did you tell us, then?"
Alena pulled away from me and climbed into Ethilia's lap, her tiny fingers gripping her shirt. "You're my mommy, and she's my Angel. You guys aren't anyone."
Ethilia bit her lip, trying not to smile, and looked at me. I nodded with a soft chuckle. "Hmm… okay. But now, you won't talk about it again, deal?"
Alena nodded seriously, though her little frown made her look more adorable than obedient. Ethilia kissed the top of her head and pinched her cheek gently. "You little cheeky thing… now go and play."
Alena grinned mischievously and shook her head. "I'm hiding…"
Before she could finish, the door burst open and Laura stepped in with her usual dramatic energy. "Here you are, Miss Cuteness!"
Alena squealed, wiggling out of Ethilia's arms and running to Laura. Laura scooped her up easily and held her close. "You came to hide here? As if your moms could hide you from me? Never!"
My heart skipped a beat at her words, and I cleared my throat, pretending to fix my hair. Laura caught the reaction and giggled, throwing a playful wink toward Ethilia.
Ethilia's cheeks turned pink, which only made Laura laugh harder. I bit my lip and reached for Ethilia's hand, giving it a small, reassuring squeeze.
Laura eventually set Alena down and leaned to whisper something to her. I frowned suspiciously. What was this woman plotting now? But I let it go with a roll of my eyes.
As Alena walked out, Laura came closer to us and gently took Ethilia's left hand before smirking. "You think we didn't notice this on her finger?"
She pointed toward the ring, making Ethilia's face turn a deeper shade of red.
I couldn't help but grin as I slipped my arm around her shoulders. My heart was beating faster than it should've, and my hands felt a little shaky.
I was still trying to process that this woman was finally mine.
Laura rolled her eyes and patted Ethilia's shoulder. "Take care of that fool," she gestured toward me with her eyes and smiled, "She really loves you." Her teasing voice softened at the end.
Ethilia smiled faintly and turned toward me, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love her too…"
My breath caught at how easily, yet so tenderly, she said those words. God, this woman will be the death of me.
Laura cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "Okay, okay… I'll leave you guys alone. But just a reminder...."
We both turned to her, and the smile faded from my face. I already knew what she meant.
She looked at us sympathetically, "Liana and I will be leaving tomorrow morning," she said quietly, giving Ethilia's hand a gentle squeeze before walking out and closing the door behind her.
Ethilia didn't turn toward me, but I could see the way her eyes turned watery... the way she bit her lip to keep from crying. I hate this.
It hurts me physically whenever I see her in pain. Like someone has stabbed my heart. That sharp pain in my chest that won't let go.
I reached for her hand, gripping it tightly as if holding on could somehow take the pain away. But she still didn't look at me.
I swallowed hard and breathed out slowly, trying to steady the sharp pain twisting in my chest.
I reached out, tilting her chin toward me. "Hey… you're coming with me, okay? Don't cry." I know my voice broke, but I don't care.
Her eyes widened, and before she could speak, I pressed my lips against hers, silencing her.
I'm taking her with me. I don't care what happens or what people say. I love her, and I'm not leaving her behind.