Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 124: Chapter 124

(Lily’s POV)
A week rolled by, and there was no unexpected visits or prying.
Zion hadn't reached out since that morning in my office, and while a part of me knew better than to think it was over, I let myself breathe. Maybe he had given up on the kids... Maybe he saw what he needed and chose to walk away.
It was good, and better for everyone.
Today was the start of the weekend. The sun was gentle through the curtains, and as I tapped my phone screen, I thought about Aria who had returned to her home for a while now.
I missed her, and wished she was here to partake in the fun I was planning for the kids and I.
My fingers tapped the edge of my phone screen as I pulled up my message icon and sent Alora a message : Get three tickets to the new aquarium centre. Today.
I stepped out of my room, padding down the hallway to share the exciting news. From the dining area, the smell of tomato sauce and garlic drifted toward me, followed by the rhythmic clink of cutlery tapping plates.
Sophia was serving breakfast, and it was no surprise to see the kids already seated and hitting their forks against their plates in excitement.
“Pasta and meatballs!” Zeus announced happily.
“Our favorite!” Lamia cheered.
Sophia chuckled. “Eat slowly or you’ll choke on your own happiness.”
I laughed softly and moved to join them. I took the empty seat beside Zeus and reached for a plate.
Their joy was contagious when I told them about the trip to the new aquarium center. Then they began eating... but were messy and giggling, asking for more before they were even done with their first serving.
That was when Zeus dropped the bomb.
“Mummy, next time Daddy comes, he said he’ll bring our favorite food too." he said with a mouthful of meatballs.
My hand froze in mid-air.
I slowly lowered the forkful of pasta I was about to chew.
“What?” I asked, keeping my voice even.
“He said next time,” Lamia added, not noticing the shift in my tone, “he’ll bring the pasta and big meatballs from his home.”
“When did he say this?” I asked, my eyes flicking between them.
Zeus shrugged. “Yesterday at school.”
A chill crawled down my spine.
“Did he see you at school?”
They nodded, both still eating. “He sees us a lot now, everyday." Lamia said.
“Since when?”
Zeus tilted his head thoughtfully. “Since after the headmistress called us to her office.”
The blood drained from my face.
Zion had been visiting them consistently.
Since that day in my office, since that kiss... Since I screamed at my kids security leader never to let a stranger near my children.
I tried to push the food into my mouth... tried to force calm over the anguish inside me, but it was no use.
Sophia stood and began clearing plates. I told her “When you're done, take them to do their assignments,”
She nodded, and as soon as they were gone, I dropped my fork with a clatter and stood up from the chair. My feet carried me outside, and I increased my pace; walking to the gate where I found the group of guards I was looking for.
They straightened when they saw me.
Their leader greeted "Ma'am."
I ignored his greeting and turned to look at the rest men. “Did he tell you about not letting strangers near my kids? no matter their reputation?” I demanded.
They exchanged worried glances and slowly nodded.
“So, you all should explain to me why a man I had explicitly told you not to let near my children, has been visiting them everyday in school?”
The leader nervously swallowed. “Ma’am... we tried to stop him, but the children insisted. They said if we didn’t let their daddy see them, they would report us to you and say we were mean.”
My eyes widened. “So you listened to my children over me?”
“We thought—”
“I didn't pay you to think! I paid you to heed to my order!” I snapped. “And for disregarding me... You all are dismissed.”
“Ma’am, please—”
“Save it.” My voice was like ice. “You're lucky I didn't call the agency myself. As of today, you're relieved of duty and will have my own men take over their protection.”
They stood frozen, unable to respond.
I turned and stormed back toward the house, my pulse thundering in my ears. How stupid had I been?
Of course Zion wouldn’t walk away after seeing his mark on the children... gosh, he is still very heady.
I was foolish to think silence meant surrender, but more than ever, I need to take back control. There would be no trip to the aquarium today; the kids would be fine at home.
I stared at my reflection in the hallway mirror. My expression seemed calm, but my eyes were fiery... I would go to Lydia, Aunt Lamia's cousin for counsel. She was the only elderly family I have now, and if anyone could help me figure out what to do next, it was her.
Zion can't take my kids from me. Never.