Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 92: Chapter 92

(Lily's POV)
Lamia’s tiny hand clutched mine as we stepped outside, her fingers warm and soft against my palm.
Behind us, Zeus was busy climbing into Uncle Dev and Uncle Tobe’s car, his excited voice echoing off the polished vehicles in the driveway.
I leaned down and buckled Lamia into her seat in the back of my car, brushing a curl off her forehead. She gave me a smile before settling into her seat, swinging her feet and humming.
Marcus, our driver, started the car with a low purr. I sat beside Lamia as we pulled away from the driveway. The line of black vehicles trailed behind us silently.
We hadn’t even left the estate when Lamia asked "Mummy, will Aunt Aria come with us to the party? Like Uncle Dev and Uncle Tobe?"
Her words pierced the quiet car like a pebble tossed into still water.
Her question took me back, to that afternoon. When there was a knock on my door, and one of my female peeked in. "Ma’am, you have a visitor."
I left for the room to the seating room. It was Aria.
She stood at the threshold like she didn’t belong there, like it was her first time at my home. Her eyes were tired, and her mouth pressed into a nervous line.
"I came to say I’m sorry," she began, her voice trembling. "For what happened at the party. For everything."
I crossed my arms and said nothing.
She stepped inside slowly "Remember one time we were talking and I asked you what you wanted for your birthday, and you jokingly said that you wanted nothing but a collaboration with Virelux. I took your request seriously, because even as business partners, I wanted to surprise you, Lily. I knew how happy you'd be if that worked out... It was something you had always wanted."
She explained it all. How one day, she had sneaked into the Virelux company to meet any of the leaders to pitch our brand, and then she ran into Lucien.
How one heated argument, turned into long conversations, and those conversations became something more...
"He told me he was just a worker," she said. "Said he might be able to help. We... started seeing each other more often to discuss the possibility and then it happened. The pull, the bond was so real. I didn't think there was a chance for us after what happened between our parents.. But I fell in love with him."
I wanted to feel angry, wanted to scream but all I could feel was the slow, dull ache of betrayal wrapped in good intentions.
"Thank you for trying," I said quietly. "But you should’ve told me."
Aria nodded, her eyes glossy. "I know. I’m sorry. I’ll give you space. I just wanted to say it all to your face."
Then she left. There was no tantrum, just overwhelming sadness.
Back in the car, I exhaled softly and shook my head "No, baby. Aunt Aria won’t be coming." I told Lamia.
She didn’t argue. She just looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. "Okay," she whispered quietly.
The school was alive with colors, and laughter.
Yellow, and sky blue banners flapped in the air. Children darted across the field, chasing balloons and ribbons.
Tables were lined with finger foods and sparkling juice boxes, while a stage on the far end carried the promise of performances.
Then came Zeus.
He ran toward us with Dev and Tobe on either side, his tiny hands clutched in theirs, all three in matching black suits. Zeus beamed like he owned the world.
Lamia giggled beside me. "He looks like boss baby!"
I laughed, smoothing down her curls.
I was wearing a beige bodycon dress that hugged me in the right places. Lamia, on the other hand looked cute with her short floral dress and bouncing ribbons. We all walked together, turning a lot of heads. I guess we still had that powerful aura from high-school.
The party began with a short drama play, where the children acted out a story about kindness. Then came a spelling bee, followed by musical chairs and an artsy little fashion show that had the crowd laughing and clapping.
The elementary school had gone all out to provide a good memory for the children.
Towards the end, as parents began gathering their little ones, a man approached our canopy.
"Lily." he said.
Jonas, one of my persistent admirers. He had met me once when I came to pick my kids from school and since then, he had always hinted that we could be more.
He was a single father... and although he seemed responsible, I just wasn't ready to open my heart to love again.
"Hi, Jonas," I said, returning the smile politely.
"You look amazing today," he said, holding a cupcake box.
"Thank you. So does Flora... she looks lovely." I said, looking at his daughter playing with some kids a little distance from us.
He took a step forward to me. Dev and Tobe didn’t move but their glare was icy.
Jonas chuckled and raised both hands in defeat. "Alright Lily, I'll see you later when the wolves are gone."
He left, and we chuckled lightly.
Zeus returned from the playground, and grabbed Dev and Tobe’s hands tightly as we make our way towards the exit. I was holding Lamia who was smiling ear to ear. My kids had obviously had a wonderful day...
Then it happened.
The sound of coordinated loud footsteps. Security men filled the hallway like troop. Heads turned, and whispers rippled through the crowd.
Someone important was coming.
Then, without warning, Lamia yanked her hand from mine.
"Daddy!" she screamed.
I turned... And there he was.
Zion. He was standing in the middle of the hallway... and Lamia; my daughter had just ran to hug him, wrapping her arms around his legs like she had just found the missing piece of her world.