Chapter 11 Laila 65 vouchers The rays of sunlight streak in through the partly opened blinds , casting a dim glow on the black marble of the kitchen island . The smell of freshly made coffee permeates the air , accompanied by the sugary scent of maple syrup and fresh toast . Liam is seating at the table , giddily munching away on his breakfast waffles . The thick syrup dribbles down the side of his lips and he sticks his tongue out to catch the dribble , creating a bigger mess . What did we say about creating a mess at breakfast ? " I chide halfheartedly , " You'd be luring ants all the way to the kindergarten Liam's eyes widen and he quickly reaches for some wet wipes to wipe down his lips . I watch him attempt and fail to tidy himself up , a lazy smile on my lips . " Do you need some help there ? " Kael's familiar voice interrupts the serenity of the morning . " Daddy " Liam cries in delight . I suffen visibly . For a moment , my smile freezes on my lips . " Hey , little man . " Kael responds , a small smile stretched his lips as he crouches to ruffle Liam's hair . " First day of school without me ? " Mommy say Daddy busy ! " Liam protests violently , screaming and giggling while he scrambles to get away from Karl's hands . He nearly knocks over his breakfast and all I can do is watch in bafflement . The disparity between this Kael , and the Kael from last night is startling . But it's always been this way . Despite our differences , Kael has been a father to Liam in his own way . Even while he was mostly away in the past three years , he never failed to show up for every significant event ... from Liam's birth , to birthdays , to hospital visits With few words , few gestures but his ever present brooding self . He's fulfilled his end of the contract so well . I am bound to him in ways I can never extricate myself until he chooses to let me go . If his intentions had been to force me to develop a sense of duty and loyalty to him , Kael has succeeded completely And Im helpless against ham " You'll get syrup on your shirt I point out Karl's attention shifts to me and I avert my eyes . " Liam , Marie is waiting upstairs . Go get changed and I'll drop you off Kael says to Liam in a fond tone . 14:14 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 11 Liam scurries off , cheering in excitement . I breathe a quiet sigh , picking up Liam's plate . ( , ) 12 55 vouchers " Chef Ron is well versed with Liam's preferences . " Kael breaks the silence after a moment passes . Tm aware . I reply blankly . " If Marie is not enough . I will have them send more help . " Kael continues , " I don't think there's a need ... " I begin to say but Kael interrupts me . " Do you think I made you my wife so you could tend to the home like you did for Cameron ? " His voice sounds dangerously close . And my heart drops when his hands rest on both sides of the marble , caging me in on both sides from behind . Kael ... the true Kael is back . In the absence of Liam , he's nothing but the monster I've always known him to be . The monster I've sold my soul to . I will only have you be the most dazzling diamond Thorneville has ever seen . " His breath is warm as it fans against my neck . " The one everyone desires but can never have . The one who will bring Cameron down to his knees at my feet ... " Cameron ... the hate in his tone whenever he says that name terrifies me . And the way he speaks about me , like I'm just another trophy displayed on his shelf . " That is you , Laila " Kael whispers , his tone a deeper baritone than usual . " Cameron called you thrice last night ... " He trails off , leaning so close , his lips brush the tips of my ears . " What do you plan to do about it ? " My heart shrivels in terror . I knew Kael's always been watching , but I didn't realize he would already know this so soon before I could tell him about it myself . " I was going to tell you ... I begin to say , " Of course you were , Laila " He murmurs , " You know what happens if you keep things from me . " I know what you think I'm going to do " I say . I won't see him , Kael I have no reason to . " He lingers for a moment , before he steps away . " The old man called . He wants to see you ' Kael revealed " Grandfather Blackwood ? " I ask in surprise . Kael nods . " Do you know what he wants ? " I question warily . 14:14 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 11 55 vouchers " No. " Kael admits . " My Grandfather is a dangerous man . He's cunning and despite his warm welcome yesterday , he favors Cameron greatly and has strongly opposed my return for years now . If he wants to see you , it won't be for pleasantries . " " He'll probably try to get something out of me ... I murmur , Tll handle it . " " I know you will . Kael's response is factual . " I didn't choose you for your pretty face " I resist the urge to roll my eyes . " You chose me to be the most dazzling diamond of Thorneville ," I recount his words . You've already made that clear . But while we're within our own home ... I will just be Liam's mother . " That means cooking him breakfast when he's still having trouble adjusting to a new environment and new people . Even if that gets me on your bad side . " I clarify . " And while we're at it ... " I trail off , placing a plate of waffles on the table beside him . His stomach growls almost on perfect cue . " I was never Cameron's caretaker . And I never cooked while we were married either ... " " There wasn't a need . Sarah is after all , a renowned chef ." Kael just stares at me in silence and then at the plate , and back at me again . " You're many things , Kael Blackwood . But immortal isn't one of them . When last did you actually eat ? It's been three years , and you still skip every meal and then forget you skipped them . " " At this rate , you'll be dead and you won't be able to stop me from getting back with Cameron . " I grumble beneath my breath , brushing past him to the stairs . AD