PART 34.
Hades' POV
I was about to leave the mall when I noticed something on the 3rd floor. I quickly glanced in that direction, even though it was quite far, but my heart was absolutely certain that it was her. Instead of exiting the mall, I decided to go back upstairs. I ran up the escalator, politely excusing myself as there were many people on board. Until I finally reached the third floor, and my heart pounded even harder. I couldn't fully comprehend it, but I had a strong feeling that it was indeed Xyrel. I couldn't afford to be wrong.
"Sh*t! Where is she?!" I muttered, scanning the hallway as I ran. The crowd was overwhelming, and I felt a bit dizzy. But I couldn't give up. I shouldn't give up. I needed to find her. Damn!
I wandered around the entire 3rd floor until I spotted her on the ground floor. I stared at her for a few seconds before I rushed downstairs to the ground floor. I pushed through the people blocking my way, not caring about anything else. God, I missed her so bad!
"Xyrel..." I called out her name, and she was startled to see me.
"Mommy..." called out a child who appeared to be around 2 or 3 years old. As soon as I laid eyes on the child, I immediately felt an intense recognition and love. Just by looking at him, I was sure he was mine. He's my kid... He's my son... I can feel it. I immediately approached my son, knelt down to his level, and hugged him tightly. I couldn't comprehend all the emotions I was experiencing. It felt like all those years I spent alone, lonely, longing, and devastated had been erased in an instant. I love her. I truly love her so much. She's made my life complete. If it's not her, then I'd rather not live.
"Mommy," my child said, looking up at Xyrel. I released the hug and stood up to face her.
"I know he's my son. Why did you hide him from me?!" I demanded, my voice filled with frustration and longing. Xyrel hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
"He's not your son," she uttered, her words piercing through my heart. I couldn't bring myself to believe her, but the pain of her statement weighed heavily on me. Despite that, they left me with that Korean guy, and I couldn't simply let it go. Determined not to lose sight of them again, I followed them until they reached their apartment. I even tried to persuade her to talk with me, but she chose not to engage. Respecting her decision, I couldn't bring myself to leave. Instead, I waited outside, even sleeping there, fearful of losing them once more. I was willing to do anything to avoid experiencing the torment of being without them again.
"Bro, you stink," Tyler told me, covering his nose as I arrived at the hotel near the meeting we had to attend. "Why do you look like that?" he asked, utterly confused while continuing to cover his nose. He handed me the suit.
"Long story," I simply told him as I walked towards the bathroom.
"Where have you been anyway? You told me to cook for you, but you didn't arrive at our hotel yesterday," he complained loudly. I briefly turned around to face him.
"I found her," was my simple reply before I entered the bathroom, indulging myself in a warm bath.
When I was done and got out of my bath, he showered me with questions. "How did you find her? Where? How is she? God, we've been searching for her for almost two years, and she's here? In Korea? Can I see her? Where does she live, by the way?"
"Calm down, we need to close this deal first." I told him and he shut his mouth up.
After that, we went about our business endeavors, but unfortunately, we didn't secure the deal, adding to my frustrations.
"Bro, go back to the hotel first," I told him, leaving him behind before he could even speak. I hurriedly left the building, desperately hailing taxis and calling out for any available ones. Finally, as one pulled over, I quickly gave them Xyrel's address, gripped by the fear of not seeing her and Walter again. Arriving at the destination, I promptly paid the taxi fare and dashed towards the apartment complex, pressing the button to their room. Xyrel opened the door, her expression filled with a mix of emotions I couldn't quite comprehend, but tears were streaming down her face. Without hesitation, I reached out and held her shoulder, offering whatever comfort I could as my own heart ached seeing her cry before me.
"What's the matter? What's wrong, Xy?" I asked, my confusion evident, but she continued to cry uncontrollably, unable to speak. I embraced her tightly, gently patting her back, providing solace in the best way I knew how. Minutes passed in the embrace before she finally found her voice.
"Walter..." she began, her voice trembling.
"Yes, what happened to him?" I held her shoulder firmly, my concern growing as she kept her gaze downcast, tears still flowing.
"He's in the hospital right now, and they told me he has dengue fever and needs a blood transfusion. Hades... I can't bear the thought of losing Walter. Please, help me..." she sobbed, and I held her even closer, tears welling up in my own eyes.
"You are a wonderful mother, Xy. You couldn't have known. We'll do everything we can for Walter. You're not alone in this," I assured her, my voice filled with empathy. She continued to cry, blaming herself for not recognizing Walter's pain. I did my best to console her, offering words of comfort and reassurance.
After a few minutes, she composed herself enough to tell me that she needed to pack Walter's belongings, which was the reason she had come to the apartment. She also mentioned that the Korean guy I had encountered yesterday was the one with Walter at the hospital right now. With heavy hearts, we set about packing, supporting each other through the emotional process, and determined to do whatever it took to help Walter and offer the support Xyrel needed during this difficult time.
When we finished packing, we rushed to the hospital, and the events that unfolded seemed like a scene from a fast-forward film. The doctor informed us that Walter had a rare blood type, and the hospital did not have any available. However, there was a glimmer of hope. Miraculously, Walter and I shared the same blood type. Without a moment's hesitation, I offered to donate my blood for the transfusion.
The medical team quickly prepared for the procedure, and I was taken to a separate room for the blood donation. As I sat there, the gravity of the situation sank in. I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and determination. My mind was filled with thoughts of Walter's well-being and the importance of this life-saving procedure.
Minutes later, the transfusion began. As my blood flowed into Walter's veins, a sense of relief washed over me. I held Xyrel's hand tightly, providing her with strength and support as we anxiously watched over our beloved son.
Time seemed to stretch as we waited for any signs of improvement. And finally, we received the news we had been desperately hoping for—Walter's condition stabilized. The transfusion had been successful, and his body was responding positively.
Tears of relief streamed down our faces as we embraced each other, grateful for this small victory amidst the turmoil. Our focus now shifted to Walter's recovery and providing him with the care and love he needed.
In the days that followed, we remained by Walter's side, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Xyrel showed immense strength and resilience as she tirelessly cared for our son. Together, we navigated the ups and downs of his recovery journey, cherishing every small sign of progress.
Through it all, our bond as a family grew stronger. We realized the depths of our love and the lengths we were willing to go to protect and nurture our child. Walter's health became our top priority, and we were determined to provide him with the best possible care.
As we continued to witness Walter's gradual improvement, hope blossomed within us. Though challenges still lay ahead, we faced them with renewed determination and a newfound appreciation for the fragility and resilience of life.
"You can no longer hide the truth from me," I told Xyrel as we made our way back to her apartment, the weight of the unspoken truth hanging heavily in the air.
"I'm sorry I lied to you," she responded, her voice weak and filled with exhaustion from the continuous care she had provided for our child during his recovery. Despite my insistence that she rest, she had refused to take a moment for herself.
"It's okay," I replied gently, understanding that she wasn't ready to reveal the reasons behind her deception. I didn't press further, choosing instead to focus on the fact that our son was now safe and healthy.
As we arrived at her apartment, Xyrel began to introduce me to our son, Walter, who was now sitting on the sofa. She spoke hesitantly, her voice filled with a mix of emotions.
"Walter... He's your dad," she told him, and my heart skipped a beat. Walter looked at me, his eyes filled with curiosity, and then he slowly nodded, a smile gracing his face.
"I know, Mom," he said in a surprisingly mature tone. "I can see the resemblance, so I figured it out." His words left me speechless. He was only three years old, yet he possessed a wisdom beyond his years. Overwhelmed with emotions, I pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Can I be your father?" I asked, seeking his approval, and I saw him nod as I held him close.
"Of course, Daddy. I've been waiting for you this whole time," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of joy and longing. His words pierced my heart, and tears welled up in my eyes, streaming down my face.
Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I wept alongside my son, our tears mingling as we embraced each other tightly. It was a moment of profound connection and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as a complete family.
As the tears flowed, a sense of overwhelming love and gratitude enveloped me. Our journey had been filled with challenges and uncertainties, but in that moment, everything felt right. We had found each other, and together, we would navigate life's joys and sorrows, cherishing the precious bond that had finally brought us together.
//////////////////////////////
"Daddy, can you fix this for me?" Walter asked as his Lego creation broke. I smiled and nodded, taking his toy and repairing it.
"Have you been a good boy to Mommy while Daddy was away?" I asked him as I fixed his toy. It had already been a week, and I had chosen to prolong my stay with my family, not wanting to leave them so soon.
"Yes, Daddy! I've been a good boy!" he proudly replied, making his mom sitting in the living room laugh.
"No, you haven't. You've been so naughty with Mommy," Xyrel teased our son.
"I was just playing with you, Mommy," he cheekily responded.
"Okay, since you've been a good boy, what reward do you want?" I asked him gently. He pondered for a few minutes before answering.
"I want you to kiss Mommy, Daddy!" he said with a wide grin. Xyrel playfully rolled her eyes and moved away from the sofa.
"Okay, but you have to close your eyes," I told Walter, and he obediently scrunched up his face.
"Okay, okay. I will now kiss Mommy," I quickly corrected myself, seeing his sudden disappointment. Xyrel shot me a playful glare that I simply laughed off and nodded. I approached her, and her cheeks turned slightly pink as I smiled widely and planted a kiss on them.
"Okay, now, little buddy?"
"Yes, Daddy!" he exclaimed, jumping up and hugging me tightly.
"Please, Daddy, stay with us, okay?" he pleaded while holding onto me. I hugged him back as tightly as I could.
"Yes, little buddy. Daddy will stay with you and Mommy," I assured him. I noticed Xyrel's surprise, her eyes widening as she looked at me.
"Now, let's take a bath," I said, lifting Walter and carrying him to the bathroom. Xyrel followed us.
"Do you know how?" she asked, almost unable to believe it.
"Xy, it's as easy as counting numbers," I boasted, making her laugh and shake her head.
"Okay, you say so. You don't need my help?" she offered, and I shrugged.
"Nah, I can handle it."
////////_a few moments later_///////////
"Xyreeeeeeeel!" I shouted.
"Why?" she replied nonchalantly, arms crossed.
"I need help," I pleaded, making a puppy face at her. I was completely drenched, and Walter was being so playful during bath time. I had to admit, I was struggling to bathe him.
"I thought you don't need my help?" she said sarcastically.
"I need you..." I said, trying to sound as adorable as possible to win her sympathy.
"Alright, alright!" she finally relented and took over.
She quickly finished bathing Walter, and he was now fast asleep. I couldn't help but keep looking at my son as he peacefully slept in his bed.
"Aren't you going to sleep?" Xyrel asked, and I turned to face her. I took hold of her arm and pulled her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her waist.
"I'm so happy that I finally found you. Not just you, but Walter as well. I'm so glad to have both of you," I told her as I nuzzled my face against her neck. I loved her scent so much. How I had missed it.
"Mmm," she murmured, nodding. "Come on, let's go to bed. It's been quite a day, and we need a good night's rest."
We both stood up and left Walter's room, making our way to our own. As we entered the room, I immediately grabbed her hand.
"Fûçk! I really miss you." As I pulled her closer towards me and gently kissed her soft lips. She smiled and return the favor. I bit her lips to gain access and she opened it gladly. My tongue roamed around her mouth as our tongue touched occasionally. I slid my hands inside her shirt and touched her blossoms. Shît! I feel like there's a hot magma inside of me that's about to blow off.
"Hades.." She móànéd my name so sexily and I can't help it but getting more excited. I slowly lead her to the bed and lay her there without breaking this passionate kiss. I took off her clothes and her brà. I grope her brèàst with my left hand as my right hand is finding its way 'there'. When my right hand reaches its destination, I touch it lightly and broke off the kiss then said these words,
"I love you.. And thank you for coming into my life.." I said it while looking intently and directly at her eyes. She teared up and hugged me tight.
"I love you too, so much... And I'm so sorry for leaving you behind.. I'm sorry for everything Hades. I'm sorry..." She told me while crying and hugging me tightly as I gently rubbed her back for comfort. 
"Shhh, you're here with me already. The most important thing in the world to me, is now right before my eyes. Just a little request from the woman who will bare my 13 kids, please don't leave me ever again." She laughed as per the mentioned of '13 kids' and nods happily.
"I won't leave you again, but I can't go back to the philippines yet." She announced with a sad expression.
"It's okay, I will stay here with you." I still don't know why she can't come back to our hometown yet, but I respect her decision of not telling me, that's why I decided to just stay here with her.
"But you still need to go back to the Philippines, Hades," she said, turning to face me directly.
"I don't want to go back there without my family," I told her firmly.
Her face saddened. "What about the Empire? Will you just let it fall into the wrong hands?"
"Alright," I sighed. "I will go back. But only if you can assure me one thing." I pleaded with her, looking into her eyes.
"Hmm, what is it?" she asked, hugging me tightly around the neck, which made me grin.
I bit my lip and held her waist. "I will provide you with a proper place to stay. No objections, no refusals. Take it or take it."
"Don't you like our current place?" she asked, confused.
"I just... want you guys to be safe and make sure you won't leave me again," I told her, expressing all the sadness I had felt since the day she left.
She tenderly touched my face. "I won't ever do that again. It will never happen," she said and planted a quick kiss on my lips.
"You won't get away tonight." As I lift her and lay her in the bed. She shouted lightly and her eyes widened. Fûçk! How I want her so bad!
"You ready?" I teased her.
"You bet!" she chuckled and playfully slapped my arm.
"You're in trouble now!" I exclaimed, and I planted a kiss on her lips. At first, she continued to laugh while we were kissing, but soon it escalated into a passionate display of our love.
"Hades.." She móánéd, and I couldn't help feeling the heat rising in my body.
I caressed her brèàst and played with her nîpplés. I leaned closer and kissed her neck, tàstîng it, sûçkíng it, and licking it. My lips slowly went down to her brèàst and I did the same. She can't help but keep on móànîng my name which creates a sensation in my system. I grope her brèàst for the last time before proceeding to the 'exciting' part. My hands slowly traveled to her 'cave' and as my hand touches 'it', she looks at me pleadingly.
"Ha... Hades..." Her eyes spoke as she called my name.
"Yes, baby??" I teased her with a wide smile in my face.
She glared at me, saying, "Don't leave me hanging!" while rolling her eyes. I burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying her irritated and anticipatory reaction.
"You missed me that much, yet you were able to bear being apart from me for too long?" I asked, crossing my arms.
She pouted, "I would if I could."
I raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification as her sentiment was a bit confusing to me.
"Just continue already," she pouted again, causing me to chuckle softly.
God, she looks so cute. I can't help it but fullfil her request. I leaned closer to her and kissed her as I started touching her 'there'. It was already 'wèt', and I smirked.
"I love you." As I inserted my finger and she móànèd loudly.
We were in that moment when my phone suddenly rang. I hesitated to answer it because we were having our time, but Xyrel told me to answer, so I did.
"Yes?" I answered, slightly irritated with the caller.
"Where are you, bro?! Are you coming to the hotel tonight?" Tyler sounded impatient.
"Just sleep, bro. I'm with my wife right now," I replied grumpily.
"Oops, I already knew that," he chuckled teasingly.
"You know what? We're in the middle of something right now. I'll get back to you tomorrow. Bye," I ended the call.
"Who was that?" Xyrel asked, furrowing her brow.
"Tyler. He's been waiting for me this whole time," I answered.
"Ah... Wait, why are you here in Korea? Don't tell me... to look for me?" She widened her eyes and even pointed at herself.
"We're here to meet with business associates. And... yeah, my second intention was to look for you."
"Aww, do you love me that much?" she said, sounding delighted as she hugged me tightly.
"Of course! What do you think?" I replied, as if saying, 'Isn't it obvious?'
She pouted, "I'm so grateful to have you."
"Likewise..." And we shared another passionate kiss.
//////////////
Today, Xyrel and I decided to spend the day with Nate at the park. We brought a picnic blanket, sandwiches, and some toys for our son to play with. As soon as we arrived, Nate ran towards the playground and started playing on the slide and swings.
"Be careful, Walter!" Xyrel called out, watching him play.
"I think he'll be okay. He's a big boy now," I replied with a smile and guided her to sit down on the mat we had prepared.
Xyrel and I sat on the blanket and enjoyed the sandwiches she had made while watching Nate play.
"Mommy, look at me!" Nate shouted, climbing up the ladder to the slide.
"Wow, you're doing great, Walter!" she cheered.
After finishing our little snack, we joined Nate on the playground and played hide-and-seek and tag with him.
"Gotcha, Daddy!" Nate giggled as he tagged me.
"You're too fast for me, Nate!" I laughed, pretending to be out of breath.
As the day went on, we explored the park together, pointing out different trees, flowers, and animals.
"Look, a bunny!" Nate exclaimed, pointing to a small rabbit hopping nearby.
"That's right, Nate. It's a bunny," Xyrel replied, smiling at our son's excitement.
Towards the end of the day, we found a quiet spot under a big tree and lay down on the blanket together.
"This is nice, isn't it?" I said, looking up at the leaves swaying in the breeze.
"It's perfect," Xyrel agreed, snuggling up to Nate.
"Mommy, Daddy, can we do this again tomorrow?" Nate asked, yawning.
"Of course, buddy. We can come back whenever you want," I replied, ruffling Nate's hair.
As we packed up our things and headed back home, Xyrel and I felt grateful for the quality time we had spent together as a family.
"I love you guys," Xyrel said, holding Nate's hand.
"I love you too," I replied, putting my arm around her shoulder.
"I love you the most!" Nate exclaimed, grinning up at us.
We all laughed, feeling happy and content as we walked back to the car. Today was the best day I had ever experienced. I didn't know that this simple gathering and quality time would mean so much to me. I silently hoped that this day would never end.
As I got into the car, my phone rang. I looked at Xyrel and she nodded, giving me the approval to answer Tyler's call.
"What is it?"
"We need to go home. Something happened to Grandpa."