Her Return, His Regret

"Mommy, why don't we all sleep over at Daddy's place?" Ella asked while they were on their way back.

She looked at her brother for support and Ethan looked at Lora before saying, "Let's all sleep at Daddy's house tonight, Mommy. We will go back tomorrow."

Ryan and Lora had agreed that the children would sleep over that night. Having never stayed with kids before, Ryan hired four nannies and four personal nurses to help him take care of the children in case of anything. However, hearing the children's suggestion, he couldn't be more thrilled. It would be better if he learnt how to take care of the twins from Lora.

He also wanted her to sleep over at their mansion which had been unoccupied for years. Even though they didn't have wonderful memories in it, it was still their first property as a married couple.

Looking at Lora, he uttered, "I think you should listen to the kids and sleepover at the mansion. It's home anyway... I know we said we will wait but I think it's ok since we will be with the kids."

Lora bit her lower lip, knowing her mother wouldn't like this. She still didn't seem to want to warm up to Ryan.

Regardless, Lora couldn't say no to her kids. She smiled and nodded, "Ok. I'll sleep over too."

"Yes!" Ella and Ethan exclaimed.

They were going to spend the night together as a family! The twins couldn't wait for the experience.

Soon, they arrived at the mansion and when they entered, Lora gasped.

"You were right. It's still the same as it used to be," she remarked, looking around.

The walls had the same paintings that Lora had picked out back then. There was also a portrait from their secret civil wedding.

Lora arched an eyebrow knowing it was never there six years ago.

The tips of Ryan's ears turned pink as he said, "I thought the living room could use a picture of us."

Lora smiled. Her eyes fell on the vase on the coffee table. She had gotten that vase at a cheap store and people laughed at her for loving cheap things. However, she loved it because it was simple and didn't stand out too much. "You kept this too?" She remarked, her eyes softening.

"I didn't want to erase the only thing that reminded me of you," Ryan responded. "So I left this place untouched."

"Is this where we will stay forever and ever?" Ella asked and Ryan nodded.

"Yes, it is."

"I love it! It's so nice!" Ella squeaked before running around.

"Careful, princess," Ryan said before turning to look at Lora.

"Should I draw you a bath?" He offered.

Lora's cheeks turned pink.

She recalled something and said, "Oh no... I don't have clothes here."

"Who said you don't? You have plenty of clothes here because this is your home," Ryan replied. "You go up and freshen up as I watch the kids."

Lora nodded and went upstairs. She went to the master bedroom and when she opened the walk-in closet, her jaw dropped to the floor.

The wardrobe was full of new clothes that were her size. Ryan had even purchased lingerie for her.

When she saw the fluffy handcuffs in the drawer, Lora giggled. 'I never knew Ryan had this side to him.' She mused.

After choosing some simple pajamas, she went into the bathroom and soaked herself in a hot tub.

By the time Lora was done, she found Ryan and the twins already in bed.

She arched an eyebrow seeing them all looking fresh, dressed in matching pajamas. It seemed Ryan had prepared the kids for bed already. "What's going on here?" She asked.

"We are sleeping together as a family," Ella remarked. "We've left space for you, Mommy. Come and sleep."

Lora's heart fluttered.

She smiled and walked towards the bed before sliding into her side.

Ryan didn't have to use the kids to make them sleep together so Lora knew he genuinely wanted to sleep with them.

As they all settled in bed, Ella said, "This is the happiest day of our lives. We got to sleep as a family!"

"Yeah... it feels good," Ethan chipped in.

Lora and Ryan glanced at each other before they smiled, warmth flickering through their eyes.

...

At the same time, in another part of the city.

Diane Kingsley was seated at the club, chugging down tequila shots like she was in a drinking competition.

"Hey, give me two more shots please!" She requested when she downed one more.

The bartender shook his head and said, "Miss, you've had enough shots. You should go home-"

"Who said I had enough shots? The night is just getting started..." Diane responded, slurring.

She had pulled her hair into a ponytail and her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, making her look cute.

The bartender ignored her and Diane demanded, "Give me a shot for a million! I just want a shot!"

"I can give you shots and more, beautiful," a voice came from behind.

Diane turned her head around and squinted her eyes. When she saw that the man standing behind her looked like a thug, she spat, "Get lost!" The thug got angry.

He looked Diane over with a leering gaze as he said, "I was nice to you, but now I'm done being nice. You're coming with me tonight, my love."

Diane just scoffed and paid for her shots before getting to her feet. She didn't have time to entertain lunatics.

Although she was drunk, she was still aware of her surroundings. No one could take advantage of her.

However, just before she could walk away, the thug grabbed her hand and hissed, "I said you're going with me tonight."

Diane frowned and began to pull her hand away. "Let. Me. Go."

The thug laughed like a maniac.

"Aren't you tough? Fight me if you want me to let you go, hahaha-Ah!"

The man shrieked in pain like a baby before he let go of Diane.

Diane's eyes widened when she saw the man who had pulled the thug away from her. It was Aiden Davis and be was in a black leather jacket, a white polo shirt and jeans.

Aiden had twisted the thug's arm

before saying dangerously, "Next et

time, l'break your hand for

touching someone you're novel.f

supposed to. Now scram!"

Diane, in her drunken stupor, was in awe. Aiden really looked like Prince charming as he stopped the bad guy from harassing her.

"What's going on? What are you

doing here?" Aiden asked, arching an

eyebrow. His dimples flexed even

with his serious face, making him

look hot.

Diane staggered, her eyes seeing double.

"I came to drink because I met my ex. He was with his wife and they mocked me! Those betrayers!!!" Diane yelled.

Since she was drunk, she didn't really care about what she said.

Aiden arched an eyebrow. He recalled her words when he mentioned that she had not been hurt before and a frown crossed his face. Guilt filled him when he realised how harsh he had been. He shouldn't have judged her when he didn't really know anything about her.

He sighed and said, "I had a bad day too... but since it's not as bad as yours, I'll take you home. I'm a neighbour's keeper."