Attachment 410

The chapter opens with a warm and lively breakfast scene at Rowan’s kitchen, where the children are full of energy and joy despite having been “absolute terrors” the night before. The adults, still tired and recovering from the previous night’s chaos, watch the children with affection and amusement. Tessa then announces a generous gift: she and the others will take care of the kids for the day, giving the two couples, including the narrator and Abel, a much-needed break. The men react with a mix of exhaustion and delight, while the children remain happily in the care of their aunts and uncles.

Later, the narrator and Abel set out to spend the day together. Abel reveals that he has bought a yacht, partly influenced by the other men, but also as a practical way to shuttle the narrator between her two homes. They enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the water, arriving at Ylarc, where Abel surprises her with a new car. The drive into the forest feels familiar to Abel, though the narrator is unsure, and they venture deeper into a quiet, secluded area.

At a clearing beneath a large tree, the narrator shares a deeply personal moment with Abel. She explains that she had always told her mother she would introduce her to the person she would marry, but now it’s too late because they are already married. She then gestures toward two intertwined trees and a small stone marker, symbolizing a connection to her family. In a tender and quiet moment, she invites Abel to meet her parents, marking an important step in their relationship.

Chapter 410 Retroactive Promise

LUNA

Breakfast spread across the table was like a tranquil painting come to life. Rowan’s kitchen was bustling, the air thick with the sweet aroma of pancakes and sizzling eggs. The kids were bursting with energy, their laughter and chatter filling every corner of the room. It was honestly heartwarming to watch. Calla sat beside Jared, beaming with pride as she carefully fed him tiny pieces of fruit. Nearby, Jordan babbled animatedly to Snow, sharing secrets only the two of them seemed to understand. Snow’s giggles punctuated their conversation, making it clear that whatever Jordan was saying was deeply important in their little world.

The girls moved effortlessly around the kitchen, their camaraderie evident in every glance and gesture.

We all kept our voices low, mindful of the men who looked utterly drained. In fact, all three were still tucked away in their bedrooms, recovering from the chaos of the previous night.

When they eventually emerged and took in the serene scene before them, a collective sound of disbelief escaped their lips.

“The children,” Rowan muttered, rubbing his temples with a weary hand, “were absolute terrors last night.”

Cade gave a tired nod in agreement.

Abel slumped into a chair with a loud groan, his exhaustion obvious after a night filled with snoring and restless sleep.

I fought back a smile as we settled into our seats, enveloped in the warm, familiar chaos that only a big family could create.

Midway through the meal, Tessa tapped her fork against her glass, drawing everyone’s attention.

“As a gift,” she declared with a bright smile, “to the two couples who have worked so hard this past month, we’re taking care of the kids today.”

“What?” Rowan exclaimed so loudly that Jordan jumped in surprise.

I quickly covered my mouth to stifle the laugh bubbling up inside me, while Arden calmly took another bite of her pancake. Cade blinked, caught off guard. Abel and I exchanged knowing looks, fully aware of Tessa’s intentions.

She fixed her gaze on Rowan, her smile saying, Yes, you heard that right.

“We’ll handle them,” she confirmed with a slow nod. “You four deserve a break. Go somewhere, anywhere, just relax for the day.”

Rowan stared at her, horror flashing across his face.

Meanwhile, Cade’s lips curled into a smirk. Abel mirrored the expression. They looked like wolves who had just been handed victory on a silver platter.

“Thanks, man,” Cade said, clapping Rowan on the shoulder.

Abel chuckled softly and kissed Snow’s forehead. “Did you hear that, baby? Mommy and Daddy get a break today.”

A warm wave of affection washed over me. I wasn’t even worried — Snow adored her aunts and uncles. She practically considered Jordan her twin. I knew she’d be perfectly fine in their care.

After breakfast, we all pitched in to tidy up before heading upstairs to get ready. I pulled my hair into a neat ponytail and checked my bag one last time. Snow toddled behind me, clutching my leg every so often. When we brought her downstairs to join the others, she waved her chubby hand at me as if setting off on an exciting adventure.

Abel appeared behind me, his hand warm as it slid gently onto my waist.

—

2:54 pm

MIM

Chapter 410 Retroactive Promise

“Got any plans for today?” Abel asked softly. I pursed my lips, considering. There was one special place I’d been wanting to visit for quite some time.

Looking up at him, I said, “Actually, I do want to go somewhere.”

Without hesitation, he replied, “Let’s go.”

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his touch tender. “Anywhere you want.”

A smile slowly spread across my face.

“Okay,” I breathed.

We set off toward the lake, the late morning sun casting a golden glow over everything. As we neared the water, I suddenly stopped in my tracks, spotting something large floating on the surface. It wasn’t Rowan’s yacht — that much I could tell immediately. I turned to Abel, raising a curious brow.

“Abel.”

“Yeah?” he responded.

“Did the other boys pressure you into buying a yacht too?”

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. “Maybe a little.”

I crossed my arms, waiting for more.

He quickly added, “But I also wanted something that would make it easy to take you back and forth — between Ylarc and the West, your home here, your home there, and anywhere else you want to go.”

My arms relaxed, and my chest softened at his words.

“Oh.”

A small chuckle escaped me. “You’re the sweetest.”

He cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed by the compliment, and instead took my hand, leading me onto the yacht.

The boat glided smoothly across the shimmering water. Abel stayed close behind me the entire time, his arms wrapped around my waist, his chin resting gently on my shoulder.

In less than an hour, we arrived at Ylarc, docking with surprising ease. Abel hopped off first, extending his hand to help me down.

Then I noticed something else.

A car.

A brand-new car.

“You really went all out,” I said, impressed.

He shrugged, trying to appear casual. “Your home is my home, too.”

We climbed inside, Abel taking the wheel. One hand gripped it firmly while the other occasionally brushed my knee, as if he couldn’t bear to go ten seconds without touching me. I gave him directions, but as we drove, I realized something felt off.

“It’s been a long time since I visited here,” I murmured, gazing out at the lush greenery surrounding us.

Abel didn’t seem lost at all.

“Do you already know this road?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He didn’t bother hiding it. “Maybe.”

For a moment, I was puzzled but decided not to press him.

We drove deeper into the forest, the road narrowing and the world growing quieter with every mile.

Finally, I told him to stop.

—

He parked beneath the shade of a large tree, its leaves rustling softly above us. I stepped out, the grass soft under my feet, and walked a few steps ahead before turning back to face him.

Abel stood watching me with gentle curiosity, hands tucked into his pockets, sunlight catching in his eyes.

I met his gaze fully.

“I always told my mom,” I began quietly, “that I’d let her meet the one I would marry.”

My voice trembled slightly, but Abel remained still, giving me the space I needed.

“Well,” I exhaled, my breath shaky, “it’s too late now because we’re already married.”

A small laugh slipped from my lips.

I stepped aside, motioning toward the quiet clearing. Two trees stood there, their roots intertwined, with a small stone marker nestled between them.

I looked back at Abel.

“But Abel,” I whispered softly, “meet my parents.”

This chapter beautifully captures the tender balance between chaos and calm that defines family life. The morning scene, filled with laughter and the comforting buzz of shared responsibilities, contrasts poignantly with the exhaustion of the adults, highlighting the deep bonds and sacrifices woven through their daily lives. The gift of a break from parenting is not just a moment of rest but a recognition of their collective strength and love, underscoring the theme of support and unity.

As the story shifts to the intimate journey between Mim and Abel, the emotional depth deepens. Their quiet drive and arrival at a meaningful place reveal layers of vulnerability and commitment, culminating in Mim’s heartfelt introduction of Abel to her past through the symbolic meeting with her parents. This moment, tender and profound, emphasizes the merging of histories and futures, a promise that love carries forward despite the complexities of life.

The next chapter promises a tender exploration of Mim’s past and the deepening bond between her and Abel. As she introduces him to a place filled with personal significance, emotions are bound to surface, revealing layers of her history and the meaning behind the intertwined trees. Abel’s quiet curiosity hints at his desire to understand and support Mim fully, setting the stage for heartfelt moments that will strengthen their connection.

Yet beneath the calm, subtle tensions may arise as Mim confronts memories long held close, and Abel navigates the delicate balance of being both a husband and a newcomer to her world. The quiet clearing, with its symbolic trees and stone marker, suggests that this meeting is more than a simple introduction—it’s a step toward healing and acceptance. Readers can look forward to a chapter rich with emotional resonance and the gentle unfolding of trust between these two characters.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.