He Knows the Door to My Soul and Who Forgot to Novel 31

The narrator regrets not preparing properly before seeing the twins, Jane and Max, whose innocence contrasts with the heavy burden they carry. She lies about not seeing their father, Andrei, but warns the children to stay away from him if he appears, emphasizing the importance of their safety. The twins respond with a practiced caution, promising to shout “stranger danger” if anyone tries to take them, especially Andrei, who might try to separate them from their mother.

Max, despite being only four, shows a maturity and sense of responsibility beyond his years, reassuring his mother that he will protect them. This moment deeply touches the narrator, who reflects painfully on the absence of their father and the dangers they face. She tries to comfort them with promises of a peaceful morning and a special breakfast, masking her own fears with a smile.

After tucking the twins in, the narrator feels overwhelmed with guilt and anxiety about their precarious situation. She finds Damon, who shares her concern and guilt for pushing her into a risky situation. They acknowledge that the twins’ secret cannot remain hidden forever, especially now that her true identity is exposed.

Together, they decide to increase security to protect the twins from Andrei and Lilith, determined to keep their family safe despite the looming threats. The story captures the tension, protective instincts, and emotional weight carried by the narrator as she navigates the challenges ahead.

I should have expected this, and inwardly chided myself for not showering before seeing the twins. I had just been so excited to see them that it had slipped my mind.

“No, I didn’t see your dad,” I lied, hating how bitter it tasted on my tongue. “But…” I hesitated for a moment, then made a decision. I sat on the edge of Max’s bed and patted the spot beside me. “I need to talk to you two.”

Jane immediately scrambled onto my lap. Max scooched beside me, still twitching his nose, and looked up at me warily. I hated when he looked at me like that—no four year old should ever have a gaze so old and wise. It was always a reminder that maybe if things had been different, he wouldn’t have to look like that.

“You might come across a man named Andrei,” I said, choosing my words carefully.

“Andrei…” Jane said the name slowly, like she was tasting it. Just hearing her say her father’s name made my

chest clench.

I nodded. “Yes, and you should stay away from him if he comes,” I instructed them. “You know how we practiced not talking to strangers, and if anyone tells you that Mommy sent them to pick you up and take you somewhere

“Then we yell ‘stranger danger‘!” Jane and Max practically said in unison.

I couldn’t help but smile at that. “Good pups. Well, I want you to do it twice as much as with anyone else. Andrei might try to take you away from me and separate us forever, so I want you to be extra careful. Okay?”

The twins looked perturbed, especially Max. But when his sister finally bobbed her little head in agreement, he nodded as well.

I stuck my pinkies out, making them pinky promise. They obliged, and I tucked them both into their respective bunks.

བ་ ཁ

As I tucked Max in, however, he grabbed my hand and whispered, “Don’t worry, Mommy. I’ll protect us, just like always.”

My heart ached at his words. Just four years old, and already more responsible and dutiful than most adult males.

I hated that he felt the need to be like that. Maybe if his father had been in the picture…

But I pushed that notion away. If I hadn’t hidden the twins away, who knows what might have happened. Andrei might have taken them from me when he chose Lilith. Or Lilith might have done something a million times as bad -something that I didn’t even want to consider.

I forced a smile and kissed Max on his forehead. “Get some sleep, little knight,” I purred, brushing a strand of dark hair out of his eyes. “You can protect your kingdom in the morning, after you’ve had your breakfast.”

“Mommy… Can we have chocolate chip waffles for breakfast?” Jane murmured from the top bunk, already half- asleep.

I chuckled. “Sure we can. We’ll have a whole feast.

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Jane sighed dreamily, but Max’s knowing eyes followed me all the way to the door. And his wary gaze was the last thing I saw before I turned off the lamp and slipped out.

Once I was in the hallway, I stopped, placing my hand on my chest and breathing deeply. My heart was pounding, and a sense of guilt so heavy had come over me that I felt like I could hardly stand.

I found Damon in his study, sipping from a glass of wine in an armchair by the fireplace. He glanced up as I entered. “Wine?” he asked, sensing my frayed nerves.

I shook my head and practically collapsed into the armchair beside him. “I’m worried,” I admitted without preamble. “If Andrei didn’t believe me today… Hell, even if he did believe me, he’ll find out about the twins eventually. We can only keep them hidden for so long now that my real identity has gotten out.”

When I looked at Damon, he looked just as guilty as I felt. “This is my fault,” he sighed, setting aside his wine. “If I hadn’t pushed you to go to that summit-”

“You couldn’t have known. We spent five years doing this without a problem.” I gave Damon a meaningful look. ” But we need to act quickly.”

Damon nodded firmly. “We’ll increase security around the twins,” he said. “Whatever it takes to keep Andrei and Lilith from finding out the truth.”

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Chapter 32

The chapter closes on a tender yet tense note, capturing the deep love and fierce protectiveness the narrator feels for Jane and Max. Their innocent pinky promise and Max’s heartfelt vow to protect them both underscore the vulnerability of the children and the heavy burden placed on their young shoulders. Amidst the warmth of familial bonds, there is an undercurrent of fear and uncertainty, as the looming threat of Andrei and Lilith casts a shadow over their fragile peace.

At the same time, the narrator’s conversation with Damon reveals the weight of responsibility and the urgent need for vigilance. Their shared guilt and resolve to safeguard the twins highlight the themes of sacrifice, trust, and the unbreakable commitment to family. Though danger feels imminent, the chapter ends with a quiet determination to face whatever comes next—anchored by love, hope, and the promise of protection.

Tensions rise as the fragile peace around the twins begins to crack, and the weight of secrets threatens to unravel the careful balance they’ve maintained. The next chapter promises a deeper dive into the protective measures Damon and the narrator must take, highlighting the emotional toll of living in constant fear. The twins’ innocence stands in stark contrast to the looming dangers, making every moment of safety feel precarious and precious.

Expect the characters to grapple with their guilt and responsibility, as well as the haunting possibility that their hidden world may soon be exposed. The quiet strength of Max and Jane will be tested in new ways, and the shadows of Andrei and Lilith will grow darker, casting doubt and urgency over every decision. The emotional stakes will rise, leaving readers eager to see how far they will go to protect what matters most.

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.