Chapter 149 - Peace Offering

He could hear the sound of the ocean. Water splashes on the big boulders to the seashore. Sun was bright and prickling hot. It's been a while since he's been at the beach. Alexander loved her smile. It was graceful… elegant… perfect. Back there, the time that he fell in love with his wife, he described different beautiful phrases. This time, he described her as the ocean and a beach with white sand. 

Although he knew that she wouldn't love him the same, he still wanted to risk a little. He remembered that his wife seemed to be telling him to love again and go on with his wife. Protect their son and give him a good life. He had done it. He gave their son a good life. However, he never fell in love. He almost couldn't go on with his life. He was ready to give up since he had given it back to Alessandro. But one thing kept him. A promise to his friend. To protect Karmina and Keira. After all, it started because Alessandro met that woman, Wendy. 

"What's wrong?" Karmina asked as she prepared the sauce for their barbecue on the porch. 

"Nothing." He smiled. "I just realized that you looked younger than your age." 

Karmina laughed and shook her head. 

"You've been so busy to even realize small details." She teased. "You are getting old, Alex." 

"Do I look so old?" he asked as he lifted his wine. 

"Just like your age," Karmina answered with a chuckle. 

"Oh, come on." Alex shook his head. "Try a little more." 

"You should go to a spa," Karmina said. "Do you want me to reserve a spa for you?" She asked. "I was going to this spa. From Sandro and Keira's friend, Zach Pattinson. They have great masseuses and masseurs. You should try some. They also have some facial massage that would lessen those wrinkles of yours." 

"Well, I should go there…" He nodded at her. 

"You have to take care of yourself. Your son was worried about you. Also, Keira." 

Alex didn't say a thing after that. All he wanted was to admire Karmina. It's part of relaxation after the mess he went through and attending multiple trials on the court about the settlement of lots of things about Margarette and those men who killed his wife and the bodyguard. 

"I am free for the whole week. You should join me with the spa and stuff." 

"Sure thing." She answered casually. She stopped and looked at the couple coming out from the sliding door. Johanna doesn't seem okay but Connor was there with her to cheer her up. She's been depressed since yesterday although they were here to cheer him up. 

Johanna was quiet and was always cuddled by Connor. Alessandro thought that they are perfect for each other and it's not the first time that he saw Karmina caring toward his adopted child. Even back when their children were a young couple, she always snuggled to Johanna like a real daughter and always cared for her. 

"Is the beef ready?" He asked Karmina as he put away his wine and stood. 

"Yes," Karmina said. 

He checked the griller and separated the beef and the vegetable-based patties for their burger. He was good at grilling. He used to do it during Sunday Family time with his deceased wife and his son. His son doesn't bring girlfriends during Sunday since it's family time. He won't bring it unless it's the girl that he's so in love with. 

Another couple came out and went to the table to set up the vegetables that they are going to grill. They seemed to be talking over something serious. 

"We can't separate it from our room," Keira exclaimed. 

"Baby, we need some time alone," Alessandro said. 

"I thought you wanted a baby? Hey, for the first time that you take me. You said that you want a baby." 

"I changed my mind because you have to take the Golden Age~~" 

"Our baby won't sleep somewhere else but in our room, until he or she is one year old or two." She said firmly. 

Alessandro frowned and sighed. 

"Is it just me or are they discussing babies?" Alex whispered at Karmina who was grinning. 

"They plan to have a baby by next year right after the wedding," Mina said. 

"Do I even have a choice?" Alessandro asked his wife sarcastically. 

"You don't have a choice," Keira said and pushed the vegetables to him. "Grill it." She demanded. 

"Yes, boss." Alessandro took the tray and approached his father and Karmina. 

Alex laughed at his son. Although the two were too young, at the age of twenty-four, it's better to have kids at that age so they won't be so old when they send their children to college. 

"It's good to have kids around, son. Don't worry. I'll take care of your baby so you will have more time with your wife." 

"Seriously, dad. I already plan for the crib and so on and forth. She's excited about it too." Alessandro said. "But I am still worried though." 

They watched as Keira kicked off Connor telling him to help with the table and grilling. Connor pouted as he unwrapped his arms around Johanna who was sitting on the lounging chair. The two cuddled as they lay down and checked something on the tablet. Keira laughed at something as Johanna was smiling. 

"Well, at least she's smiling," Connor said. 

"I'll join them. You boys cook those. Alright?" Karmina said as she turned to the sink and washed her hands. 

"Yes, ma'am." The boys said at the same time. The maids came with cold cocktail drinks and she took three of them as she approached her daughters. 

<><><><> 

Harvey didn't want to go there because he just made his sister cry the night ago. But MJ insisted since he had to at least be there for his mother. The night before, he didn't explain to his fiancee why she shouldn't have asked about Hannah Grace. One thing was, the Charles Empire was still hunting for her. They know that she's still alive and all he did was cover it up like what her parents and their family friend did for her sake and everyone's sake. 

"Don't worry. It's just a barbecue dinner." MJ said while she's driving. "You have that peace offering?" 

"Yeah, I did as you say." 

"My love," MJ smiled. "It's for your family." 

"We need to make sure not to get too close to them. Although the Charles Empire lay low a little bit. They set up a golden price on top of her head." 

"Got it, love." MJ winked. 

Harvey looked at MJ's flat stomach. Although there's a small baby food bump, he wished that it was their baby. But would they be able to raise it in a normal place and normal life when he's still the assassin that the Charles Empire is after? 

"Before we have a baby, I have to end them," Harvey said as he reached her stomach and carefully caressed it. "So, no one would ever hurt you and my baby again." 

MJ smiled at him and reached his hand over her stomach. 

"Don't worry. I am not pregnant yet and we have a very long time." 

Harvey nodded as he looked at the driveway and the upcoming villa. The villa was only exclusive to the family and since they all thought that he was Keira's cousin, they didn't mind about him and MJ. He was disguised well and his data has been erased from them long ago. There is still a slim chance that they could dig into Panther. He always uses a mask to change a bit of his face for his safety and his team. Now, he must be more cautious of his beloved and family. 

"I'll start making a crib. What do you think?" 

"No." She shook her head. "When we confirm that I am pregnant you can start with that." She giggled and pulled his hand to her lips. 

"Alright baby." 

It was already dark and the private street lights were on, and it was like a fairytale in the driveway. The Butlers escorted them to the backyard where Keira was laughing aloud. Then, they stopped and looked at them. MJ waved and Karmina quickly approached them to greet them. Keira also stood and greeted them warmly. Then, Harvey gave her a box. She was puzzled a little bit, but Harvey approached Johanna and sat beside her. 

He loves Jo as his sister, and although he was selfish, he still cares for her. 

"For you." He extended the box, a little awkward, but she took it. 

"Thank you," Johanna mumbled and put it on her side. 

"I'm sorry." He patted her head. "Okay?" 

She only nodded at him. 

"Are we cool?" He asked again. She nodded without saying anything. "Give me a hug." 

Johanna hesitated for a while, but she turned to him and hugged his waist as she shoved her face to his left chest. Harvey hugged her back and patted her head carefully. 

"I'm sorry, Hannah. But you have to do this. We have to do this unless we want a peaceful life. This mess isn't just Keira but yours too." 

Johanna nodded and hugged him tightly. 

"And I love you, baby sister." 

She didn't respond to him, but she loved him too as her brother.