Chapter 8: Enrico's Fatherly instinct

Kiara's POV

He grabbed one of them and gave it to Enrico. He was hesitant, but his brother's words are like a law for him. The four of them hold the twins in their hands.

Viciel is a strong kid, and he gently holds one of his cousins. I remember those times when I was still in the province.

I remember how I took care of my younger siblings as we all walked on the beach. After I graduated high school, my parents sent me to the capital to study.

After graduating from college, I worked hard and started supporting them by sending them money. One of the kids cried.

I looked at them. It was the baby that Enrico was holding. I stand up and grab the baby in his hands.

I think he is hungry. I turn around and drag my sleeve down. I feed him and dance with him as well. I've been able to cope with this, and it's not really that bad.

It's just tiring because I need to wake up every night to check on them, especially when they cry. I've been having sleepless nights and post-partum depression as well.

"What are their names?" the emperor asks. I turn around and face them. It's been two weeks, but I haven't named them. I forgot!

"I just forgot," I answered.

Their jaws dropped after they heard what I said. I forgot, and because I've been doing some research, that's why I didn't pay attention to that. Did they register their children's identities here? What kind of process should I follow?

"They're royal children and should be registered with the royal registry. They have different powers based on their eye colors. You should base their name on that," the empress suggested. I sat down and looked at my son, whom I was feeding. His eyes were crimson.

"This baby will be named Crimson because he has red eyes. The one who has gray eyes will be named Grayson. The one who has blue eyes will be Diamond, and lastly, Arden," I stated.

They all nodded, and I think the emperor and empress were surprised at how quickly I gave those names. I simply smiled and acted like it was nothing.

After feeding Crimson, I put him down on the bed and kissed his forehead. I thought I would hate the fact that I became an instant mother, but I was wrong.

How can I hate these cute kids? I have been given the chance to live, and I will take this as seriously as possible.

"We have to go now. Viciel, honey, don't be a naughty kid while you're here, okay? Promise me that? the empress says. He nodded.

"Son, in a week, we will come here and take you home. Don't give them a headache, okay? the emperor says. Viciel hugged them.

"Don't worry, royal mother, royal father. I will never be a problem for Uncle and Auntie. I'll see you in a week," Viciel says. I ask the maid to take care of the kids because we have to send them out.

I bow my head as soon as they start getting into their carriages. Viciel waves at them as they leave the palace. Viciel grabs my hand and looks at me.

"Can we bring my cousins here in the garden, Auntie Kiara? I'm sure they will like it here. The wind is not that cold at this hour," he requested.

I crouch down and lift him up. I carried him as we got back inside the palace. I ignored my husband, who is still standing there.

I don't care if he leaves and meets up with his beloved Kate in town. We already signed a contract, and if he tried to defy those conditions, he knew what would happen to her. I was startled when Enrico grabbed my shoulder. I turn around.

"Viciel, can you go inside first? I need to speak with your auntie."

Enrico's POV

She sat my nephew down and glanced at him, and he bolted. As he hurried up the stairs, his personal maid trailed behind him.

I snatched her wrist and dragged her into my office. I shut the door. I need to make my own rules, or I'll lose this game and she'll laugh at me.

"Let's have a deal," I remark. She scoffs and glares at me.

"I will never enter into a deal with you, no matter what you do. You really think you can just outsmart me like you always do? Fuck you!" she cursed.

Kiara had never cursed, and yet she appears to be the polar opposite of who she once was. She looks at me, and I never expect such cold and menacing glances from her.

"You let her bully me. Kate even lives with us. I don't care how many times you've fucked her. If she gets pregnant, that's her problem. Your child with her will always be illegitimate. You will never win against me, my lord. I will make sure of that," Kiara asserted.

I can't beat her up enough for her to give up because of the contract that we have. If I tried to hurt her, it would only cause problems for me and Kate.

I don't want that to happen. My palm turns into a fist, and I end up punching the wall three times.

My fist starts to bleed, and she suddenly holds my hand and looks at it, wearing that teasing smirk on her lips.

"This is the start of hell, Lord Enrico. If you think that I will always stay the same, you're wrong. You two have taught me something that I should've had. If I want to survive, I have to be ruthless as well," she added.

She walks away, and I didn't get the chance to turn the table in my favor. What should I do? How can I manipulate Kiara like I did?

How can I save my beloved Kate? I have to make sure that I will cast her away, and I don't care what will happen to her!

For the next few days, she will be busy taking care of the quadruplets and being a mother to my nephew as well. She played with him and took care of Viciel's needs.

He even bathes him and feeds him. He was being pampered by his aunt-in-law. I just watch her actions, and her soft side appears whenever she's talking with Viciel.

She also shows her maternal side with Viciel. She can also match my nephew's energy. She dances with him, and Eve creates a flower crown for Viciel.

She is always with the kids, and even though she frequently had restless nights, she managed to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother, aunt, and duchess.