~26~

"Our biggest asset is time. Yet, we waste it on regrets. Here's to living a life worth each moment!"

***

"Shepp did an amazing job today. It looked as if he was really hurting. What an actor!" The director complimented.

Yeah, he was hurting, having lost his girlfriend for almost two months, and they couldn't find how and why she had died. Lynn was slowly dying inside; work was the only thing he could do to keep himself busy and not think about her.

"Shepp, since we finish early and the other actors are also here. Do you want to shoot the second scene? Would that be okay with you?"

"It's fine, well, I don't have anything going on this afternoon," Lynn gave him a faint smile.

"That's my man! We're resuming in thirty minutes."

~~~

"Why? Why did you do it?" Lynn's character asked, a pistol in his hand, his clothes drenched in blood. "What did she do to you?" He lifted the gun pointed at the other actor, his hand quivering in the process.

"She was pretty. It's a shame; I should have kept her around," the man said as he threw pictures of the girlfriend at him as he had a habit of taking pictures of his victims before killing them.

Lynn bent down and picked up one of the photos and gasped at the sight. He shut his eyes, trying to fight the tears. She looked cold. The camera zoom in on Lynn, focusing on his expressions.

"You know, it pissed me off that she didn't beg me for her life but was afraid that you would be sad because of her death," the villain laughed, "Ridiculous! But I am not loving the way you're looking right now," he frowned, thinking for a moment. "I shouldn't have killed her."

"Sofia," Lynn whispered as he went down on his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. "Ah!" He roared, not able to contain his emotions any longer. "You should have killed me," he said, gripping the picture tightly.

"No!" He smiled. "Because the one I want isn't her, but you. It has always been you."

Huh! "Cut!" The director yelled.

"What's wrong?"

"When did the plot change?"

"I forgot the next line," the actor admitted.

"You should have asked for a timeout. Shepp had put so much effort into this scene. You're—"

"Director, it's fine. We can do it again."

"No, this story is good," Cyrus said, as Louise had made him accompanied Lynn to the set. "You could use this as a plot twist, or do you guys already have a mind-blowing one?"

"Who are you?"

"I'm Lynn's nephew."

"Not yet," Lynn glared at him. "My niece's fiance. She invested in the movie."

"Alright, I'll talk to the writer, " the director agreed. "Alright, it's a wrap for today, guys."

"Don't sweat what just happened," Lynn told the other actor. "You did me a huge favor."

~~~

"Uncle, what did you mean?"

"I am only six years older than you—those scenes reminded me of her. We were going to get married in a year. We've met each other's parents, and I proposed to her in Colombia."

"Was her relationship with her family alright?"

"Isabella's relationship with her family was pretty good. She worked so hard to provide for her family."

"Was she happy?"

"She was! I don't think she'd take her own life. Isabella wouldn't."

"How are you sure?"

"She was eight months pregnant!" He whispered, "Isabella was so excited to have our baby—who's now without a mother."

"This is getting out of hand. First, you guys suspected me of sending people to kill Diane, now my girlfriend supposedly committed suicide, admitting that she was the one who sent people to kill my niece. Does that even make sense?"

"It's all bullshit if you ask me."

~~~

"Darling, come help; I have a baby running around here," Louise yelled through the kitchen. Since her stomach had started to show, they had decided to go with the wedding before she gave birth.

"Baby?" Cyrus panicked, "Wait, let me call Kate? Wait, no, let me pack the things first—"

"Hey! I am talking about that little guy behind you. What's wrong with you? I am five months pregnant."

Huh! How cute! An adorable little guy stood behind the chair, sucking on his thumb.

"Come here," Cyrus slowly stretched out his arm to him. "It's okay."

"Dada?" The baby boy came out behind the chair, gesturing for Cyrus to pick him up. "Dada?"

"Who's baby is this?" Cyrus asked, playing with the little guy's cheeks.

"Mine!" Louise answered.

"Yours?"

"His parents sold him—gave him to me."

"This adorable little one? Ah! Why?" Cyrus frowned, "You're so cute."

"I went to buy some baby products when I met this couple. I gave them four hundred because they were asking for money to feed their baby. They told me if I gave them a few more, they would give me the baby."

"Just like that?"

"I told them it was okay and gave them three hundred more, but they insisted on me having the baby," Louise was furious, "They wanted to get rid of him so badly."

"They probably couldn't afford to keep him," Cyrus defended. What horrible parents you had! How can they abandon such cute cinnamon like you?

"I don't think so. They didn't want him. But that's fine. I want him."

"So—?"

"I gave them five thousand more..."

"Wait, you gave them—my dear Cahir, why?"

"To get their signatures so I could notarize some papers. I had to make sure that they wouldn't come back for the baby. So, I had them signed some papers," Louise explained.

"Oh," Cyrus nodded, "But what if they change their minds and come back for him?"

"Impossible! I am not giving him back. Look at him. They neglected him. They can't have this precious back. I signed, they signed. Close."

"Wow!"

"Is it because I am about to become a mother?"

"Nope. It's who you are. Compassionate."

"Ugh! He just looked so adorable I couldn't resist."

"Poor little guy. What's his name?"

"Miles."

"I was looking for names to give to our sons. I've got a few. Let's choose one for him," Cyrus said, handing Louise a small notebook from his pocket.

"You're into this," Louise smiled. "Let's see. We got Doron, Dorek, Ace, Asier, Avisha, Asher, Yanis—I like them, but not Dorek."

"I like Ace, Asier, Avisha, Asher, and Yanis. What do you think?"

"I highlighted those," Cyrus grinned. "How about Asier Miles?"

"It's a good name."

"Asier Miles Larson."

"Hey!" Louise protested, "Why does he get to have your last name?"

"He'll have both—all our children can have your last name too," said Cyrus.

"That's not necessary—"

"It's okay!"

~~~

"Dada."

"Mmh!"

"Why does it look like he likes you more than me?" Louise said, feeling jealous.

"I don't know. Why? You're jealous?"

"Can't I?" Louise asked, picking Asier up. "Asier, say mama."

"Dada, dada," he said, clapping his hands and crawled onto Cyrus's lap.

"Don't be mad," Cyrus said, gently pulling Louise's cheek.

"I am not mad. I am sad."

"Haha, it's okay. You got me," Cyrus comforted, kissing her on the cheek.

~~~

"Where's the little guy? Let me see him," Kate said, passing her baby and the gift she brought to Cyrus.

"Willa!"

"Robert, look at him. He's so cute. Oh, I want a son."

"Let's try for a son, then," Robert replied.

"Can we?"

"Mmh!"

~~~

"Who would have thought that you'll be married to my cousin," said Kate. "You're finally getting married. I am happy."

"I know! You and Cyrus are my serendipity."

"We're going to become family."

"You were always my family."

"No. Yes, I mean, but now, you're going to be my cousin."

"Oh!"

"It's great. It felt like you guys only met yesterday."

"Everything happened so fast and so unexpected."

"But, you guys are happy?"

"We are. Thank you," Louise said, her eyes tearing up.

"You should get pregnant more often. You're so emotional these days," Kate joked.

"Bad friend! But I love you."

"I'll never find another like you. I don't know God's plan; but, if we have another life. Let me always be your friend. I love you."

~~~

"We're still here," Robert said, placing his hand on Kate's cheek. "You love my cousin that much?"

"Huh, cousin? What are you talking about?"

"Louise's my cousin too—"

"Ah, I always forget. You guys aren't first cousins."

"First, second, third, we're still family," Robert said. "Answer my question."

"Baby, not here."

"Relax! Kate doesn't feel that way about me anymore—she never really did. We know each other since we were young," Louise said, trying to ease the tension. "She doesn't love me like that. You should know that better than anyone."

"I am sorry."

"How could you? We've been married for five years. You don't trust me at all? Do you?" Kate screamed as she angrily stormed out of the house.

"Go, go!

"I am sorry, guys!" Said Robert, "I am going now."

"Will they be okay?"

"That's a chance for them to try for that son," Louise grinned.

"I can't talk to you," Cyrus sighed.

~~~

"Come here, Asier," Louise said, "Let's see how this shirt will look on you." Asier shook his head and hugged his dad tighter. "Asier!"

"It's okay. Daddy will help. Don't be mad. He'll come around."

"He doesn't like me."

"Give him more time, Loulou. A little smile wouldn't kill. You're always showing him that stern face of yours."

"I get it. Stop scolding me, already," Louise pouted. "You're so likable. I am envious."

"Ease! How does he look?" Cyrus asked, "He's handsome, isn't he?"

"Il est beau—" (He's handsome).

"Cahir!" Someone shouted. "Sei davvero tu! Bambina, dove sei stato? Non hai mai chiamato. (It's you! Child, where have you been? You never called).

'Ah, why am I so unfortunate lately? 'Why do I have to meet them here out of all places?'

"Zio, come stai?" Louise turned to the man and smiled. "Sono stato impegnato con il Lavoro, Ecco perché nonho visitato." (Uncle, how are you? I have been busy with work recently, that's why I haven't visited).

The man looked at Asier and smiled, "Vedo. Chi è questa persona?" (I see. Who is this person)?

"Il mio fidanzato." (My fiance).

"Hello," He said, stretching his hand out to Cyrus, "I am Piero. Nice to meet you. You got yourself a good woman."

"Nice to meet you," Cyrus shook Piero's hand, "I know."

"When did you get married?" Gabe asked. "You have a child too?"

"Silenzioso! Stupido Ragazzo," Piero glared at his son. "I am leaving tomorrow. Come visit—" (Quiet! Foolish boy!)

"Zio, I sent you a wedding invitation."

"When are you getting married?"

"Two weeks!"

"I will extend my stay then. I don't want to miss my niece's wedding," Piero smiled.

"Vorrei che tu fossi mia nuora, purtroppo, Mio ​​Figlio sciocco nonsapeva come fare Tesoro di una brava donna," he patted Louise's hand. (I wish you were my daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, my foolish son did not know how to treasure a good woman).

"Zio—"

"Alright, it was nice seeing you, Bambina."

~~~

"Your father likes your ex-girlfriend more than me, "Lana complained.

"Cahir was my girlfriend for three years. You and I just started dating. And, she was my father's student before I met her," Gabe explained.

"Your dad doesn't like me. I am not Italian."

"Cahir's not Italian. You've met my step-mother and my half-siblings, so, what nonsense are you spouting?"

"Well, she speaks Italian—"

"Oh, Lana! Stop, please. Let me tell you something. I've dated many Italian women before, and my father disapproved. Don't make this about nationality, alright. It's about demeanors, personalities, and everything else. Don't be such a spoiled princess, and my father will absolutely adore you."

"Oh, why did I bet to sleep with her? Foolish me. Some fucker's going to marry her," Gabe whispered to himself.

"What did you say?" Asked a confused Lana.

"Nothing!"

~~~

"Sue!" Gabe ran after Louise.

"Who is he?" Cyrus asked.

"Ex-boyfriend."

"What does he want?" Cyrus asked, raising his brows in question.

"Aww, ask him when he gets here. Why? Are you jealous?" Louise teased.

"Don't push it!"

~~~

"Sue! Can I talk to you for a second?"

"What do you want?"

"We aren't enemies. We can talk even if we're not together anymore," Gabe smiled.

"We can, but my son is sleeping and—"

"Asier's fine. You can talk to him for a while," Cyrus said.

"Are you sure?"

"I trust you," he smiled. "Don't let my wife stand for too long. Call me when you finish. I'll pick you up."

~~~

"I am sorry," Gabe said.

"What are you apologizing for?" Louise scoffed. "You took my feelings for granted."

"I know. What I did was wrong, but I had real feelings for you. You know that. I know we can't go back to the way we were before. I am not asking you to take me back. I regret hurting you, but I know you don't love me anymore. Your heart changed long ago."

"But, you and I were friends before. My family likes you, especially Papà. I don't want us to be awkward when we meet each other. I can even kneel to apologize to you. I regret it, Sue."

"You hurt me a lot," Louise whispered. "I loved you. Even though you hurt me, I decided to let things go. We were young and foolish. Maybe we were better as friends."

"I don't hold any grudges. Rest assured. Do come to my wedding if you're not going to feel uncomfortable," Louise smiled.

"I am sorry," Gabe said, keeping his head down. "I wish we didn't break up that way."

"Our decisions. Our choices. We can't change it. Well, I am sorry about your car."

"My car?"

"I smashed the windshield."

"I know," Gabe laughed. "You look beautiful. Congratulations on your wedding."

"Thanks!"

~~~

"What?"

"What can't you do?" Cyrus asked after staring at Louise for a while.

"I can't dance."

"When it comes to you, seeing is believing," Cyrus sighed.

"Look, I can't come to you and say, 'I speak Italian, I speak French, I speak Spanish, this and that.' How would I sound?"

"You speak Spanish?"

"Oh, that was an example—Well, I just speak a little bit of what I know like Italian."

"You sounded fluent."

"Well, I lived in Italy for five years."

"Didn't you study in France?"

"I got kicked out," Louise said in discomfort.

"Why?" Cyrus sat up, "That's—"

"I—I gambled."

"You what? You lost a lot of money?"

"I watched my friends played. But, the day I decided to play, my grandparents found out.

Cyrus laughed, "How unlucky!"

"I know. My grandparents sent me to live with my aunt in Milan. That's how I met Piero and Gabe."

"It's in the past," Cyrus said, pushing some hair out of Louise's face. "I know you and his father are very close, but I don't mind it. I trust you. I trust in your love for me."

"Thank you for understanding."

"My woman is beautiful in and out. It's hard to resist," Cyrus said, kissing Louis's nose.

"Eh," Louise blushed.

"Your neck is so pretty," Cyrus commented as he planted a kiss on her neck. "Today, I want to do something—"

"What are you doing?" Louise moved back. "It's not like you."

"No? Consider it me having an off day," Cyrus whispered and bit her ear seductively. "You should get pregnant more often. I like you being shy like this," he said, carrying Louise to the bedroom.

"Cyr, am I not heavy?"

"Surprisingly, no."

~~~

"Are you still keeping an eye on your uncle?"

"Yes, things got weird lately. Why would Isabella want to kill Diane? It doesn't make sense. It's more than that."

"I think so too, but we haven't found any useful clues at all."

"I trust my uncle; it's just that things have gotten too out of hand lately. I have to be cautious without alerting the real culprit."