Flash Marriage: In His Eyes-Chapter 313: Drama, Darling

–Damon–

We landed safely back in the Philippines. A helicopter was already waiting for us. Our bags were loaded at the back while I carried my son in my arms.

"Wook!" he exclaimed. "Tito!" He screamed out in excitement after spotting Caine.

Captain Caine handed him an exact replica of the helicopter. Sky’s face lit up instantly. He looked so proud holding it. Once we were settled inside—with Damien acting as co-pilot—Sky clapped his hands.

"Wow!" he shouted, wearing his headset with the tiny microphone.

"I bet the twins would love an adventure like this too," Livana said.

"We’ll set that up later," Damien replied.

Logan and Jane sat with us at the back, Sky waving at Jane, showing the helicopter.

When we reached the mansion, Laura had set up a small tent in the garden for a little welcome party.

The twins burst out of the tent, jumping in excitement. Once we landed, they waited patiently beside their mother. Damien stepped out first, helped Livana down, then took Sky from me. He set him on the ground, and that little boy ran toward the twins. He tripped once. Then twice. But he stood up both times and kept running until he reached them, jumping with them in pure excitement.

I took my wife’s hand—she was still wearing that elegant hat—as we walked toward the tent. Livana hugged the twins, then her sister.

"Toys!" Sky exclaimed.

"Let’s head inside first," I told Laura.

We all went back in.

The living room was cool, the fan and AC running. The twins immediately raised their arms toward their father. Damien picked them both up and twirled them around, their laughter filling the room.

I slouched onto the bed.

I needed sleep. I was drained.

My wife sat beside me and gently caressed my hair. I shifted closer to her, watching my son.

"Let’s go upstairs. I’ll change Sky’s clothes," she said softly.

She patted me. I stood up and followed her. Livana held Sky’s hand as they walked upstairs. I picked him up and placed him over my shoulders. He giggled as we reached our bedroom.

My wife headed to the closet while I set Sky down. I removed my shirt and helped him undress.

"Bath-bath!" he ran toward the bathroom.

"Sky," I called. "Don’t run."

I followed him. He climbed into the empty bathtub.

"Stay there," I told him firmly as I removed my shoes and placed them neatly on the rack.

My wife was still preparing our clothes for the day.

"Bu-bowww." He pointed at his bubble bath bottle. "Bu-bowww," he insisted.

I closed the drain and turned on the warm water. He began playing with the stream as the tub slowly filled.

My phone rang.

The ringtone sounded urgent.

I hurried back to the bed where I had tossed it and answered.

"Hello?"

"I hate to ruin your party later, but I’m currently in England checking the manor with Sophia."

"Okay..."

"Guess what?"

"Just fucking say it."

I glanced toward the bathroom—almost forgetting my son. I rushed back. The tub was already half full, and he had somehow figured out how to turn the water off. He clapped proudly and splashed the surface.

"Sophia is sending photos to Livana. Someone’s been there since you left."

"Like who? And what?"

"They’re checking if your dead ex-wife is there."

I froze. My jaw tightened.

"They went to the bathroom first. Of course."

Of course they did.

My wife had made sure not a single strand of hair was left behind. I had cleaned every trace too. Livana barely shed, and she maintained her thick hair meticulously.

"Alright," I said coldly. "Gather all the information before calling me again. I need to bathe Skyler."

"Hmm. I’m not done yet," Kai said, clearly enjoying this. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"What else?" I snapped.

"They planted bombs around the manor."

"Get the fuck out of there!" I hissed.

Sky suddenly cried—startled by my raised voice.

"Don’t worry. We’re safe."

"Just get out. Now."

Livana entered the bathroom and immediately reached for Sky, soothing him.

"We’re already out," Kai added.

"Out—out of the property," I heard him clarify to his wife in the background.

I pressed my fingers to my temple and exhaled.

"Dada, angry!" Sky cried as Livana gently hushed him.

"Sorry, baby," I said, kissing his head. "I’m not angry. Not at you."

He sniffled, wiped his tears, then pointed at the foam.

"Bu-bowss~" he said insistently—as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn’t just wailed dramatically seconds ago.

And just like that, my world narrowed again.

To bubbles.

To my son.

To my queen.

–Lore–

We headed down to Baguio from Mountain Province, winding through mountain roads wrapped in fog and pine scent. Cool air slipped through the slightly opened windows, brushing against our faces. We toured half the city in one day—cafés, viewpoints, hidden alleys—and finally ended up at the Strawberry Farm.

Rows and rows of bright red strawberries stretched under the soft afternoon sun. The scent was sweet and fresh, earthy and clean.

We picked a lot.

A lot.

I was absolutely sure everyone back home would love them.

"Why are you taking so many?" Clark asked, raising a brow at my overflowing basket.

"Well," I chuckled, selecting another perfectly ripe berry, "I have a big family. Everyone loves strawberries."

"Oh." He nodded slowly. "I see."

"Get more. It’s my treat."

"Uh, don’t worry," he said awkwardly. "I live alone."

I paused and looked at him. "Are you serious, man?"

"Yeah." He laughed lightly.

I grinned. "Then we’re staying at your place when you get lonely. Study group."

His eyes lit up immediately.

"I—I thought you’d never ask. But my apartment’s small. It’s kind of cramped."

"Doesn’t matter," I shrugged. "Just tell us when you’re free. I’ll handle food and drinks."

He nodded, clearly pleased.

Clark and I kept chatting while picking strawberries. I don’t really have many friends my age. Stepping out of the Nest... building friendships... having a gorgeous girlfriend—it’s a blessing I didn’t think I’d have.

I’m glad I stepped out.

And I’m grateful Livana let me.

"Babe, do you have more baskets?" I called out.

Alyssa stood from wherever she was crouching and walked toward me, sunlight catching in her hair.

"Yeah." She handed me an empty basket.

Then she wrapped her arms around me from behind while I was squatting, resting her chin on my shoulder. She kissed my cheek.

Heat rushed to my face.

"Hey, stop that," I muttered.

That’s when I noticed.

They were taking photos.

"For our wedding," she whispered.

I rolled my eyes.

I’ve told her a hundred times—we can’t get married right away. She’s stubborn. What if she regrets marrying me someday? What if she wakes up and realizes I’m not enough?

How would I survive that?

Anyway.

I paid for the strawberries. For everyone. They insisted on paying separately, but I invited them. So I pay. Simple rule.

We carried everything to the parking lot. Some of them wanted to buy more from the stalls—jams, souvenirs, strawberry taho, even plants from the nearby sellers.

"Are you tired?" Aly asked softly.

"Not really." I grinned and pulled her by the waist.

She giggled and looped her arms around my neck. I lowered my head and kissed her lips—just a quick smack.

Yes. I wanted more.

"Lovebirds!" Gina shouted. "I have evidence now!"

"Of what?" I exclaimed.

"I thought you were just dating, and now you’re kissing like full-on lovers?" She squinted at us.

"I can explain," I sighed.

Alyssa just laughed.

"You!" Gina pointed at her. "Your mother specifically told me to stop you from seducing Lore!"

Alyssa pouted dramatically, but I lifted her chin and kissed her nose instead. She smiled brightly and hugged me tighter.

I subtly signed Gina to stop. She didn’t.

"Let’s buy plants!" she declared.

I checked the back of the Hummer. Still plenty of space. Good.

I took Alyssa’s hand, and we headed to the plant stalls. The air there smelled like damp soil and fresh leaves.

"Monkey tail cactus," she read aloud, staring at the long, fuzzy strands that really did look like a monkey’s tail.

She moved to the orchids next, fingers hovering carefully above the delicate petals.

"I think I need this in my room."

"Can you take care of it?" I asked.

She stared at me.

Then she beamed.

"Let’s put a snake plant in your room too."

I let her. Whatever she wants.

I secured the plants in the backseat carefully, cushioning them between bags.

She leaned closer and whispered, "I found an orchid that looks like me. I’ll grow it for our wedding."

I laughed and patted her head.

"Babe, you better take care of that for years, okay?"

"You got it!" She winked.

I rubbed her back gently—then I felt it.

That subtle instinct.

Someone watching.

I scanned casually. A few tourists. A couple lingering too long. Nothing obvious—but my gut rarely lies.

"Let’s go," I called out.

Gina was still laughing with Clark over whatever incriminating photo they captured. Maris loaded her purchases beside ours.

"Can you drive?" I murmured to Alyssa.

She nodded.

I closed the back compartment, walked her to the driver’s seat, and opened the door for her. She slid in and started the engine while I circled to the passenger side.

Before sitting fully, I checked the dashcam feed.

Replayed the last fifteen minutes.

Slow.

Zoomed.

Checking for planted trackers, suspicious proximity, repeated faces.

The others climbed in one by one. Doors locked.

"Let’s go, baby," I said lightly, eyes still scanning.

Several people had passed near the car.

Normal.

But one vehicle had remained within range longer than coincidence allows.

I opened a secondary camera feed—rear, street, cross-angle.

There.

Same car from earlier.

Maintaining distance.

Matching turns.

I kept my voice casual.

"Take the next left, babe."

She maneuvered smoothly.

Still there.

I tapped my secure line and sent a silent signal to Bishop.

Live location attached.

Status: Possible tail.

My hand rested on my knee, relaxed.

On the outside, I was just a boyfriend enjoying a trip.

On the inside, every system was awake.

And if someone thought following us was a good idea—

They just entered my network.