marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 43 : Livia - I

After finishing dinner, the table slowly emptied, plates stacked neatly, the last traces of laughter still hanging in the air like an echo. The house felt comfortably full—of voices, of movement, of something warm and real.

Livia suddenly pushed her chair back and stood up. "Alright," she said, clapping her hands once, decisive as ever. "So it’s confirmed. We’re seeing him."

She grabbed her bag and turned toward their mother. "Mom, I’ll drop you home before it gets too late and Dad starts one of his lectures."

Then she looked at Mira, grinning. "See you tomorrow, sissy." She blew her a playful kiss across the table.

"Wait—at least sit a little longer, Liv," Mira said, rising from her chair, reluctant to let the evening end so soon.

"I want to," Livia replied softly, "but it’s already late. I’ll bring Mom over again soon." Their mother nodded in agreement, her expression calm and content.

"Yes, Mira," she said as she stood. "I’ll go with Livia now. I’ve had dinner with you, and I’m happy—truly happy—to see you like this." Her eyes moved slowly around the room, taking in the children, the home, the quiet harmony. "Your little family looks... peaceful."

Her gaze then settled on Cassian. "And you," she added, voice firm but kind, "take good care of my silly daughter."

Mira felt her throat tighten at the words.

They all walked toward the door together. Mira hugged her mother tightly, holding on just a second longer than usual, as if storing the moment away. Cassian stepped forward next, offering a gentle, respectful hug. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Serrano," Cassian said sincerely. "Please visit often. I’d be happy to see you again."

Her mother nodded, clearly pleased, then crouched slightly to kiss the children on their foreheads.

"Bye, Granny!" the kids said together, waving enthusiastically.

Livia laughed, waving back. She pulled Mira into a quick, tight hug, then Cassian as well. "See you tomorrow," she said with a knowing smile before guiding their mother out the door.

The door closed softly behind them.

For a moment, no one spoke.

The house felt different—quieter, yes, but fuller somehow. The kids’ laughter still echoed faintly in the walls, the scent of dinner lingering in the air. Mira stood near the doorway, arms loosely crossed, exhaling slowly.

Cassian glanced at her. "You okay?"

Mira let out a quiet sigh as she walked toward the couch and sank into it, her body finally giving in to the day’s exhaustion. Cassian followed and sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed.

"It was nice having Mom around," she said softly. "I missed her." She paused, staring ahead. "But now... I’m a mom too. Sometimes it still feels strange. I never imagined this for myself—not even once." Her lips curved into a small, conflicted smile. "But when I look at the kids... they make me happy. They really do."

Cassian shifted closer and pulled her gently against his side. "Same here," he murmured. "They’re our life now. Our happiness." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, lingering there for a moment longer than necessary.

After a pause, he spoke again. "So... are you going tomorrow?" he asked. "Do you want me to drop you off?"

"No," she replied. "I’ll go with Livia. She said she’ll come pick us up."

He nodded but added quietly, "Alright. Just so you know—if you change your mind, I’m always ready to take you."

Mira smiled at that. "Don’t worry. You should go to work—that’s important. If anything happens, I’ll call you. You know that."

He nodded, satisfied. "Good. Then... should we go to sleep?"

She yawned, eyes already heavy. "Mm, yeah. But I don’t feel like walking all the way to the bedroom."

Cassian didn’t answer. Instead, he stood and effortlessly lifted her into his arms, holding her in a bridal carry.

From down the hall, two tiny voices gasped.

"Hehe! Daddy picked Mommy up!" Ivy squealed.

"Daddy’s a superhero!" Lucien declared proudly.

"No," Ivy corrected seriously. "Daddy’s Prince Charming."

Cassian turned his head toward them, amused. "Daddy is just Daddy," he said with a smile. "Now, my little angels—bedtime. Go sleep."

The kids nodded obediently and hurried off to their room, whispering and giggling as they went.

Cassian carried Mira into the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed, as if she were something fragile and precious.

"Sleep well, princess," he murmured, brushing a kiss against her forehead.

He lay down beside her, and as the night settled in, Mira instinctively wrapped her arms around him, her body curling close, fitting perfectly against his. He pulled her nearer, their breaths slowly syncing.

Wrapped in warmth and quiet, they drifted into sleep—tangled together, safe, and at peace.

....

The next morning

The house woke slowly.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains as the day eased in, soft and unhurried. Mira moved through her usual routine—helping the kids get ready, tying Ivy’s hair, reminding Lucien twice to put on his shoes. Cassian lingered nearby, already dressed for work, coffee mug in hand, watching the familiar chaos with quiet fondness.

By the time everything settled, the doorbell rang.

"Morning, sissy!" Livia announced the moment Mira opened the door, her energy filling the space instantly.

"You’re early," Mira said, blinking.

"Of course I am," Livia replied, grinning. "I’m excited. And also a little nervous. Which means I definitely couldn’t sleep."

Mira gave her a knowing look. "I can tell."

"I’ll go get changed," Mira said, already turning toward the bedroom.

While she disappeared down the hall, Cassian grabbed his keys, adjusting his watch as he got ready to leave for work. Mira emerged a few minutes later, dressed simply, hair loose, looking calm but alert.

"Alright," she said, exhaling lightly. "Let’s go."

The kids immediately ran to Livia, hugging her legs and planting kisses on her cheeks.

"Hey, troublemakers," Livia laughed, crouching to hug them back.

Cassian stepped closer to Mira, his hand resting briefly at her waist. "Take care," he said softly, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before pulling back. "Call me if you need anything."

"I will," she replied. "You focus on work."

He nodded, satisfied, and headed out first.

They followed soon after, piling into the car. Livia took the driver’s seat, the kids chatting nonstop in the back, arguing over music until Livia finally put something upbeat on. Mira leaned back, listening to their laughter while she and Livia talked casually—about nothing important, about everything.

Before long, the car slowed in front of a cozy café tucked between two quiet streets.

Warm light glowed through the wide glass windows, and even before they stepped out, the scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted toward them.

Inside, the café felt welcoming and lived-in. The heart of the place was clearly the coffee bar—espresso machines humming softly, jars of beans neatly arranged behind the counter, chalkboards listing lattes, cappuccinos, and house specials.

Beside it stood a glass display filled with cakes and pastries—thick slices of chocolate cake, flaky croissants, fruit tarts, and cream-filled pastries.

The kids’ eyes widened instantly.

"Whoa," Ivy breathed.

"They mainly sell coffee," Livia explained as they slid into an empty table. "That was his whole idea at first. But people kept asking for something sweet to go with it... so cakes and pastries became part of it."

"That makes sense," Mira said, glancing between the counter and the display. "Coffee brings people in. Desserts make them stay."

Lucien was already halfway out of his seat. "Can we try everything?"

"We’ll see," Mira said, smiling faintly.

Livia inhaled deeply, smoothing her jacket. "Okay. I’ll go get him."

She returned moments later, her arm linked with a tall man who looked completely at home in the space—relaxed posture, sleeves rolled up, expression open but confident.

"Sissy," Livia said, smiling brightly, "meet Jason Parker. He owns the café... and he’s the one I’m dating."

Mira stood and offered her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Jason said, shaking it. His eyes flickered briefly—quick, instinctive—taking her in before he caught himself and refocused. "Livia’s told me a lot about you."

Mira noticed the glance but kept her expression neutral, composed.

"It’s a lovely place," she said, glancing around. "You’ve built something nice here."

Jason smiled, clearly pleased. "Thank you. I’m sure you’ll like it here."

Mira nodded, smiling, and her attention shifted as the kids slipped off their chairs and wandered toward him.

"Hi, Uncle," Lucien said cheerfully, tilting his head. "You make coffee and cakes?"

Jason chuckled, crouching slightly to their level. "I do. Coffee’s my specialty... but the cakes are pretty popular too."

"Can we try them?" Ivy asked, eyes shining.

"Of course," he said easily. "You’ll have to tell me which one’s your favorite."

"Yes! Yes!" both kids nodded eagerly, already half-celebrating.

Mira hesitated, instinct kicking in—but Livia’s hopeful look and the kids’ excitement softened her. After a brief pause, she nodded. "Alright. Just one each."

They all settled back at the table while Jason placed an order and returned with small plates—carefully chosen, not overly sweet. Mira noticed that too.

As the kids talked nonstop—about cartoons, school, and which cake looked the "most powerful"—Jason listened attentively, smiling, responding with patience. He wiped Ivy’s hands when frosting smeared her fingers, slid Lucien’s chair back gently when he leaned too far forward.

Mira observed quietly. Not forced or performative, just... natural.

Soon after, the kids spotted the small backyard through the glass door—a cozy little space with a couple of swings and a short slide.

"Mommy! Can we?" Ivy pleaded.

Mira glanced at Jason.

"It’s safe," he said. "I can see them from the counter."

After a moment, she nodded. "Alright. Stay where we can see you."

The kids bolted off, laughter echoing as they rushed outside.

Conversation slowed into something easier then—small talk about the café, about work, about how Livia had insisted on "free coffee as a dating benefit." Jason laughed at that, admitting she’d bullied him into it.

"It was nice talking to you, Jason," Mira said after a while, standing. "We should head back and let you two enjoy your time."

She turned toward the kids, calling them over.

But just then, Jason’s phone buzzed.

He glanced down—and something shifted. His brows pulled together slightly before smoothing out. Then, almost unconsciously, his ears tinted red.

He slipped the phone back into his pocket quickly.

Livia noticed.

She didn’t say anything—but her smile dimmed just a fraction before returning.

"Okay, sissy," Livia said, crouching to hug the kids. "Thanks for coming. I hope my little cuties had fun."

"We did!" Lucien declared.

"The cake was awesome!" Ivy added.

Mira smiled faintly, then looked at Jason. "I’m happy for you," she said honestly. "You passed the kids’ test today." A small pause. "But... getting comfortable with someone new takes time. So take care."

Jason nodded, respectful. "I understand."

Mira turned to Livia. "You’re not coming?"

"I’ll stay back," Livia replied lightly. "Help him out a bit. I’m free today anyway."

Mira studied her sister for a second, then nodded. "Alright."