marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 40 : The little spy

The kids were finally exhausted, their energy drained after running around with the other children. They sat at a table, leaning in close, competing in the most adorable way—discussing who had more toys.

"I have five!" one of the other kids declared, holding up a tiny plastic car like it was a trophy.

"No, I have six!" another child argued, pointing at his pile of action figures.

"My dinosaur is bigger than yours!" a girl chimed in, puffing her cheeks proudly.

Lucien scoffed dramatically, like a tiny businessman. "I have a whole set of robots, and they’re the strongest."

A little girl beside him whispered, "But my doll can fly."

Lucien blinked, shocked. "Flying dolls aren’t real."

The girl leaned closer, eyes shining. "My doll is real because I said so."

Ivy giggled. "My toys are the best because they can do magic."

Lucien frowned, trying to act serious. "Magic isn’t real either."

Ivy pointed at him. "Yes, it is! My mommy says if you believe hard enough, everything is real."

Lucien stared at her for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "Okay... then my robots are real too."

The table erupted into laughter again, and the kids continued their tiny argument with the seriousness of adults.

Cassian and Mira approached with smiles on their faces, watching their children with obvious fondness. Cassian crouched slightly, looking at them like they were the most precious thing in the room.

"Hey, troublemakers," Cassian teased, his voice soft and amused. "Has your tornado energy fizzled into a sleepy puff?"

The kids looked up, rubbing their eyes.

"We’re sleepy..." Ivy mumbled, her voice thick with exhaustion.

Lucien yawned dramatically, trying to stay composed. "My legs hurt."

Cassian laughed quietly at their cute little mumbling. "Come on, let’s go."

Ivy’s eyes lit up suddenly, and she turned to him.

"Mr. Cassian... piggyback?" she asked, hopeful.

Cassian smiled warmly. "Okay, come here."

He bent down, and Ivy climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. She rested her chin against his shoulder, already half-asleep.

Lucien watched, arms crossed like a little king who didn’t need anyone.

"I’m an older boy," he said, standing up straight. "And I can walk."

Cassian nodded, pretending to respect the statement. "Of course, sir."

Lucien took two steps, then stopped. He looked up at Cassian with a serious expression, then added quietly, "But... I want Mr. Cassian to carry me too."

Cassian laughed, unable to hide the warmth in his voice. "Okay, sir."

He reached down and lifted Lucien with one strong hand, settling him securely on his forearm. Ivy stayed on his back, holding on tightly, and Lucien sat comfortably in front—both children safe and balanced.

The kids squealed in delight, and the surrounding guests watched in surprise.

They had never seen Cassian like this—laughing genuinely, softening, showing a side of him that no boardroom could ever reveal.

He walked slowly, carefully, carrying both of them like they weighed nothing.

They reached the car, and Mira opened the door gently. Cassian carefully settled both kids into the back seat, making sure they were comfortable before clicking the seat belts into place. Ivy’s eyes were already half-closed, and Lucien’s head rested against the window.

They were both dozing off, their small bodies relaxing into the soft hum of the car.

Mira leaned in, kissed each of their foreheads, and whispered, "Sleep tight, my loves."

She closed the door softly and settled into the front seat, still watching them for a moment. Cassian slid into the driver’s seat beside her.

The drive home was quiet.

Cassian drove slowly, glancing at the rearview mirror as the kids slept. Mira kept her voice low, not even daring to breathe too loudly, as if the smallest sound could wake them.

Outside, the city lights blurred past like scattered stars, while inside the car, time felt like it had slowed down.

Soon, they reached home.

The house looked peaceful in the dark, lights dimmed, as if it had been waiting for their return.

Cassian parked the car, and Mira opened the door again. Both kids were completely asleep now—soft, even breaths, their little hands relaxed at their sides.

Mira lifted Ivy into her arms with careful tenderness, holding her close so the child wouldn’t stir.

Cassian lifted Lucien, one strong arm supporting him as if he were holding something fragile and precious.

They walked toward the house in the quiet night, their footsteps muffled against the driveway.

The air was cool and calm, and the world felt still.

Cassian opened the main door and stepped inside, Lucien still sleeping in one arm. Mira followed close behind, her steps quiet as she moved through the darkened hallway.

They walked carefully toward the kids’ bedroom, their bodies moving with the same silent urgency—afraid that even the slightest noise would wake the little ones.

When they reached the room, Cassian gently laid Lucien down on the bed. Mira placed Ivy beside him, smoothing the blanket over her with careful hands.

"Good night, my little ones," Cassian whispered, pressing a soft kiss to each of their foreheads.

He turned and walked out of the room with Mira following him, closing the door behind them with a soft click that barely echoed in the quiet house.

For a moment, they stood in the hallway, surrounded by silence.

Cassian looked at Mira and smiled, his eyes warm.

He took her hand in his. "Let’s go sleep," he said softly.

Mira nodded, letting out a tired breath. "Mm... I’m tired too."

Cassian’s smile widened. "Oh yeah, after all that drama?" he teased lightly. "You know, I should be the one complaining. I got bitten, marked... Look at my neck. It’s all yours."

He lifted his chin slightly, as if showing off his ’battle scars’.

Mira’s lips curved into a small smile. "You deserve it," she said.

Cassian chuckled, then glanced at her with a playful glint. "Vampire. That’s what I’d call you for that."

Mira rolled her eyes. "Are you going to keep talking, or do I need to mark you again?"

Cassian leaned against the closet, pretending to be casual. "Well... I think it’s better to sleep for now."

"Good decision," Mira said, satisfied.

"Yes, ma’am," Cassian replied, chuckling as he headed toward the changing room.

He changed into comfortable pajamas, the movement easy and relaxed. Mira did the same, slipping into something soft and loose.

When they were ready, Cassian climbed into bed first, pulling her gently toward him.

"Good night, my vampire," he murmured as he settled into the sheets.

Mira lay down beside him, and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed a kiss to her hair, holding her close like she was the only thing that mattered.

And in the quiet of the night, they finally let themselves rest.

Next Morning....

The morning light crept softly through the curtains, painting the room in a warm, gentle glow. Mira and Cassian lay tangled under the sheets, the house still quiet—until two small bodies burst into the room like a whirlwind.

The kids had woken up before them, rubbing sleepy eyes and full of energy.

They jumped straight onto the bed, landing between Mira and Cassian.

"Good morning, Mommy!" Ivy shouted, her voice bright with excitement.

"Mr. Cassian! Wake up! It’s morning!" Lucien chimed in, already grinning.

Cassian pretended to still be asleep, his face completely relaxed.

Then, in an instant, he grabbed the child beside him and tickled them mercilessly. "Good morning, little troublemakers!"

The kids erupted into laughter, squirming and giggling as Cassian’s hands moved with playful precision.

Mira’s eyes snapped open, watching them with a soft smile spreading across her face. She laughed too, the sound light and warm.

Cassian finally sat up, still smiling. "Alright, wake up, sleepyheads."

The kids jumped off the bed and ran toward the bathroom, dragging Cassian along like he was their favorite toy.

"Mister Cassian, brush your teeth with us!" Ivy demanded, already tugging on his hand.

"Aye aye, captain!" Cassian said, amused. He scooped them up and headed toward the bathroom, leaving Mira behind to start her own morning routine.

Mira took her time getting ready, then stepped into the kitchen and began cooking breakfast—her movements calm and steady, like she always knew exactly what needed to be done.

Soon, the sound of kids playing hide-and-seek echoed from her bedroom.

Cassian came out of the bathroom, freshly dressed and looking every bit the composed businessman, but his eyes were softer than usual. He watched the kids with affection, a rare gentle expression crossing his face.

"Mira," he called quietly, still on his phone. "Breakfast is ready."

Mira smiled without turning, washing her hands before setting the dishes on the table.

The kids followed obediently, still giggling from their game.

Cassian sat at the table, still speaking softly into the phone, his focus divided between work and family. He leaned over and kissed Mira’s cheek.

"Thanks, sweetheart," he murmured, before returning to his call.

The kids sat beside them, and Lucien suddenly looked up at Mira, his expression serious—like he had something important to say.

"Mommy... can I ask you something?" he whispered, glancing at Cassian but speaking only to Mira.

Mira tilted her head, smiling. "Of course, baby. What is it?"

Lucien leaned in, his voice low. "Don’t you think Mr. Cassian is too handsome to be single?"

Mira laughed softly, her eyes crinkling. She ruffled his hair affectionately. "Don’t forget, Mr. Cassian is your daddy. And he loves Mommy."

Lucien nodded slowly, then frowned as if trying to solve a difficult mystery.

"I know," he said, "but I want to make sure he’s not cheating on Mommy."

Mira paused, thoughtful. She tapped her finger against her chin. "Hmm... and how do you plan to do that?"

Lucien sat up straighter, determined. "I’ll spy on him like Sherlock Holmes. It’s going to be fun."

Mira raised an eyebrow, amused. "Ahuh? And if you don’t find anything?"

Lucien folded his arms across his chest, his face serious. "Then it’s okay. Mr. Cassian is safe from me."

Mira smiled, her eyes softening. "No. You have to start calling him Daddy. Deal?"

Lucien blinked, surprised. "Hm... well... let’s see."

Mira glared at him playfully, her expression stern but not serious.

"Fine," Lucien said, giving in with a small smile. "Okay. I’ll call him Daddy."

Mira leaned back in her chair, satisfied. Cassian glanced up from his call, a curious smile appearing on his lips as he watched the little scene unfold.