Chapter 22: He's Found Us
1024 Words
RICHARD
The house is too quiet.
A few hours ago, it had been alive—kids laughing, Vanessa moving effortlessly between them, Harper watching everything with quiet caution. Now, it’s just me, standing in the kitchen, staring at the empty table. The dishes have already been washed and put away, leaving no trace of the warmth that filled this space just moments ago.
I should turn off the lights and go to bed. But instead, I find myself thinking about her.
Vanessa.
The way she stiffened when I called her by her real name. The way she hugged me earlier like she needed someone to hold her up just for a second.
And the way she fit against me so damn perfectly.
I rub the back of my neck, exhaling.
Everything is changing, and I don’t hate it.
I head to the sitting room and find the twins fast asleep on the couch.
One by one, I carry them to their room and tuck them into bed.
Exhaustion weighs on me, my eyelids heavy as I step into my room.
---
I wake up earlier than usual, too restless to sleep.
When I head downstairs, the smell of coffee and something sweet lingers in the air.
Vanessa is at the stove, flipping pancakes. She’s wearing my hoodie.
I stop in the doorway, taking in the sight.
It’s too big on her—the sleeves rolled up, the fabric hanging loose around her small frame. I don’t know why that hits me the way it does, but something in my chest tightens.
I clear my throat. “Morning.”
She jumps slightly but recovers quickly. “Hey. Hope you don’t mind—I figured I’d make breakfast.”
I step closer, leaning against the counter. “You’re in my hoodie.”
Vanessa glances down like she’s just realizing. “Oh. I—um. It was just… there.”
A slight pink tinge rises on her cheeks.
I smirk. “Looks good on you.”
She gives me a look, but I catch the small smile she tries to hide.
She reaches for a plate on the top shelf, stretching on her toes but falling just short.
I step behind her, close enough that she can feel me.
Her breath catches, but she doesn’t move.
For a second, I consider stepping back.
But I don’t.
Instead, I grab the plate and hand it to her, my fingers brushing against hers.
She inhales sharply and finally turns.
We’re too close.
Close enough that I can see the freckles on her nose, the way her lips part slightly—like she’s about to say something but changes her mind.
For a second, I think about closing the gap.
But then, a sleepy voice interrupts.
“Why are you standing like that?”
We both jerk away as Collins shuffles in, rubbing his eyes.
Vanessa spins back toward the stove, clearing her throat. “Pancakes are almost ready.”
I bite back a smile, watching the way she avoids my gaze.
Yeah. That was something.
As Vanessa places the pancakes on plates, I notice a smudge of flour on her cheek.
Without thinking, I reach over, brushing my thumb against her skin.
She freezes.
Her eyes flicker to mine, then—just for a second—to my lips.
Something shifts in the air. A charged silence. A pull.
But then she quickly steps away, wiping her cheek like she just remembered how to move.
“Thanks,” she murmurs, avoiding my gaze.
I let her go. For now.
---
Breakfast is warm and comfortable—until my phone buzzes.
Mum.
I step outside onto the patio before answering. “Morning, Mum.”
“Richard, what exactly are you doing?”
I exhale. “Having breakfast. You?”
“Don’t be smart with me,” she snaps. “You know what I mean. That new girlfriend of yours and those children—”
“Jane,” I correct sharply. “And the kids have names too.”
Maybe one day, Mum will also find out Vanessa's true identity. I know what Vanessa did was very wrong. But I don't want to blow her cover. I'm hoping one day, she will tell me the truth herself.
Mum exhales heavily. “You don’t even know her, Richard. Have you thought about that? Who she is? Where did she come from? What she might be running from?”
That last part makes my jaw clench.
What does Mum know about Vanessa?
“What makes you think she’s running from something?” I challenge.
She hesitates.
I don’t like the way that silence feels.
“You need to be careful,” she finally says. “I just don’t want you caught up in something you don’t understand.”
I grip the phone tighter. “I appreciate the concern. But this is my choice.”
A beat of silence. Then, “Just... don’t get too attached.”
Too late.
That conversation sticks with me all morning.
I know Mum has no right to judge Vanessa, but… something about her words lingers.
---
I spend the rest of the day in my study, working on some files. It’s only when I notice the sky darkening that I finally step out.
As I walk into the hallway, I hear Harper talking to the twins.
I don’t mean to eavesdrop. But when I hear Collins whisper, “We have to be good, or we’ll have to leave again,” I can’t ignore it.
Colby’s response is quieter. “Do you think he’ll get mad like the last one?”
My blood runs cold.
The last one?
Before I can process what that means, the front door clicks open.
I turn—and freeze.
Vanessa is standing just inside, her face pale, her phone clutched tightly in her hand.
Something’s wrong. I can feel it.
“Vanessa?” I step toward her. “What is it?”
She looks up at me, eyes wide with something close to fear.
And then she says the words that change everything.
“We can’t stay here, Richard. He’s found us.”
- Writer
