Hiding the Billionaire's Twins (English)

Chapter 19

“It’s our birthday!” Hera shrieked excitedly.

Two days had passed since we arrived at Rihav’s house, and the big day had finally arrived. She had been restlessly pacing around since yesterday, reminding everyone on repeat that their birthday was coming up.

“Is that so, Hera?” Lenda, one of Rihav’s house helpers, asked with a warm smile.

There were five household staff members stationed here to maintain Rihav’s estate whenever he was away from Fera Island. Over the past few days, we had gotten to know each of them. Hera had become especially close with them, trailing behind them every day and chatting endlessly, though I constantly worried she was being a nuisance.

Ever since we arrived, Rihav hadn't left the house unless urgent work strictly required his presence. I had initially assumed he only owned the mall in town, but I soon learned he also owned a farm in La Fera and held major shares in a new hotel currently under construction in La Fera Dos alongside a close friend.

I couldn't help but admire him. Even back in our younger days, he had always possessed a sharp instinct for business, but seeing how far he had come was truly remarkable. I wondered how Senyora felt about his success now, she was probably immensely proud of her son, despite how stubborn he used to be back then.

“Angel, I need to head out for a bit,” Rihav whispered, leaning down beside me.

I looked up at him in surprise. “Where are you going?” I asked, confused since it was the twins’ birthday today.

“To buy their presents. I can’t take you along because I know they’ll look for you, so it’s better if I go alone so they don't suspect anything.”

“You planned a surprise for them?” I asked, to which he offered a subtle nod. A soft smile tugged at my lips.

“I’ve taken care of everything. Just don't let them go out to the pool area yet, the staff already set up the balloons and decorations out there. The food is mostly prepared, too; I just need to pick up the cake.”

I pouted slightly at his elaborate preparations. “You really didn't need to spend so much. A simple dish of spaghetti would have made them happy.” I glanced over at the twins, who were lying flat on their bellies across Rihav’s wide couch, completely engrossed in a phone screen.

“They’re turning four today, but this is my very first time celebrating their birthday with them,” he explained softly. “I want them to feel my love. Even if I was absent from their lives for a long time, I want them to remember that their father was here to make their birthday special.”

During my time inside Rihav’s mansion, I had witnessed a remarkably gentle side to him. The harsh, sharp-tongued man who used to speak words that could cut like glass was nowhere to be seen. Ever since I had finally agreed to give things a chance, his sweet, attentive demeanor seemed to double. My heart fluttered continuously at his affectionate words, and that growing vulnerability was precisely what terrified me about the future.

“Suit yourself if that’s what you want,” I murmured softly.

“I really have to go now.” Before I could react, he pressed a gentle kiss against my cheek.

He then walked over to the twins, leaning down to bid them goodbye. I watched as the kids planted sweet kisses on his face before returning to what they were watching. Offering one final wave, Rihav stepped out through the massive front doors.

I walked over to the sofa and joined the twins, quietly watching the video with them. After a short while, I decided it was time to get them bathed and dressed so they would be ready by the time Rihav returned. They didn't complain one bit, eagerly hopping up because it meant getting to soak in the large bathtub in their bedroom again.

“Why isn't Daddy back yet? He said he’d be right back,” Hera grumbled as I styled her hair.

“He’ll be back soon, Hera,” Hacov reassured her patiently.

I continued braiding her hair until it was neatly styled, then smoothed down the skirt of her white dress. When she had initially questioned why she needed to dress up when we weren't going anywhere, I simply told her that because it was their birthday, they needed to look extra pretty and handsome.

“Mommy, take a picture of Hacov and me!”

Smiling, I nodded. Hacov handed me the phone before trotting over to stand beside Hera. I guided them into a cute pose before tapping the shutter button, snapping multiple photos. Every single picture turned out adorable.

Leaving them to play for a few minutes, I stepped aside to fix myself up. Matching Hera, I put on a simple white dress from the few clothes I had packed. Returning to their room, I let out a light laugh at the sight before me, Hacov was intently snapping pictures of Hera while she struck one dramatic pose after another. The moment they spotted me, they instantly straightened up and tried to act natural.

“Let me see those,” I teased, taking the phone from Hacov.

I burst into laughter when I scrolled through the gallery, realizing that only the top half of Hera’s head was visible in almost every single photo Hacov had taken. Chuckling, I pulled both of them into a playful squeeze, their giggles filling the room.

A few minutes later, Lily knocked and called for us from the hallway. Sensing that Rihav had returned, I took the twins by the hand and led them downstairs.

Thick, heavy drapes were pulled across the glass doors leading to the indoor swimming pool area, obscuring the view of what was set up outside. The kids had no idea what was waiting for them because the household staff had kept the secret perfectly guarded. As I pulled open the doors and guided them toward the poolside, a sudden loud pop echoed through the air, making me jump in surprise as colorful confetti rained down.

“Happy Birthday!” multiple voices shouted in unison.

My eyes widened in astonishment. I had assumed it would just be our small family, but standing alongside Rihav were four other men shouting the greeting. The twins immediately bolted toward their father, while I froze in awkward surprise at the sight of Sir Haiden, Sean, and a few other familiar faces I recognized from Club Highden.

“Uncle Semon!” Hera shrieked happily, running over to wrap her arms around Sean. Sean quickly scooped her up in a warm hug.

“Alright, that’s enough. She’s my daughter, not yours,” Rihav interjected smoothly, stepping in to pull Hera away from his friend’s embrace.

“Fay! Come over here!” Sean called out, waving his hand playfully.

Feeling self-conscious, I walked over to the group, instinctively hiding my face behind my hands as I approached. Sean playfully pulled my hands away, lightly ruffling my hair.

“Look at Fayre acting like a shy little baby,” he teased lightheartedly.

Reaching him, I glared at him before giving his arm a sharp pinch. I then moved closer to Rihav, who was currently glaring daggers at Sean. Sean burst into laughter at our matching reactions. I gently placed my hand over Rihav’s to catch his attention and calm him down before he decided to pick a fight with my best friend.

“Mommy, look at how big the cake is!” Hacov exclaimed, instantly stealing my attention. I let go of Rihav’s hand and lifted Hacov up so he could get a better view.

“Let’s get this party started!” one of the men cheered.

“Man, just last year we were at Eros’s house for his kid’s birthday, and now Rihav is throwing a shocking birthday party of his own?” another guy chimed in. “What is going on with our friend group? Is there a curse on us? Why do all your women keep running away from you guys?”

“Shut your mouth, Cyd. Before you end up next in line,” Rihav shot back with a sarcastic smirk.

“In your dreams, asshole! I’m not a coward like you,” the guy named Cydrile retorted smoothly, striking a confident pose. “Besides, I’m way too handsome, no woman would ever dare leave me.”

Rihav simply shook his head, muttering under his breath to me that his friend was completely out of his mind. He then introduced the group to me properly, and despite their playful banter, they all seemed warm and welcoming.

“This is Stell, Fabio, and Cydrile. And of course, you already know Haiden and Semon,” Rihav introduced.

“Eros and Cole couldn't make it,” Stell informed Rihav. “You know how it is, Cole is endlessly busy with work. As for Eros, he’s still fixing up their house here in La Fera. I told him to just get a place here in the village, but Dana wanted a quiet life, so they decided to settle in Sulia instead.”

I lost track of their conversation when Hacov gently tugged at the hem of my dress. Excusing myself from the group so the men could catch up, I focused my attention on my son.

“What is it, sweetie?”

“I want to go over there, Mommy,” he murmured, pointing toward the long food table.

My eyes widened as I spotted Hera already hovering near the food spread, deeply engaged in conversation with the house helpers she had befriended. Carrying Hacov over, I helped him get a closer look at the grand birthday cake Rihav had bought for them. It featured an elegant, minimalist design, but the distinct branding made it clear it came from an extremely high-end bakery.

The party officially got under way as everyone settled down to eat. I sat quietly off to the side, enjoying my food while taking in the lively atmosphere. Earlier, Zoe, Zavia, and Amer had checked in via video call. Zavia and Amer were currently abroad for a high-profile fashion brand photoshoot—with Amer tagging along as her stylist—while Zoe was swamped with work commitments back home. Even though they couldn't attend in person, the twins were thrilled to see their faces on screen.

“You look like you’re lost in thought, Fayre Aphrodite,” a familiar voice teased. I looked up to find Sean sliding into the seat beside me.

“I’m just thinking about things,” I replied softly.

“Thinking about Rihav again? Man, you really are obsessed with my friend,” he joked.

I promptly delivered a firm slap to his arm.

“Ouch!” He chuckled before his expression softened into a rare, serious look. “Seriously though, how are you feeling? Did you talk to him? Does he know everything now? Are you happy?”

I let out a quiet sigh, glancing over at Rihav, who was sitting at a nearby table with the twins and his close friends. “Honestly... I don't know. I’m happy that my children are so happy, and I’m glad about how things are turning out. But a part of me is terrified... terrified that the past will repeat itself. I’m scared of getting hurt all over again, especially for my kids' sake.”

Sean set his cutlery down, locking eyes with me thoughtfully. Sean was someone I trusted implicitly, he was never the type to leak private confidences or gossip behind people's backs. He handled serious moments with deep maturity, a trait I respected immensely.

“Are you second-guessing Rihav’s intentions?” he asked gently. When I gave a slight nod, he continued, “I can’t blame you for feeling that way, Fay. At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you whether you choose to open your heart to him again or keep it guarded.”

Everything happening right now felt like a dream. But because I felt so happy, an underlying dread kept creeping in about what the future held. I was scared, not just of Rihav, but of his family as well.

“If I do let him back in... what if I end up broken again, Sean? What if—”

“You’re overthinking this, Fay. Rihav isn't going to make the same mistake twice. Look at him, that i***t looks happier than he’s ever been in his life.”

I rolled my eyes at Sean, wondering if Rihav had put him up to saying all of this. But I knew Sean wasn't just blindly taking his friend’s side; he, too, was witnessing firsthand how desperately Rihav was trying to step up for our family.

For the rest of the afternoon, I sat by the edge of the pool, watching Rihav and the twins splash around in the water. Shortly after lunch, Rihav’s friends had excused themselves due to various work commitments, it was clear from their sharp business suits that they had rushed over strictly for the party and had tight schedules to keep.

Hera’s melodic laughter rang out as she splashed a wave of water right into her father’s face. She looked endlessly adorable in her bright yellow two-piece swimsuit, while Rihav and Hacov swam shirtless in dark trunks. Moving my chair closer to the edge, I used Hacov’s phone to capture photos of them playing in the clear water.

“Eek!” I gasped, jumping back as a sudden spray of water hit my legs.

“Hera, Hacov, stop that!” I laughed, shaking my head.

The twins resumed their games, and I couldn't stop laughing at poor Hera, who was being relentlessly splashed by Hacov. Unable to match her brother's water attack, she squealed and wrapped her arms around Rihav’s neck, seeking refuge. Rihav immediately shielded her with his broad frame, leaving Hacov to splash around on his own.

We were right in the middle of our fun when one of the house helpers approached us nervously.

She signaled for Rihav’s attention, leaning down to speak in a quiet whisper, though the name she uttered was loud and clear in the quiet space.

“Sir... Senyorita Reyena is here.”

A sharp knot of anxiety instantly tightened in my chest at the mention of Senyorita Reyena, Rihav’s mother. I had no idea whether she knew about our past relationship, and the sheer thought of how she would react upon discovering everything filled me with sudden dread.

Reacting on instinct, I quickly helped the twins out of the water, unbuckling the floaters wrapped around their waists. They looked at me with confused eyes, asking why we were wrapping up so suddenly, but my throat felt too tight to answer.

I was just about to lead them toward the house when the tall, imposing figure of Senyora Reyena stepped into the pool area.

Her expression hardened the moment her eyes landed on us. Dripping in extravagant, sparkling jewelry, she carried herself with a cold, formidable presence, her sharply arched eyebrows adding to her intimidating aura. Time had done nothing to soften her look; she still radiated the stern authority of a strict mother and matriarch.

The weight of holding the twins completely faded from my awareness, replaced entirely by the rapid pounding of my heart and the cold fear gripping my chest as I stood face-to-face with the woman standing before me.

“You’re here, Fayre.” a cold voice from the old woman.