Not his family

Her husband returns

*Catalina*

"Angel, be a good girl and stay where your mother can see you". Zac calls out softly as I am about to get up to go get her.

To my big surprise my daughter immediately comes closer to us to play, apparently she really wants to listen to him. It might be the way his voice kinda commands, but without making you fear the consequences of not obeying, instead his tone makes you want to please him.

It was so nice of him to bring her back and to stay here with me. I mean, I know who he is, and I am sure he has better things to do than talk to me and help me watch my kids. Also there is a risk that people will start gossiping about it, after all, he is famous.

I am not so sure my husband will appreciate me talking to a handsome stranger, he can be quite jealous and possessive at times, even if I never give him reason to doubt me.

"So do you live nearby or are you here on vacation ?" He asks me, sounding genuinely interested. Before I can answer my youngest Andrian tries to crawl up on his lap and he just smiles, lifting him up.

It is clear to me that he is a very nice man and great with kids, they seem to instantly trust and like him, which to me is a huge plus. "We live just outside the city, so pretty close by. You can just hand him to me, you don't need to hold him".

"It is no problem at all, he is a very sweet kid … they all are, but truthfully. Honestly I first thought you were the nanny, you look way too young to be their mother". He says, looking at the kids, like he is a bit embarrassed to say so.

I giggle, it isn't the first time I heard that. "Well I must have good genes then. I had Angel when I was 25, and she has just turned 5. But people rarely believe that I am 30 years old".

"Frankly, I would have picked you to be much younger too. I hope that it is okay to say". He says, biting his lip lightly, looking absolutely adorable. “I mean it positively”.

I pad his leg softly, sending him a small smile. "I am used to hearing it, hopefully someday I get to look grown up".

"Well, you do look grown up, I mean you do not look like a kid. You just look younger, a lot of women probably envy you that". He says, smiling that famous thousand watt smile. He really is extraordinarily handsome, I have to admit that and I bet a lot of women would envy me sitting here talking to him too.

We sit a bit in silence, just watching the kids play. It is a comfortable silence, not the awkward kind.

Suddenly he looks at me asking. "So how long have you been married then ?"

"Almost seven years". I say, thinking back to how young and very naive I had been back when I met my husband. He had swept me off my feet with his money and manners, treating me like a princess … but those days are long over.

*Zac*

We have been talking for almost an hour, and I found out that she is not only beautiful, she is funny, smart, passionate and sweet. The kids are an absolute delight, she is clearly a great mother to them.

"What the f**k woman … didn't I tell you to stay where I left you ? You puta mierda". An latin american man comes striding over, he looks about 40 years old, and very angry.

I don't understand his last words as they are in Spanish, and my knowledge of the language is very basic, but his whole demeanor is aggressive, and Catalina literally shrinks away under his gaze.

She looks down, swallowing nervously, her voice sounding meek. "I am sorry Rafael, I only moved to let the kids play with the bubbles and sit down".

"Haven't I told you to do as you are told ?" He grabs her arm hard pulling her to her feet, making her winch, and Adrian, who is still on my lap hides his face against my chest.

I know I shouldn't get involved, but the way he treats her makes my blood boil, no one deserves this. "Hey, no reason to talk to her like that, she did nothing wrong".

"Who the hell are you ? And what are you doing with my wife and my kids ?" He turns his angry glare at me, and the other man, who must be his brother, by the look of him, is stepping closer to me, like he wants to cut off my escape.

Catalina quickly reaches out for Adrian, looking at me like she is scared for me. I hand the boy to her, standing up at my full height, happy that I am a good four inches taller than her husband. I look him square in the eyes. "I am Zac, you must be Rafael. I was just helping your wife look after the kids''.

"Well, now I am here so get lost looser". He says acidic, and turns away from me, taking Adrian from Catalinas arm, almost throwing him in the stroller, making the little boy cry.

I almost intervene again, but Catalina stops me by shaking her head, I don't want to cause her more trouble.

Instead I look at Catalina. I have a really bad feeling about this, and frankly I don't like to leave her. "Are you going to be okay ?"

"Yeah fine, thank you for your help and for your concern Zac". She says, sending me a small smile, her eyes telling me to better hurry away before it all turns even worse.

So I force myself to listen to her and I send her a last smile, and wave at the kids. "Well bye then, have a nice day".