Chapter 162

**Sarah**

When asked about my first destination, I pointed towards the school, my heart racing with anticipation. I love Philip deeply, and today is his birthday, but nothing could surpass the joy of reuniting with my children.

The school bell rang, and a flood of children poured out of the ornate iron gates.

The twins emerged from the gate precisely as planned, followed closely by Josh, who ensured their safety. At first, they didn't recognize me. I felt like a stranger in my own skin, having lost nearly fifty pounds since we last met.

Their confused looks tugged at my heart, but I understood. I always will.

Iris clutched her beloved rabbit doll, and Rowan had their lunchbox. Tears began to well up in my eyes, but I wiped them away to see the twins more clearly. There was a noticeable difference in how they've changed. They're taller now. Rowan wears glasses, and Iris's skin has lightened.

My beautiful, growing children...

"Kids, your mom" I read Josh's lips. His eyes widened as they met mine, possibly alerted by the assistant who was with me.

Despite the swirling chaos of children and their parents or guardians, my kids spotted me standing by the vehicle with Mariano's assistant. Rowan's lunch box clattered to the ground, forgotten, as they both broke into a run.

I knelt on the sun-warmed pavement, arms outstretched, waiting for their embrace. Then, small bodies and big emotions collided with me.

"Mommy" they breathed in unison. I didn't care if we looked messy or disheveled; I hugged them fiercely, peppering their cheeks with kisses.

'My precious kids.'

We left the school and headed home. In the backseat, my children nestled against me, one on each side, as if afraid I might disappear if they let go.

"I've missed you so much, babies. Are you still fighting?" I asked.

"Sometimes I can't help it! Brother Rowan is still annoying!" Iris said.

"And Iris is uglier than ever!" Rowan shot back.

I laughed.

Iris pouted, her lower lip trembling slightly as she glared at her twin. "That's mean, Rowan!"

"You're not ugly, baby You look just like mommy did when I was little."

"See? See? I am Mommy's favorite, after all!" Iris said triumphantly.

Rowan furrowed his brow. "Mommy, what about me? Am I your favorite, too?"

"You're both my favorites. You both came from my tummy simultaneously," I explained.

They both smiled, satisfied.

According to my mother, Rowan has become more protective of his twin. On the other hand, Iris has become less demanding and more self-sufficient. My husband, Philip, always ensures he comes home for the kids.

"Mommy, you're not returning to the hospital again, alright?" Iris said with a hint of reproach. Her small, warm hand clutched the fabric of my blouse tightly as if afraid I might disappear. "I miss you so much!"

"Me too! I miss Mommy, too!" Rowan chimed in. "Mommy, I can speak French now! Daddy taught me every night before bed!" he boasted.

"Oh yeah? Well, I... I can sing!" Iris countered, her voice rising in pitch. "And I can dance too!"

"Did your daddy teach you those skills as well?" I couldn't help but laugh. I've never seen Philip dance, but the idea was hilarious.

Iris giggled. "No! I watched videos on the tablet and practiced every day."

"I have a dog at Villa Serafina! He's big and fluffy, and his name is Max!" Rowan boasted again.

Iris, not to be outdone, quickly retorted, "Well, I have a whole garden of plants at Villa Serafina!

Their friendly sibling rivalry continued as we drove. Ah, I miss my children terribly. If only I could stay by their side the whole day! But I must also reward Philip for being a single parent for almost two years-it was truly commendable.

"Hang on! What is Villa Serafina?" I asked Mariano's assistant, who was sitting in the front passenger seat.

"It's your new home, Ms. Mitchell," she replied.

"What?" My lips parted in surprise. I didn't know we no longer lived in Serenity Pines Estate.

The assistant quickly added, noticing my shock, "It's in the same upscale neighborhood, so there's no need for concern, Ms. Mitchell. When Mariano took you to Berlin for treatment, Mr. Cornell decided to purchase a new property and relocate the family there."

I was stunned. The last I knew, Serenity Pines had good security and was safe.

"Who lives in Serenity Pines Estate now?" I asked.

"No one Mr. Cornell closed the villa."

Philip abandoned the home? I didn't know how to react to that.

When we arrived at Villa Serafina, some guards who recognized me were shocked. "M-Madam Sarah! Y-you're back!"

"Hello!" I responded with a small smile, immediately reminding them, "I'd appreciate it if you could keep my arrival a secret for now. Please don't let your boss know I'm here, okay?"

I planned to surprise Philip, to see his genuine reaction when he returned home.

"Yes, Madam Sarah!"

I scanned the entire new family home. The lawn was green, and there was a pool, a basketball court, and a place for Rowan's car. This place was meant for Iris and Rowan, which explained why Philip could move the children here.

However, a pang of nostalgia hit me when I thought of Serenity Pines Estate. It wasn't just a house; it was where my whole relationship with Philip unfolded, filled with many bittersweet memories.

"Ms. Sarah!" Amanda and Pepper's shocked exclamations broke through my reverie. I embraced them warmly, these two women who had become like family, who had been caring for my twins here at Villa Serafina. I inquired about the twins' new life and was pleased to learn they were in good condition.

We decided to surprise Philip with a homemade cake. He was still at the Luminary Productions office, unaware of my presence at Villa Serafina. I watched delightfully as Iris and Rowan eagerly adorned the cake with their creative touches.

When I had the chance, I thanked Josh. Mariano told me about everything you did for me and my children. Thank you, Josh."

He smiled. "They also went through trauma. They were at the hotel during Marcus's attack. They've recovered and are now busy with various activities. Now that you're back, Sarah, I'll return to my practice. I might even take up teaching at a university. I just... I grew quite fond of your children."

"Thank you so much," I repeated.

I wouldn't stop Josh because his life and his calling lay beyond my family. He has many people to help in his profession. I just felt guilty because he often prioritized my well-being.

I know Josh's feelings for me are deeper than words could express.

Even though I saw him as a brother and dear friend, I hoped he would find a woman who could truly reciprocate his devotion.

At seven in the evening, I inquired about Philip's whereabouts.

"Madam, he visited Serenity Pines Estate..." one of the staff informed me.

'Didn't they say Philip closed the villa?'

I didn't know what was happening. Another hour passed with no sign of Philip. Feeling increasingly uneasy, I decided to leave Villa Serafina and head to Serenity Pines Estate, unable to ignore the urgent feeling inside me.

When I arrived at our former home, my heart ached deeply at what I witnessed.