Chapter 84: Did it on a yacht

"He cares about you deeply now, Selen," Patrick said. "When he asked me to come down here and watch over your home while he went to England, he told me that his entire life is wherever you and the triplets are. He’s terrified of losing you again." He said.

"He should be," Selen said, her tone laced with fortitude and nonchalance.

"Because if he ever reverts to the man he was seven years ago, I will disappear with my children, and this time, nobody will ever find us." She said, It was not a threat, that was what she would do.

Patrick let out a short, snorty laugh, filled with genuine admiration. "I do not doubt that for a second. You have grown incredibly strong." He pointed out.

"I had no choice," she replied, offering him a small, soft smile that finally broke the last remnants of the old tension. "It’s good to have you here, Patrick. Knowing you are the one in my home, it actually makes me feel safe."

"If it ever comes to it, I will protect you and the children with my life, Selen. You have my word," Patrick said solemnly.

***Clancy’s second day in England***

The christening reception was in full swing, filled with the sounds of the sharp laughter of England’s elite and the extended family.

Clancy stood just inside the grand ballroom, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored charcoal suit.

He scanned the room, observing what relatives and family friends to avoid running into.

"I did not think you would actually show up," a voice remarked from behind him. Clancy turned around to see his brother, Julian, holding a glass of champagne.

Julian’s expression was a mix of relief and amusement. "I gave you my word," Clancy said, his tone even. "And I intend to keep it. Where is my niece?" Clancy asked.

"With her mother near the terrace," Julian replied, gesturing toward the back of the room. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

"The service begins in twenty minutes. Do not be late to the altar, godfather." Julian reminded him. "I will be there," Clancy said in assurance.

With a final look, Julian turned to greet another guest, leaving Clancy once again to be alone to be gawked at by the spinsters in the room.

As he turned around to make his way to the bar that sat at the corner of the hall, he bumped into someone. It was a woman.

She immediately began to fawn ignorance and apologise to Clancy in a tone that itched his ears, "I am so sorry, Mr Avelino" she said as she tried to touch him but he took a step back.

She smiled shyly, acting ignorant to the fact that he was clearly not interested in her. "Clancy? Oh my goodness! Is this really you? Wow, you are so much hotter than the last time I saw you" she said casually, not caring about the place they were in. And the wrong timing to say that.

"Who are you?" Clancy rudely asked. He could tell from her mannerism and lack of eloquence that she was not someone he would associate himself with. The woman gasped at his question and placed a hand on her chest dramatically.

"Clancy, it’s me, Cassie from that summer in Switzerland about what? Eight to nine years ago?" She said, but Clancy maintained a blank and strict expression.

He was getting bored of the conversation and wanted to leave. "Remember, our dads met in Switzerland where you and your dad had gone for a business deal, meanwhile we were there on vacation" she said. Clancy still maintained his expression.

"Would it be a scene if I just walked away?" Clancy asked himself. "We had sex on the yacht when our dad’s left for sightseeing that afternoon" she said casually. And then it clicked. Clancy remembered.

"Okay, I remember. And I do not want to believe that after all of these years, you have still not taken up a thing or two on maturity," He said rudely.

"Oh Clancy, are you mad? don’t be mad. I heard you got married, are you both still together? I would have totally attended your wedding to come give you a little wedding present for just you" she whispered in his ear with a little giggle. The girl was determined.

Clancy had a disgusted expression on his face and pushed her away from him, causing a few eyes to be on them. But the girl was still not taking a hint!

Then she continued, "well, it does not even matter. Wanna have a little walk down memory lane before the event starts?" She said and held the sleeve of his suit.

She was about to speak when Clancy continued, "What would make you even talk about something like that at a christening reception?" He hissed.

"That doesn’t even matter. I want you to know that I am not that man you met all those years ago. So take your hand of my arm, I AM married. And do not ever walk up to me for such a thing again, or else... you of all people should know how that sentence ends right?" he warned her and walked away.

If he was not there for his niece, he would have angrily walked away from the ceremony.

Their time together was a secret, and their fathers were old business partners, so he was not surprised that he saw her there. He was just disgusted at her actions.

The tension in the room dissipated and the regular chatter resumed. Clancy walked out onto the balcony to get a moment of fresh air before the ceremony started.

He pulled his phone from his pocket, his thumb hovering over Selen’s contact name.

Instead, he looked out over the perfectly manicured gardens, knowing that the real test was not some blast from the past, but it was whatever was ahead for him and Selen.

Clancy then walked back in to meet his brother at the corner of the hall. The ceremony was going to be an intimate one, with just immediate family. And after they were done, they would join the guests in the celebration of their child.