The third point of view

"Surprise!"

Niklaus and his daughter Isabella were stunned out of their mind when a stream of confetti fell on them as soon as they stepped into the living room.

"What in the name of God," he muttered, taking in the sight of the guest he had not invited to his place.

"How could you be so heartless brother, leaving without notifying me?" Emily stepped forward, punching him abruptly in the stomach.

"I was planning on doing so," He groaned, gripping his stomach. Gosh, where did she learn to hit like a man? That must be Judy's handiwork.

Emily laughed sarcastically, "Really? You were planning on doing so? Hmm, let me guess?"

She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "When you're on the plane already?"

Well, she was right. Niklaus had planned on departing without informing any of them but Amanda busted his plans.

Niklaus didn't want the dramatic separation at the airport; the crying with snots running from noses and the never-ending hugs.

To crown it all, they had made it worse by organizing a "Goodbye" party. Now everyone was going to drop their tears on his shoulder during the ceremonious see-you- again hug.

"Fine, I'm sorry,"

Emily went on her tiptoes and hooked her arms around his neck, "Well, if you're truly sorry, there's this…."

Oh boy, girls and their manipulation.

"Hey Izzy," Isabella, who was more eager to see her baby, Neon, was stopped halfway.

"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving? "Anabelle stood in her way, hands placed on her waist with a stern expression.

"Get out of the way, you're not my human GPS," Isabella shooed her out of her away, straining her neck to catch a glimpse of the nursery.

"What's she looking at?" Pedro as expected joined in expending her time.

"Mind your business," Isabella told both and tried to move around her but they- Pedro and Anabelle- swiftly moved to that same side.

"Leave me," Isabella glared at them, her anger gradually reaching its boiling point.

"She's keeping something from us," Pedro narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously.

"She's always hiding things from us," Anabelle grumbled, stomping her feet.

"I bet it is a dark secret," Pedro grinned, his eyes glinting with expectation.

Isabella facepalmed, both of them were idiots. At this rate, why doesn't she just agree so they could leave her alone in peace.

"Fine, come and view the dark secret," she said with sarcasm, leading them to the direction of Neon's room.

"Wait a minute, why is this room renovated-"

"Jennifer," Isabella interrupted Pedro, startling the poor woman having alone time with her son.

"Isabella," Jennifer was taken back by her presence.

She had expected them to spend more time with her therapist since today was her last session.

The poor mother hardly spent time with her baby anymore and was quite scared. Why if her son grows up thinking Isabella was his real mother instead of her?

"What is a baby doing in your place?" Anabelle was curious with a tinge of envy.

"Jennifer, let me have him," the girl stretched her hand to the young mother expectantly.

Neon's mother was reluctant but had no choice but to hand over her son who was as well thrilled to meet his new favorite person Isabella.

"Guys, meet Neon. I'm his godsister," Isabella dazzled them with a rare smile that took them a minute to recover.

"Ooh, he's so cute," Anabelle tried to poke his cute soft cheeks but Isabella swatted her hand with a lethal glare.

"Oww," the girl exclaimed in pain,

"What was that for?" She was dumbfounded.

"I said, see, not touch," the protective Isabella reminded her fiercely.

Anabelle retorted, " How can I just watch and not touch this cute looking innocent baby," she cooed.

And on cue, Neon chuckled and he stretched his hand out as if inviting Anabelle to carry him.

Isabella was alarmed at once, her sly cousin must be trying to convert the love Neon has for her.

"Jennifer, continue with what you were doing," Isabella handed the baby back to his mother and began to pull the guests out of the nursery.

"Isabella, what is wrong with you?" Anabelle was offended by the way she chased them both out.

"The two of you have seen the dark secret I'm keeping so be on your way," she expelled them without blinking her eye.

"You're so selfish," Anabelle accused, tears stinging her eyes.

"Don't let it fall, you know they don't move me," She advised her cousin not to shed tears in her presence.

"You're so mean!" Anabelle spat and ran off.

"We just came to see how you were progressing and see you off as well. But you're obviously doing more than fine," Pedro said to her with an attitude before going after Anabelle.

"Why does my heart hurt?" Isabella caressed her chest feeling disturbed by this new unusual feeling.

"Whatever," she dismissed it and went back to the baby's room.

Meanwhile, Niklaus found himself agreeing to sponsor all of Emily's shopping this season- though he wouldn't be here presently. He and his sister were reminiscing their childhood when he caught sight of Eden.

"You brought him here, too?" He asked in disbelief.

After Maya's death, his relationship with Eden was no better than a stranger's. The only reason both were still on seeing terms was because of their daughters' relationship.

No matter what they did to those two, the girls always found a way of communicating with each other. So they let them be.

Though Niklaus tried not to be angry, Emily could see the strong look of disapproval on his face.

"No matter how much you both dislike each other, you're still family-"

"And he's headed my way," Niklaus interrupted her.

Eden strode towards Niklaus with his jaw clenched with an apathetic outline.

"I need to talk to you," he said.

"And I need to leave soon," Niklaus gave out his own excuse.

Eden took a step forward," It is something important," the pissed cousin intentionally stressed on "important" to tell Niklaus he wasn't here to fiddle.

"Sure, say it," He finally agreed.

Eden's gaze moved to Emily," I can't …." he was shut up by Emily's glower.

"Sure, go ahead. I'm always been kept in the dark anyway," she huffed and left them.

"Let's go to my office," Niklaus somehow sensed this wasn't a subject to be discussed casually.

"Make yourself comfortable," Niklaus gestured to him to take a seat when they reached.

But Eden chose to stand while Niklaus leaned against the edge of his desk, arms folded across his chest.

"Now, speak up, my time is precious" he demanded

"Have you heard of the misfortune that befell the Devon family?" Was Eden's odd question.

"You mean the death of Christina?"

"Yes, the death of your fianceé, Niklaus," Eden pinpointed.

"Yes, I heard the news and it's quite an unfortunate incident," Niklaus said, but there wasn't a trace of grief in his tone.

Eden looked him straight in the eyes, "Why did you murder her, Niklaus?"