Upon leaving the hospital, still incognito, we go back to the police station, where i am told Claire is already being held, after being arrested from her family home, not too long ago.

Like i expected, Eva took control of the situation and managed to keep everything that's going on the down low for the time being, but i suspect by morning, everything will begin to blow up in the media.

"Did you find him?" I ask, not needing to specify who, as everyone already knows who i could be talking about.

"Out of town, and there are even pictures to back that up" someone chuckles, and i nod.

Max did brag about covering his tracks well, but i welcome the challenge of dismantling his plan, one piece at a time.

Unfortunately, all that this means is that, all blame and responsibility is left solely on his sister, but in as much as i want her punished, it's Max i am yearning for the most.

"What do you want us to do?" Kyan asks.

"About Max? Right now, nothing....he will come back to town all on his own..... unfortunately, there is little the police can do about him at the moment, but we will get him soon enough" I say, staring out of the window.

It's a couple of hours past midnight by the time we arrive at the police station, so i only make a statements and answer a few questions. After all, it's been quite an eventful day, and i just came from the hospital where i witnessed my kids being born, top that with the fact this this is quite an awkward hour, so, all parties have agreed to carry out the rest of this interrogation tomorrow at noon.

But before we leave the station, i am allowed to watch as Claire is being questioned. I listen in as she gives her account of the last six months, from beginning to the end according to her, and in all of it, she doesn't make a single mention of her brother being involved.

I don't know what arrangement she has with him, but she is clearly assuming all responsibility. Infact, even when Steph is brought into the mix, who i believe also here at the station, she says little to implicate her.

I don't know what the hell she is doing, but it means that i have to seat down with my team and decide how we will go about this in a way that will give me the result i want, before I meet with the police later. What i want more than anything is Max, and for that, i need to rethink how i will go about achieving this.

And whether i like it or not, having Steph involved in all of this complicates things for the family. She is the mother of my niece and nephew and i am just about to send her to jail, i am not sure how that will look or work out. As for Ben, he and i have not addressed the subject yet and we might need to discuss it privately first aswell.

All in all, i need a moment to think, go over everything before i can talk to anyone, that includes my own team.

I hear dad has been doing worse than usual, so i decide to drop by the house now, instead of going to the house Marianne and i share. When we left the hospital, almost everyone of my family was there, but that was hours ago, so i expect everyone to be back home by now.

And they are.

To be honest, none of this feels real. The last couple of hours, i kept wanting to pinch myself from time to time, just to make sure i am awake and this is not a dream. The last few hours have been so eventful that i haven't really had time to process the fact that this is over, and thereby pushed the emotional part of this whole situation to the back of my mind.

But walking into my home, seeing my family, i feel the breaks i had tightened over my emotions start to ease, and i brace myself for the waterworks that coming from both sides.

*

After a very emotional reunion, everyone insists i spend the night here, instead of going home to am empty house.

"In any case, there is no one there at this hour, except for maybe the house stuff, besides, i don't want you out of my sight, even for a minute" mom murmurs, still hugging me.

She does have a point about it being lonely and quiet there, however it's that same quietness that i wanted to help me go over everything. But, seeing the eagerness on their faces at having me stay, i give in.

*

It took a while to get away from everyone and their questions, especially the questions involving Steph. But it couldn't be avoided, and everyone is upset, but also suddened on how this will affect the kids.

Finally alone in my old bedroom, i let the water run over me in the shower for the longest time, allowing the events of yesterday, to play out in my head over and over again. No way would i have imagined the day would end the way it did.

I think about Marianne and the twins, and that brings some warmth to my heart.

After the shower, i sit down on the edge of the bed, and think about Marianne and the twins again. I can't wait to see them. To be together as a family. I called Roman twice already just to check in on them, and despite the fact that they arrived early, they are doing ok.

With everything i have planned for the day, i will only be able to be with them much later in the day, so i will just have to hold tight for most of the day and make sure no one tells her that i am back. Which means limiting the number of people she will be in contact with today.

A knock on the door, breaks my train of thoughts.

"Can we come in, just for a minute?"

It's the twins.

Honestly, i am beyond exhausted, but i also know i won't be able to fall asleep quickly either.

"Sure." I respond.

They walk in, and Andre follows into the room too.

"We are really happy that you are home and ok" Alana says and i smile, giving her a side hug.

Lexy says nothing, much like she did when we all had our reunion earlier.

"Hey" I whisper, pushing into her shoulder slightly.

"Hai" she whispers, batting back unshed tears.

"I am really sorry Angelo, i swear i had no idea what was going on and what Stephanie was doing and i ....." She mumbles, suddenly breaking into tears.

"I know" I say.

"I am really really sorry" she cries.

I remove my arm from around Lana and hug her instead.

"For what?"

"I don't know... For not being a better sister .. for always siding with her and Claire all this time..... For everything Angelo i.... i am so sorry...i understand if you hate me...." she stammers.

"I could never hate you Lexy, you are my little sister, I love you very much........ But you need to grow up and start thinking for yourself....pull your act together, ok.....?" I say, pulling Lana into the hug too.

"Ok" she nods.

Andre, not wanting to miss out on the hug, kneels down next to us, and joins in.

Soon, Ben and Mom show up too and i realise, any alone time i hoped to have, is a non starter.

*

A couple of hours later, i have my meeting with Eva, Hunter, one of the family lawyers that i trust, and Dad. Nick will also be joining us shortly.

When i finally had the chance after everyone left me alone again, i had to go through every possible detail and foresee every possible outcome of this case. Some of the direction of my line of thoughts were unpleasant, and ones i would not like to say out loud for all to hear, but it's part of what i have to do to plan ahead.

Once i fill everyone in on all the details, we discuss what we want the police to know and what we will pursue on our own. It's a thin line, but I have the benefit of a long career in law to lean on.

*

After the morning meeting and another at the police station that takes even longer to conclude, there is no keeping my appearance a secret.

Upon leaving the station, we are finally met with news reporters, but like always, i don't answer the media questions about my personal life. Eva is around to do that and she is handling it well.

As we approach our vehicle, another one pulls up close to ours, one belonging to the Dennings. Stepping out of the car is Claire's father, mother and...Max.

Claire's father, has already tried to make contact with me, no doubt wanting to iron out things privately but i have denied him any of my attention, and this time, dad is quite furious with their family, such that their long years of friendship nolonger counts. I look at Max who looks back at me blankly.

But the message from my gaze is as clear and loud as if i said it out loud for him to hear.

Game on.

I get into the car and throw my head back. Closing my eyes, i roll my shoulders back, as i feel the exhaustion starting to weigh down on me.

I open my eyes to find Nick watching me.

"Six months? It took you six whole fucking months to find me" I mutter angrily.

" Yeah, yeah, i know." he shrugs, rubbing his face and scratching his head uncomfortably.

"I would have found you sooner" I say with confidence.

"Yeah, i know" he chuckles.

"I guess that's why you are the lawyer....and i am the engineer.....this is more your foretay than mine..... " he utters defensively and i smile.

He is right. Nick is brilliant in so many ways, but scheming, and investigating is more of my thing than his.

"In any case, this whole thing kept me up every night just trying to figure it out" he adds.

"I know" I respond.

And i am grateful that it's finally over. I know he knows that. But i will thank him later. Ben too.

*

"Excited?" He asks, watching me tap my fingers on my knee as we finally make our way to the hospital. It's night time now and hopefully, they will be less people there at this hour.

I smile and turn to face him.

"I don't know, but i am abit nervous...." I admit.

He chuckles.

"Yeah, well, i guess it's to be expected...You did leave her high and dry during her pregnancy, while you were all alone in the underground section of your ex's mansion....i would be nervous too" he teases, but it makes me even more nervous, and i turn back to look out the window again.

I can't stop thinking about what to say to her. I can think of many areas about my story that will piss her off, alot, and with good reason, but quite frankly, i don't think i will be able to handle any negativity from her. I missed her so dearly and i just want to move on from this as a family.

***

Fortunately, though still in the incubators, i am glad to learn that the twins will continued to stay in my room for the rest of my stay here.

Late in the morning, Jade and Mom went home to freshen up and rest for a few hours, so Ally and Lana offered to stay until they come back.

That's pretty much all the people i have been able to see today. Lora passed through earlier in the morning to check on us, but that's about it.

The rest of my friends and family, i am only able to see through the glass wall separating my room from the waiting room. I am told it's because the twins are in here, and so they are trying to make sure they limit their exposure.

So all day, i have had to wave and smile at people as they come and go, some opting to stay and chat with each other.

I spoke to Nick earlier too and he told me they made some very good progress last night, and that he will come by later to brief me as he comes to pick up Ally.

Evening comes and i expect everyone to leave, but it seems it seems no one is willing to go home just yet. Mom and Jade are back too, bringing along with them the baby clothes and all the other stuff we didn't think we will need when we came here yesterday, but we do now.

After much need shower, i slowly walk back into my room, just in time for my next medical check up. I was expecting to see the same nurse that has been checking in on me all day, but instead, and i find Roman, whom have not seen all day.

We chat abit as he checks my vitals and other stuff and from the corner on my eye, i notice Nick show up and stand by the door.

"I like what i am seeing. You are doing well" Roman says, then turns around to see what has got my attention.

"Congratulations" Nick says from the door.

I turn my head and look at where the twins are on the other side of the room, with Mom close by and smile.

"Thank you" I murmur.

I notice Mom grinning at me now, then i turn to find Roman also sporting a wide smile on his face.

"What?" I murmur.

"I have something for you" Nick says.

Oh yeah....he has a debriefing to do.

"Is she good?" He asks, looking at Roman.

Roman makes the 'ok' sign with his fingers.

"What?" I asks curiously.

Nick then steps away from the doorway.

Then taking his place by the door, stands Angelo.

My mouth opens slightly, as i take in the sight.

"Hey" he says softly.

I stare, unable to believe my eyes, then i look at Roman, who smiles back and nods at me, almost as if to confirm my internal question that is asking if indeed i am seeing correctly.

"Hi baby" Angelo says again, and starts to walk into the room.

I place my hands over my eyes for a second and open them again only to find him now standing on the side of the bed next to me.

"Angelo??" I whisper.

"Yes baby, it's me." He says, his hands reaching out for me.

I shake my head a little in disbelief, even as he holds me to him, and kissing the side of my head.

I feel his arms tighten, pulling me further against his chest, as his hands starts to rub my back.

Oh my God! I can't believe this. This can't be true. It can't be true.

I am dreaming.

I pull back to look at his face, My fingers tracing the outline of his arms and shoulders, then his face.

It's definitely him. His face is a bit thinner, and his beard much longer. I can see it has been groomed, but he has deliberately decided to keep it much much longer.

"Are you really here?" I ask, tears falling down my face.

"I am really here. I am here.... It's over.. I am back now. I am back to you" he says, his voice equally emotional, his eyes glistening with tears.

I look at Mom, and she is crying, as she watches us closely. She doesn't look surprised though.

"You knew?" I ask and she nods

Roman too looks emotional, now standing next to an equally emotional Nick.

Everyone else, is watching us through the glass, as if they are watching a scene from a movie.

And suddenly a whole new wave of emotion takes over me and cover my face with my hands.

"How could you do this to me? How could you leave me? you left me alone and pregnant..." I mumble, leaning back against the bed and crying into my hands.

"Marianne" he whispers, reaching for me again.

"When you were gone, i died inside..... How could you do that to me." I mumble into his chest, as his hands work over my back, neck and head, soothing me gently.

I don't know how long we stay like that, but when we finally pull away, there is no one else in the room but us.

My nose is stuffy and running, i can barely breath, my eyes are hot and swollen, and my face probably as red as a tomato.

He pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket and hands it to me.

"Are you ok?" I finally ask, studying his face and the rest of his body to check if he has any injuries.

"I am now" he says, rubbing my cheek.

"What happened?" I ask.

"I will tell you later." He whispers, hugging me against him again.

" Just let me....I just need to hold you right now." he says against my ear.

I wish we could stay much longer like this, but this position is hurting my stitches, so i let him know and he lets me lean back against the bed with an apology.

As he takes my hand, he squeezes it a little to hard, but i don't mind, the pain, reminding me he is actually here.

"I see we have company" he motions to the twins on the other side of the room and stands up to walk towards them.

I smile.

"They were born just shortly after midnight" I say, my voice breaking a bit, finding the space between us unbearable, but at the same time understanding his need to be near them.

"I know" he says, staring through the glass at them.

"Oh" ofcourse he knows, he must have been briefed about everything.

"I was there" he adds, turning to look at me.

"Where? during the surgery?" I ask.

He nods.

" You were there last night? I mean Tonight?" I correct my self.

He nods again.

"You have been around all day and you are only coming to see me now?" I ask, feeling a fresh wave of tears falling down again.

"Baby, i couldn't come sooner...I had to deal with the police and all the other stuff." He says, walking back to me again.

"All day?" I complain, with a broken voice. I am sure I am pouting too.

"There was alot to deal with...besides, I didn't want to leave you again so soon after seeing you...so i wanted to get everything done" he explains, wiping my new tears.

"So....you watched the C-section?" I ask, feeling the better sweet feeling of having him there, even though i didn't know it.

"The whole time, my heart stops when Leevi didn't cry. I almost shouted for joy when he finally did. " He says thoughtfully, as he walks back to the incubators.

"Leevi??"

"Leevi.....if you have no objections to it." He says quickly.

I pull the sheet off me, and start to get off the bed.

Angelo groans and starts to walk towards me.

"No....I got... it's easier to get down. Getting back up is the real problem" I chuckle.

He watches me walk slowly towards him.

"I think Leevi is a great name" I whisper after a minute of staring at our son. It suits him.

Leevi was also my dad's middle name, and the thought that he remembers that detail, pulls at my heart.

"What about her" I ask.

"You do it" he offers.

We never had the chance to talk about baby names, because he was gone so quickly after we realised we were having them.

"I thought about some names and my family and yours hinted on a couple of names occasionally, but i could never arrive at one that i really liked. I just wanted to wait, and hoped that maybe you would come back before they were born so that we could choose together" I say faintly.

The fact that he is actually here, is still so unreal.

"Marianne" he whispers, holding me against him, and i realise that i am crying again.

"I felt like i was stuck in the darkness, and for months i was just walking around aimlessly, hoping i was moving in the right direction......The pregnancy was all i had to look forward to....it was like a little light at the end of the tunnel, guiding my way." I murmur, pushing back more tears.

"You know what. I think i know what her name is." He says thoughtfully.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah .... Luna"

" Luna?

"Yeah, that light that kept us going during our dark days" he says.

"It's perfect...plus they will both have the same initials right" I murmur happily.

"Can we come in?" Lana peers her head thought he door, her camera, as usual in hand.

"We are all just eager to join you guys."

"Yeah. we were just...just having a moment with Leevi and Luna"

"Oh my God! Are those their names?" Mom, murmurs, walking into the door and we both nod happily.

Everyone starts to rush into the room and Angelo quickly steps slightly infront of me.