CHAPTER XXIV

Thierry woke up in alert, his whole body aching and a nauseating feeling coming from his stomach. He sought Dev on the other side of the bed, but it was empty. The nauseating feeling increased, with the memory of last night's nightmare shaking his body. He ran to the bathroom and kneeled next to the toilet and put out all his stomach's content. He sat down on the floor, his stomach still hurting and asking for him to keep throwing up. The nausea was normal, he remembered feeling the same thing last time with the twins. But the nightmares. It had been ages since he had such a vivid and horrible one. He hugged his legs and began to cry. That was when Dev opened the door. He got some paper and cleaned Thi's mouth. He got another paper and cleaned his tears.

"What happened, love? Why are you crying?" Dev knew there was more to it than just morning sickness.

"I had a nightmare". He answered, his head between his legs.

"One of those?"

"Yeah".

Since he came to this world, Thierry had nightmares with the original story. Vivid and realistic nightmares, and he didn't know if it was showing him the previous version of this reality, or his brain producing things from his subconscient. Probably a mix of the two. He had constant nightmares with Thierry's previous life, all the torture he went through and his terrible end. But it didn't end at that. There was also Devin and his relationship with the original Cael, and the lives of all the omegas who suffered at the mercy of the Delaney family. He could feel all the pain from those lives, every time a nightmare came. With time, they became less frequent, but also changed to fit his new reality. Then, he could only wonder if they were just his apprehension and anxiety talking, or something else. He had many nightmares when he met Cael again. It was Dev who walked him through his anxieties and helped him choose the right path. But now, the nightmares are many times worse. He dreams about them obtaining guardianship of the kids and him not being able to see them anymore. Being publicly framed as a child abuser and losing even his children that are yet to be born. And, in the future, when they find one of the twins is an omega, they will sell him to the highest bidder, and he, Thierry, won't be able to do anything about it. He won't be able to save the kids from becoming what the original Cael became or living a torturing life as a reproducing bitch for some rich and old magnate. And even if they didn't win, they would still find ways to interfere in their lives and claim that they had the right to be there as the grandparents. So, in the end, the future just sucked. Unless he ended them for good, in a way that they couldn't come back.

Thierry narrated his last dreams to him. One moment or another, he had recounted basically every important dream to him, and he helped him walk through what they meant together.

"And what do you take from all this?" He asked, also sitting on the floor next to Thierry, who held to the toilet.

"That I must end them somehow. Expose every dirty secret and every corrupted action. Make them crawl like the vermin they are, and let them eat shit. That's what they deserve. To writhe in the shit they created and be punished for all the damage they caused".

"And what will you get from it?"

"First: they will stay away from my kids and never even think about messing with them again. Second: I'll get justice for every person they hurt. Even if it's not for all of them, I'm tired of not doing anything. I read the story, and revisited it every night since childhood. And I did nothing 'cause I was afraid that they would hurt me, my family, and later my kids. But why should I still be afraid when they are already taking action to hurt the people I love? I have power, money and connections that could scare even a mafia boss. So why do I cower?"

"Hubby, I just wish you could do it consciously, thinking about all the consequences of your actions and what you really want to achieve with it. I just wish that it doesn't come from a place of simple revenge and anger. So if you can think about it and still think it's the right decision, I will support you and help you in everything I can".

"Thanks, love".

"Now, I brought you some toast with honey and some watermelon juice. You need to eat something".

"Thanks". Dev was already used to it and knew exactly what Thi wanted to eat when he was feeling sick.

Dev helped him get up, and Thi washed his mouth. He sat down on the sofa in the varanda and ate the toast with juice. Dev sat next to him, also eating toast with juice. He could eat anything, but he would always accompany him for breakfast. Whatever Thi was eating, he would eat too, so Thi won't feel lonely. Without the kids, the house felt empty. No matter how many times they called to listen to their voices and see their faces, they couldn't touch them, hug them, feel that smell of a baby that somehow they still had. And that was having a great impact on Thi. Dev would catch him from time to time looking around for the kids, or saying something like How is it so quiet? I will take a look at the kids. He would play with the dog and put him on his lap, like he was one of the twins. But a dog couldn't ever substitute his sons.

The hearing has already been scheduled and Nisa was coming everyday to work with them on the arguments. They sent them the proofs, but together with a mountain of materials they had to filter to get to it. It took them time, but they finally found the adulterated photos and videos and sent them to the expert that Monroe referred them to. He could only wonder how much they spent on all that, as it was really well done and there were many photos and videos. That had only instigated Thierry's rage.

"Dev, I need to end them once and for all, before they can have a chance to cause any real damage. I'll ruin them". Thierry said, when he saw the worst of the videos they did.

"I'll help you", Dev said and held his hand.

***

Thierry became really apprehensive the next few days, and Dev had to keep him from going to get Killian and Collin. "They are not safe there", he would say, "They could find them at any moment and hurt them". He believed that the Delaney couple would find where Cael was staying with the kids and steal them. Dev knew that his fear had a touch of truth, as they had easily the power to find out where the kids were hiding. But they did their best to protect them and guarantee that the building was safe. That was all they could do right now. In a way it was good that the hearing was so soon, otherwise Thierry would just keep suffering.

However, he also had some other things in mind.

"Were you able to find the people from the list?", Thi asked.

"I sent them to Kirsch. I'm still waiting".

"I found the accounts I talked about. The data is ready to be sent to the authorities. I also got the documents I needed. Just one click and it will all go public. But I still need those people".

"I will send a message to Kirsch to focus on this job".

"Thank you. But I still feel it's not enough".

Using the knowledge from the original novel, he remembered all the crimes that the Delaney family committed and that were exposed. There was probably more, but that was all the novel showed. And many things changed with the domino effect. But they still committed money laundering, and a good part of their money was sent to tax havens. He followed the money and found proof of all their schemes, which would be sent to the police. If it didn't work, he was ready to empty their accounts and send the money to various accounts of random people around the world.

They also collected evidence of corruption, malpractice and negligence. Many cases have led to serious injuries of employees and even a case of death. The documents they collected proved everything. And if they showed it to the public, the reputation of their company would be completely ruined.

At last, there were also crimes of sex slavery. Many omegas served as sex slaves for the family because of debts or because they were sold by their families. However, most of those people disappeared or had their whereabouts unknown. From the book, he remembered that they would buy the children of these omegas - the alpha kids generated through abuse - who had no choice but to accept the money, and disappear, so the kid wouldn't have contact with their biological mother. That was how the family became so big.

He was determined to end the Delaney family and their company, making it impossible for them to get back on their feet. And he would use all his power for that.

***

The other part filled the judgement with irrelevant proof and fabricated histories. They called witnesses, who were clearly paid, to testify that Antoine publicly abused his children. But his legal team was ready.

"We present Charles Rimbaud as a witness". The Delaney's lawyer called and the man came in. "Isn't it right that you worked for one and a half years in Ant. as part of the marketing team?"

"Yes".

"And what did you see regarding Mr. Antoine's children?"

The man narrated the times that he saw the children being hit or verbally abused. As he recalled the events, Nisa just waited. When it was her time to ask, she started by simply questioning:

"How are the kids you saw?"

"One blonde, one dark haired".

"Which one is taller?" The man was confused.

"I don't know".

"Well, one of them is visibly bigger. Someone can say it just by seeing. However, even to see them there are some aspects that exclude the general workers. Mr. Rimbaud, as you worked as an office worker, your card only granted you access to certain floors that don't include the executive's floor, correct?"

"Yes, but..."

"So you didn't know that the kids always used the CEO's exclusive elevator, which has its own entrance, and never had contact with the general public in the company?"

"I didn't...".

"So not only you can't answer a simple aspect about the kids, but you never had any chance to meet".

And like that the first rat was caught. The next was an ex-employee from the kindergarten. His deposition was thrown away when they found out that not only was he fired for harassing the mothers and other children, but had gambling debt that was paid just before the hearing.

The third was the gardener who was fired for filming that video and taking the photos. When confronted about the video and photos, he broke and apologized. He took back all the bad things he said and kept saying sorry.

Still, the other part kept going. Trying to find the smallest thing they could use. The photos and videos were proven fake by Thierry's specialist. The witnesses were all contradicted. They had nowhere to go, but they kept going. Even the judge seemed like he had had too much every time Delaney's lawyer opened his mouth. In the end, they had to suspend the hearing because it was too late. As they were leaving, Delaney's lawyer tried to approach them, but their security didn't let him. He ended up saying from afar.

"We want a deal. If you agree, all this can stop".

Thierry didn't even look at him, only ignored and walked away.

"You'll regret it if you walk away from this", he said, threatening. Nisa was only filming the lawyer and his threats to use later. Maybe send it to the bar.

Unfortunately, after every new hearing, the situation only got worse. They did all they could to postpone the decision, and would constantly use borderline illegal means for it. That was affecting Thierry a lot. His pressure was high and his doctor recommended that he rest, which he didn't do. Dev was getting more and more worried about his health and the babies. They got authorization from the court for supervised visits and saw the kids every Friday. They seemed to be getting used to living with Cael. Although every time they met them, Killian did all he could not to let them go, while Collin bargained and manipulated them into staying a little longer. Thierry felt better when he saw the kids, but it didn't last long as the empty house always brought the sense of loneliness. He was working harder to avoid these feelings, focusing on the hearing and doing his best. But Dev only felt worried.

One day, as Thi was working late at night, Dev got into his office and said:

"Just save the file. We're going to bed".

"I just need to finish some things...".

"No. I won't let you do this anymore. It's past midnight, you have to sleep. If not for you, do it for the babies. Please".

"I'm doing it for them. All I do is for our children's future". He answered without taking his eyes off the computer. "I'm almost finished with the materials. The media is going to cover it tomorrow morning. They will be too busy with it to keep interfering with the ruling".

Dev turned the chair towards him and grabbed Thierry's hands so he couldn't escape.

"I will help you finish it, but this is the last time. You can't endanger one child to save the other. I know the life in your womb is as important to you as it is to me, so I'm begging please take care of yourself and take care of them. I love you so much, and I want to see you healthy and well. So everything that happens, you can depend on me - please depend on me. But never hurt yourself like you are doing. It pains me to see you suffering like that". As he finished talking, he had tears in his eyes. Thierry put his hand on his face and Dev kissed it.

"I'm sorry, I hurt you so much, love. I was too focused on doing what I thought was right that I didn't notice all the wrong I was causing". His voice trembled. He put his other hand on his stomach. "These babies are really important to me, and I would do anything for them. I know that I'm doing too much, and I promise to tone it down a little. Can you help me? Can you help me finish what we started? I promise I'll go to sleep after that".

"Go take a shower and I'll edit and revise it. You can finish when you're back". He said, drying his tears.

"Ok". Thi said and kissed Dev gently. "I'll do as you say".

He went to shower. As he undressed he looked at his flat belly, where two little beings hid. He hugged his belly and cried. He has been feeling pain in his stomach for the last two days, but he didn't dare tell anyone about it. For starters, barely anyone knew as they were keeping it a secret with all that was happening. Also, he was afraid. These kids were really important for him and Dev, their little miracle. How would Dev feel if he lost them? He would be devastated. Maybe he would even stop loving him. However, it might be the time for him to tell the truth.

As he washed, he felt his body relaxing. He didn't even know he was this tense. He must really talk to Dev after he finishes. When he went back to the office, Dev was concentrating on finishing the material. He was so focused that he was even using his glasses. How can a man look so sexy in glasses? Thi thought. He just wanted to eat him up. Dev looked up as he saw him approaching and dragged him closer, sitting him on his lap.

"I think I finished it. I got all the data left, but I need you to check if it is alright", he said.

"Sure", Thi said blushing. They have been together for a long time already, have two kids and another two on the way. Why was he blushing?

He checked what Dev wrote and everything was according to what he planned. He checked the whole document once more and sent it. After he pressed send, Dev held him bridal style and said:

"I guess it's time to go to sleep now".

"But..."

"No buts. We've already agreed on it".

"Our agreement didn't include you carrying me like this".

"Who will tell us no? It's our home and we are alone"

"Humpf", Thi protested, but then hugged Dev's neck and kissed him. "You're lucky I love you too much".

"I really am lucky", he smiled, but Thi looked back at him with sadness in his eyes. When he noticed that, Dev put him down on bed and sat next to him. "What is upsetting you, honey?"

"I've been feeling pain in my stomach for the last two days but I didn't want to say anything".

"Why?"

"I was scared. What if we lose the babies? What if they were hurt because of me? And what would happen to us after that?"

"With or without the babies, you are an important person to me and I will never leave you. I don't want to lose the babies, but more importantly, I don't want to lose you. I'll text the doctor so we can have an appointment tomorrow. We're going to get it checked and find out there is nothing wrong. Understood?"

"Yeah" Thi wiped away the tears that were starting to form in his eyes. It was good to have someone by his side who understood his fears and was able to calm him down.

"Now, let's lay down to sleep, 'cause these babies right here need their mommy to have a good night of sleep". He said laying down in bed next to Thi.

"Okay", Thi answered, his face close to Dev's. "Good night, darling", he kissed him lightly then turned around to turn off the lights.

"Good night, love".

***

The journals in Illaney woke up in frenesi. The information and proofs of corruption in Delaney Inc., an important company, and the unethical behavior of the Delaney family were stamping every journal by 11 a.m. The company's value dropped and the shareholders were scared. And it was only the tip of the iceberg. As he read it, Thi felt delighted. Things were going well for once. While he read an article the doctor called him.

"So, is everything alright?", he asked during the ultrasound. The doctor smiled and answered.

"Everything is alright. Nothing to worry about. But I'll still recommend some rest and that you take your vitamins. I'll also ask for some blood tests". He finished the ultrasound and gave a paper for Thi to clean his stomach. They sat down around the doctor's desk. "Your pressure was a little high and you have to be careful with it. Avoid stressful situations - I know it's hard in your position, but still. Eat well too. I'll recommend a nutritionist", he wrote down a name, "She is a specialist in maternity and pos-partum. She can help you take care of your diet. Aside from that, everything is alright, just as it should be. No need for further worries".

"Are you sure?", Dev asked, seeing Thi's face that was clearly anxious.

"I'm sure", the doctor smiled again.

They left the doctor's office, Dev holding Thi's hand tightly, signaling everything will be alright. Thierry felt more confident with Dev by his side, having someone who would support him in everything.

"Let's go home", Dev said. "I'll make you some good food and we will watch one of those series you were begging me to watch with you. And tomorrow you'll call work to reduce your workload".

"Yes". He smiled. "And if God helps us, the Delaney's will quiet down for a while to let my pressure go back to normal".

"Yes", Dev laughed in agreement.

They did quiet down, for a week. The time for them to calm down the media about the corruption case. But, to divert the attention they came public with the guardianship case. They were saying, with the most hypocritical pleading faces, We just want to see our grandsons.