NEVER AGAIN

JADE

After Max angrily left my room, I stood by the window and stared at his car as he drove out of the compound.

I didn't like the fact that he was angry with me but what could I do? He seemed different from the man who had spoken to me so calmly the night I lost my virginity. But I guess that's the nature of men.

They would say or do anything to get what they wanted, and Henry was the first man who taught me that. I had just three months left before becoming a mother.

I didn't know what was going to happen then, but I was sure of one thing; I would get back up. But first, I needed to find out what Max's father's plans for me were.

Right at that moment, he knocked on my door. He had bought so many things for me that I didn't even know existed. I watched as they were being delivered into my room and neatly arranged so I would not have to move a muscle.

Seeing their grandfather so excited to meet my unborn children filled me with so much hope for the future.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Anderson," I told him. You don't know what you've done for me by giving me a roof over my head and not throwing me away. Everyone else turned their faces away from me but you did not. I know they're your grandchildren but I'm still very grateful."

He smiled, "You're welcome, my child."

"After I put to birth, what will...."

"Do not stress yourself by worrying about what will happen in the future," he interrupted me. "The doctor has asked you to get plenty of rest because you have been stressed. I have assigned a new maid to you.

If you feel any discomfort or need anything, don't hesitate to let your maid know.

I nodded, "Okay, thank you, sir."

"Stop thanking me. By giving me these grandchildren, you have brought so much happiness into my life. I cannot wait to carry them in my arms."

After speaking, he called the new maid and introduced her to me before they both left. I briefly slept and woke up minutes later. I stood by the window, looking outside because I was not used to being idle.

I suddenly saw Max's car driving in and kept watching until he got out of his car and walked into the house.

Seeing his upset expression, I thought about Henry and all the promises of love he had made to me during the four years we dated. I ended up where I was because of him and thinking about it all, made me clench my fist. I would surely get my revenge someday.

I sat down and thought about Max again. If we were going to live under the same roof, I didn't want him to be so upset with me. What if he tried to harm my babies without my realization?

Thinking about it made my hairs stand on end. I needed to speak with him. I needed to convince him that I was not a threat to his happy life and would never get in the way of his relationships. No matter what, I had to make him believe me.

I came out of my room but could not find anyone. The music that was being played earlier had ceased and everywhere was quiet.

I began to move around, searching for Max. There were so many rooms in the house and I didn't know which was his. I finally saw Agatha, the maid who had been assigned to me, and heaved a sigh of relief.

"I'm looking for Max Anderson's room," I told her.

She showed it to me and I thanked her. I got to the door and was about to knock when I heard voices inside because the door was a little open.

I decided to leave and return later since I did not want to disrupt his conversation. However, the moment I turned, the content of the conversation caught my interest.

It was Max's father's voice and he was saying, "I know that Jade is doing all of this for money. I know she planned everything carefully but what else can I do? Those children are yours. We are talking about my blood so how could I send her away?

Work with me. Let us make her happy, comfortable, and relaxed so she can have a safe delivery. Once your children are born, I will make her disappear from our lives."

"Dad, will you really keep her away? What if she wants more than what you will offer?" Max asked.

"Leave her to me. I know how to get rid of girls like her. We will hire qualified nannies to care for the children and make everyone believe they are Stacy's children.

Stacy is a decent girl from a good family. I would proudly let her be called the mother of your children and not some girl who sells her body in clubs." Max's father explained.

"Thank you so much, dad. Your plan aligns with mine and Stacy's. It's good to know that we are on the same page," Max said happily.

His father laughed, "I am your father, not your enemy. I will always support your happiness. Jade shouldn't find out about this plan, no matter what. Let's take very good care of her until she gives birth."

I couldn't listen anymore. I hurriedly went back to my room and locked myself inside as I tried to control my violently beating heart.

I paced up and down afterward, thinking of what to do. Looking at my belly in the mirror, I spoke to myself, "They plan to take my children from me and give them to another woman? What do I do? I may be naive, stubborn, or even considered evil by some people.

However, I'm not a mother who will let herself be separated from her children. They may have their plans but they don't know that I've heard it. I need to use this to my advantage and be two steps ahead.

I have been made a fool of once before, but never again."

I gently rubbed my belly as I spoke to my unborn babies, "This is a promise to you all; I will not let anyone separate you from me. I would rather die."