Chapter Eight

Cedric inhaled deeply as he stepped into the Pierce's mansion foyer, he didn't want to be anywhere near his father at the moment.

However, Anne asking to see him was something he could never put on a hold. Anne was like a mother to him, can be said to be his mother.

Since she had taken care of him and his siblings when their mother had died so young. He craved for her attention, she was the only woman he felt safe with, his mother sent from heaven.

The moment Cedric took a step towards the kitchen where he knew she would be, the nice scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls hit his nose. "God bless your heart." He muttered a silent prayer for Anne.

He didn't realise how hungry he was until his eyes caught the whole feast of different mouth watering dishes laid out on the kitchen island. Anne had an habit of not knowing when to stop when she decides to cook.

"Did you really have to do all of this?" Cedric murmured into her hair as he hugged her from behind where she stood facing the oven.

Anne smiled patting his cheek lovingly, "anything to fill my boys up."

Releasing her from his hold, he grabbed one of the rolls moaning softly as he took a bite. Cinnamon rolls were Cedric's favorite.

Anne watched him with her heart fluttering, she loved them all equally like they were hers. Just as Cedric finished devouring the roll he took, howls of his brother sifted into the kitchen.

Cedric face fell immediately, giving Anne a look like she had betrayed him. "I should have known you wouldn't make all of this goodies for just me." He pouted.

Anne chuckled, "don't be so selfish."

"Mama!!" Eric yelled from the hallway, running towards the kitchen like a five year old. The moment he sighted Anne, he almost knocked her down with his choking hug. "Hello, there favourite person."

Anne patted his back affectionately, "I'm fine baby. Took you long enough to arrive, shows how much you really miss me." She teased, after he let her go.

"You should know I would come running whenever you call." Eric responded in a muffled tone as he stuffed his mouth with a roll.

Strolling in majestically, Oscar smirked at Anne giving her a soft hug. "Hello, love of my life." He cooed kissing her forehead.

"How is my champ doing?" Anne asked, not surprised she didn't get a response.

The three of them had occupied themselves with the cookies, and rolls she had laid out. Tears formed in her eyes as she watched them, even though it might sound selfish she wanted the boys all for herself.

No offence to Erica, but she would say anywhere that they are her children. Sighing in contentment, she took a step forward standing in between Cedric and Eric.

"How is it?" She asked them.

"Taste heavenly as always." Oscar was the first to answer.

"You should come live with me, mama. Dad doesn't deserve you." Eric muttered, kissing her hurriedly on the forehead before returning his attention to the goodies.

Cedric raised a brow at him, "you must really think you are special. You had all of Anne's attention since you were little, I should be the one she moves in with."

Oscar nodded his head in refusal, "that is so wrong, she dotes on you both more than she does me. So, only I have the right to live with Anne."

Anne laughed heartily as they bickered amongst themselves fighting over her custody. "Where are your table manners boys." She rebuked.

Respectfully, they kept on with munching. Pulling off the apron she had on, Anne got the lemonade juice she had prepared before hand from the fridge. Getting four glasses, she served each person. They all muttered thank you.

Settling on a stool facing all of them, Anne cleared her throat to get their attention. "Is there something you all need to tell me?" She asked them.

"Why do i have a feeling you already know that mama." Eric stated.

Anne shrugged, "won't be bad to hear it from you all."

Eric let out a wild laugh, he had always been the type to never get bothered about anything. Too carefree for his own good. Pointing at his brothers, he wheezed. "Dad said he would disinherit them if they don't get married."

Oscar heaved in annoyance, Eric's laughter was getting on his nerves. "Like you are left out."

Looking shocked, Eric spread his palms on his chest blinking innocently. "Why would he do that to me?"

"Why won't he?" Cedric questioned, folding his arms on his chest.

Eric put on a full smile, "cause I am the youngest."

"Ah ah ah." Oscar let out a sarcastic laugh, "you lie brother, you are bounded by the rule just as us too. Don't act too smart my man."

Anne got tired of listening to their bants, "will you boys quit going back and forth. The question is, what do you think of his intention?"

"Awful."

"Unreasonable."

"Out of his goddamn mind."

The three of them responded all at once.

Anne chuckled lightly, "remember he is your father, he is only doing what he thinks is right."

"Nah, dad just hates us. Especially Cedric." Oscar let out a snorty laugh, he had intended to throw a jab at his brother. Instead he was met with a murderous glare when he looked his way.

"Oscar." Anne cautioned.

"Sorry." He muttered looking away.

"Ignore your brother, Cedric. You know how he can be." Said, Anne.

Cedric scoffed, turning his glass around. "You know he is right. Probably, he just hates me for no reason and that might be why he is putting me in such a fix."

"But, he also gave us the same condition." Added Oscar.

"And you all know it's just a mere facade to put me on the edge." Responded, Cedric. "You two, are not interested in what Pierce company has to offer and you know it. Don't try to act like you wanted any of it." He hissed.

Anne sighed, massaging his shoulder. "That's alright, Cedric. He is only doing all of this for your good. It's been a long time since that unfortunate incident. Shouldn't you have let go, now?"

Releasing himself from her hold gently, Cedric kissed her forehead. "Thanks for today's meal, mama. Love you." He mumbled politely, leaving the room.

"He didn't just walk away." Eric, who had been quiet mused.

Oscar snickered. "oh, yes he did!"

Staring at his receding back, Anne smiled lightly at the other boys. "You all should eat up, I made more than enough." She assured them to their delight.