[Matilda] "I've been trying to reach you since last night!" I leaned my back on the kitchen cabinet, with my phone pressed on my ear "Sorry love, I'm here now!" Leo mumbled. I could tell he already knew what I was about to ask "Tell me you don't know what I'm about to ask you? When did you do all of that without my knowledge?" I asked and I heard him chuckle "Tesoro, What are you talking about?" "Don't do that Leo, when did you register me on a baking show without letting me know? I got the call yesterday and your name was mentioned so don't lie to me about it," I mumbled and that was when he chuckled loudly "A few days back! I heard of it from a business partner of mine and well I had to fix in one of the most pastry chefs I've ever seen!" My face turned crimson shade as Leo mumbled making me bite down on my lip "I got their message after the call and it doesn't look like an ordinary competition Leo, how did you manage to get me a slot in it? It looks like a show high-e
[Kaden]"You're insane, I said they are not...," Before she could finish her statement, with a flick of my wrist, I threw the envelope to her, watching as it landed on her feetHer eyes darted to it. She stared at me and then back to the envelopeI could feel my anger burning as I chuckled"Go the fuck on and check what that is, you fucking selfish thing!" I roaredShe inhaled deeply, her eyes flickering back to me again before she snatched it off the ground, rolling her eyes, she tore the envelope immediately. Her eyes scanned the paper, a mixture of shock and disbelief danced in her orbs but the next thing she did suddenly caught me off guardShe threw her head back, her hand tightening on the paper as she laughed hysterically, making my brows crease together"This is insane, oh what the fuck is wrong with this man!" Tilda scoffed, shaking her head as she stared back at me. "You think I'll give you a listening ear for this trash. Tell me, since when does DNA happen without both par
[Matilda] "Fuck off!" I shoved my hand away from the bastard in front of me and pushed my door open. I stepped in and banged the door shut My heart was thumping as I clicked on the door, making sure it was locked. I took long strides towards the stairs, heading straight to my room The moment I reached my bed, my body gave out, and I collapsed onto the mattress. Tears poured down my face, ragged sobs shaking my entire frame "No!! No!! This isn't happening!" My heart pounded louder in my ears, as I clutched my chest tightly. He did... He did a DNA test. How could this man? How did I not think about this? My vision blurred as the words on that paper burned themselves into my brain, looping over and over like a curse Paternity test between Kaden Donovan and the twins, Aiden and Austin: 99.98% What does he mean by the hard way? Would he forcefully try to snatch my children from me? I know Kaden Donovan would likely walk out freely with anything, but this isn't happening I d
[Kaden] My fingers tapped against the bar counter as I tilted my neck from side to side trying to shake off the tension tightening my muscles "They are better off without a father," my jaw clenched tightly as Matilda's words echoed in my head She's fucking playing with fire and I'll make sure it burns her deeply I'll make sure she never sees Aiden and Austin again. She'll know exactly how it feels "So what exactly are you trying to say?" Ryan snapped, pulling me from my thoughts. "And could you stop fuming? This is the mother of your children for crying out loud!" His words made my jaw clench so tight, I could hear my teeth gritting Ryan will always find a way to defend her. Even after I laid everything out —told them exactly what happened a few hours ago, he was still on her side I exhaled sharply, shifting my eyes to Mason who had been silent the entire time, before shifting my gaze back to Ryan "Did you just say mother of my kids?" I growled, and Ryan raised a brow at me l
[Matilda]"Mummy, why are we not going to school today?" Aiden asked me as I set their breakfast on the table. His big silver eyes, locked onto mine waiting for an answerI hesitated, glancing at Austin who was already digging into his food, completely unbothered. Taking a slow deep breath, I pulled out a chair and sat down"Because you're going to be schooling from home for now baby," "Really?" Austin perked up instantly, his face lightening up. "Does that mean I can watch swimming sessions and Spiderman at home, yeah!" He grinned, stuffing a forkful of pancake into his mouth Aiden's brows pulled together, his lips pressing into a pout. "But Mummy I don't want that. I want to go to school so I can see my friends," His voice carried a stubborn edgeGod, I knew this would be hardCall me a coward — I wouldn't mind, but was I scared of what Kaden could do? YesI could report the incident that happened last time to the school and make sure my kids are protected. But his last words befo
[Matilda]The next day"Mummy someone's at the door, I think it's our teacher!" Aiden's voice rang out from the dining roomI frowned, glancing at my watch. It was only 7 am. The teacher and Nanny weren't supposed to arrive until 9. Why would they come this early? I wiped my hands on the napkin and quickly carried the kid's breakfast to the dining before heading toward the doorAs I stepped into the living room, my feet frozeCould it be...?" My heart pounded hard in my chest as the thought of who it could be crossed my mind. It can't be Kaden right?The doorbell rang again, snapping me out of my trance. What am I even doing, when I can just check through the peepholeI wiped my sweaty palms against my dress and stepped closer. Pressing my lips into a thin line - I peeked through the hole — only to find nothing My brow creased even further as I stared again and still no oneIf this happens to be Kaden, I would fucking call the authorities on him. I gripped the door handle, pushing
[Matilda] My stomach dropped. My eyes darted from Leo to the kids who had their eyes fixed on the food "Let's talk later!" I mumbled and Leo's eyes narrowed before he nodded, turning his attention back to his food I bit down on my lower lip as I tried to take another bite of my food but my appetite was already messed up. I could see Leo from my peripheral vision staring at me now and then Once we were done eating, I cleared the plate. Leo who I knew was eager to know the reason the kids weren't going to school, helped me out as we cleared the dining. I could feel his eyes boring into mine but I didn't say a word to him as I focused on washing the dishes "You're not saying anything?" Leo's voice pulled me out of my trance. I ignored him, wrapping a few left over the nanny would warm up for the kids later I turned to Leo who had his eyes fixed on mine, his brows creasing together "Why are my boys not going to school? Did something happen at school?" I took a deep breath, swallowi
[Matilda]The upcoming baking showcase was fast approaching and I would say I was becoming a bit excited about itIt's three days away and managing my bakery which has somehow turned into the neighborhood's daily obsession and perfecting the signature desserts I planned to bake live, I barely had a second to breathe The two part-timers I had interviewed a few days ago weren't exactly what I was looking for and I ended up not hiring them. Now, I could only hope I'd find someone soon because handling everything alone was tearing me out "Are you done?" Julia's voice snapped me out of my thoughts as she strolled into the mini kitchen of my store. She had dropped by to help me out since today was her off dayI had closed the bakery for the day but I needed to practice for the baking showcase. They say practice makes perfect, isn't it? And while I believed in my skills, this wasn't just any event. It was an exclusive showcase featuring NYC's top pastry chefs "What's on your mind, young w
[Matilda]"What did he mean by seeing you in court, why is he taking you to court?" Leo asked and I took a deep breath trying to calm the way my heart thumped hard in my chest by recalling that statement from LeoI stared up at Leo biting down on my lower lip"He wants the full custody of the kids,""That fucking bastard," Leo growled out, his jaw clenching as he lowered his gazeHe stared up. "Was he aware that you were pregnant?" Leo asked and I shook my head, taking another sip from my wine"I didn't tell him about it,""Why?" Leo asked and I knew that there was no other way around this, I had to tell him everything, the one memory I hated to recall for the past six yearsI stared up at Leo and then lowered my gaze, swallowing the sudden lump that made its way to my throat"If you don't want to talk about it Tesoro, it's fine, you can...,""No I want to," I mumbled fidgeting with my hands. "Our marriage did not start on a good note, I would say he was forced to marry me by his fath
[Matilda]"Please just hear me out Leo," I said softly. The men who had walked out with him made their way leaving and LeoI made to speak but he cut me off"Matilda, I don't want to hear anything from you, is that fucking too much for you to register into your head," Leo snapped. I bit down on my lip, staring at Leo like I was suddenly looking at a different person entirelyI locked my gaze on him, I opened my mouth to speak but shut it back. I wanted to speak with him, I wanted to make him understand, but standing right in front of him, with the way his eyes darkened, I suddenly felt speechless"Since you have nothing reasonable to say then I will take it that I should leave," He flashed me a smile that did nothing to hide the anger In his eyesI bit down on my lip, watching as he made to take a step out"If you leave right now, then I'll take it that you do hate me and love seeing me like this," My voice wavered as fresh tears poured down my eyesLeo stood frozen in the spot, his b
[Matilda]I walked down the stairs, my heart skipping with each step I took down. It was barely 9 am but I was already dressed up to leave! Not to my store or any other place but to meet Leo! I couldn't get a wink of sleep last night. The anger In Leo's voice and face couldn't get out of my mind no matter how hard I tried"Mummy, are you going out?" My eyes shifted to my kids who were seated with their teacher in the living room. I walked towards them placing a soft kiss on their foreheads, before bidding them goodbye"I'm leaving," I said to their Nanny, and she gave me a firm nod. A look of worry flickering in her eyes, she made to speak but I flashed her a smile before turning and making my way outI glanced at my phone for the umpteenth time since last night to know if Leo had at least replied to my message but it was still exactly like that! And the worst part is that he read every message I sent and still didn't utter a word. I tried explaining to him that I didn't mean to lie t
[Kaden]"When did you start smoking, Cherry, and who was that?" My voice was low as I asked. I wasn't shocked seeing Cherry smoking because lately, it has felt like I didn't know my wife anymoreShe opened her mouth to speak but shut it back"I don't know what you're talking about," She said, dropping the cigarettes on the floor using her leg to put off the cigarettesI just wasn't in the mood for this anymore, I was beginning to regret coming here to get her in the first place"We're going home, haven't you stayed enough?" I asked, my arms crossed over my chestHer eyes lingered on mine, biting down on her lower lip. "You...I...I mean, no I'm not coming home," Her voice was low, her eyes still not leaving mine, locking her gaze on mine"You are because I'm not leaving here without you," I brushed past her making my way into the room. My eyes moved over to the table, a glass with two bottles of wine and almost three packets of cigarettesI plopped down on the bed, dragging the bottle
[Kaden]"Is that the Leo guy, that handsome tall dude?" Ryan asked as we walked out of the hall towards the lotI glared at him and I knew he caught it as a sign to shut up"If you have nothing to say just shut the fuck up," I gritted out, making my way to my carSo She also didn't tell her little lover about me? I raked my hand through my hair as I pulled my car open and slipped in taking a slow deep breathMonster? The dude's voice echoed all over my head. If I was doubting whether I had crossed paths with him, then his attitude tonight confirmed it allTilda didn't tell him about me! Which meant he had no reason to hate or call me such names. I saw the look in his eyes when he gritted out my name like I had hurt his ego or probably done some hurtful things to himWell, I've done some hurtful things to so many people but I was very sure I don't lay my hands on people who aren't traitors! But Leo, how the fuck can I still not picture where I've seen that dude?"Are you going to star
[Matilda]"I said you should get the fuck out of my car you liar" Leo growled out making me flinch. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes and before I could say a word tears rolled down my cheeks. Leo's eyes immediately turned towards me, I watched as his eyes softened but were quickly masked up immediately"Matilda kindly step down," He grumbled yet again, I stiffened back my tears reaching out to his hands"I won't leave," My lips quivered as I took a slow deep breath. "Just hear me out please I didn't mean to lie to you, I wanted to tell you I fucking swear and that was the reason I've been trying to see you and I...,""If you could understand that none of these things you're saying are making its way to my ears then I would rather you save your time and step down," Leo snapped, flinging my hands off and the next minute he was pulling the car door open and stepping outI watched as he rounded the car. My heart skipped as Leo reached the passenger seat and pulled it open"I need
[Matilda]"Get the fuck out of my way nuisance," I snapped at the bastard in front of me that wore a smirk on his face. He chuckled, raising his hand as he stepped out of the door. I pushed the door open, raising my eyes to step out only for me to stop in my tracks at the sight before meLeoThe fuck? How?"Leo... Leo?" My heart skipped as I called out his name. His eyes weren't on me Instead he had his eyes fixed behind me watching and just then Kaden walked right out nudging me and I watched Leo's eyes widen"The fuck?" Leo growled out, his eyes snapping from me to Kaden who decided to fucking stop beside me instead of getting the fuck outI watched Leo's eyes darken, his jaw clenching hard as he locked his gaze on Kaden's. The same look he gave him the very first day he saw him at the event"Tesoro, what did I just hear right now?" Leo's voice was laced with anger. I didn't need anyone to tell me he had heard every one of our conversation"Leo...I...is not what you think?" I bit do
[Kaden] I tilted my neck to the side and the first person my eyes met was Tilda as she walked in, her fingers locked with that bastard. My jaw clenched hard, taking my eyes off her, I turned back to the stage even though nothing was making sense in whatever they were saying up there My fingers dug into my palm as that one image that always clawed to my mind whenever I looked at that Leo guy, came rushing back The bastard on top of her, balls deep banging her... Fuck "I'm out of here!" I growled out and Ryan shot me a look "Are you going to congratulate her?" The fucker beside me, uttered, biting back a chuckle. I don't fucking blame him, do I? Before he could say another word I was already on my feet making my way out. I walked down the hall and instead of heading toward the exit, I walked down the hallway by the left heading to the restroom "What exactly does she even see in that bastard," I growled out, my finger raking through my hair as I increased my pace walking through t
[Matilda]"Congratulations once again," Daisy said as she side-hugged me. My lips stretched into a big smile. She was such a sweet person."Thank you so much," I said softly, picking up my bag once I was done getting myself together."We'll contact you, just like they said if the need arises," she added, and I nodded, offering her a warm smile.I made my way out through the back door we had used earlier, responding to a few fellow chefs who congratulated me along the way. My cheeks were already aching from smiling so much, but I didn’t mind.As I pushed the door open, I wasn’t surprised to see the first person standing right in front of it. My lips curled into a big smile, and without a word, I walked straight into his open arms."Congratulations," Leo murmured, his arms tightening around me."Thank you.""I knew you’d make me proud. You should have seen their faces when they walked up to your station," Leo pulled back, his eyes locking onto mine, pride written all over his face."You