10. Meeting his kids

ANITA’S POV

My lips trembled at his words and my knees shook slightly beneath me, not minding the fact that I had two kids I was just meeting for the first time, called me 'Mama' with their little arms firmly wrapped around my legs in their embrace.

They were quite identical and super adorable, with striking resemblance to their father, the boy most especially.

Ryan's words just now kept reverberating in my head and my whole world seemed to have tumbled apart.

The fact that I was a divorcée was a secret to all who knew me since I became Anita Richardson, even my agency wasn't aware of this; aside from Kristen, of course.

This part of me, this dark past of mine was one that wasn't supposed to be ever heard of.

But this man here...

I felt the tears from my bewilderment and horror slowly cloud my vision.

H-how did he find out about my past? How much of it does he already know?

My eyes searched his piercing blue ones that were trained against mine. How great would it be if it were possible to read his thoughts from his facial expression?

However, it was a wasted thought as Ryan had on a perfect poker face right now.

I needed to say something, anything at all in my defense. However, even with my lips parted, words still failed me.

"Don't stress it," Ryan whispered to me with a small smirk before he leaned away completely and soon nodded to one of the in-house staffs close by.

I blinked my lashes severally to prevent my tears from falling as the elderly lady hurried closer and gave a slight bow of her head towards him.

"Anita, this is Renee Adams, my chief butleress." He began saying like he didn't just dropped a bombshell several seconds ago. With my arms still resting on the shoulders of the kids, I turned to stare at the woman. She was super stunning for a woman in her late forties. I allowed myself a few seconds to wonder on how gorgeous she must have been in her twenties.

"She's my most trusted in-house employee and has done well all through the years of her employment in my household." I nodded at Ryan and turned to offer a small smile at her. "Ms. Adams, this is my new wife, Anita Richardson. And yes, we got married recently. Please do take care of her and make sure all her needs are properly met. I trust you would do a good job as always." He gave her a knowing look and smile.

"Of course, Mr. Rivers. You can rest assured concerning this," Renee smiled back at him and on raising her gaze to meet mine, she extended same smile at me. "You're welcome, Mrs. Rivers, it's an honor to serve a lady of such personality as you. I'm a big fan." She added the last sentence with a fast wink, making me chuckle and feel at ease around her immediately.

I am now Mrs. Rivers? The change of name... I mused within me.

Well, It's not really real anyway. I'd get use to it only for the moment it would last.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Ms. Adams. I look forward to your knowledgeable guidance as I perform my duties as a wife, mother and daughter in-law of the Rivers' household." I said, smiling also. And Renee gave a slight bow of her head.

"It would be my pleasure," she smiled and Ryan cleared his throat.

"Alright now, Renee please see Zach and Zara to their rooms, and ensure their nannies keep a good eye on them. I need to show my wife around our home." Ryan went on, acting like a loving husband.

"Sure, Mr. Rivers," Renee said and beckoned towards the children. "Come on, kids. Nanny Snow and Nanny Lesley are waiting."

A tight grip on my hands made me turn to look at them. Zara had a slight frown of disapproval as she held tightly to my hand and declared, much to my amazement. "No, Daddy. We want to stay with our Mama!" Zach seemed to also agree with her stance.

How could they easily accept another woman as their mother within just a few minutes of meeting? Or did Ryan say something to them already? Wait, am I the only one who was left in the dark here?

I averted my gaze from the kids to send my glare at him. He was now squatting closer to me in front of his children.

"My adorable pumpkins," he gently stroke their hairs as he glanced from one to the other. "Don't worry, okay? Your Mama isn't going anywhere else. She's come to stay this time. Right, sweetheart?" I was scoffing mentally at his lies only to see that he had directed his last sentence at me, expecting a response. The children were looking expectantly at me too, with their big bright eyes. Their action made my heart melt and I almost swooned in adoration.

"Uhh..." I gulped nothing immediately and quickly squatted down beside Ryan to caress Zara's silky hair which was in a pony tail. "Don't worry, little princess. Daddy is right. Mama is here to stay, okay?"

If I were to indeed be a substitute wife for Ryan Rivers and also as a substitute mother to his kids, I might as well get into the role immediately.

"Really?" Zach's blue eyes peered curiously into mine. He was speaking up for the first time since we met and he sounded just as adorable as his sister, only a little calmer.

"Of course, my little prince. Mama isn't going anywhere." I smiled at him and gently stroked his soft, chubby cheeks.

"Yay!!!" They immediately broke into a fit of happy laughter and without a warning, they threw their arms around my shoulders in a tight embrace.

This reaction made my heart skipped a beat.

A painful memory flashed in my mind's eye in that moment, and tears immediately pooled in my eyes as I reached out my arms around their small forms.