CHAPTER 11: LEAVE US ALONE

Melissa

It was God's grace that hasn't allowed me to punch the living life out of this man talking to me. Everything about men, trying to woo me pissed me off, I didn't want to hear any endearing word of any kind.

I kept forcing out laughter and faked smiles of different kinds so he wouldn't get the impression of me not being interested.

His lips curled into a smile and he came forward to touch me.

"So what do you say about going out on Friday night?"

I shifted uncomfortably, letting out an awkward smile. "I'll think about it and give you feedback, Fred."

"My name's Francis, not Fred. This is the second time you are getting it wrong," he said.

"I'm sorry," sincerely, I was sorry. I didn't really do well with names.

The corner of my right eye happened to catch the sight of a tall dark man walking towards me in gentle strides. His hands were deep rooted in his pocket as he walked graciously towards me.

I couldn't give him the impression that I was single. Without a single processed thought in my head, I shifted closer towards Fred or Francis or whatever he had called his name.

Holding his arms tightly and nudging close to him, I placed a kiss on his cheeks, still forcing out a smile. 

I shrieked happily like a teenage girl in love, going on a date with her lover for the first time.

"Yes honey, I'd love to go out on Friday with you. Just text me the time and address, I'll be sure to be there."

Surprised, Francis smiled like he had won a lottery and drew out his card for me.

"7pm, be ready. I'll pick you up," he said, walking away.

By now, Alexander was right in front of me. He watched as Francis left, his stupid signature smirk dancing happily on his lips.

"You shouldn't do that just to spite me," he said. "It's been a while Melissa, you shouldn't pretend not to know me."

"Well, well, what do you want?" I folded my arms, making them rest under my bosom.

He took a step forward, inviting himself into my personal space. I acted based on instinct and took one step backward.

His gaze softened and he removed his hands from his pocket. "I'm here for you Melissa."

"If you think I'm still that scared woman who you think you can control anyhow, you are mistaken. 7 years is a lot of time for growth."

I wasn't ready to show him that his aura still affects me, that I was still scared of him. He would feast on it and dine with it.

A short laugh from him followed after my words.

"I'm not fighting with you but I'm here to fight for you," he attempted to touch me but I did the same thing, just like before. Shift away before he could reach me. "Just give me a chance."

"You have used up every single chance of yours and I have no other one to give you."

"Please believe me Melissa, I'm a changed person now," his eyes were brimming with unshed tears and words and emotions. Things he couldn't say even if he wanted to say them.

Before I could say anything, Aurora and Aiden ran in between us, playing. They stopped to look at the man who stood in front of me.

"Hi Mr Alexander Pierce," both of them greeted. My eyes were almost falling to the floor. 

How did they know him? I've tried all my life to keep them away from him.

In a bid to surprise me more, he went low, acknowledging the duo. They wrapped themselves into a hug with him, which caught him unaware. Almost falling, he balanced himself and let out a chuckle.

"Easy there, don't let this old man fall off. Aurora, Aiden, how are you? Where's Albert?"

"We are fine, Albert is over there," Aiden pointed to him. Albert sat on a log of wood, munching on the snack he held.

"Albert, it's Mr Alexander Pierce," Aiden shouted. To my surprise, Albert left where he sat and started running towards them immediately.

Albert was the most fierce one, he wasn't as playful as the rest and seeing him run, just at the call of Alexander, shocked me to the core.

"Hi Mr Alexander Pierce," he greeted, stretching his tiny hand out of a handshake instead.

"How are you Sir Albert, it's nice to see you again," Alexander joked.

"Very well sir," he said.

"How about you give me and your mummy a little time, just so we can conclude our talk?"

"No problem," the 3 of them dispersed.

His gaze intensified in me, like he was waiting for me to say something.

"If you will excuse me, I have a lot of work to do," I said, attempting to walk away.

I had nothing to say to him, he didn't deserve to call himself their father. He wanted them dead long ago, he should assume his kids were dead. These were my own kids, mine alone.

"You can't keep my kids away from me Melissa," his words halted my movement.

I scoffed and turned around slowly. "Your kids are dead. They died 7 years ago, alongside their mother. So I have no idea what you are talking about."

"I know how hurt and pained you are, I–"

My fury and pain was beginning to blind me, I interrupted him before he could say any other thing.

"You have no idea how much pain I went through. You wouldn't even understand it because why, you are selfish and arrogant and wicked." I choked on my words, my anger and pain turning into tears. I stopped to catch my breath in order to continue, remembering one of the words he said to cause me emotional pain.

"You told me yourself that you wish for another woman to bear your children, not me. So please go ahead and find her, leave me and my kids alone."

I walked away not without hearing that tone I had gotten used to.

"Whatever it will take me Melissa, I'll get and have my kids back. You do not get to run away from me again," he said and my fear skyrocketed, just like a rocket launched into space.