Chapter 8

I walked into my room that night with excitement of being with my kids without any interference. The next day I woke up with quiet joy. I made sure that I did all I was assigned to before evening. I spent the evenings tutoring Sophie and James, helping them with some holiday work and sharing stories from my own childhood.

The bond between us grew stronger, and I felt a glimmer of hope that one day, I could reveal the truth to them. This exciting time went on for days. One evening as we were about finishing up a lesson, Sophie looked at me with a thoughtful expression. "Aunt Nina, you remind me of someone I long to see. She’s someone from a long time ago, yeah, a long time ago."

“A long time ago?” I asked her again. I Was already aware of what she was about to say.

“Yes, a long time. It's four years now and I haven't seen her. I really miss her.” She said as her face dropped.

My heart skipped a beat. "Oh? Who do I remind you of, my dear, Sophie?"

She raised her head, her eyes searching mine. "You remind me of my mother. She used to help us with some work during holidays just like you do. She left the house when we were off to school, but Daddy and Aunt Dorathy said she had a lot of work to do, that's why she hasn't returned yet. I wonder why her work is taking so long. I hope she's safe, wherever she is "

Tears filled my eyes, but I fought to keep my voice steady. " You must love your mother so much, Don't you?” I asked and she nodded. “Come here, I pulled her closer.”

“Don't worry, your mummy will be back soon as your Dad has said. But remember, just like the stars would never the sky at night, so will your mother never leave you.”

“My mummy tells us that too, but she hasn't fulfilled her promise for four years now. Well, we'll keep hoping for her return.”

“That's a very special compliment, Sophie. Thank you."

James, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "We miss her a lot, I wish I could hug her right now. Do you think we'll ever see her again?"

I felt a lump form in my throat, and I took a deep breath. "I don't know, James. But I believe that she loves you very much and is always watching over you."

Sophie and James exchanged a look, their expressions filled with a mix of hope and sadness. "We hope so too," Sophie said softly.

That night, as I lay in bed, I replayed the conversation over and over in my mind. The time was coming, I could feel it. The moment when I would have to tell them the truth. But for now, I would continue to cherish the moments we had together, in order to build a foundation of trust and love.

The following day, Maria found me in the kitchen. As I turned to face her, a smile spread on her face. "How did the tutoring go last night?"

I smiled with my heart filled with warmth. "It went well, Maria. They are such wonderful children. They haven't changed a bit, my sister in-law is doing a great job on them."

She nodded, with a thoughtful expression. "They are. And they deserve to know the truth, Nina. They deserve to have their mother back. Can't you see that they still long for you?"

I nodded, my resolve strengthening. "You're right, Maria. They made mention of missing me, when the time is right, I will tell them. But for now, I'll continue to be there for them in any way I can."

Maria placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You're doing the right thing, Nina. And when the right time comes, I'll be right there with you."

The days turned into weeks, and the bond between me and my kids grew stronger. I cherished every moment we spent together, knowing that each one brought me closer to the day when I could reveal the truth.

Maria had been doing a great job, no doubt. One cool evening, Maria approached me with a serious expression. "Nina, I think it's time we had another discussion."

I set down the knife I was holding and turned to her, with my heart pounding. She has never been this serious since I returned."What is it this time, Maria?"

She took a deep breath, "I've been thinking a lot about what you told me, about why you came back, your hope for a reunion, and the longing to have your kids back. I think it's time you told Henry the truth. Prolonging matters would only make things worse at the end. Don't you think so?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Maria, I don't know if I'm ready. I've been thinking about it too but What if he doesn't forgive me? Or even sends me away. How do I even present the case to him? That I returned to his house and a maid and…. Maria, I'm not ready for it yet."

“Nina, it's not what you think. Henry would definitely forgive you if you go to him now. You're only Making matters worse by keeping your identity as a maid, Nina…I just want you to reconsider your decisions.”

“I Know, but I still need some time.” I responded and turned away.

She shook her head. "Amelia, he deserves to know the truth. And so do the children. They need to know that their mother is here, fighting for them. I can't continue to be the secret guardian, it's getting too much for me to handle, it’s just as if I'm taking your responsibility in a way.” Maria said and walked away.

I couldn't get my eyes off her. “What was that supposed to mean? Was she developing feelings for my husband already?” I wouldn't blame her if she does already, no woman would be around Henry and not fall for him, but even at that, I wouldn't allow it. I dropped the knife and followed her.

“Maria, can I get something clear?” I asked with a more serious expression.

“What is it?” She asked without turning to look at me

“Are you falling for my husband already or is he the one giving you some signals? I just…..”

Maria quickly interrupted me. “Is that coming from you, because I don't understand? What has come over you, and why would you think such of me. I love you so much and I wouldn't do anything to hurt you.” She said and tried to walk away but I held her in her arms.

“Maria, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I became curious after we had a conversation in the kitchen. I was thinking about it and I decided to ask you. Maria, please.”I said in a low and apologetic voice.

Surprisingly, Maria embraced me. “I understand what you're going through and I wouldn't blame you if you're getting suspicious of anything, but one thing I can assure you of, is that there's nothing and there would never be anything between your husband and I.”

I hugged her so tightly and continued begging for her forgiveness.

After about four days, Maria informed me that she overheard Henry saying that the kids would leave soon. “But they haven't spent up to a month here.” I murmured

“They have to resume school, besides they came for a short holiday.”

“Yeah, that's true.” I felt bad because I was already having a connection with them. Well, before they would leave, I planned to do something special for them. Something to remind them of the bond we shared, even if they didn’t know it was me. I thought of so many things we did together, and I decided to spend some time with them. A night before their departure, I planned to do this. I waited until the household was asleep, before going on with my plans.

I stood outside their room and watched both sides carefully to ensure no one was around, not even a fly. My heart pounded in my chest as though I wanted to commit a crime. After my observation, I turned to face the door. Luckily, the door was slightly ajar, and I could hear the soft breathing of my children as they slept. Memories flooded of nights spent reading them bedtime stories, of tucking them in and singing lullabies until they drifted off to sleep. I took a deep breath and fought back the tears that threatened to spill over.

I quietly pushed the door open and stepped inside. They looked so peaceful and innocent. I had to be careful not to wake them. Moving quietly, I approached Sophie’s bed first.

I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. She stirred slightly but I was lucky she didn’t wake. I leaned in, and whispered softly, “You look so beautiful, even in your sleep. I enjoyed watching you sleep and I never get tired. If I have the chance to do so today, I'll watch you till dawn.

But no, Mummy has to remain as a maid for now. She has to sort some things out first before she can reveal her identity. Sweet dreams, my little Sophie. Mommy loves you so much. I understand that you need me more my darling, mommy is here and she would never leave you. I’ll reveal myself to you soon, but promise that you'll love her more than how you used to when she was still with you.” she said as she pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Turning to James, I hesitated. He had always been more perceptive, and more aware. Even in his sleep, he seemed to carry a sense of responsibility. I knelt beside his bed, with my hand hovering over his body for a moment before I gently held his hand. “James, my darling son,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You look so much like me. I’m so proud of you, you've really learnt a lot these past years and I want you to continue learning more and keep making me proud. I love the way you have never stopped loving me. Mommy will definitely come back for you. But for now, Take care of your sister, and be a good boy, okay?”

He stirred, mumbling something in his sleep, but didn’t wake. I sighed in relief and stood up, looking around their room. Then I spotted their books on the bedside table. One of the things we always did together was reading. Maybe, just maybe, I could bring that moment without revealing too much.

I picked up one of their favorites from years ago. “The Adventures of Peter Rabbit.” I took a seat at the edge of Sophie’s bed, I opened the book and began to read in a soft voice. The words flowed easily, but the story took me back to our happier times.

“Once upon a time, there were four little rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter…”

As I read, I glanced over at James. He stirred slightly, and a small smile played on his lips. Sophie’s breathing deepened, a sign that she was sinking into a deeper sleep. The room felt warmer, filled with the memories of the past.

Halfway through the story, I heard a sound that made my heart skip a beat. I looked up sharply, my pulse quickening. At the entrance was Henry, his expression was a mix of surprise and confusion. I froze, but the book was still open in my lap. How come did I not realize his presence on time? What do I do now?