"Oh…Look at my daughter," Mrs Roberts chuckled.Amanda giggled and looked at herself again in the mirror."You look breathtakingly beautiful, sweetheart. If they do not accept you for your experience and certificates, your beauty and delicate nature would take a toll on them," Mrs Roberts complimented."Oh, there you go again mother, making it about my physical appearance. I get bothered if it all comes down to my looks. I will change into something less show-offy. I don't want to be seen as attractive." Amanda had a frown on her crease."Stop it Amanda!" Mrs Roberts cautioned sternly. "You seem to forget that just because you had babies does not mean you are less beautiful. The reality is, men would still want you. They will crave you and there is nothing you can do about it. The only thing you can do is to empower yourself, especially financially, to avoid them using you recklessly."Even though her mother's tone was harsh, Amanda got the message clearly. She was becoming too scared
The other applicants also showed up and were waiting within the conference room.The panel was set. It consisted of Mr Kenny; the hotel Manager, Miss Kira Mason (his Assistant) and Miss Joan Rivers, (The head of maids and room service unit).Nondon was also present at her meeting to take important notes for Mr Kenny.Amanda was seated across from Mr. Kenny and occasionally, their gazes would lock and Mr. Kenny would smile as though he had known her before that day.She found her heart beating so fast at his facial expressions towards her which were not present in his dealings with other applicants.The first applicant, a young man who looked like he was in his early thirties, walked up to the table where the panel was. Although they were all in the same room, no one could hear the conversation between the panel and the applicants."Mr Jacob Whiteley, you are welcome to The Xi Hotel," Mr. Kenny said with an expressionless face."Thank you sir," Jacob replied.Mr Kenny glanced towards
"I see no point in us picking someone who has no experience over someone who does." Mrs Joan was fuming at Mr Kenny and Miss Kira. "How do we even explain this madness to the board? Especially to Mr Rowan Xi?"Mr Kenny's impatience was wearing out. It was obvious in the way his voice was down."Mrs Joan, I believe I have the right to make decisions regarding whom I choose to partner with. It works for us. Why are we even turning this into an argument?""Because it does not make any sense to me. Amanda has absolutely no experience! She was just a cleaner for multiple restaurants and different hotels…""But she got a course from a prestigious institution for hospitality and management," Kira cut in, her frustration evident in her cracked voice. " I just think you do not like her, Mrs Joan. You are judging her from your emotions.""If anyone is using emotions here, it must be you. You feel like you should take her probably because you two share a uni experience. I feel that is a very unp
After a while, she regained her composure and she quickly picked up the phone, assembled it and switched the phone back on. Amanda's heart raced as she struggled to redial her mother's number. Panic and fear gripped her, making it hard to breathe. The phone began to ring again and it seemed like the longest wait of her life. Today is such a terrible day, she said to herself as she waited for her mother to get the call. After what felt like an eternity, her mother answered."Mother, please tell me what happened! Is the baby okay?" Amanda's voice quivered with anxiety.Mrs. Roberts took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Amanda, it was a close call. At this point, Amanda became impatient. All she wants to hear for now is if her baby is alright. She does not even know which of her babies got hurt. Amanda's heart raced as she heard her mother's trembling voice on the phone. "Daughter, it was Tyler. He is hurt" Amanda's heart sank. Panic surged through her as she clutched the p
“They have rejected your application?” Mrs Roberts asked, curious. “No, I have been employed,” maintaining her position on the bed. Mrs Roberts jumped up in jubilation and her shout woke Tyler from his sleep. The other kids also ran into the room looking scared. “I knew it. I knew you could do it. You are made for the top”, Mrs Roberts shook Amanda, who remained calm and mute. “Your mother has gotten a job. A good job at that. Finally, we can have a better life.” Mrs Roberts’s joy soon became contagious. The initially startled children began to jubilate too, jumping from one place to the other.Adora laid beside Tyler on the bed. She tickles him and the boy, who is still groggy from his sleep, gives her a weak smile. Amanda, who is yet to contain the wave of happiness, maintains her position, looking at everyone as they celebrate. “Come on daughter, aren’t you happy? Amanda’s mother asked, shaking her arm to make her lively. “Of course I am. I just didn’t expect this after wha
Fear grips Amanda as she approaches the conference room. She did not know how the manager would react to her lateness on her first day of work. She can't mention her children as an excuse. It is too dangerous to play that card. It would have been easier if it were just the manager but everyone, including the boss, was there in the room. Amanda stood at the entrance for a while before she finally opened the door. As she entered, a few heads turned in her direction and they wasted no time in throwing curious glances. At the head of the table, Amanda spotted a distinguished-looking man whom she recognized to be Rowan Xi. "What the heck is he doing here? This isn't Xi's head company." Amanda questions in her head. Her body begins to respond to the fear that has enveloped her. She did not know if it was because her presence had disrupted the ongoing meeting or that she was looking at Rowan Xi at the head table. Rowan, who had been in the middle of speaking before Amanda opened the do
Amanda watched him as he left. She let out a sigh of relief. "At least I still have my job and I have no reason to run. I am not Mabel", she thought. The thought of Mabel crossed her mind. It's been five years since she last saw her. She remembers how she vanished into thin air after that morning. Amanda let out another sigh. This time it was from memory lane. The moment she stepped into the hallway, she could feel the eyes of the employees passing on her. Whispers and hushed conversations buzzed around the office, speculating about her unexpected interaction with the boss."What a first impression" Amanda mumbled under her breath. She decided to keep her head up high and pretend as if nothing happened. She walked straight to the reception. She didn't know her office and she needed to ask. Just a few steps away from the receptionist, Amanda sights Miss Kira walking towards her direction. Her heart leaped with joy. Kira is her fan after all and she is so happy to see her again. "Hi
>>>>>>"Hey," Rowan called out. "Don't greet me. Is this a playback or what? I have been here for more than half an hour", Jack retorted. "Cut the cr*p. I am here for a serious talk". Rowan pulled out his chair and sat down. "When have you never been serious?" Jack frowned. "Wait, are you seriously angry? Rowan asked, confused. Jack is not the type to get offended easily. "No, I am not. I just want you to believe I am." Jack said, grinning. "Stop messing with me, man. I've got a very serious issue here." Rowan yelled. "Okay. You don't have to bully me into listening. What is it? Let the cat out of the bag." He said, relaxing in his seat. Rowan leaned in closer, his expression serious. "Do you remember the bitch at my house? "The one you raped? Jack asked, sipping his drink. "Don't put it that way", Rowan frowned. "That is what it is," Jack rolled his eyes. "Jack!" Rowan yelled. "Easy man. You are too tense for this conversation. But continue, I
It's Amanda's birthday, Rowan didn't mention anything to her. The children only greeted her casually, not wanting to get her suspicious.That evening, Mrs. Roberts came into her room with a nice dress, insisting she put it on.“Why do you want me to wear this mother? I am not going anywhere.” Amanda protested.“Because I bought it for you and it's your birthday. I want you to dress nice. Show Rowan that you've still got it.” Mrs. Roberts said, helping her get dressed.“How many times have I told you that we are taking things slow. I have nothing to show.” Amanda snapped.“You are the one taking things slow, not him. We all know that. Just cheer up already and start having
Two days passed and everything seemed to be going on well. Although Amanda is still reluctant around the house, especially with Rowan's parents around, the tension has died down. The other staff had also returned, lifting Amanda's mood. The children were also finding their ways around Rowan and the house. That afternoon, they were planning Amanda's surprise birthday, huddled together, trying to conceal their plans when Rowan walked in on them. Rowan raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance."What's going on here?" he asked with a playful grin.Adora, attempting to act casual, replied, "Oh, nothing. Just talking about, you know, stuff."Rowan chuckled, "Stuff, huh? Seems like some secret stuff. Should I be worried?"Tyler stepped forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "No worries, Dad. Just some top-secret mission planning. You'll find out soon enough."Rowan raised an amused eyebrow, "Top-secret mission, eh? Well, I won't pry. Just remember, I'm good with surprises too."“Not our kin
“What is going on here?’ she asked, trying to understand the situation. Mason tried to explain but Rowan stopped him, lying. “Nothing, just having a conversation with the kids.” “I see,” Amanda responded. “Go and get your stuff. The cab will be here in a few minutes” she had finished her statement before she noticed the expression on the kids’ faces. “What is it?” Adora spoke up, “I thought you broke up with mom because she lied. Now you are doing the same. Amanda's expression changed, concern overtaking her expression. “Lied about what?”Rowan hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I had a bit of an accident, hit my head on the wall. I'm okay, just a little dizzy."'What?” Amanda exclaimed, rushing toward him. “Let me have a look” Tyler returned to the room, followed by Mrs. Roberts with a cold compress. "Here, Put this on your head. How did this happen?’ she asked. “How bad is it? Do we need to get you to the hospital?” Amanda asked. “No, I will be fine,” Rowan responded, placing
Two hours later, Rowan returned to the house. He had taken a walk after separating from Amanda to get hold of himself. By the time he entered the house, the lingering tension seemed to have dissipated. “That's a good thing” he said before heading to his room. He had almost walked past when he noticed Tyler sitting in a corner right under the stairs. Rowan approached him. “Hey buddy” Tyler looked at him and looked away immediately. “Can I sit?” “If you are asking because you want me to say no, you don't need to, it's your house.” Tyler said, playing with his fingers. “No..I am asking because I am about to intrude on your solitude, your personal time.” Rowan responded, careful with his words. “May I?” Tyler nodded. “Watch your head” he said to Rowan as he tried to fit in under the stairs. “How are you holding up?" Rowan asked, not sure of how to start. Tyler glanced up, his eyes revealing a mix of uncertainty and vulnerability. “Holding up with what? Your parents being mean to my
Rowan, frantic and torn, ran after Amanda, calling her name in an attempt to catch up.Madam Xi, now feeling awkward, said, "you don't have to leave. I guess Amanda is still angry.""You have no right to tell us what to do." Mrs. Roberts snapped. "One moment, we are liars and manipulators that you want out of your son's home and another moment, we are perfect strangers for your home.""I understand your anger." Mr. Xi retorted. "But if what our children just said is true then we have to help them.""The only help I can give to my daughter is to support whatever she wants." Mrs. Roberts snapped. "If she says she leaves, then we leave. I won't have her stay with the godforsaken people she called in-laws.""I see we are already on the wrong side here. But this anger of yours won't hel
"Mom! Dad?" You didn't tell me you were coming" Rowan said, sensing the escalating tension."Yes darling. We felt we can stay here with you for now instead of stalking you with calls. And your dad is not perfectly well yet." Madam Xi responded. "And you didn't inform me?" Rowan exclaimed. Without waiting for a response, he continued. "That's okay, I can work with that but what is going on here?" Madam Xi pointed accusatory fingers. "Look at what you've brought into your home, Rowan! Strangers! Your ex-girlfriend, her mother, and their children!""Mom," Rowan said softly but Madam Xi didn't listen. "Amanda and her family have invaded your home! I won't allow this. They need to leave immediately!""Invaded?" Mrs. Roberts snapped. "We are just here temporarily not to stay."Mr. Xi, angered, retorted, "Temporary or not, I won't have strangers, especially those associated with this unfortunate situation, invading my son's home. This is unacceptable.""Stop saying we have invaded" Mrs. Ro
The tension in the room died down immediately and silence took over. Mr. Wills walked up to Rowan and said, "How could you still defend this woman despite the damage she had caused to your family? How could you even choose to be with a woman with such baggage?" "To begin with, she has done no bad to my family and I do not think anyone should dictate how I treat my family or get angry when I treat whom I love right. Mr. Wills scoffed, embarrassed by his response. "You should not have left them to be my son's responsibility in the first place." "You are totally right. They wouldn't have been subjected to insults from irresponsible people." Rowan responded. "Lesson learnt. It won't happen again." He turned back to Amanda, "go and pack your stuff. My men will help you. Without hesitation, they started packing. Wills's parents were obviously displeased by the situation but they stepped aside quietly, watching as Rowan's men helped with their luggage. Rowan came with his escort so it
Jack and Johnny exchanged glances, unsure of how to diffuse the news. "Oh sorry, young men. We haven't seen him either since we got here. Jack answered. "Thanks." Mason said. He turned to Tyler. "Let's go. I want to be by mom's side when she wakes up." They watched the kids walk away before they exclaimed simultaneously. "Wow" "Creation has favored you man. I think you should go claim your children right away." Johnny said smiling. "They are smart" "And the same reason it will be difficult for him to win them over." Jack chimed in. "They know too much for their age. 10 year olds don't…" "Eight!" Rowan interrupted, correcting Jack. "They are eight." Jack grinned mischievously at Rowan, "he deserves the Mr. Father of the Year award for at least knowing the age of his kids." Johnny joined in, "Looks like fatherhood came knocking sooner than expected, Rowan. How are you planning to handle this genius squad?""You will definitely have to brush up on your astrophysics and medical jar
"Where is my daughter? Where is Amanda? Mrs. Roberts demanded, her voice echoing through the hospital reception. Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of her daughter. The kids surrounded her like police officers. "Hold on ma'am. This is a hospital, the noise isn't necessary." The nurse at the reception responded to her. "Is that…? Jack asked but didn't finish the statement since he got the answer he was looking for. "Amanda's mother? Yes" Rowan responded, his eyes fixated on the kids. "And they should be her kids," Jack said softly, almost a murmur. "Obviously," Johnny added. "I think Rowan should be prepared to double his security because that little girl is fine as fuck." Rowan and Jack gave him uneasy glances, "Sorry man" he said. "But the boys sure look like you." He mumbled. "My daughter is Amanda Roberts. I was told she was brought in here." Mrs. Roberts answered the nurse. "Oh, then you should talk to Mr. Xi." The nurse said, pointing to Rowan down the hall at