"I mean, erhmmn, we should…" Amanda stuttered. Rowan nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "I should take my leave then." "Rowan!" Amanda called. "Please, take care of yourself." Rowan added before he jumped into his car. Amanda watched silently as Rowan's car zoomed off. She sighed in frustration. "I didn't know you were a thing," Wills said, distracting Amanda. "Sorry?" She asked. "You and Mr. Rowan. To be sincere, I sensed your closeness from the beginning of this case but when you didn't tell him about your kids, I felt you guys weren't together." Not knowing what to say, Amanda scoffed. Wills continued, not allowing the silence to tarry. "I'm sorry about today and yes, I saw all your calls, not at the moment you called though. I got your voicemails too." "I thought you quit being a detective," Amanda said, sarcastically. "Never! I was caught up with something." Wills answered. "Something more important than your job?" Amanda asked. "Family" Wills smiled. "
Before he could say anything else, Madam Xi walked majestically into the living room. "Hello son," She said while she sat comfortably on the couch across Johnny and Jack. Happy to see Johnny and Jack, "Hello Johnny. It's been a while." She eyed Jack who immediately looked away. Her sudden appearance sent a shock through the room. Rowan's face turned a deep shade of red as he watched till she settled on the couch. "Mom!" Rowan exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" "By here, you mean in my son's house?" She asked but she did not seem to expect a response. "Mom!" Rowan exclaimed again, this time, he raised his voice. "You can't just keep dropping your bombshell on me!"Madam Xi seemed unfazed by Rowan's outburst. She turned to Johnny and Jack. "How have you been Johnny? I heard you got married. I would have graced that occasion with my presence but we weren't in town. Is that why we haven't been seeing you around? Girls of these days are men keepers indeed." Madam Xi teased Johnny.
"As what? Introduce Amanda as what? " Rowan questioned."As your girlfriend of course." Jack answered as if he was asking a question that he already had an answer to. "But she is not my girlfriend." Rowan exclaimed. "Then make her one." Johnny said. "Or ask her to act like one. It is that simple." Jack added. "And the pregnancy?" Rowan questioned further. Johnny and Jack exchange glances. "I think I might have said the wrong thing there" Johnny whispered. They both remained quiet. "Now you won't talk" Rowan sighed in frustration. "If you are going to ask her to pretend to be your girlfriend you can as well ask her to pretend to be pregnant." Jack explained. "Exactly! It is as easy as that." Johnny affirms "but before you ask her to do that for you, please apologize for what you have done." "I'm in on that" Jack said, his hand in the air.Rowan nodded in agreement. "Let's see how that works" "Now to the business of the day. It is Friday and we party hard." Jack swayed to the r
"Never! That is not happening." Amanda thought about the idea again and continued to lament. "That is impossible. Tell him I have kids? I don't think I can bring myself to do that." "But…" Mrs Roberts was about to talk but was interrupted by the sound of the bell. "Hold on!" She stood up to check who was there. It was Rowan's driver. "Good evening Ma'am. I am here for Miss Amanda. Amanda peeped from where she was seated at the sound of her name. She stood up immediately she saw Rowan's driver. She quickly looked around to see if any of the kids were playing around in the living room. She then walked to the door. "Yes? What is it?" Amanda asked, curious.The driver smiled. Amanda was already used to seeing him smile all the time, even in difficult times. "Mr Rowan said I should bring you with me." The driver said."Bring me? Where? And for what? Amanda questioned the driver.The driver responded politely. "Bring you to his home. I don't have information about his reasons, I am only
"We need to get your makeup done." Anna responded. The staffs swung to action. One of them guided Amanda to the chair close to the dressing mirror. She began to check for the perfect makeup kit to use. Another began to work on her hair. In no time, they all became busy, going up and down. After what felt like a whirlwind, Amanda was completely dressed. "Is this really me? Is this Amanda?" Amanda asked, looking at her reflection in the mirror, she was astonished by her transformation. "This is flawless," she exclaimed. The make up has enhanced her natural beauty, and her hair was elegantly styled to complement the dress."Thank you", she said to the already smiling staff. " You did a good job." Anna snapped her fingers and the staff stepped forward with a smile, holding two pairs of heels each. "Which would you prefer? Anna asked, pointing to the heels. Amanda looked at the heels. They were all beautiful. Making a choice became very difficult. " Which would you suggest?" She aske
Amanda adjusted her posture on the sophisticated chair. 'What is it, Rowan?" She asked, impatient. Rowan focused his gaze on her for a moment. She was about to ask him what the favor was again when he finally spoke. "I need you to act like my girlfriend for a while." Bewildered by what Rowan said, Amanda remained quiet. Her gaze was on Rowan. He had to tap her to be sure she was still with him after calling her name twice with no response. "Amanda! Are you with me?" He asked when she moved her hand. Amanda leaned forward, unsure of what she heard. "Act like your girlfriend?" She echoed, trying to process what he was asking.Rowan nodded. "Yes, Amanda. You heard right.""Let me get this straight. You want me to act, as in pretend to be your girlfriend? She asked again. "Exactly" he responded, dismissive of her expression of shock. "Why on earth would you need me to do that?" Amanda exclaimed, regaining her composure. Rowan sighed, a hint of unease in his expression. "I know it s
Amanda's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious, Rowan! I have to be at work tomorrow." "You can go to work from here. Everything you need will be provided." Rowan responded. Amanda shook her head in disagreement. "And if you are not comfortable with that" he continued, "you can take the day off. That's an offer I am giving you as my acting girlfriend." Rowan teased. Amanda snapped "you must be kidding. I never agreed to that." "Oh, not yet. I'm sorry. I keep forgetting that" Rowan continued to tease her. "But you should stay though. It's extremely late." Amanda raised an eyebrow. "Come on Amanda, don't fight it." Rowan said, tapping her hand on the table. Realizing that arguing with Rowan might be futile, she sighed. "Alright, fine, where will I sleep?" "Where else? My room of course." Rowan said playfully but Amanda didn't catch the joke. "You must be kidding," she snapped. "No, I am not" Rowan shook his head, still wearing that playful expression. "Where else would y
"Really? That's good news. Am happy for you." Mrs. Roberts was obviously excited. Amanda watched her mother's display with confusion. "Did you hear what I said? Amanda asked. "Yes, I did" she replied. Now calm and worried, seeing Amanda's reaction. "Why aren't you happy? I thought this was something you've been wishing for." "He asked me to act like his girlfriend," Amanda retorted. "Wait? What! He asked you to act like?" Mrs. Roberts asked. "Yes, mother. He wants me to pretend to be his girlfriend to his family. Amanda replied. "I see, so what did you say?" She asked again. "I told him I will have to think about it." Amanda answered tired of the questions. "So you don't want to be his acting girlfriend?" She asked again. "Mother, No. I really like him. I don't want to act as his girlfriend, I want to be his woman." Amanda lamented. Mrs. Roberts leaned closer, her eyes filled with curiosity. "And why do you need to think about it, dear? Don't you have your answer already?" T
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