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
"Alright, I am home.." Amanda noticed her mother's expression. She knew she didn't want her to allow him to come to the house. "We can meet at the coffee shop a few blocks from my house," she quickly added. "Okay. I will meet you in 20 minutes." Wills said before he died the call. Amanda gave her mother a curious look. "What?" Mrs Roberts asked when she noticed her gaze. "You didn't want him to come here?" Amanda asked. "Rowan does not won't want him here." Mrs. Roberts responded. "Mother, really?" Amanda hissed. "Rowan is not my boyfriend and Will is just a detective doing his job." "A detective that likes you? Hmm?" Her mother asked."Mother! That's delusional. Not every man on the streets likes me." Amanda grabbed her bag and set to leave. "I know what I saw and I said what I said." Mrs. Roberts said. "Anyways, they are two good people. But I prefer Rowan, he's got more money and fame." She added. Amanda rolled her eyes before heading out of the room. *********************
"Why? What is going on? Amanda asked hurriedly. "There is someone here. He claims he has a package for you." Mrs. Roberts answered over the phone. "Does he look strange? Or act strange? Amanda asked further. "I would prefer to use the word weird." Her mother responded. A chill ran down Amanda's spine. "Weird?" She asked again, looking at Detective Wills who had been listening intently. She got an affirmative answer. "Listen to me, mother. Here is what you will do for me. Go back inside. Lock the doors and do not open until I get there. I will be there as soon as possible," Amanda instructed, her voice filled with concern.She looked at Detective Wills. "I have to go now." "What is the problem? Is your mother okay?" Wills questioned. "She says there's someone at the door with a package for me, and she's describing him as weird." Amanda explained. Wills nodded in understanding."Alright. Let's bounce. Amanda gave him a look that says really? "There is no way I will let you hand
"I see you haven't gone through the envelope. You were in such a hurry to let me know you have made up your mind." Rowan teased. "What card, Rowan?" Amanda asked impatiently, ignoring his tease. "You have the envelope with you Amanda. Just take a look." Rowan exclaimed. Amanda nodded even though Rowan could not see her. "And you have the week to yourself, Amanda." Rowan added. "What!" Amanda exclaimed. "You are firing me to be your girlfriend?" "No," Rowan scoffed. "I am just giving you the rest of the week off. No stress week. A pregnant woman should not be stressed. "I am not pregnant, Rowan," Amanda snapped. "You are supposed to be. So take the remaining days off." Rowan said. "Today is just Tuesday. What will I be doing?" Amanda exclaimed in frustration."Trust me you will be busy" Rowan said softly. "And please go through those documents. I don't want my head down on Friday." Amanda dropped the phone and grabbed the envelope again. She searched through and she found a cr
She hurried over, concerned that the stranger was interacting with her son. "Ryan!" She called out before she reached them. Her heart raced, and her protective instincts kicked in. She pushed the man away and pulled Ryan closer. "What's going on here?" Amanda asked, her voice filled with worry and suspicion. "What is wrong with you?" The man yelled when he recovered from the stagar. He almost fell to the ground with Amanda's unexpected push. The other kids who had gathered around looked at her curiously. "Mummy! What is it?" Tyler asked, worried?'Mummy?" The man asked, surprised. He quickly realized the situation and tried to explain, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you. I was just chatting with Ryan here. He is a friend to my daughter." Amanda gazed at Ryan for confirmation. The boy who had been quiet from the shock spoke. "This is Annabel's dad, Mr. Jenkins. He was just asking if I wanted to come over for a playdate with Annabel later"Amanda's initial panic began to fade as
Alarmed, she whispered to the kids. "Go inside. Don't come out until I ask you to. Do not talk or whisper and yes, please, no movement." Amanda said hurriedly. "Now go in. Be fast" she added. When the children were all out of sight, Amanda opened the door and joined Rowan who had been standing at the entrance of the house. "Hey, what are you doing here?" Amanda asked, unease. "Exploring the city," Rowan answered, smiling. Amanda stammarred. Standing there at her entrance seemed awkward and she wanted to ask if he wanted to come in but was concerned at the same time that one of the kids might disobey her instruction. "Errmmmm, I don't…you want to… ermmm.." She stuttered and was soon interrupted by Rowan. "It's okay. I don't want to come inside. I just came to give you this" he handed Amanda the flower he had been holding to his back. "Oh, Rowan please," Amanda said, blushing. She managed to hide that from Rowan however. "What?" Rowan asked. "Let's get this straight. You asked m
"They are kids!" Her mother exclaimed. "You think it's anyway better for them? They have been good kids, Amanda. Don't forget that. And rants like this? It should be expected. You should understand their intention, not their protest." Amanda nodded. She understood what her mother said perfectly. "What do I do mother? I was harsh. I couldn't get a hold of myself." Amanda asked, sobbing. "First, you need to stop crying." She pats her back. "You have been brave from the beginning, this is not the time to allow fear to eat you up, right?" "Yes, mother." Amanda said, wiping her tears. "Now, you will have to finish what you have started. You will have to make them understand what is going on and why we have to leave here for a while. They are reasonable kids. I am sure they would understand. If they were you, I would have to call a priest." "Mother!" Amanda snapped "don't even start." "What? I am not even lying and you know that. They have nothing compared to your stubbornness. Your f
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