"Did I hear Xi or I didn't hear right?" Amanda questioned herself. The man who called out to Wilson was putting on Xi's customized shirt. She wondered if that was what confused her and she thought she heard Xi. She watched them closely from where she stood, the man related to Wilson like he was his boss. "Should I ask?" She considered asking Wilson who was still standing with the man. When she made up her mind, she was about to walk to where they were standing when Rowan's call came in. "Right, I called him earlier," she mumbled. "Hey, I am sorry I missed your call. I was occupied." Rowan said, his voice soothing to Amanda. "Rowan," Amanda began. "I can't find your credit card. I think I must have left it somewhere, but I'm not sure where."Rowan's voice was calm and reassuring which caught Amanda by surprise. She thought he would get angry that she was careless so she had panicked earlier. "It's alright, Amanda. We'll figure it out. Where was the last place you remember having i
"What are you doing here?" Wilson asked, confused. Amanda's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know what to say. She was still thinking of the right word to say when Madam Xi bailed her out. "Do you know her? She is Rowan's girlfriend." Wilson shifted his gaze from Amanda to his mom and to Amanda and then to Rowan. "She is your girlfriend?" He asked Rowan."Yes, do you have a problem with that?" Rowan snapped. "No, of course not. I was just wondering…ermm" Wilson stuttered. The information had thrown him off balance. "Honey, do you know Amanda?" Madam Xi asked. "Yes, I do…" Wilson started but Amanda interrupted him. "We met at the mall today." Wilson understood what Amanda was trying to do, so he played along. "Yeah, we did and I was hitting on her and then she told me immediately she is in a serious relationship." He eyed Amanda. That was the opposite of what happened. "I didn't know she was referring to Rowan. What a small world." Wilson scratched his head. Rowan smiled. The t
The unexpected question from Wilson seemed to inject tension back into the room. Rowan and Amanda exchanged glances, uncertain of how to respond. It was clear that Wilson's presence and his probing questions were making things increasingly uncomfortable and it pissed Amanda off. Amanda decided to address his question diplomatically. "First of all, I didn't say he proposed. He asked me to be his girlfriend. It's is not the same as him asking me to be his wife.' "Wilson scoffed. It was obvious he wanted to talk but Amanda didn't let him. " And yes, the pregnancy came after. But even if he had asked me to be his girlfriend because I was pregnant, I would have no problem with that and I don't think you should either." Rowan nodded in agreement, adding, "Amanda and I were already deeply in love before the pregnancy. It was just the next natural step and I don't think anyone should dictate to us how we run our relationship."Mr. Xi decided to intervene to defuse the awkward situation. "L
"Amanda, please don't take that to heart. I didn't even mean it that way." Rowan said. "I have heard you, boss, but please I want to get down." Amanda snapped. Rowan sighed. There was nothing more he could do at that point. It was as if he was holding her against her will. He gestured to the driver to stop. The car pulled over to the side of the road and Amanda quickly opened the door. "You don't have to do this, Amanda," Rowan said softly. She stepped out and slammed the door shut, walking away on the sidewalk, her arms crossed and her anger palpable.Rowan watched Amanda walk away, a sense of frustration washing over him. He knew he had made a mistake with his words, and he needed to make amends. "I think you should give her time," His driver said as he tried to get out of the car. Rowan sighed in frustration, "Follow her"The driver parked a few steps from where she was. Amanda had walked a short distance, her steps brisk. Rowan exited the car, hurrying over to her. She didn'
"I think he has a gun. He is trying to break in. I have locked the children in the store. It is only a matter of time before he breaks in. I don't think the police can make it. Amanda's heart raced as her mother's words echoed through the phone. Her mother's voice trembling with fear sent chills down her spine. She quickly answered, "I'm on my way, Mother." Rowan stared at Amanda, concern washed over him. "Amanda," he called out softly. "We need to go now," Amanda said without hesitation. "What is the problem? Rowan asked, worried and confused. "I will tell you on the way," Amanda responded and hopped into the car immediately. Rowan followed. "What is our destination?" The driver asked. "My house. My mother is in danger. "What!" Rowan exclaimed. The driver did not hesitate, he sped off immediately. "What exactly is going on, Amanda," Rowan asked. Amanda turned to him, her eyes filled with worry. "My mother says there's someone at our house who won't leave. She said he has a
"Sorry?" Amanda asked.Rowan had his gaze on her, he didn't get her attention. She was still thinking about Wills's reaction and what could have made him angry. "Never mind," Rowan said. "The evening had been tensed. You should have some rest." Her focus shifted as Rowan attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction."Thank you, I will," Amanda responded. Her gaze met Rowan's "what?" She asked, trying to understand the look on his face. "Nothing!' Rowan exclaimed. Amanda didn't say anything more. She walked away from Rowan into the house. " Good night" Rowan called out as he retired to his car. When she entered, the children were already out of their hiding place. They ran to her. Amanda hugged them tightly, relieved to see them unharmed. They were all talking at once, recounting the terrifying events of the evening. Amanda tried to comfort them, reassuring them that everything was okay."Mom, what happened? Who was that man?" Mason asked.Amanda, her voice trembli
"Mrs Roberts nodded that she should go ahead. "You are the best mother anyone could ask for. You have been supportive right from the beginning. I didn't realize how difficult it was for you until I became a single mother and trust me, I would not have done a thing without you." Amanda wiped the tears running down her mother's cheeks. "My kids are in your hands and I trust they would do just fine with you." Mrs. Roberts smiled. "Don't try to patronize me. You can put that energy into packing." "Yes, mother," Amanda responded. They resumed tracking immediately. After a while, they had already packed what they believed to be necessary. "You should get some rest, Mother," Amanda said. She was coming from the children's room. They were all asleep by the time Amanda went in to check up on them. "You should too" Mrs. Roberts responded. "Yes, I will. I just need to send this message to Rowan and I will have some sleep." Amanda answered, walking to the living room. She texted Rowan abou
"I'm glad to see you two getting along," he commented.They were all shocked by his response. "The boss must love Miss Amanda very much." One of the staff whispered to another one. Amanda turned to Rowan. "Anna and the rest of the staff have always been great. They do their best to make sure this place feels like a home away from home.""They can do a better job by helping you settle in right now instead of standing right there enjoying the pleasantries," Rowan said. His smile suddenly disappeared. The staff quickly dispersed, including Anna. Amanda gave Rowan a mean look. "What?" Rowan asked as if he knew not what had happened. "What was that for?" Amanda exclaimed. "You shouldn't give them too much closure. They will take it for granted." Rowan said. Amanda was still trying to process his statement when Anna came back. "I would like to escort you to your room, Miss Amanda," Anna said. Amanda sighed in frustration. "Sure." She replied, following Anna. She didn't say anything to
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