Mabel was visibly shaken but she managed to overcome her fears. "No. You don't." She said sharply. Madam Xi bursted into laughter which left everyone in confusion. "I was just messing with you." She said walking away from her. "Mom, really?" Wilson exclaimed, trying to regain his confidence. "That was not fair mom, I didn't know you still pulled people's legs like that," Rowan said, following her to the dinner table. The others also followed. "Are you all going to gang up against me? Because it seems like it." Madam Xi protested. "But it does seem like I have met her before." Mabel and Wilson exchange glances. Mabel knew she was right but Wilson was just checking in on her to see if she was fine. "Amanda, darling, are you alright? You have been quiet and uncomfortable since we came" Madam Xi asked. "This is the first time she is entertaining the whole family. She overworked herself to make this pleasing." Rowan answered before she could. "Is that true, darling? You didn't hav
Rowan looked at Mabel with a puzzled expression. "You're not leaving? My parents just left, thanks to you." He mumbled so only he could hear that. "And I thought it would be better for everyone if you did too."Mabel shrugged casually, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, we're not in any hurry, are we, Wilson?"Wilson exchanged glances between the two. Their expression was both scary but Rowan's was a killer. "Actually, I think it's best if we go now. We don't want to overstay our welcome."Mabel sighed. "Fine, you are just a vibe killer" she grumbled. "Can you grab my purse?" "Sure," Wilson said, reaching for it immediately. "Great," Rowan said, clearly relieved. "I will be right here while you walk yourselves to the door then."Wilson felt bad. He wanted to talk to Rowan but his expression clearly stated he was not ready to listen to anything at that moment. As they approached the front door, Mabel turned to Rowan and said, "You know, Rowan, you're such a good host. Maybe next
Rowan's eyes widened. "What do you mean? We just started dating and you want to end it already? Why?" "No...no" Amanda quickly interjected. "That is not what I was talking about. I meant this fake pregnancy." Rowan was relieved and he made it obvious by adjusting his position in the bed. "What about it?" "Don't you get it? Your parents are excited about me having a baby. They are making plans already, what do you think would happen to them when they find out I am not pregnant? Especially your mother." Amanda asked.Rowan nodded. "I understand you. It is a different story now. I don't see any reason for us to lie anymore now that we are together." He held her hands, "so what do we do now?" "We can't tell them I was never pregnant. It would hurt them. I think we can say I lost the baby, right?" Amanda asked. "Or!" Rowan grinned. "Or what?" Amanda asked, trying to decipher the thought behind his expression. "We make that claim true," Rowan said. He squeezed her hands. "You want t
Detective Wills sounded slightly taken aback but then regained his composure. "I see. Well, Rowan, I was talking about Mr. Kenny's kids. Rowan's curiosity piqued, but he remained composed. "Mr. Kenny does not have kids. According to our bio-data, he has been married for about 6 years and he has no kids." "Well, that was what we all believed until we found out that he had an extra-marital affair with a woman named Harper. The first daughter with Harper was a mistake but when he found out his wife couldn't have a child, he decided to have another baby with her." Wills explained. "So you are saying Mr. Kenny has two children outside his marriage?" Rowan asked, surprised. "Yes, a five-year-old daughter and 6 months old son." The detective said. Amanda was as surprised as Rowan. At first, she thought Wills was trying to cover up with Mr. Kenny's kids. However, she was surprised to hear about that information. "What does this have to do with the investigation, detective?" Rowan asked.
How the hell did you get here?" Amanda exclaimed. Her expression, a mixture of shock and anger. "What a bad way of welcoming an old friend. Won't you ask me to come in?" Mabel said, smiling broadly at Amanda. "No. Now answer my question. How did you bypass all the security men before you got to this entrance?" Amanda asked again in a threatening tone. "Relax!" Mabel said. "I am not new here. For the record, I was here before you. I used to control things in this house before Rowan found your butt in the dirt." "What? How? Amanda questioned. "Oh, dear, let's save the story for another time. I am here for my pouch. I forgot it here yesterday." She said, pushing Amanda aside so she could enter. She walked straight to the dinner hall. Amanda followed her. "By forgot, you mean left" Amanda accused her of leaving it behind intentionally. "Call it whatever you want. That is a problem you have to deal with," Mabel said, dismissing Amanda. She went straight to one of the slabs in the ha
Anna quickly covered her mouth with her right palm scared that she would scream. She looked around to see if any of the workers were close. When the tension subsided, Amanda removed her hand gently. "That is not possible. "It is. They dated for about 4 years. The whole time, she lived here while my master was abroad for a business deal. I guessed they fell out close to the time he was supposed to return. He sent her packing, horribly." Anna explained. "What?" Amanda exclaimed. "She got what she deserved. She was mean to everyone and she squandered a fortune of the Xi's money. That was unforgivable." Anna explained further. Amanda nodded. "Thank you for telling me this. I appreciate it." "So, you said she was here?" Anna asked. Amanda nodded. "Why? What was she doing here? I should inform Mr. Rowan immediately. Anna said. "No, don't do that. You have to stay out of this. I don't want you in any sort of problem. I will handle it, alright." Amanda persuaded her. Anna nodded. Ama
At Madam Xi's house, she was discussing with Mr. Xi when the blaring alarms of the security system echoed through the mansion, interrupting their conversation. "Are you expecting anyone?" Madam Xi asked, surprised. "No. Let me check." Mr. Xi said and he immediately went to check the CCTV. "Who is it?" Madam Xi asked. "I don't know but she looks like Alison or what is Wilson's supposed girlfriend called?" Mr. Xi said, trying to figure out the person. Madam Xi frowned, her displeasure evident. "What is happening now? Why is she here?" She asked as she stood up to check.She was puzzled when she looked into the device and saw the person that was there. "Why do I feel this is Rowan's girlfriend? Is that weird?" "Amanda? This…" Mr. Xi exclaimed in disbelief but soon discovered he was wrong when Madam Xi interrupted. "No, no, the other girl. The one that was living in his home while he was away." She corrected him. "The gold digger? He exclaimed. Mr. Xi quickly grabbed his phone and
Mabel went straight to Wilson's apartment. It was not a mansion like Rowan's but a beautifully built and decorated duplex. "Where the hell have you been? I just woke up and you were gone" Wilson yelled. "Can you stop yelling?" Mabel said, walking into the house. "You want me to stop yelling?" Wilson said, walking after her. "Do you know how scared I was when I woke up and could not find the woman that slept over at my house? It was 4 am and you were nowhere to be found. "So? Do I look like a kid?" Mabel snapped. "Perfect," Wilson said, angrily. "That ends today. I don't need you to sleep over at my house anymore. This is a deal and we can continue this deal without this unsolicited relationship going on between us." "I can't agree less," Mabel said dismissively. "The deal is over." Wilson became calm. He was not expecting the response he got from Mabel. "What do you mean?" He asked softly. "What I mean is," Mabel started seductively, pulling Wilson closer. "Mission has been ac
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