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
Wilson's heart raced as he faced Rowan. It was obvious that he was boiling. He quickly gathered his composure and tried to appear calm despite the panic that was coursing through him."Rowan, what are you doing here at this hour?" Wilson asked, attempting to sound surprised but composed. “It’s been ages since you have been here.” Rowan with a furrowed brow and a stern expression. “You were in my house that day to see Amanda, you went into her room to threaten her? How dumb can you be to think she would leave me because you asked her to.” Wilson pretended as if he knew nothing about the allegation. “What are you talking about? I was in your house that day to set things right. I apologized to you. What is this all about man?” Wilson asked. “Come on Wilson, quit the pretense. How did you know the day I was talking about if you don’t understand what I am accusing you of?” Wilson hesitated, trying to think on his feet.Rowan noticed his hesitation, “Wilson” he snapped but came out as a
Back at the Rowan's house, tensions were running high. It was a turbulent day and secrets and lies were unraveling at a rapid pace.Amanda was sitting nervously in the living room, waiting for Rowan to come back. She was clearly aware that something significant was about to unfold.Anna rushed into the living room to inform Amanda that Madam Xi and Mr. Xi were coming into the house. "We have visitors and…" she didn't finish her statement before the door flung opened. "You are welcome ma," Anna said but was ignored. She hurried out of the room. Amanda also suffered the same fate. She didn't even get to finish her statement when she was interrupted. "Forget about the evening. Take this," Madam Xi handed her a strip."What do I do with this?" Amanda asked surprised. "What else do they use that for? To prove you are pregnant of course." Madam Xi answered, settling on the couch in the living room. Mr. Xi decided to come in, seeing the confusion on Amanda's face. He said with a stern
"No! No!" Amanda chimed in sharply. "That wasn't a lie. He threatened me. He said…" "Enough. That is enough lies from you. " Rowan said. He stood up immediately. "Rowan, please. Listen to me. I wasn't lying about that. I swear.." She pleaded but Rowan turned deaf ears. When Rowan didn't give her attention, she turned to Madam Xi who turned away immediately. She then turned to Mr. Xi. "Please, believe me, I am telling the truth." "Amanda, I wish I understood what is going on in here but I don't . The only thing I know is you lied to us." He responded. "Son," He called out to Rowan. Thinking that he wanted to plead on Amanda's behalf, he shunned his dad. "Dad, please, we are done here. We are done with this." "Rowan" Amanda called out softly. Rowan's anger and disappointment were palpable as he turned his back on Amanda. He felt betrayed, and the weight of her lies had shattered his trust. "Don't call my name" he snapped. "Amanda, it's over," Rowan said firmly as he continued. "I
"What does that mean? Wait…don't do anything irrational." Wills responded."Irrational can not justify how I feel after what they did to me." Amanda snapped."Okay. I get it. But please tell me where you are headed." Wills continued. He knew she was emotionally distressed and didn't want her to take any impulsive actions."To see Mabel." She exclaimed."What? No..no Amanda. That is not a good idea. I did a background check on Mabel. She is dangerous. She has been arrested twice for assault and is currently wanted for a felony." Wilson said like he was giving a report."Good" Amanda chuckled briefly. "Let's see how that works well for her. Since she called me, then she has something to say."She called you?" Wills exclaimed. "That is definitely a trap.""Do I look like I care?" She answered, nonchalantly.See Amanda, I know you have made up your mind about seeing her but please tell me where you are meeting her." Wills pleaded."Fine. I will send you the address she sent to me. I've go
"That I know does not mean I will reveal it to you," Mabel said, retreating from Amanda who kept walking closer to her. "Knowing things you all don't tend to give me joy nowadays." "Mabel!" Amanda's voice grew more intense. "Tell me, who did that to me?" she said, moving closer to Mabel who kept retreating. "Wait, why am I suddenly intimidated by you," Mabel said. Stay right there." "No, I won't. That person is the father of my kids. I need to know, I deserve to know" Amanda snapped. "I am not…" Mabel could not finish her statement, she stepped on a loose brick causing the already fragile structure to shift."Watch out," Amanda screamed. The section of the building where she was standing suddenly gave way and she started to fall. In a split second, Amanda reacted by reaching out to grab her but the situation was chaotic and only got hold of her wrist. "Help me," Mabel screamed. "It's okay. Hold on tight. I won't let go" Amanda said, panting. She tried to pull her up but she had
"We are working on a case with Uncle Alberts. I think Tyler has been able to solve the case. We need to know who killed Aunty Mabel." Mason explained, running to Tyler. "I don't understand what is going on here," Amanda said, turning to Wills who was chuckling at the children's excitement. "It's nothing serious. I have this case from work. I thought they could help so I told them about it." He explained. "Mabel?" Amanda asked further. "Oh! Sorry about that. We had to do name representation so they could understand better and you know, relate to the case well. It is not about Mabel…your Mabel" Wills expatriated. "That is not funny," Amanda said, fuming but soon cheered up when she saw her mother. "Mother!" She said, hugging. "It feels like ages. To what do we owe this visit? Are you here to get a wedding date?" Mrs. Roberts asked. Amanda exchanged glances with Wills. "There is nothing like that." She answered, her eyes teary. Mrs. Roberts noticed her teary eyes immediately. S
"What is it? What happened?" Jack and Johnny asked at the same time, consecutively when Rowan dropped the call. "Mabel is dead," Rowan said softly. "What!" They both exclaimed. "How? What happened?" Jack asked, looking at Johnny whose face had turned pale from the shock before returning his gaze to Rowan. "She fell from a collapsing building and the last person she contacted was Amanda. As a matter of fact, she found her body." Rowan said. Even though he was talking to Johnny and Jack, his mind was far away. "What are you thinking about?" Johnny asked. "You think Amanda did it?" He added to his question cautiously. "No...no" Rowan shook his head. "Amanda can never do something like that. I am just worried she might be in trouble if she was found there. She won't be able to handle it. She had been through a lot with the police department already with Mr. Kenny's issue." Jack furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "This is such a mess, Rowan. First, the situation with Amanda and Wil
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