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
>>Amanda hurriedly rushed inside the Hotel, she was late again today, and knew she would be punished."Where is Amanda? Is she late again?" She heard her boss ask her colleagues, which made her weak in the knees. She will be going through another round of punishments as usual.She breathed in and let it out before summoning the courage to enter the kitchen where they usually take food requested by the customers to serve them."She is here," one of her colleagues announced, and her boss turned to look at her. She looked away instantly and her boss sighed in anger."Half of your salary will be deducted, and don't plead," she announced and started walking away without letting her explain.She stopped and turned to look at her again."You are going to serve 90% of the customers we will be having today also, be prepared," she added before disappearing out of the door."Ma'am!" Amanda wanted to call and plead but she had already left. She sighed and walked to where she usually
*FOUR YEARS LATER**Four years after the incident that happened and Mabel's betrayal, Amanda transferred to another state after finding out that the one-night incident had resulted in her getting pregnant, not just with one or two babies, but four children.She felt her world crashing, with no good job, and not enough money, and her life became miserable, but whenever she stared at her children, she got another hope of survival and providing them with a great future.Ryan is her first child and a boy. He has brown hair, cute pink lips, and gray eyes. He is the smartest and most caring kid. Then Adora, the second child, was a girl and she looked exactly like Amanda. Then Mason, a boy. He is the third child but is taller than Ryan. Tyler is the last child. He looked different, and Amanda couldn't guess who he looked like. Her life isn't perfect, but for once, she has never regretted keeping her kids, especially how they always cared for her, understood her, and made her proud.Amanda, h
After the kids slept off, Amanda went to her room and applied all kinds of makeup that hides her beauty and makes her look extremely ugly.As she sneaked out of her room, she bumped into her mom and her mom almost screamed."What in the world is happening?" Grandma Nana (Amanda's mom) exclaimed, not believing her eyes. "Why would Amanda put on this? she asked herself."Mom, I have gotten a chance to sing at a bar tonight and you know there's no way I'm gonna sing with my beauty," Amanda said."But with the way you are looking now, I'm sure you will scare off the guests. Amanda, you are beautiful and who knows your beauty can get you more tips. Besides, you don't have to do all of this, I'm getting my payment tomorrow and we can work things out," Nana replied."Nana, you don't get it, the kids' teachers said they should bring almost 100 dollars tomorrow and there is no miracle that can provide us with the money before tomorrow morning. I know you cared for me, but please let me do what
Rowan held onto her waist as he stared into her eyes, shocked as he recognized her.Since Amanda couldn't recognize him, she managed to pull herself from him and glared at him."So...rry." Amanda stammered.Rowan recalled having a nightstand with her four years ago and immediately thought she was sent by the villa to pick him up as he had placed her there the day he traveled."You came to pick me up?" He questioned, raising his brows, which surprised Amanda, as she didn't know what he was talking about."Came to pick you up? Who are you? I don't even know you." Amanda replied and stared at him weirdly."Stop being crazy, it was already too much since after what happened between us. It has been four years and you never called to check up on me. I guess you prefer enjoying the luxurious Villa more, right?" Rowan asked and what he was saying did not make sense to her as she still couldn't understand what he was saying."Is he crazy? What is he talking about? What happened four years ago?
Amanda sat still in front of the mirror, trying to undress and wipe off what was left of the ugly makeup she had on earlier.Then she remembered the popular Rowan Xi and how he tried to hold her down, insisting that she was supposed to be at his house."What madness?" She asked herself and kept wiping off the makeup."Who are you speaking to?" her mother asked with concern.She jerked at the sight of her mother."You scared me Mum. It is nothing. I was just soliloquizing. Something a bit strange happened today."Her mother looked at her, her gaze filled with concern."What might that be?""I met someone very important; Rowan Xi. You know him, right?"Her mother's mouth was agape with shock."Wow… that is some interesting stuff!" She exclaimed. "Please tell me you got along fine?""That is the point, mother. You know I had this ugly makeup on, so he thought I was ugly…"Her mother's face squeezed in a frown."You see? Did I not warn you about that ugly makeup you had on?" She cut in an
>>>Rowan was sitting in his office, addressing his father's employees.One of the employees, the company's head of financial unit, raised her hands."Go ahead Annette, make your contributions snappy." He instructed her and leaned back in his chair."Thank you sir. I'd like to point out that we made some good profit in the last four years; however, the company's net expenditures are toppling over the profit per season. I would suggest that some unnecessary frivolities be cut down on."Rowan bit his lower lip. He knew where her conversation was headed and he was definitely going to address it."What are the components of this net expenditure? Can you give me a run down?""I can mail you the comprehensive list of all that the company has funded for the past four years.""Send me that mail before midday, Annette. I would like to address the situation immediately."Annette nodded and thanked him."You can all get back to work, there is a lot to do," Rowan inst
Mrs Roberts was at the hair salon with her friends, they were trying to get a makeover."You look damn good , girl." Katherine exclaimed excitedly."Been a while, you know. You do not seem to get a lot of time these days because of the babies," Angela added.Mrs Roberts was a bit uncomfortable about having those conversations but she had no choice."Yes. It has been a while. Thank God you know that I am very busy. The kids do not allow me to get some breathing space," Mrs Roberts replied, trying to stay composed and unashamed. "Yeah…right?" They both echoed."Yeah," she replied sternly, trying to move away from the conversation. She did not want to last too long on conversations about her daughter's children."What does Amanda do now?" Angela asked with curiosity etched on her face.Mrs Roberts shifted to her seat. She was becoming uncomfortable."She works with a big company now," she replied with a whisper, hoping they would not ask her the name of the company because the truth was
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