Andrea’s POVSix Months Later “Roberta, ask Mr. Johnson to meet me right away. I want him to email me the month’s updated accounts.” Dean Johnson was my finance manager who has been working with Ratio for the last four months. Ever since Zion returned my projects and disappeared from my life, sales had picked up and I was neck-deep at work. Yet not a moment passed by when I didn’t think about Zion. What would he be doing? How did he forget his wish to have me move in with him? The Zion I knew never gave up if he wanted something truly. Then how did he give up on me? “Sure, Andrea!” She walked out and after three minutes, Mr. Johnson came in. I had no time to ponder over what could have been and concentrated on the figures instead. “Ma’am, last month’s figures have broken all records. It’s been the best so far.” I nodded, but I frowned at the half payments received from a few incomplete projects. The work pressure was so much, that I had to build a design team to help me. Currently,
Andrea’s POV It was almost 10 o’clock when I wrapped my work at the office. I facepalmed when I realized I had forgotten to send Zayden and Adrian’s belongings to Cromwell Mansion. Now they all would be furious with me. It was well past their bedtime, anyway. Would they be expecting me? Maybe I could drop the stuff tomorrow morning on my way to work. I drove, wondering whether to go to Cromwell Mansion and face everyone’s disappointment in me or to go home and sleep. The latter sounded a better option, and I drove home. Maybe one night I could just relax and catch up on some sleep. Parking my car, I went up the elevator to my apartment, but a nagging sense of guilt crept into my heart. I should have picked up the twins from Grandpa’s house instead of dumping all my responsibilities on them. Maybe I should make it up to Danielle this weekend by inviting them to dinner at my place. I groaned at the thought of preparing dinner. Grandpa insisted on having home-cooked meals instead of
Andrea’s POV The next morning, I didn’t get a moment to think about Zion. It was a weekday, and I hadn’t packed the children’s stuff last night. It took me almost thirty minutes to do so. Afterward, I got ready for work, loaded the stuff into my car, and drove over to Cromwell Mansion. It was just seven in the morning and I could get the twins ready for school on time. The door opened, and Kathy smiled at me. “The twins just woke up. You’re in time.” “Great! I got late last night. So I brought their stuff now.” “That’s okay. Let’s get them ready.” I was glad of the help since I was used to doing it all by myself. With Kathy’s help, Zayden and Adrian were ready before Zane. “Your dress is totally ruined, Andy. How will you go to work wearing this?” asked Danielle with concern as we sat down to grab a quick breakfast. It was a luxury for me since most of the days I didn’t get the time to have my breakfast. Kristina arrived after we left and stayed over late. “I’ll manage.” In my h
Zion’s POV Yes, I felt jealous of Knox’s children. Andrea left her work and took out time for them, dropped them home, and even kissed them. Whereas she behaved like a stranger to me, not willing to listen to my side of the story. I watched her read the message I sent her, roll her eyes, give me a haughty look, and drive away! What the hell! I didn’t want to stalk her anymore. What was the use? She wouldn’t get out of her car and confront me. The Andrea I knew would have gotten worked up and faced me, demanding an explanation for stalking her. I have known her for so long, but never had I seen this cold side of her nature. From where did she acquire so much patience? I was running out of mine. My phone buzzed with an incoming call from Maddox. I knew why he was calling me. They were meeting at Escapades tonight to celebrate Christian’s birthday! Christian St. James was our close friend who married the girl he loved for years, Skylar Carnell. He was one lucky guy! I accepted the c
Zion’s POV My heartbeats almost stopped for a moment. Andrea had four-year-old twins! Was I their father? Then why didn’t she tell me about my children? I wouldn’t have pined for five long years to have her in my life if I knew. I was too confused to think.“My children? How do I not know anything about this, Andrea? Why didn’t you tell me?” I gripped a chair to calm my trembling body. This was the biggest shock of my life! I hadn’t expected Adrian to be my child! “I had told you, Zion, but you refused to accept them as yours. Don’t you remember?” I gaped at Andrea, remembering the day she came to see me in a traumatized state. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind after a bitter argument with Delia. It was the day when my life had turned upside down and I had to agree to marry Elena for the shares of the Concorde Group. “Please guys, stop fighting!” said Maddox, separating us. Eros grabbed Knox and forced him to leave me alone. “Yes, you can sort out your differences amicably,” sai
Andrea’s POV I rushed out of the kitchen with my heart thumping wildly in my chest. Had Zayden gone crazy or was Zion really here? I had been expecting him last night, but when he didn’t come over to Cromwell Mansion to meet his children, I thought he didn’t want them. Maybe he still had his doubts about them. Then why did he come here? My eyes widened at the sight of him in the living room, with Zayden leading him to the sofa. “Sit, Dad. Now teach me from scratch. I was so bored with just football to keep me busy.”“Zayden, aren’t you getting late for football practice?” Both turned their attention to me and I felt awkward in an apron with a spatula in my hand! “Okay, mom. I’m going, but don’t let Dad leave.” I glared at Zion but he sat comfortably as if he lived here with us. “I’m not going anywhere. Finish your practice, son!” He rushed out, closing the door after him when I stood glaring at Zion. “Why are you here, Zion? Can’t you get it? You’re unwanted here?” He didn’t bud
Andrea’s POV “Why did dad leave, mom?” asked Adrian impatiently. “Yes, he promised to stay with us forever.” I watched their unhappy faces, but I couldn’t tell them about Zion’s true colors. I knew he could not be trusted. After announcing he would stay with us forever, he received a phone call and rushed off. Ever since the twins had been eating, my brain asking after him. It was driving me crazy! How could Zion charm them so much with just a single meeting? Maybe the way he charmed me, too. Even after all these years, even after his betrayal, and the heartbreak I was suffering because of him, I hadn’t been able to get over him. Why did I still love him?“Mom, do you have dad’s number? Why don’t you call him?” asked Zayden, as I tried to get some work done. Working from home was a futile effort, as the twins hardly left me alone. With Kristina still on leave, I couldn’t go to work. The kids were in a weekend mood, with no school and only one topic to harp on. Their dad and his pr
Andrea’s POV “Yay! Dad’s going with us!” said Zayden with a cheeky grin on his face. “I’m sure he has other work to take care of, Zay. Did you force him to come along? Did you call him?” I glanced at my mobile phone lying on the sofa. I was sure they had tampered with it.“I’m sorry, Zion. They didn’t know you were busy. You can go back to work. I can manage this.” I couldn’t look at Zion out of embarrassment. Now I was sure the twins had forced him to come here.“But Mom, I wanted Dad to go with us,” wailed Zayden, placing the phone back to where it was. “I told him not to call Dad, but he didn’t listen to me,” mumbled Adrian. “Zayden, you will be punished for this. We aren’t going anywhere.” “Hey, relax, everyone! Andrea, he just called to inform me about the trip, but it was entirely my decision to accompany you.” I was ill at ease. Why did he want to leave his other obligations and accompany us? “I’m sure you have other important work to do.” I tried my best to dismiss him,