Chapter 12

Before returning to the country, Stephanie had already bought a spacious apartment at the outskirts of the capital. Away from the eyes of many, even though she knows that she can’t hide her children forever, but now she doesn’t want Nathan, Margret or her daughter Jane to find out about her children.

As soon as they arrived home, Elsie , Liam and Lilly started tidying up the house. The house had been cleaned beforehand, so they only needed to unpack their daily essentials.

Watching the two kids being so capable and independent, Shane Williams felt a wave of relief.

He had been worried , when Stephanie decided to have the children , but now he saw that fate had been kind to her, blessing her with such thoughtful children.

While they were busy unpacking, Shane Williams prepared a table full of dishes .

When Stephanie arrived home, she was met with a warm, inviting sight . Scent of tasty cooking filled the air, and she realized she had missed her father’s cooking a lot.

It had been tough living abroad alone with two children while pursuing her career .

Living in a foreign country, she constantly missed her father and her best friend . But now, she’s finally back.

This time she was resolved to never again endure the ache of being separated from her loved ones.

“Dad, Elsie,” she called softly.

Claire turned back and upon seeing Stephanie, she couldn’t hold back and rush to give her a big hug. “Steph, I thought you’ll never return to the capital, it’s has been five years and I missed you so much.”

Tears welled up In Stephanie’s eyes as she hugged her back, “I missed you too Elsie .”

Just then Shane Williams heard her voice and came out from the kitchen, “my princess is back.”

When Stephanie heard her father’s voice she broke free from Claire and ran to Shane Williams, throwing herself into his arms.

“Dad, I missed you so much.”

Shane Williams patted her back , his face filled with joy, you’re a mother now, and still acting like a child. Anyway, Dad, missed you more.”

Liam appeared in the dining room , watching his mother and grandfather with a smile, seeing his mother happy made him feel at ease.

•••

Watching the lively atmosphere at the dining table, Stephanie knew she had made the right decision.

Coming back had its risk, but it was all worth it.

After some time, Elsie looked at her, “I’ve found schools for the kids, one of the best schools here, just as you wanted.

Stephanie smiled at her, “thank you so much Elsie.”Then she turned to the twins, “aunt Elsie, personally found you a school , so you two better study hard.”

“Oh come on, Stephanie, we all inherited your smartness, so school is not a big deal.” The second child chimed in sweetly.

They all laughed.

After eating the two kids got up and went to their rooms, letting the adults have some time alone.

After a moment of silence, Shane Williams looked at Stephanie. “Stephanie have you ever hated me? I mean, if it wasn’t for my sickness, you wouldn’t have…..”

“Grandpa is my duty as your child to save you, you are the most important person to me, I wouldn’t just stand there and watch you die, I did what I did back then willingly. It’s is in the past now, you don’t need to blame yourself for anything.”

“Absolutely, I own you for giving me life, and for single handedly raising me all this years, showing me with unconditional love and support, ensuring I never lacked anything .” She added

No matter what, Shane Williams always felt guilty about it, if it wasn’t for his sickness, her life might be different .

“Sweetheart, you don’t own me anything, I just want you to be happy and live well.”

Stephanie nodded. “Alright!”

“I think getting pregnant with those two was a blessing, because it made Stephanie become whom she is to today, from a cardiologist to a top cardiac surgeon.” Elsie chimed.

Stephanie shot her a grateful look and turned to her father. “ dad, did you hear that? If it wasn’t for those two I wouldn’t have become who I am today.”

Shane Williams knows they were trying to comfort him , but he had to admit, those two children are really a blessing. Shane Williams nodded . “You’re right!”

“Stephanie, do the kids know who their father is?” Shane Williams asked.

Stephanie shook her head. “ they have never asked.”

If they ask, she had plan to tell them the truth, after all no matter anything, Nathan Robinson is still their father. But whether he acknowledge them, or not doesn’t matter.

“Have you ever thought of letting the kids acknowledge their father?” Elsie asked.

They are part of the Williams, and have nothing to do with the Robinsons. After all their father is a married man now, even though he doesn’t have a child with his wife , they are still happily married and I don’t want my kids to be the one to disrupt their marriage.”

What if the Robinsons family finds out and decides to take them away from you, after all Jane hadn’t given them any grandchildren.” Elsie said, voicing her concerns, after all secret have a way of coming out, not to talk of Liam who looked exactly like Nathan. If they meet, it could be obvious.

Stephanie had already thought of that before coming back with them. We will handle whatever comes our way, even if it means going to court, i know the judge will consider the kids wish and who they want to be with “. Stephanie was confident that her children will choose to be with her. “Besides, he probably won’t come to fight me for them, his wife wouldn’t allow him to acknowledge Liam and Lilly.”

Knowing Jane’s personality, she wouldn’t allow Nathan to bring in another woman’s children into their home.

“Dad, why don’t you move out from our old house and come to live with us.” Stephanie said changing the topic .