[Matilda]The bell chimed softly as the last customer stepped out of my bakery. I forced a smile, my lips stretching just enough to mask the exhaustion weighing on me"Thank you so much, have a good day. I hope to see you again!" My voice was warm but my body achedAs the door clicked shut I flipped the sign to closed. I leaned against the glass door releasing a heavy sigh"That was a lot!" I murmured, tilting my neck from side to sideFrom the corner of my eyes, I stared at Aiden and Austin seated quietly near the counter. My heart softened at the sight of them, their tiny feet swinging beneath the chairIt was the weekend and I had brought them to my store today since their nanny was not available to stay with them so I had no option but to take them with meAustin's eyes turned towards me like he could sense I was looking at them. He smiled. "Mummy, can I have another cake? Aiden already finished the one you gave us." Austin asked softly but I was quick to shake my head. They've ha
[Matilda] It's been a week since Kaden's visit and my mind was finally starting to find some peace. Maybe I was just overthinking things Maybe he truly believed me when I said the kids aren't his I took a slow deep breath walking out of my store as I marched to my car. I had lost track of time! I was already thirty minutes late from picking up my kids from school. The more reason to hire an extra hand soon to help in my bakery I slid into my car and hooked my seatbelt, and just as I ignited the engine my phone rang. My lips stretched into a smile as I saw the caller ID. I connected it to my car's Bluetooth and drove off "Look who finally decided to call me huh?" I rolled my eyes even though I knew Leo couldn't see me "I'm sorry baby, I know you're mad at me right now and I deserve any scolding, it's just been a whole lot!" Leo's husky voice echoed through the speakers, making me shake my head, with my eyes fixed on the road "It's fine. I know you're busy," I replied softly, hea
[Matilda] My jaw clenched hard as I tightened my hand on the steering wheel! I couldn't stop the anger that was brewing inside me no matter how hard I tried What exactly was Kaden on about? To the extent of going to my kid's school? Not me thinking that he had backed the fuck down. I fucking knew it, I could damn feel it all this while. My instincts were just all over the place that he was up to something I took a deep breath my eyes shifting to my phone as Leo's call kept coming in "Mummy your phone has been ringing!" I blinked back as Austin said from the back. Taking a slow deep breath I picked up the call and Leo's voice rang out, panic laced in his tone "Tesoro, what's wrong? Why did you hang up like that, is everything okay? Are the kids okay?" Before I could even say a word Austin and Aiden yelled from behind "Mummy is that Uncle Leo?" They screamed from the back and I heard Leo let out a sigh of relief "Aiden, Austin!" Leo called out and they giggled. "Uncle Leo
[Kaden] My hand dug into my scalp as I slid into the backseat of my car "Drive!" I instructed my driver and he ignited the engine driving out of the school compound I know that I needed to get close to the kids but that wouldn't deter the fact that the lady was being careless! If she was handling my kids and made this type of mistake, I would make sure she got sacked from the school It just took taking her to the side and telling her that I'm the uncle to the kids and giving her a seductive look and she lost it and believed me instantly I was even thinking that she would ask the kids if I was truly their uncle but she just stood there staring at me. I had to send her out at some point to get me a bottle of water so I could ask the kids the question I wanted to ask them And I had gotten all the answers I needed "We haven't seen our Daddy, mummy said he works very far away but we have never seen him, can you help us find our Daddy?" The innocent boy had explained to me and
[Kaden]The moment I stepped into my house, I could hear the chaos all over the place, my mother's sharp commanding voice echoing through the walls."You need to stop this nonsense and face the truth!" My mother's voice rang out. "Six years Cherry, how long do you want my son to wait?""You think I haven't tried, do you think we are not trying?"I clenched my jaw, my steps quickening as I turned toward the corner leading to the living room. I took a deep breath as I stepped into the living room, watching the both of them as they exchanged words not even noticing that I stepped in"No, you're not trying enough, it's either you give him a child or...," "That's enough!" I said sharply, their attention snapping towards me in an instant. My eyes flicked to Cherry. "Go upstairs!"She whipped her head towards me, her hand fisting into a ball. "Are you serious right now?""Cherry, I said go upstairs and let me handle this,""Don't you dare tell me to go upstairs like I'm the villain here, y
[Matilda]"So what do you intend to do?" Julia asked. I took a deep breath, cradling my wine glass in my palm before gulping down the contents. The warmth of the liquid did little to settle the unease twisting in my chest"I have no idea, Julia, as much as I try to push it aside, I just can't. Why would he go to my kid's school? I thought he believed me when I said they weren't his and now this!" I said softly, my eyes darting around the restaurant where Julia and I had come out to have some fresh air this eveningJulia exhaled, shaking her head. "He's doing too much,"I shut my eyes, but the smirk on Kaden's face from two days ago replayed behind my eyelids like a tauntI knew Kaden was up to something"I still don't think it's the reason to stop the kids from going to school. That's why you moved to New York in the first place remember? Maybe you should talk to the head teacher of the school and report the incident to them!" Julia mumbled and I stared up at herWhy hadn't I though
[Matilda] "I've been trying to reach you since last night!" I leaned my back on the kitchen cabinet, with my phone pressed on my ear "Sorry love, I'm here now!" Leo mumbled. I could tell he already knew what I was about to ask "Tell me you don't know what I'm about to ask you? When did you do all of that without my knowledge?" I asked and I heard him chuckle "Tesoro, What are you talking about?" "Don't do that Leo, when did you register me on a baking show without letting me know? I got the call yesterday and your name was mentioned so don't lie to me about it," I mumbled and that was when he chuckled loudly "A few days back! I heard of it from a business partner of mine and well I had to fix in one of the most pastry chefs I've ever seen!" My face turned crimson shade as Leo mumbled making me bite down on my lip "I got their message after the call and it doesn't look like an ordinary competition Leo, how did you manage to get me a slot in it? It looks like a show high-e
[Kaden]"You're insane, I said they are not...," Before she could finish her statement, with a flick of my wrist, I threw the envelope to her, watching as it landed on her feetHer eyes darted to it. She stared at me and then back to the envelopeI could feel my anger burning as I chuckled"Go the fuck on and check what that is, you fucking selfish thing!" I roaredShe inhaled deeply, her eyes flickering back to me again before she snatched it off the ground, rolling her eyes, she tore the envelope immediately. Her eyes scanned the paper, a mixture of shock and disbelief danced in her orbs but the next thing she did suddenly caught me off guardShe threw her head back, her hand tightening on the paper as she laughed hysterically, making my brows crease together"This is insane, oh what the fuck is wrong with this man!" Tilda scoffed, shaking her head as she stared back at me. "You think I'll give you a listening ear for this trash. Tell me, since when does DNA happen without both par
[Kaden]What exactly was wrong with me? I had no freaking idea but the next minute my leg was moving on its own. I had no idea what exactly came over me or what the hell was still over meWhy the hell did I fucking kiss her? That was Tilda, a woman I hated everything about. She disgusts me. She laid with my fucking father. I hated every damn thing about her. But goddammitMy jaw clenched as my eyes shifted to my pants. I almost cursed myself on how my cock was throbbing I was just going to ask her if I'm allowed to use any of the rooms downstairs but that was a pathetic fucking excuse because I could fucking swear I knew it was supposed to be the guest bedroom but I needed to ask her, I should, it's not my house and I shouldn't trespassThat was the only thing I was able to come up with as I stormed the stairs. My finger made its way to my lips as I rubbed my index finger on my lips.She tasted so fucking...Kaden! The fuck?My jaw clenched as I marched over to her bedroom and withou
[Matilda]My heart thumped louder in my chest and I could swear that Kaden could hear it as his eyes raked all over my body stopping right on my lipsJust who the hell walks around people's homes without putting on a damn cloth and was my eyes fucking working with my mind? Hell noMy heart skipped as his eyes stayed glued to my lips. I could see his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. I should fucking push him off and walk out but why were my legs rotted in a spot staring right at his lips wanting it to do nothing but fucking come a bit closer and smash directly on mine"Kaden...," I stuttered watching as his eyes flicked up to mine. "Can you take a step back," I mumbled softly watching as a smirk curled up his lips"And if I don't?" Kaden asked, his eyes darkening even more. "Because your eyes are saying otherwise Tilda," His voice went low making the hairs on my body stand. A way Kaden had never spoken to me before"I don't know what...," My words were swallowed up as Kaden smashed hi
[Kaden] "Daddy, Mommy, please," one of the twins cried out, as he stared from me to his mother Was I insane to say my heart was thumping so fast with the idea of spending the night right here? Like what exactly was wrong with me? It should be because of my kids right, seeing my boys cry was breaking my heart and that was why I said the first thing that came to my mind without thinking about it "It's okay, Daddy is going to spend the night," "No!! You would never," Tilda blurted out, her eyes boring into mine. I tilted my neck, my brow creasing into a frown as I stared from her to the kids. Was she blind or something, seeing that the kids were bawling "Mommy, you don't want Daddy to spend the night," Aiden or Austin said and I watched as Tilda's eyes snapped shut, cursing under her breath She flashed them a smile, that didn't quite reach her eyes."No baby of course, I want Daddy to...," She paused, glaring daggers at me before turning to the kids. "To spend the night but Daddy is
[Matilda]"What the hell are you doing?" I snapped, staring into his eyes as he straightened up"What do you mean?" Kaden asked, a smirk curling up his lips. "Aren't we supposed to talk, or are you planning on not letting me get the three days a week too?"I rolled my eyes, walking over to the plate rack as I carefully placed the plate I could have ended up breaking it if I wasn't careful"Don't think everyone is as selfish as you, young man," I snapped, turning my attention to him as I leaned against the kitchen cabinet. "You were with the kids, and they weren't letting go so isn't it normal for me to stay still until we are alone? Or do you want me to discuss in front of the kids?" My eyes were shifting from him to the doorway to make sure the kids weren't coming"We can talk now, they are busy with their games," Kaden said. I averted my eyes from him and walked over to the living room and truly they were busy with whatever game they were playing on their iPadI took a deep breath a
[Matilda]"Daddy, Austin, daddy is here!" Aiden sprang up from the couch rushing to the door where Kaden was standing with smiles all over his face. He dropped the bag in his hand and crouched down in time, grabbing him in his arms"Daddy!!" Austin ran down the stairs where he had gone to pick up his iPad. I watched as his eyes lit up as he ran towards Kaden, practically flying into his armsA smile spread across my lips as I watched him grabbing and spinning them around"My big boys," He cooed, placing a kiss on their hair. "How are you? Who missed Daddy?" Kaden asked placing them down I've known him so well to tell that there wasn't his hint of fear when the kids came running to him like he was a bit surprised that they did so and even when I didn't know the reason I could tell it was how the kids witnessed him lose in the courtroom"Daddy I missed you," Aiden smiled, pulling Kaden's hand and trying to swing with it"Me too Daddy, Mommy said you were busy that's why you've not come
[Matilda]"Mommy, so we're going to start school soon?" Aiden asked excitedly as we walked back into the house with our shopping bags"Yes baby, are you excited about it?" I asked and he nodded, his tongue swirling around the lollipop in his hand"Yes Mommy, I've missed all my friends," Aiden said. My eyes shifted to Austin and I didn't fail to notice how his lips pouted into a small frown. I could tell he was so much enjoying their homeschoolingAt least, I could tell that everything was a bit over now even when I knew I should also be on the lookout. I knew how ruthless Donovan could be. But my children's life shouldn't be on pause"Mommy but I like my home teacher, why can't we school at home like we always do?" Austin asked as we walked into the kitchen. I placed the shopping bag on top of the counter before grabbing the little ones Austin and Aiden were holding"I know you like your home teacher my love, but it's time you resume school okay? Tell me don't you miss all your friend
[Kaden]I rolled my neck, the stiffness in it mirroring the tension in my chest as I stared at the files spread across my study table. After yesterday’s conversation with Mason and Ryan, we agreed to look deeper into the hospital records—and get a clearer picture of what we’re dealing with. That’s why I’d scheduled a meeting with someone I knew at the hospital. Three days from now.I glanced at the time on my wristwatch just as a knock echoed on the door.“Come in,” I called out, barely lifting my eyes from the files on my table “Sir, breakfast is ready,” I stared up at Zia, my head maid as she stood right in front of my doorI waved her off. “I’m not eating this morning.”She didn’t budge. Just stood there staring at me like I’d said something impossible.I looked up, arching a brow. “Zia, is there something else?”She hesitated, then stepped back with a slight shake of her head. “No, sir.”“Then you can go,” I said firmly.As she left, I sighed, dragging my hand down my face. My th
[Kaden]My chest tightened. Someone helped him get to my father? It was possible for my father to have passed from a heart attack following his condition but was it natural or was it triggered?"This doesn't make sense Kaden. Oh good lord, no don't tell me my husband was murdered," my mum palmed her face"Mom, don't do this, we are not sure yet, we only have to look into it," Loretta said and my mother stiffened before turning to face her"Look into it? Where are we supposed to do that from?" My mother snapped making Loretta flinch, taking a step back"The only one who can give us an answer to this is dead," my mum voiced out, her teeth clenched tightly. I swallowed hard leaning back in my seatDr Arlan died a week after my father's death! Was this...?"Could it be that this also has something to do with Doctor Arlan's death?" I voiced out, my mother and sister's eyes snapping towards me"Exactly, him dying a week after your father's death? And now theirs a report that looks like your
[Kaden]The drive to the Donovan mansion was too quiet. My hand stayed locked around the steering wheel, tighter than usual. Loretta’s voice wouldn’t stop echoing in my head—and neither would the sound of my mother’s shaky breathing.What the hell was going on?The second I stepped into the mansion, I felt it. Something was off. The air was heavy and tense. I hadn’t even made it halfway down the hall when Loretta rushed up to me, her brows drawn tight.“Where’s Mom?” I asked before she could say anything.“She’s in Dad's study,” she said quickly.I didn’t stop to respond. My steps were sharp against the marble floor as I headed straight for the study. My chest got tighter the closer I got. The door creaked a little as I pushed it open.She looked up the moment I entered. And just from the look on her face, I knew it wasn’t good. My stomach turned.She barely visited Dad's study ever since he passed. Neither did she try to touch any of his things. According to her, revisiting the memor