6

Archie nodded. "I am thirsty. I want water," he said.

"Okay. Mummy will get you some," she replied, turning to the counter to pick up a cup. She filled it with water from the tap and walked toward her son.

She handed the cup to him. He took it and drank it all, then handed back the cup.

"Thank you, Mum," he said.

"You are welcome, baby." She placed the cup back.

"Let's get you back to bed," she said as she led him back to the room. He climbed onto the bed, and she joined him.

He stirred on the bed and placed his hand on her neck. She placed her hand on his body and kissed his temples.

"Good night, sweetie," she said.

"Goodnight, Mum," he replied.

She moved her hand to Ayla and caressed her hair.

"Do it for your kids, Giselle," Blaire's words echoed in her mind.

She heaved a sigh.

---

"Where are we going to, Mum?" Ayla asked as Giselle helped her with her pink dress.

"Yes, Mum, why aren't we wearing our uniforms?" Archie asked, already dressed in his blue t-shirt and black shorts.

"That's because you both are going to Aunt Blaire's house," she explained.

"Yay!!!" They squealed in unison.

The door opened, revealing Blaire.

"Speak of the devil," Giselle thought.

"Aunt Blaire!" the kids squealed happily and ran toward her.

"Aw, my little treasures. How are you both doing this morning?" Blaire asked as Giselle got to her feet and walked toward the kids' bags.

She had packed them last night.

"We are good," Archie said.

"Mum said we are going to your place," Ayla added.

"Yes, are you excited?" Blaire asked.

"Yes!" they answered together.

Blaire chuckled. "Well, you both and your mum will be staying with us from now on," she said.

"Yay!!!!" They squealed and jumped happily.

Giselle walked toward them with their bags in her hands.

"Okay, okay, go and put on your shoes," she said as she dropped their bags on the ground. They ran to get their shoes.

She looked at Blaire.

"I am proud of you," Blaire said.

"Yeah, right," Giselle muttered, walking toward the mirror to check her outfit. She wore a black knee-length skirt and a peach-colored silk shirt. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she had just a little lip gloss on. She matched her skirt with her old black shoes.

"You look great," Blaire complimented.

Giselle heaved a sigh.

"You know what, just go. I will do every other thing," Blaire insisted.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Trust me. You can't afford to be late," she replied.

"Blaire," Giselle called, tilting her head in frustration.

"I insist. Go," Blaire urged.

Giselle nodded. "Kids, I will meet you at Blaire's place, okay?"

"Where are you going to, Mum?" Ayla asked.

"I got a new job," Giselle answered.

"What job?" Archie asked.

"A big job. Mummy has to go, say bye," Blaire said.

"Bye, Mum," they said in unison.

"Bye," Giselle said, picking up her purse and heading out.

She walked down the stairs, out of the building, and through the gate. She boarded a tricycle and they hit the road.

Half an hour later, she arrived at the company. She quickly paid the driver and hurried inside.

Standing a bit away from the door, she looked around. People were already there, moving around and minding their business.

She thought about Xavier's office, realizing she had forgotten where it was. *God, Giselle, what is wrong with you?*

"Move," a female voice said, pushing her out of the way.

Giselle whimpered, struggling to keep her balance. She glanced at the girl who had pushed her—a woman with long straight brunette hair, wearing a black and red designed short dress and black heels, followed by two other girls.

Furrowing her brows, she continued to stare at her.

"Arabella!" some people called as they approached her with a book and a pen, seemingly wanting an autograph. Others were taking pictures.

*Is she a celebrity or what?* Giselle wondered. *Why did she push me like that? That's rude.*

One of the girls following Arabella turned to Giselle and clasped her hands together, mouthing an apology.

Giselle sighed.

She took the direction she recalled to be the way to Xavier's office.

Upon reaching a familiar place, she saw Rob seated at the front desk. He looked at her.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he raised his finger at her, silencing her.

He gave her a fake smile, making her furrow her brows.

"Perfect timing. He is waiting for you," he said, gesturing to Xavier's office door.

Giselle nodded slightly as she walked toward the door.

She inhaled and exhaled before knocking.

"Enter," his voice sent shivers down her spine.

She opened the door and walked in.

He was in an ash-colored suit, seated at his desk and writing on a file.

She approached him.

"Good morning..."

"Why are you late?" he retorted without looking at her.

"I was... I..."

"I hate stammers, Ms. Harrison," he said, finally looking at her.

"I don't work with stammers," he added.

She nodded slightly and gulped. "I am sorry."

His eyes moved to her attire, and he relaxed in his seat, still staring at her clothing.

She clenched her purse nervously.

"What the hell are you wearing?" he asked.

She looked at her dress and then back at him.

He raised his brows.

"Clothes," she answered.

He scoffed. "You call that clothes?" he asked mockingly.

Her heart clenched.

"Your lover couldn't afford to buy you good clothes?" he asked.

"Xavier, please..."

"It's SIR to you, Ms. Harrison. Don't you dare call me by my name," he admonished, glaring at her.

Her heart tightened. She nodded regardless.

"I am sorry, sir," she said.

He nodded. "That's more like it."

"This is the best attire I have. And I don't have a lover. I never did," she said boldly, suppressing her tears.

He scoffed mockingly. "Really now? Women and lies. Pathetic."

Her heart tightened further.

*God, I don't recognize him anymore. He is being mean to me, and it hurts.*

"Take these files to Rob and wait for him to go through all of them," he ordered, pointing at a pile of files on his desk.

She walked closer and picked up the files.

"None is to drop on the floor or else you pay for it," he warned.

Ignoring the pain in her heart, she walked toward the door.

The door opened before she reached it, and a woman in the same attire as the one who had pushed her earlier entered with her entourage.

"Hey, baby," the woman said, smiling at Xavier as she walked toward him.

Giselle watched as Xavier stood up, smiling back as she approached him. The woman wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Giselle's heart dropped.

Xavier wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her back.

Giselle stood there, watching them.

Xavier's eyes rested on her as he continued to kiss the woman.

The pain in Giselle's heart deepened, a feeling she had never experienced before.