"We're getting a nanny." I said to her that morning as I got ready to leave for the office. "What?" Her head snapped up. "You heard me." "Damien, we don't need a nanny. We had this talk before." "With how you're always at your new found hobby, you can't take care of my kids." I said. It was a known fact that she spent half the day for the most part of the week attending one church activity or the other. "First of all, it's not a hobby. Don't disrespect my faith." She said sternly. I was unmoved by it. "You know what? I don't care what it is. What I know is that there's going to be a nanny in this house and my mom as well as ma Rosa are going to be handling the interviews." I stated.She got on her feet just then. "Mom and ma Rosa? I'm their mother, I have to have a say on this." "How much have you been there in the last few weeks?" I questioned her. "You're going to discredit several months and even years of being a great mother just because of a few weeks? Damien??" Her voice
~Sensitive Content below~ I had every right to bring this matter to the authorities but I forgave him and now he said I was exaggerating? How dare he? "Damien you forced yourself on me!" I said with more emotion than I intended. His nonchalance made me regret forgiving him as easily as I did. He exhaled sharply. "Ariana you promised to not bring this up again." "I did because you also promised to stop drinking!" I argued. "Just let it go. It happened way before Ava was conceived. It's in the past." "Get me that sleeping bag." I said clippedly, putting an end to the conversation. "Have it your way then." He said and stepped out. I waited for him to get my sleeping bag and exit the room before letting myself cry as I relived the experience in my mind. I understood that we were married but rape was rape. That night, I waited up for him after making sure our toddlers were asleep in their bedroom. Damien finally stumbled in close to midnight, drunk as a skunk and I got mad at that.
A red dress that fit like a glove, makeup on fleek, curls looking luscious and nails looking like a million bucks. In his words, I had to look the part of a celebrant for his announcement tonight and I did justice to it if I say so myself. "Mommy you look so pretty." Darian complimented, coming to my side as I stared at myself through the vanity mirror. "Thank you baby." I rubbed his face fondly before asking for his brother. "He's with daddy." He answered. "And your nannies?" "Downstairs." We now had two live-in nannies for Ava and the twins just like Damien and I had discussed. It had been a peaceful couple of weeks and I prayed it stayed that way even though it was at the detriment of my faith. Unfortunately, I had been avoiding calls of my church members nonstop and unfortunately they did not have my address so they could reach out. I wanted to go there but I didn't want to risk another fight with Damien. "Babe-" He came in just then and stopped midway. "Wow," he said breat
I was so relieved when Aiden covered up for me. My heart was legit beating so fast even when I was not guilty of anything. I could tell Ariana had her doubts about what just happened, but she was seriously being unnecessarily paranoid. "Babe?" I called out to her even after she had muttered a half hearted 'good night'. "Hmm. Damien good night, I have shopping to do tomorrow." She arranged her side of the bed and slid in. "I know that but I just want to spend some time with you." I followed, pulling her close to me. "We were out all evening, we've spent more than enough time together." "Come on babe, don't be so mad at me." I kissed her shoulder blade. "Who says I'm mad?" "You're acting like it." I stated. I mean it was as clear as day that she was upset, she did not have to try so hard to deny it. She gave me a pointed look. "Damien I'm tired and I want to sleep." Taking my hands off her, I said, "Fine. Good night." "Night." ~~~ "Off to shop?" I came down and met them ready
"Heyyyy." I met Tracy walking in with her kids as soon as I got downstairs. I squatted just so Sky, Aaron and Tia could run into my arms. They were the cutest bunch and so full of energy. "Hey hot mama." She teased me as always as I gave her hug. "Oh please, we all know you're the hot one." I said right back. I turned to the kids. "Your uncle and aunts are in the playroom with your cousins. No running on the stairs!" I exclaimed as they took off. Tracy shook her head as we watched them do the opposite of what I just said. "Do they ever listen?" "Kids...? Never." I answered and we both laughed. "I'm guessing you came as soon as you heard they had arrived." I said. She nodded, "Absolutely. Mom is hurrying back as we speak." "I'm sure." I let out a laugh. Who wouldn't be excited to see all their family members in one place after a long time? "Congrats on your new job by the way." She nudged my arm. "Thank you." I smiled. "I'm sure you'll ace it." She said with an assured smile."
"Hello Mr and Mrs KIngston." She grinned a little too wide for my liking. "Hi Claire, wasn't expecting you." I said copying her grin that slowly dropped. Damien gave me a subtle nudge but I was unmoved. "Claire welcome. Thanks for honoring my invite." He said. "I wouldn't miss it for anything." She had her smile on again. Ugh. "Of course you wouldn't." I coughed out. "Are you okay?" She asked in 'concern'. "Yeah I'm great. Enjoy the party." I gave her a subtle sendoff but she did not seem to get my message. She just stood there after giving me an appreciative nod. "Let me show you around." Damien offered out of nowhere and it took a lot to not express my shock. "Oh I wouldn't want to be a bother. It's your party." She said, glancing at me in between her words. "It's your first time in my home, of course I would make such a sacrifice." He smiled at her and took her hand right in front of me. Damien placed a halfhearted kiss on my left temple before walking off with this woman.
"Ma Rosa I don't want to talk about it." I said without glancing up from my screen as I heard the door of my home office come open. "How did you know it was me?" "I've known you for as long as I can remember. You're the only one who's bold enough to want to talk to me when I'm mad." I told her plainly. "Hmm," She sighed and took her seat. "What's going on with both of you?" "You saw it. Ariana does not respect me. She flouts my orders and does whatever she feels like!" "Do not raise your voice at me young man." "Sorry." I muttered. "Damien, Ariana is your wife..." "Yes, I know that." "She's not your employee. You don't 'order' your spouse or command them to do your bidding." "I'm her husband and she has to listen to me especially when I have her best interest at heart." "You know you don't listen to her either." "I do." She shook her head. "You don't. You hear her words, see her actions but you do not listen to either of them." "I don't understand." I really didn't. "Ha
"Aunt Karla." I smiled as soon as her face popped up on my screen. "Querido." She grinned. (My darling.) "Feliz Navidad." I said. (Merry Christmas.) "Merry Christmas. How are you doing?" "I'm well. How are you?" I sighed, sitting up carefully. "I'm good." "Where's Damien?" She asked as usual. "He went out, he'll probably be back soon." "If I'm reading my time correctly. It's kinda late over there." I took a quick glance at the digital clock placed by my side of the bed. It was past 8pm almost 9pm, in fact. I had to call him but then with everything that went on in the morning, calling him felt off. "Boys! Come say hi to Nonna!" I beckoned on them as they did their thing on the balcony. They rushed and practically grabbed my phone just to see Aunt Karla's face. Topic changed so smoothly. Good one Ariana, I gave myself and imaginary pat on the back. I picked Ava as I got on my feet. "Darian, Damon, do not break my phone!" I yelled. "Let them talk to me!" Aunt Karla defended