PART- 4

[ Christopher ]

“Sir, these reports are sent by the HR department. They look promising. We can expand our business in South-East Asia. Our partners there have been waiting for your response. Shall I fix a meeting with them today?”

My secretory, Nancy explained me the reports and also asked for my permission for my ambitious project.

I put off my glasses and rubbed my temples. I work tirelessly nowadays to take my company on a new height. It is my only aim in my life. I can’t disappoint my mother but I also feel torn apart between my responsibilities.

“No, Nancy, not today. I am going home to spend some time with my kids because then we won’t have time as we need to fly for Ottava.” I said and she nodded in agreement.

I leaned back on my chair and took a deep breath. I wish I could run away from here for some time and find the solitude which had left me years ago. I tried to fill the void but it’s still there.

“Chris, why are you overworking yourself? I heard from Nancy that you cancelled all your meetings for today because you aren’t feeling good?” My mother’s concerned voice forced me to open my eyes.

She walked into my office and sat down. If she’s here means she won’t leave until she makes me agree to something.

“Mom, I am fine.” I assured her.

“I don’t think so. I am your mother, Chris. You have done everything that I wanted you to achieve in your life but you can’t punish yourself like this for someone who didn’t respect your feelings. Come on, think about your kids who needs a mother. Go out and date someone.” Mom started the same lecture that I don’t want to listen.

I knew to whom she was referring as ‘someone’. Her memories brought bitterness in my heart. She left me without giving me a chance to prove myself. She crushed my heart as if I never mattered to her.

“I have shortlisted the best nannies for them, Mom. In fact, I am going to take their interview today. Don’t worry, they are getting the best upbringing. They don’t need a woman as their certificate mother.” I replied her and prepared to leave.

“Mr. Smith called me. His daughter has returned from Paris. I met her, she’s beautiful and intelligent. She’ll be a perfect match for you. I want you to meet her on Sunday. If you both get married, I am sure we’ll be unsurpassable in the business world.”

 My Mom finally revealed the true agenda of her visit and I sucked a deep breath.

“Mom, for the last time, I am telling you that I am not meeting anyone and I don’t plan on getting married. I have my kids, they are my life and I don’t want anything to change. It’s better if you stop hunting suitable wife for me.” I told her with finality and left for my house.

My mood was sour after an unpleasant meeting with my mother. She cares for me but her last decision almost destroyed my life.

When I reached home, a smile spread on my tired face when I heard my children’s soft giggles coming from the living room. I silently walked into my house only to see my twins playing with Celeste. They were chasing her and the maids. They are my lifelines. I don’t want more.

“May I join you?”

 I cleared my throat to gain their attention and as I expected, their heads turned into my direction before they ran into my arms and I kissed their heads. My tiredness flew seeing their happy faces.

“Dad! Auntie took us to the park and also buy us our favourite cake.” Ariel, my princess told me whereas my son still hugged me.

“Okay but I told you not to eat much sweets.” I pinched her nose.

“She didn’t eat much. Why can’t you trust me with your kids, brother? I brought them up along with you?” Celeste complained.

“If I hadn’t trusted you, Cel, they didn’t turn into two amazing souls.” I answered her with a smile of gratitude. Celeste stood by my side in the hardest phase of my life. She didn’t think about her and dedicated herself in raising my kids.

“Chris, if you don’t mind, I want to share something with you.” She said taking Ariel from my arms.

“Don’t tell me that you finally got yourself a boyfriend?” I teased her and she rolled her eyes.

“Don’t start, Chris. I am talking about twins’ nanny. Actually, I found someone and your kids like her.” Celeste said and I raised my brow.

“You’re saying that my kids liked someone who can be their nanny? Are you drunk in broad daylight?” I again took her words in joke because I had appointed many nannies but my kids forced them to quit and leave because they didn’t like them.

“No, I am in my right sense of mind. If you don’t believe me then ask Austin. He’ll tell you.” She said with confidence and I made my son look at me.

He is more like me, quiet and introvert but he is over possessive of his twin sister. We love her the most and would do anything for her happiness.

“Austin, your Auntie is saying that you and Ari found a nanny for yourself, is it true?” I asked my son softly. I and Celeste were also raised by nannies and our experience wasn’t very good so I can’t take chance with my kids.

“Yes, we met her in the café. She was a good lady. She gave Ariel her cake. I think she is fine.” Austin replied with a nod. Relief washed over me because my son approved someone but wait! Did he just say that they met her in a café?

“Cel, are you trying to say that you randomly picked someone whom you met in a café? You don’t know anything about her.” I gave my sister a disappointed look.

“I know her, Chris. She is a very good friend of mine and I am sure she’s the best candidate for the twins. Please, you must trust me this time or go and keep searching nannies for your kids. I am sure you’ll find one until their graduation day.” Celeste scoffed at me.

“Ari, Austin, do you want me to meet the woman you want as your nanny?” I asked my kids, their approval is my first priority.

“Yes, Dad! I like the nice lady we met in the café. I want her as my nanny.” Ariel demanded and I looked up at my sister in defeat who was smirking at me.

“Alright, ask your friend to come here in an hour with her government id and her resume. I want to interview her personally.” I said to Celeste who smiled widely seeing her victory.

“You won’t regret meeting her, Chris. Now, go and make yourself presentable. I am taking kids for their afternoon nap.” She said and took my kids with her.

I went to my room to change and fresh up before this woman comes.

Three hours later, I was glaring at my sister. She told me that her friend would come within an hour but there was no sign of her and it made me very angry. I wasted my time waiting for her.

“Don’t be angry, Chris. I called her, she’s almost here.” Celeste sensed my mood and pleaded me.

“Cel, if she can’t value the time and behaves unprofessionally, how is she going to look after my kids? I am telling you that it’s a terrible idea.” I taunted her.

Celeste wanted to say something but we were interrupted by a maid.

“Sir, the girl has come for the interview. I told her to wait for you in the patio.” The maid informed me.

I don’t allow strangers to enter in my house directly because we don’t know their intentions. I stormed out of the living room to meet the reckless woman with an intention of scaring her so she could run away.

When I reached in the patio, I spotted the girl playing with Ariel. My daughter seemed to enjoy her company but anger rushed into my blood. How could she meet my daughter without my permission?

“Excuse me, Miss? Do you know at whose place you’re standing right now?”

The girl stiffened hearing my words and Ariel looked at me.

“Dad, she is my new nanny IseBella.” Ariel exclaimed and ran into my direction holding the girl’s hand

When she turned around, I forgot to breathe and my heart almost stopped beating. Those blue eyes met mine, her face was blank and I was numb.

It was her. I didn’t imagine her to step into my life again like this.

“Belle?”

“Christopher…” She whispered my name in an inaudible voice.