CHAPTER 5 - WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

TILDA

As the uber drove us from the airport to Bellaire, my mind raced back to the events that forced me away from home five years ago. The identity of my kids’ father was still uncertain. It should be James, but the medical report contradicts that.

My mind drifted. If the medical report stated otherwise, how would Kristie be pregnant for James. Or perhaps the report was wrong, perhaps I was already pregnant for James without realizing it.

A tear escaped the corner of my eye.

The kids were sleeping in the back, and a smile formed on the corner of my lips as I stared at them. They were nothing like him, all four of them.

I have already resolved to take care of my quadruplets alone and stay far away from his life.

“Mom, are you crying?” Denzel asked me.

I quickly wiped off the tears. “No, Denzel. You should be sleeping. We will arrive at the apartment soon,” I lied.

“You don’t need to worry about anything, mom. If anyone tries to anger you, we are here to protect you. Don’t worry, we won't ask you anything about your family, you can decide not to introduce us,” he assured me.

I smiled. His words melt my heart and washed off all of my worries. All these time, they have been careful not to ever speak of their father around me. But they deserve to know someday. How would I tell them that I wasn’t sure who their father was?

Thinking of the betrayer from my ex-husband and my family, my kids are all I needed. I have called Megan mom since the very first day I met her. I was five when mom died and I was happy when Megan arrived one year later. Soon Kristie was born, and I thought my family was complete.

There were signs, and I should have known Megan had her eyes on my inheritance.

By the time the driver stopped in front of our little apartment in Bellaire, I have already drifted asleep and it was Diamond’s voice that woke me.

“Mommy, mommy, we are here now,” she called excitedly, shaking me from behind.

“Mom, you can continue sleeping when we get in. You don’t have to worry, we will put everything in place,” Dylan assured.

I smiled, and blessed the heavens once again for these precious gifts.

In the evening we went to the Galleria and after having dinner, we proceeded to the mall to get some essentials which I couldn’t get due to the suddenness of the trip.

Tomorrow is my appointment at O. Gray Future Corporation at 7:30 AM. But just like every ordinary person, I’m nervous about meeting the cold and intimidating CEO, Oscar Gray. However, I’m not too concerned—O. Gray Future Corporation is a massive enterprise and I may never need to deal with him.

Fortunately, my old friend, Miranda, had agreed to watch the kids on weekdays. Hopefully I have everything under control.

My new job was going to change our financial situations and give the kids a better life. I never anticipated working at O. Gray Future Corporation. I received a mail for the job offer without applying.

“Mommy, mommy, you have to come with me, the boys are talking to some stranger,” Diamond came over and began pulling my hands.

My heart skipped a beat and I immediately let go of my shopping cart. I never realized I had strolled far away from the kids. “Where are your brothers, Diamond?” I asked.

“They are over there, mommy. You must come and get them,” she replied, running ahead of me.

OSCAR GRAY

As I continued shopping, I couldn’t help but notice a group of little boys nearby. They seemed to be alone, but in a mall this big, it wasn’t unusual for parents to get distracted and let their kids wander. Security was tight, so they should be safe.

“Hello sir, how much do you know about Houston?” a tiny voice spoke from beside me.

I looked down and saw one of the boys staring up at me. There was something strangely familiar about him.

“I am Denzel, and these are my brothers, Dylan and Dixon. We just arrived in Houston, and we want to know the best way to protect our mother,” he explained, his expression serious—far too mature for a child his age.

“Sorry, kids, but you should go back to your mother. Boss is very busy, and you shouldn’t be wandering around,” Steven said, trying to dismiss them.

“It is okay, Steven,” I said, my expression softening. “Let them be. I can tell them all they need to know about Houston.”

Dixon stepped closer, standing on his toes to make himself taller. “Thank you, sir. We are worried some bad people might come after our mother. If not for her new job, she wouldn’t have come back to Houston,” he said in a quiet but firm voice.

Impressed, I nodded. The boys reminded me of how self-willed I was as a kid. I never allowed anyone intimidate me. I like them already.

“Yes, sir. That’s why we need some help. You seem like a very cool guy,” Denzel added.

I crouched slightly. “How old are you young men?”

“We are almost five, sir,” Denzel answered.

I nodded. “Alright then. I’m a little busy now, but how about this—Steven will give you my card, and we can meet soon. I’ll tell you all you need to know about Houston.”

“That would be very much appreciated, sir,” Dylan spoke for the first time, stretching out his small hand for the card.

“Here you go, boys,” Steven said, handing the card to Dylan, who carefully tucked it into his pocket.

Denzel extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure speaking with you, sir. We hope our next meeting will be much more productive.”

Amused, I shook his tiny hand firmly. “The pleasure is mine, Sir Denzel. And I do hope to meet your mother soon.”

At the mention of their mother, Denzel immediately stepped back, shaking his head. “No, sir,” he murmured.

“You can only interact with us,” Dixon added firmly, causing Steven to chuckle.

I nodded, entertained by their protective nature. “Alright, young men. You can call me—”

“Denzel, Dylan, Dixon! You must return to Mommy now. She’s looking everywhere for you,” a little girl interrupted, her voice urgent.

“Diamond,” Denzel called out. “You shouldn’t be by yourself.” He hurried to grab her hand.

“What is the name of the handsome uncle you were talking to? Is he our daddy?” Diamond asked as they walked away. “If he is, then I won't forgive him easily for leaving us all these years,” she pouted.

“We didn’t get his name, Diamond,” Dixon replied.

“And he isn’t our daddy. Let’s return to mommy. We shouldn’t cause her to worry about us,” Denzel instructed.

“I will tell mommy everything about him,” Diamond revealed.