Semua Bab COMEBACK OF THE REJECTED WIFE. : Bab 41 - Bab 49

~ ANNIKA ~I stood on the porch for what felt like forever, waiting. I had to have imagined it, that determined look on Angelo's face, those words he’d uttered... no, he would never actually go through with it.I know how much Lissa meant to him. She was his first love, the reason he despised me all those years ago. He felt I was robbing him of the chance to marry her, which is why he never liked me to begin with."Mummy? Why are you standing here? Where's Mr. Angelo?" Powell's question pulled me from my thoughts. He and Pippa had just stepped out of the house."Um—" I started.I puffed out an exasperated sigh, trying to figure out how to steer the conversation to a more neutral topic. My little ones would have my head if I didn't explain it well."It's normal, darling," I smiled, hoping they wouldn't notice how forced it was compared to my usual genuine one."Haven't you noticed there are more people with grey eyes and blonde hair like yourself? Of course, you'll meet others who loo

~ ANGELO ~"You're talking back to your mom because of her?" She wasn't ready to let things slide. "Do you know who you are talking to?"I could feel a headache coming on. Rubbing my temple, I chose my words carefully. I had no desire to argue with her; it just wasn't in any plan of mine."I had a long day in the office today. If you don't mind, I'm going to rest." I got up from the armchair and turned my back to her, praying she wouldn't say anything else. I just wasn't in the mood to quibble with her.Had I ever been?Conversations with my mom always took a toll on me, which was why I wanted to escape as fast as I could, to prevent the argument from escalating."What about Lissa?"I stopped in my tracks at her question. I didn't expect one from my mom, at least not about Lissa."We broke up," I announced. Lying didn't seem like the right step to take. She would hear about it sooner or later. Letting her know of it sooner was the right thing to do."You split???" Her voice echoed beh

~ ANGELO ~With my hands tucked into the pockets of my black slacks, I stood before the school, a knot of uncertainty tightening in my stomach. I hadn't truly thought this through when I decided to come.I'd foolishly imagined it would be a simple stroll, a casual walk in the park, but this was far from it.Standing here, the sheer size of the school humbled me. I just stared at the building, utterly clueless about my next move.I needed to see the children, but couldn't figure out how. The security guard, who had just let a parent through the smaller gate, didn't look particularly friendly. His lips were set in a thin line, and his gaze darted around like a hawk's, making him seem entirely unapproachable.I leaned against my car, crossing my arms, my thoughts returning to Powell and Pippa, and how to reach them.Leaving wasn't an option, not if I wanted to win Annika's heart. Being open and friendly with her kids, and getting close to them, would smooth everything over for me. Tha

~ ANGELO ~"Oh." I relaxed back, puzzled at how I reacted to the news. Had I not known better, I would have thought they were mine. Well, they will be, soon.Should everything work out between Annika and me, I will have to adopt the kids as mine.We will be one happy family, a family I will never let go of, regardless of what we encounter in the future."What are you doing here?" Powell's gentle question caused me to peer down at the cute boy and girl, who had abandoned their painting, and now had their eyes fixed on me."I came to visit you," I responded, smiling down at them."Really?" Their eyes sparkled at that, only for their faces to morph into a frown as they relaxed back on the bench they were sitting on."Why are you here? Mum said we shouldn't speak to strangers.""I'm not a stranger, am I?" I grinned at them, loving the charming little gentleman and lady they turned out to be. Annika certainly trained them well. I will give that credit to her."But I don't know who you are,

~ ANNIKA ~"Mum!" Powell ran over to me the moment I walked into the school. They were sitting in the waiting area with the proprietress when I stepped into the school with an eager Benita in tow."Darling." I squatted to carry him in my arms, placing a kiss as I grinned. "Did you miss Mum?" I patted his hair."Of course! You were supposed to come pick us up ages ago. Why didn't you do that?" Pouting, he stared down at me, accusingly, his eyes narrowed as he watched me."I'm sorry, darling." Grinning, I got up, leaving Benita to gush over him like the fan girl she was. She sounded as if she had seen an angel with the way she squealed. Shaking my head at how childish she looked, I walked over to my darling. Pippa sat next to the proprietress, with her arms folded and a pout on her face."Darling?" I approached with care, realizing I had to thread carefully else I would get my head bitten off by my daughter, who hated it whenever I delayed taking them back, especially on days that I pro