All Chapters of Mommy, Please Forgive Daddy: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

CHAPTER TWELVE Priscilla's POV. I watched his face flash with something I couldn't quite name, and that made my stomach twist painfully. His lips parted, and then he stepped closer with furrowed brows, as if trying to see through my face. “This is so random, Priscilla. Are you sure you want me to do that?” He asked, his tone etched with concern. I nodded before I even got to speak, my heart now doing silly skips against my chest. “Yes. We will pretend to be married, maybe even forge a certificate to prove it too, but that'll be it. We won't cross the lines or anything. I just need to protect my kids from him,” I said, my voice cracking towards the end. Darius stretched a hand towards me, placing it on my shoulder with lips pressed into a thin line. “I understand. I'm willing to do this, and I'd like it if I could handle him personally, to make sure he never bothers you again,” Darius suggested, now crossing his arms. “No no,” the words spewed out of my mind quickly, h

Chapter Fourteen Priscilla’s POV The kitchen smelled of vanilla and fresh blueberries, that was a comforting aroma that usually grounded me after a long day. I stood on my tiptoes, reaching into the oversized ceramic cookie jar on the top shelf…one of the few touches I had allowed myself when decorating our Seattle home. The twins had been asking for snacks since we walked through the door, their energy still buzzing from the car ride and the excitement of being back in their familiar space. “Logan! Lily! Snacks are ready,” I called out, my voice lighter than I felt. I arranged a handful of the soft oatmeal blueberry cookies onto two small plates, adding a few apple slices for good measure. Five years of motherhood had taught me the art of small victories, which is keeping their little bellies happy, their routines steady, and their world safe from the chaos I had escaped in Chicago. The patter of small feet echoed down the hallway. Logan burst in first, his dark hair slightly

Chapter Sixteen Creighton’s POV Nothing was working. The flowers, the jazz records, the late-night texts I couldn’t stop myself from sending…Priscilla had shut down every single attempt. She was no longer the quiet, accommodating woman I had married. She was a fortress, and every brick had my name on it. The realization stung more with each passing day, but it didn’t stop me. If anything, it fueled the fire. I had spent five years haunted by her disappearance. Now that I had found her, I refused to let her slip away again. This morning, I drove to the private academy’s soccer field on the edge of the neighborhood. I had memorized their routine after days of careful observation. Usually Darius was here running drills with the twins, but today the field was quieter. Logan and Lily were kicking a ball between themselves, laughing as they tried to mimic moves they had clearly learned from someone else. My chest tightened at the sight of them. The boy had my exact black eyes and t

Chapter Eighteen Creighton’s POV The restraining order arrived by courier the next morning, it was cold, legal, and signed with Priscilla’s new name. Marlow and not Cross. I read it twice in the penthouse suite, with the paper crisp under my fingers. No contact within 500 feet of the residence, school, or workplace. No direct or indirect communication with the minor children. My jaw tightened. She was serious. But so was I. Five years of emptiness didn’t end because of a piece of paper. I spent the afternoon making calls. Not to lawyers yet, but to the best toy store in Seattle. By late afternoon, the trunk of my rented SUV was loaded with carefully chosen gifts, it was a high-end remote-controlled sports car for Logan, a professional-grade children’s camera for Lily, she had been playing with a toy one at the hotel, premium soccer gear, and a few imported video games. It was nothing flashy enough to seem like bribery. It was just… things a father should give his children.

Chapter Twenty Priscilla’s POV The Grand Ballroom at the Seattle Emerald Tower was alive with conversation, laughter, and the occasional clink of champagne glasses. I stood near the stage in an emerald silk gown, it was the same dress I'd worn to the convention, though the diamond earrings Darius gave me last year made it feel a little more special. Tonight, I was being recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year in the wellness industry. It was a moment I had worked years for…five years of long days, sleepless nights, setbacks, and determination finally leading to this stage. “You look incredible,” Darius whispered, with his hand resting lightly on my lower back as we posed for photos. He wore a tailored navy suit that made him look every bit the supportive husband we were pretending to be. The twins were safe at home with our trusted nanny, but the weight of Creighton’s latest messages still pressed on my chest. I forced a radiant smile for the cameras. “Thank you. Just stay clo