<b>Chapter </b><b>110 </b>
Lydia
The day went much better than I had expected. The twins were so free with him, as if we’d spent our entire lives painting together and having fun as a family.
Honestly, I think it isn’t so bad that Mason now knows about the twins. A part of me was already looking forward to having a day like this in the future. Maybe I should be the one always supervising them.
Liam and Mnia were not happy that Mason was leaving, but he had to leave; it was alreadyte. After taking them upstairs, I walked Mason to his car.
We were silent on the way there, each of us lost in our thoughts. I wondered what was going through his head. Was he also thinking about the fun we had?
I wondered when he brought his car here. I opened the gate and stepped out. The car was parked a few meters away from the gate. I stole a nce at him.
We were now standing, facing each other. I rubbed my hands together, thinking of a way to say goodnight without sounding weird, but before I could speak, he beat me to it.
“So who is this Mac guy?” he asked. I raised a brow, not expecting this question or evenprehending it. Seeing my confused look, he went on. “The guy Mnia mentioned,” he exined.
“Oh, what about him?” Why was he asking about that? “Is he truly your… uhmm..” he passed one hand over his hair, drawing circles with his shoes on the ground.
“Is he really my what?” I finally understood him. Mnie had asked if Marcus was my boyfriend. I had answered that, so why was he still asking?
“You know, are you like, dating him?” He asked, looking at me intently. “Why are you asking? What business is yours if I am dating him?” he is the one who is engaged.
“You are dating him?” He squinted, a frown crawling on his face. “But you said there was nothing between him and you earlier.” Oh, so he
remembered that.
“Oh, you do remember that? Then why are you asking an already answered question?” I crossed my hands over my chest.
“Well, let’s just say I’m truly curious.” He said. “Maybe you didn’t want them to know about your rtionship with him, just how you are trying to hide ours from the kids.”
Wait! Hide ours? Hide what? Trust Mason to always twist words.
“If you have a man in your life, I think I still have the right to know about it since we, you know, have children together.” He said.
Okay, it was time to clear this misunderstanding. “First, there is nothing between us. There’s nothing like ours or anything.” I exined first, just in case he misunderstands this.
Then I continued, “I am not dating him.” He looked relieved, and I added, “yet.” His face fell. I am not nning to date Marcus, but I won’t tell
him that.
“Yet?” His words looked forced, “You n to date him?”
“Hmm… I think it’s time I put myself out there again. The twins are grown enough, plus, we are both with them now, one <i>more </i>dad won’t
hurt
“Dad? Don’t you fucking dare, Lydia.” His entire expression turned cold in a second. “They don’t need another dad.” He held my hand, “I n to make everything right.”
I drew my brow together but didn’t pull away. The light from the pole adjacent to where we were standing fell on his face.
My eyes tracked his face, the high cheekbones and carved jaws, then moved to his lips. This man is extremely handsome. When he gave my hand a light squeeze, my breath quickened.
“Give me a little time. I’ll ensure things will get better.” His voice is low but firm. It sparked something in me, and I pulled my hand away from
his.
‘This man almost killed you. Don’t forget that.‘ a voice in my head reminded me. “Things are right the way they are, Mason, no need to fix things. You are engaged, I am ready to date someone, and our kids are fine.”
I took a step back. “Why? Why do you think that is what I was referring to?”
“Because you can’t think about getting back with me and the kids after what you did to us. I still have your pen,” he looked confused.
“And I’ll spend my entire life apologising for that.” I closed my eyes. Another confirmation.
I wrapped my hand around myself, and a chill ran down my spine. “I think you should go,” I said.
“I’ll be back in two days to see the kids.” He said. I nodded.
We had agreed that he could spend time with them three times a week.
1 didn’t watch him get into his car or drive away. I turned around and walked inside.
“Did Mason leave?” Liam asked when I returned. They are having dinner. I nodded, “When will he be back?”
“Do you like being with him that much?” I asked, and Liam nodded enthusiastically.
“He is fun. And he doesn’t know how to paint,” he giggled.
I turned to Mnie. “How about you? Do you like ying with him?”
“I do, but I love Uncle Mac more.” She responded.
Mnie loved Marcus, and Liam loved Mason. Both still need time to ept Mason into their life.
The next time Mason was to spend time with them, I couldn’t be with them as I had nned. I had a busy day at the office, hence their nanny was the one with them. Mason said he was taking them to the park.
Later that afternoon, Marcus called. We spoke over the phone for a long time. He asked if we could have dinner together tomorrow, and I agreed. I haven’t told him about Mason and the kids yet. I wonder if he’d be as happy as my mom.
Mom was so happy when I told her. Her reasons were that she didn’t think Mason had anything to do with the fire in prison, even though everything pointed to him. ‘Growing up with both parents‘ love is the best gift any child can have in their life. I failed you, and I don’t want you to do the same to your children.’
What she didn’t know is that she didn’t fail me, and I do not resent her in any way. She is the best gift I have ever received. She and my twins.
The door opened, jolting me out of my thoughts. Mia walked in. Holding a bouquet of red roses.
“This was sent for you.” She said, I pointed at myself with a finger, surprised, “for me?” I asked.
“I was as surprised as you are.” She said, stepping closer, she ced the bouquet on my table, “Well, I guess you are back to the dating world.” She didn’t bother to hide her excitement. I stared at the bouquet, wondering who could have sent it.
“Any idea who sent it?” Mia asked, and I shook my head. “Well, there’s a note on it.” She picked up the note, “Let’s find out.” She said as she began opening it. “There’s something else in here, too.” She walked around the table to my side.
“Oh my goodness.” She eximed, “Who sent this?”
“Let me see.” My hands shook as I stared at the photo and the writing on the piece of paper.
“What is this?”
There was a picture of Mason, the kids, and me. It was when we were standing in front of the car. On the piece of paper was written. “One big happy family, I wonder how excited the public will be to find out such an amazing twist.”
My eyes widened, “Who could this be?” Mia asked.
I had absolutely no idea. I tried to steady my breath, willing myself to stay calm. “There’s something else in the back.” Mia pointed out. I turned the piece of paper to find another writing. “Call me if you want to keep me quiet. I have more exciting photos that the public will like.”
“He must be a reporter. What do you want to do?” I ced the photo on the table. “Maybe all he wants is just money,” Mia added.
“I don’t have no dime to offer him.” It’s not the first time I have been ckmailed, but this is the first time anyone has dared to bring my children into whatever mess they are trying to put themselves.
I will not stand it. My twins are off limits to anyone. “We’ll talk about this after the meeting.” I had a meeting to attend, and I will not be cancelling it because of a picture.
I barely concentrated throughout the meeting. After it was concluded, I rushed back to my office and called Mason. He was in this mess, too.
“I’ll be there soon, I just dropped off the twins,” he informed me.
Ten minutester, I am standing in front of my ceiling–to–floor window, overlooking the city. My phone was in my hand when the door pushed open. I turned, and Mason hade earlier than I expected.
But when I locked eyes with the person in front of me, my mood worsened, “Julia, what are you doing here?”