The following morning, Mallory got the kids ready for school, and herself ready for work, as usual.She had breakfast with the kids in the room because she didn't want to sit with Heather at the dining and listen to her nags.Done with the kids, she proceeded out of the house but was greeted by Ronan's familiar car parked some feet away.Mallory paused to throw a keen look his way. Good lord! Why was he there so early?He was robed in a plain white curve-hugging shirt, which was tucked neatly into a pair of black tailored pants. His relaxed hair had a sheening texture. And man, he looked handsome.Mallory advanced forward and stopped in front of him."Good morning, uncle Ronan," Cassius and Lyra chorused happily."Hey... look at these cute pumpkins," Ronan leaned over, enough to tousle their hairs with his fingers.They giggled."Hi." Mallory tucked some strands of hair behind her ear. "Seems you're getting fond of coming over without informing me lately," she added a subtle chuckle.
Getting into the company, Mallory hurried pass her colleagues' place because she wasn't in the mood to fake laughter and smiles. She knew they'd definitely question her about it, and perhaps, she'd be ready for that time.She reached her desk and glanced at Wilder's office to know if he was there yet. Able to spot him from the large, glass-made transparent door, she confirmed he was in.She exhaled deeply, preparing herself to go meet him.She'd be lying if she said it wasn't difficult, addressing her ex-husband like her boss. A man she had been waiting on her whole life.She went for the door, knocked and walked in when he answered.He was there on his seat, an aura of authority surrounding him. His suit jacket was casually draped over the arm of his chair, leaving him in his crisp white shirt, elegantly tucked into his sleek black trousers.It was undeniable that he exuded an undeniable handsomeness. Good lord! Mallory was almost tempted to run into his arms. She wanted to lay on hi
The realization struck hard at Mallory. What the hell?! What did she do?Clam chowder was indeed, his favourite. What she didn't realize was that getting it for him would raise suspicions. She was used to getting him what she knew he liked. It happened effortlessly.But... How did he remember Clam chowder was his favorite? If he'd forgotten her, wasn't he supposed to forget that as well?"Miss Harrington?" Wilder called when she kept mute.She dropped her gaze to the floor immediately, her heart pounding heavily in her chest.God! She wanted to say it to him. She wanted to tell him she was aware it was his favorite because she had learnt how to make it just for him. She wanted to tell him it was a meal they'd walk for hours just to get at Curry-N-Spritz. And oh! Those evenings they'd sit under the moonlight and have naughty discussions while scooping some of it. She'd give anything to go back to those moments.She parted her lips to speak, but the opening of the door interrupted her.
Mallory arrived home to meet Ronan playing with the kids. They were under the shed of the house, the kids giggling as they jumped all around him, putting ribbons on himNoticing her, they stopped."Mummy!" They chorused and scuttled to her for a hug. She gave them that."Hey, darlings. How was school today?" She tousled their hair."It was boring!""Great!"They gave different answers at the same time, making Mallory chuckle.She shifted her gaze to Ronan who was still seated and smiling."Hi." She muttered to him."Mum, Uncle Ronan said we'll all go for dinner when you get home!" Lyra beamed, having to tilt her head back to look into Mallory's face.Mallory's brows furrowed as she shot Ronan a hard stare. She softened her gaze when she looked at the kids."Uh... I'm afraid that cannot happen. Mummy's very tired and still has some work to do," she cooed, playing with Lyra's bristle.A frown crept into the children's faces."But, mum...""Come on. Why don't you go in and wait for me?"
His eyes narrowed, then that deep expression of anger and irritation crawled in.Mallory was befogged. Why was Wilder in that mood?She looked at Ronan and found him equally angry. Both men looked like they'd be throwing punches at each other if they were locked up in a room."Hey," Ronan cocked his head. "Long time no see."Wilder glared without uttering a word. Slowly, he shifted his gaze to Mallory."How're you associated with someone like him, Miss Harrington?" His voice held irritation, it caused Mallory's brows to crease."She's actually my woman." Ronan put his hand around her waist, screaming dominance.Mallory stiffened instantly, her heart beating loudly in her chest. What in God's name?!Guiltily, she looked at Wilder and saw hate in his eyes."Your woman?" He scoffed and nodded. "It's ironic, isn't it? The good ones always meet the bad ones. Or perhaps, she isn't the good one."Mallory nearly gasped at his words. No No No. How could Wilder even say that to her face?Ronan
Mallory managed to fix her hair just before she got into the cab with the kids. She dropped them off at school, then proceeded to the company. The whole time, it had taken her a lot of effort not to shed a tear.She hated Isla for her words that morning. But she wondered if she was feeling so bad because most of them were true. Maybe she really was badluck to the family. Her parents died because of her. For years, Mallory had tried to bury the painful memory of how unfortunate her life had been. How difficult it had been. When she got to the company, she had to force back the tears that rimmed her eyes. She got to her floor and hurried pass their Chloe's station, not being in the mood to laugh with any of them. On her desk, she rested her head and remained that way until she heard footsteps. She lifted her head to find Wilder coming forth, with a man behind him holding his briefcase. In that fleeting moment, the chaos within her stilled. A sense of serenity washed over her, suffus
Mallory assisted Wilder with all he had to do for the day. But it was extremely sad for her that he barely looked her way. She could feel it. He was mad at her. When it was time for her kids to leave school, Mallory hated the fact that she had to call Ronan for help. Her workplace was very far from her kids' school. And since it was still work hours, it was against the rules for her to leave the company. She had no other person to call for help except Ronan who was a boss of his own and could easily send someone off to pick them. When she called and told him, he was glad to help. She knew he'd be. Seated on her desk, she stared at Wilder from the transparent glass. She wondered what his reaction would be if he got to learn of the kids. Would he accept them? Perhaps, he'd go to pick them up from school himself. She closed her eyes and fantasized on how perfect her family would be with Wilder. Hopefully, it becomes a reality. She was going to wait for Amy's feedback before acting o
"What were you saying?" Wilder asked, getting rid of the distraction. Mallory swallowed tersely around the lump in her throat. "Um... I was just... I mean, I wanted to ask if I should include any of the current amendments in your speech." She was so thankful her voice didn't make a crack by the time she finished."You can." He replied. "Okay, sir." Mallory dropped the call as quickly as she could. She didn't know how shs was still breathing, because her lungs felt like they'd stopped working. She took a very deep breath and a moment to calm herself. Then, she forced herself back to work. ....Although Mallory had become hurt and weak, and had to force herself to finish with the speech. As soon as she was done, she retired to the room where her kids were sound asleep. She sat on the edge of the bed and with a wistful smile, watched as they slept peacefully. It hadn't been easy having to bring them up without their father. Two years ago, it had been even more complicated as Cas