Andrea’s POV It was almost 10 o’clock when I wrapped my work at the office. I facepalmed when I realized I had forgotten to send Zayden and Adrian’s belongings to Cromwell Mansion. Now they all would be furious with me. It was well past their bedtime, anyway. Would they be expecting me? Maybe I could drop the stuff tomorrow morning on my way to work. I drove, wondering whether to go to Cromwell Mansion and face everyone’s disappointment in me or to go home and sleep. The latter sounded a better option, and I drove home. Maybe one night I could just relax and catch up on some sleep. Parking my car, I went up the elevator to my apartment, but a nagging sense of guilt crept into my heart. I should have picked up the twins from Grandpa’s house instead of dumping all my responsibilities on them. Maybe I should make it up to Danielle this weekend by inviting them to dinner at my place. I groaned at the thought of preparing dinner. Grandpa insisted on having home-cooked meals instead of

Zion’s POV Yes, I felt jealous of Knox’s children. Andrea left her work and took out time for them, dropped them home, and even kissed them. Whereas she behaved like a stranger to me, not willing to listen to my side of the story. I watched her read the message I sent her, roll her eyes, give me a haughty look, and drive away! What the hell! I didn’t want to stalk her anymore. What was the use? She wouldn’t get out of her car and confront me. The Andrea I knew would have gotten worked up and faced me, demanding an explanation for stalking her. I have known her for so long, but never had I seen this cold side of her nature. From where did she acquire so much patience? I was running out of mine. My phone buzzed with an incoming call from Maddox. I knew why he was calling me. They were meeting at Escapades tonight to celebrate Christian’s birthday! Christian St. James was our close friend who married the girl he loved for years, Skylar Carnell. He was one lucky guy! I accepted the c

Andrea’s POV I rushed out of the kitchen with my heart thumping wildly in my chest. Had Zayden gone crazy or was Zion really here? I had been expecting him last night, but when he didn’t come over to Cromwell Mansion to meet his children, I thought he didn’t want them. Maybe he still had his doubts about them. Then why did he come here? My eyes widened at the sight of him in the living room, with Zayden leading him to the sofa. “Sit, Dad. Now teach me from scratch. I was so bored with just football to keep me busy.”“Zayden, aren’t you getting late for football practice?” Both turned their attention to me and I felt awkward in an apron with a spatula in my hand! “Okay, mom. I’m going, but don’t let Dad leave.” I glared at Zion but he sat comfortably as if he lived here with us. “I’m not going anywhere. Finish your practice, son!” He rushed out, closing the door after him when I stood glaring at Zion. “Why are you here, Zion? Can’t you get it? You’re unwanted here?” He didn’t bud

Andrea’s POV “Yay! Dad’s going with us!” said Zayden with a cheeky grin on his face. “I’m sure he has other work to take care of, Zay. Did you force him to come along? Did you call him?” I glanced at my mobile phone lying on the sofa. I was sure they had tampered with it.“I’m sorry, Zion. They didn’t know you were busy. You can go back to work. I can manage this.” I couldn’t look at Zion out of embarrassment. Now I was sure the twins had forced him to come here.“But Mom, I wanted Dad to go with us,” wailed Zayden, placing the phone back to where it was. “I told him not to call Dad, but he didn’t listen to me,” mumbled Adrian. “Zayden, you will be punished for this. We aren’t going anywhere.” “Hey, relax, everyone! Andrea, he just called to inform me about the trip, but it was entirely my decision to accompany you.” I was ill at ease. Why did he want to leave his other obligations and accompany us? “I’m sure you have other important work to do.” I tried my best to dismiss him,

Andrea’s POV “Mom, look!” Adrian’s voice brought me out of my daze and I watched Zion ride Chesterfield with the twins in front of him! It didn’t bother me since I trusted his horse-riding skills. I smiled at the excited look on their faces. It made me realize how badly they needed Zion in their lives. Maybe they didn’t need me as much as they needed Zion! The inexplicable bond that had developed with Zion within such a brief span of time was indeed surprising. I hadn’t thought about it at all. In fact, I had never expected it to happen. Now that they had grown so close, I didn’t know how they would stay away from him. I knew how busy Zion was. It wasn’t possible for him to stay here with us for long, and I wouldn’t leave everything and go with him to Athens. This was a dead end, and I didn’t know how to deal with it. “Mom, do you want a ride?” asked Zayden, as they galloped past.“No, I’m good.” I refused to look at Zion as I turned away to walk towards the cottage. The memories w