Chapter 55
Cupter 34 Manhew
“I don’t want a baby with you abort that child‘
That voice of his from years ago made my heart turn cold again, stripping away the warmth 1 had felt just moments ago.
The memory hit me like a splash of ice–cold water to my face.
That’s the Liam you know, Mia. Don’t ever forget that,
My nails dug into my palms as I forced myself to breathe, my gaze meeting Lum’s softeneil one. His eyes followed my son, Ryker, as if he wanted to reach out to him, too
I don’t understand what’s happening. Why is he acting like this? What’s his plant What’s his game!
But one thing I must never forgel–Liams Anderson was not a father. He never wanted to be one not to my children.
A slight tug on my hand snapped me out of my thoughts, forcing me to look away from Liam.
Ryker was frowning, clearly annoyed about something
Was it because Rylie was hugging Liam
That’s what I assumed at first–until he spoke.
“It’s that kid. Mommy,” he said, pointing at Toby, still standing beside Liam, pouting slightly as he looked up at them.
“What about him, Ryker”
Ryker hulled and crossed his arms. “He’s the new classmate I told you about the other night. The one who said he wanted to make Rylie his girlfriend!” be scowled. I don’t like him.”
The overwhelming emotions I had felt vanished, replaced by amusement.
Lisearly laughed. “Baby, don’t say that. Toby’s just a kid, just like you and Rylie. He doesn’t mean it
Ryker shook his head, his eyes locked onto Toby, who was tugging at Liam’s shirt.
Why are you carrying her, Uncle Liam? Put Rybie down?”
Liam’s brows furrowed, mirroring the same expression my son wore, while Rylie only giggled and climbed down from Liam’s arms.
“See! He’s annoying Mommy. He always wants to be near Rylie.” Ryker looked up at me, his linle face serious. I don’t trust him.”
“Ryker, it’s okay to feel protective of your sister, but you know Rylie can make her own friends, right?”
“She can, but not Tobias
And before I could say another word. Hyber let go of my hand and marched toward them.
I followed him. Toby’s face lit up when he saw me, completely ignoring Ryker, who had pulled his sister to his side.
Liam, on the other hand, seemed proud of what tyker did. He adjusted Ryker’s cap affectionately after greeting him. “Hi, buddy,”
“Mommy Mia” I met you again, finally!”
I chuckled and crouched down to his level. “Nice to see you again, ‘Toby. Ryker told me you’re their new classmate–the one who wants to make my daughter his girlfriend”
Toby looked confused at first, then his eyes widened as if realization dawned on him. “Oh, right! You’re Rylie’s mommy, Mommy Mia!”
‘s our mommy, not yours, so stop calling her thai” Hyker huffed.
“Ryker, you’re being rude to Toby again!” Rylie scolded him, marching over to Toby’s side.
I couldn’t help but smile. It seemed my little princess liked her new friend, too
“It’s okay. Bylie. Ryker’s just being protective of you since you’re his sister. I understand, but that won’t stop me from making you my girlfriend— www! Uncle Liam, why did you pinch met That’s physical abuse
1/4
Chapter 35
Ryhegged when Liam picked her up, holding her like it was the most natural thing in the world. And yet, I couldn’t even bring myself in stop
Do you even know what making Ryle your girlfriend means, Dino?”
Dino What-
“Unde Lim” Toby whined.
Liam chuckled but quickly cleared his throat when Toby’s small fist punched his thigh. “Answer me. Tobias”
“Making Ryfir my girlfriend means sake care of her forever! I buy her chocolates and carry her!
Rye clapped her hands, giggling g. That sounds fun. Toby Ryker always complains about carrying my bag—”
Ryker groaned dramatically. “I will never complain about that again, Rylie!”
I covered my mouth shaking my head as I tried to suppress a laugh. Despite Liam’s presence here, I couldn’t help but be amused by these life
Just that? How do you plan to take care of Ryhr and Toby? Do you have a job?” Liam asked as if he weren’t talking to a seven–year–old
Well, I don’t have a job, but I get ten dollars from my piggy bank! And I’m saving it for Rylie so I can buy her ice cream every day! I’m even willing
sell my Roblox account for her!”
You’re jud bribing my y sister to like you Ryker muttered.
Liam smirked. “Well, what if I tell you that’s not enough? Do you know how much it costs to take care of a girl?”
I noticed a few parents nearby glancing in our direction, amused by the scene.
Toby frowned, his linle bees scrunching together in deep thought. “A hundred dollars?”
Liam shook his head. Try a hundred thousand.”
Toby’s jaw dropped. “A hundred thousand??” He tumed to Rylie, looking absolutely heartbroken. “I don’t have that much money, Rylie…”
Rudie Lapped Liam’s arm, which was wrapped around her, signaling him to let her down. Once on the ground, she turned to Toby with a bright smile. “It’s okay. Toby! I can share my snacks with you instead!”
Liam and Ryker groaned in unison.
voice interrupted.
Before anyone could say another word, a deep voice in
“What’s happening here?”
“Duddy” Tobias shouted, running toward a man I already knew was his father.
I had met
I met him before–Camille lad
by older even if seven years had passed since the last time I saw him.
His face hadn’t changed. He didn’t look any i
Our eyes me, and I noticed his steps fahter upon seeing me.
But there was no shock on his face, no sign of a man seeing someone rise from the dead
I assumed Liam had already told him about a certain Mia Miller, who looked like his ex–wife.
I knew I was right the way he looked at me and subtly glanced at Liam
“Daddy” “Tobsay voice pulled his attention away from mr. “You’re late again“”
Matthew scratched his forehead. “Sorry, but it’s better to be late than not to come at all, right?”
Tobias scoffed, but his expression brightened when his gaze returned to us. “Right Right! I’ll introduce you to Mommy Mia and Rylie!”
He pulled Matthew, and I kept a smile on my face as I watched them, acting like I didn’t recognize this man.
“Mommy Mia, this is my daddy, Matthew!” Tuby introduced his father proudly
Matthew offered his hand to me. “So you’re the Mommy Mia my son keeps talking about. He was right about calling you gorgeous.”
Ah this m
main never changes, still a smooth talker.
“Nice to meet you, Matthew. I accepted his handshake
A sudden cough interrupted us. I glanced at Liam then down at my son, who ako exhaled a slight cough
“Oh, I think I’m seeing a little Liam here. Is he your son, Mia!”
I swallowed hard. I could see Lis watching me like a hawk from the corner of my eye, but I maintained a polite smile. “Yes, he i
“He’s Ryker. Daddy,” Tobias chimed in, introducing Ryker, who simply bowed his head slightly as a greeting.
“Daddy, this is Rylie! Isn’t she the prettiest girl in our claw?”
Tobias didn’t even give his father a chance to answer. “Oh, no need to answer, Daddy. She is the prettiest girl in our class. That’s not even a question
The tension I had felt from Matthew’s earlier words slowly faded with Toby’s amusing remarks.
Matthew let out a short chuckle, his gaze shifting toward my daughter. He crouched down, meeting Rylie’s green eyes with a warm smile.
Indeed, my son’s right. You’re beautiful, Rylie–especially your eyes, he commented, smiling before subtly glancing at Liam and me
My heart pounded from Matthew’s words. From saying lite Liam to mentioning Rylie’s eyes
Thank you, sir! You look handsome, too
“You can call me Uncle Matthew. My son won’t stop talking about you?
Rylie giggled. “He’s funny. Uncle Matthew. He said he’ll buy me
y me ice cream
cream every day!”
Matthew smirked, ruffling his son’s hair. “Oh, did he Toby, are you sure about that! You don’t even like sharing your fries with me.”
Toby cleared his throat and puffed up his chest. “That’s different, Daddy! Rylie’s special to me. I want her to be my girlfriend–Daddy! Uncle Liam keeps pinching my cheek!” Toby stomped his foot after Lam pinched his cheek again.
“Stop it. Toby’s cheeks are already red,” I couldn’t help but comment
Liam raised an eyebrow at me. “Aren’t you annoyed that a seven–year–old kid is proudly declaring that he wants Rylie to be his girlfriend!”
“No. They’re kids and cute,” I said, glancing at the two. “I don’t mind having Toby as my baby’s first boyfriend.”
“Mommy!” Ryker complained.
I chuckled. “Kidding. Sorry, Toby, but my baby is still a baby. But you guys can be friends. Ilest friends, even.”
Toby pouted. “Fine. But I’ll still take care of Rylie, Mommy Mia. Righ, Daddy! I can do that”
t
Mathew glanced at me briefly, chuckling before crouching down to match his son’s level. “Caring for someone isn’t just about buying them ice cream, buddy.”
“Okay, then what else should I do?“
Matthew smiled and patted his son’s shoulder. “Well, you have to make sure she’s safe and you’ll protect her, be there when she needs you, and most importantly, carn her family’s trust”
“Oh, I think Mommy Mia trusts me. She likes me! She even gave me delicious muffins last time, right, Mommy Mia!”
1 nodded, ruttling his hair. “Right”
“But you don’t have my trust. I don’t trust you, Tobias”
Toby smirked. “Then I’ll earn your trust. I can do that”
Before Ryker could speak. Toby turned to Stylie and held her hand. “Do I have your trust, Rylie!“
“Of course, I trust you, Toby! You’re my friend“”
“Argh! We should go now, Rylie. Teacher’s waiting for us!” Ryker grabbed his sister’s hand, and Tobias ran after them.
That left ine alone with Matthew and Liam.
Chapter
Ileared my throat and was about to run after the kids when Liam took the snark basket I was holdi he
“What-
“It’s heavy, Let me carry it.”
“It’s okay-
He didn’t bother listening to me and had already followed the kids. His long steps effortlessly caught up to them.
Matthew laughed beside me. “Hmmm, I guess my friend knows how to care for someone now,” he said, shaking his head slightly. Then he stared at in, it lingered for a moment that made me uncomfortable. “Nice seeing you again, Mia”
The glint in Matthew’s eyes made my heart pound
Seeing or again!
