Chapter 32
Chapter 31: He’s not their father
“You don’t look well. M. Are you sure you don’t want
at to gene home? Your unele and I could stay here to look. offered, holding my hand.
I glanced at her, noticing the gentle worry in her soft brown eyes. She had always been like a mother, stepping
“Grace is right. Mix Why don’t you sleep at home with Ryker?” Uncle Julian added
“Grandpa, I want to sleep here with Rylie Ryker said, timing on Uncle Julian lap. His all fingers clung to the fabine of Gavin’s fathers these, ta lips pressed into a stubborn pour.
a
I forced a smile and shook my head. “I’ll be fine. Auntie, Uncle You’ve already helped me by taking care of Ryker tonight an until Ryle is discharged”
I glanced at my daughter, still deeping soundly. Her doctor said she was recuperating, but my anoriety wouldn’t go away. “Besides, I can’t post if I’m not with Rylie. I can’t leave her here. She will look for me”
“Mommy”
I stood up and walked toward Ryker. I crouched down and adjusted the face mask he was wearing, “Ryker, please do Morny a favor and behave with Grandpa and Grandma, okay?” I said softly, cupping his cheek.
“Can’t I just stay here? I promise I’ll be quiet so I won’t disturb Rylie.”
I sighed, smoothing my fingers over his soft brown curl. “Honey, you can’t rest properly here, and the doctors won’t let you stay when. visiting hours. But don’t worry, you can come back tomorrow. Annu will pick you up at Grandpa’s place and bring you heret.
Ryker still didn’t seem to like what I said but dowly nodded. “I understand. Ili behave. Mommy”
“That’s my good boy,” I said, ruffling his
shair.
I stood up, wincing a linle bit when I felt the pain in my stomach. “Gavin is taking too long with the coffee. I also need to buy something I forgot Can I leave you here for a little while, Uncle, Auntie?”
“Of course, Mia,” Uncle Julian replied. “Take your time. chess game with me?”
Kyker and I will ke
keep busy in the meantime. What do you say, young man, how about
Ryker’s eyes lit up slightly. “You always win, Grandpa
Uncle Julian chuckled. “Then it’s time to sharpen your skills, right?
I smiled at their exchange, but my gaze drifted back to Rylie, My heart clenched again at how fragile she looked.
1 look after her, Mia. Don’t worry,” she said, reassuringly touching my shoulder.
“Thank you, Auntię. I owe
e you a for—”
“Oh, hush now,” she interrupted gently, shaking her head. “Don’t talk as if you’re a uranger. You’re family. Your children are our grandchildren, and family helps each other, right?
“Right” I whispered.
I smiled and hugged her before leaving the private room.
I was walking toward the elevator when I noticed Gavin in a heated argument with juliana. His face was red with frustration, and he was clutching the lag I had left in Liam’s office.
“Oh, please, Julianal Can you please be a little more sensitiver Mia is worried about Hylie! She’s sick, and the needs her mother-”
“I understand that But didn’s Dad and Mum offer to take care of the kids! God,
- Gavin Liam said he’ll be returning to New York—”
“He said he will be Pcking back and sign that once he’s here! So why are you still bringing that goddamn contract and asking Mia to talk to Liam about signing it? It’s not her business-
“She is his executive assistant, Cavin. Besides, il Mia hadn’t left the room so suddenly and Liam hadn’t followed her. I would have already secured this contract!” Juliana snapped, her face flushed with irritation. “It’s Mia’s fault we’re in this meu!“
1/3
Chaser 32
nto fists. Before be en
tht regret, I quickly stepped between them
voter firm but
(but tired. “We’re in a hospital, for God’s Lake?
i me a glare. “I understand that you’re womed about Ryle Mix But did you really have to be so dramatic when you left the
odontober an ology. Ma“ Gavin cul me ed before I could trish my s
continued. Tin worry, but I’m not sorry for that dramatic exit you were talking about. What do you expect a mother to do when she
asing that her daughters on the way to the hospital because she can’t breathe?”
msal you have
You don’t have a child and don’t understand how it feels to be in that position. You call my reaction dramune! ald, pulunu and let’s see if I’m just bring idra:
(he didn’t speak. Instead, the crossed her arms over her chest defensively.
won’t have a child if it means ending up like you. Maa” Juhana shot back, her voice dripping with disdain. “You couldn’t even properly take care of
children, and you knep being a nuisance to everyone around you-
Gavin shouted his voice filled with authority. “Enough”
wallowed the lump in my throat. I glanced at the folder she was holding Leave I won’t help you with that, Juana. Besides, I don’t underson’s decision. It’s up to him whether he’ll sign that contract or bot”
umped away from her, but before I could take another step.
- grabbed my arm her fingers digging into my
“Oh please! Stop pretending like nothing’s going on between you and Liam He gave us a chance because you’re there. He asked you to be his
Recutive assistant because he’s still into you. Everyone can see that. Mu“.
Tyanked my arms from ber tight gmp. “I have nothing to do with him, Juliana“.
“Come on for all I know, bes the father of your children’s be your ex–boyfriend? Oh my God. He is, right? His eyes-
“He’s not He has no connection to my children. He’s not their father“” My voice cracked with frustration, and I grabbed the document she held. wrenching it from her hands. “Fine. To shut you up. I let that man sign this. Now, shut up and never say those words again. I say it again–Liam Andon has nothing to do with me or my children”
Sor was quiet for a second before smiling triumphantly. “Fine. I won’t say those words again. Just make sure Liam signs that paper before he leaves”
Just leave, Juliana” Gavin shouted at her.
“Oh I will but I still wanted to see Rylie–”
“No. Gavin cut her off.
“What?”
“How thick is your face to even think about visiting Rylie after saying those words”
Fine! Whatever
Without another word, she turned on her heel her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she finally left
I stared at the document in my hands, clenching my teeth in frustration and anger, and remembered Juliana’s words.
He will never be their father. He doesn’t deserve that title after everything he’s done….
