Chapter 17
Chapter 16: Liam Meeting the Twins Part One
“Mommy Mommy Rylie shouted and giggled, waving her little hands as she and Gavin passed before me and her twin, Ryker
I focused my phone on her, recording the moment. My heart swelled as I watched how happy my baby was riding the carousel. These were the moments I wanted to hold on to forever, the kind that reminded me why every sacrifice was worth it
It was always a joy to see my children happy. Their laughter, their undles–they were my world.
I looked down at Ryker beside me. He was quiet, holding my hand and staring at the carousel.
I crouched down to his level and ruffled my son’s hair. “Are you sure you don’t want to join them, baby?
“Nope, Mommy. It’s not thrilling. When I grow up, I’ll ride the rollercoaster with you” he said confidently, making me laugh.
Ah, this son of mine.
“But Mommy’s scared of riding that one. How about riding with your twin-
“Definitely
y not.
If I ride the rollercoaster with Rylie, aside from my vision. I’d have a problem with my ears. I’ll go deaf from her screaming,” he said, his little pour and the exaggerated grimace that followed made me laugh even harder.
As if on cur, Rylie’s excited screams echoed from the carousel, perfectly proving his point.
“See what I’m talking about, Mommy
I reached out and pinched his nose playfully, unable to resist. “But didn’t you promise Mommy you’d always be with Rylie! You’re her protector. right?”
He looked up thoughtfully, then sighed. “Right. I’ll just wear earplugs, then. But you’ll still come with us. I’ll hold you and Rylie, so neither of you will be scared. I’ll be Mommy and Rylie’s protector.”
I smiled and nodded, kissing my son’s cheek
He caressed my check affectionately. “You trust me to be a good protector for you and Rylie, right, Mommy!”
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. When did my baby, who once struggled to take his first steps, grow into this thoughtful linde boy!
“Of course, baby. Mommy will always trust you.”
“As you should, Mommy. Because, unlike my father, I won’t leave you and Rylic. I’ll protect you until you grow old”
My heart ached at his words. Once again, Ryker left me speechless.
I could feel the weight of his statement; it revealed his deep resentment toward their father. I didn’t want my son to grow up with hate, so I smiled and shook my head.
I hate lying, but when it comes to my children, I know I have to.
“Don’t say that, baby. Your f–father, even if he isn’t here, he loves you and—”
I want to pee. Mommy,”
yhe cut me
cut me off, clearly not wanting to hear anything about their father.
Knowing my son, I sighed and decided not to push the topic.
“Let’s go grab some lunch-”
“Daddy! Daddy! Later, please! Let’s get Eba there first!” Rylie exclaimed, pointing at the carnival game stalls
“Mommy! I want to peel Ryker said, pulling my hand. His face contorted in discomfort, and Cavin and I sighed
Til bring Kylie there so we can get Elu first before we rat,” Gavin said, carrying Kylie effortlessly despite her weight.
Tine 11 take Ryker to the restroom.
troom. We’ll meet you back here
“Ryker?” I called my son’s name as he let go of my hand before I could guide him toward the women’s restroom.
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11:13 AM c
Chapter 17
“I can manage. Mommy. I’m a boy, and I should go there,” he declared, pointing at the men’s restroom
Before I could say a word, he had already run toward it
Shaking my head. I smiled and stood waiting outside the restroom. Glancing around the amusement park, considering where I could take Ryker that might capture his interest, my smile faltered.
Liam Anderson.
He was walking in my direction. Hunter was with him, and a man in a suit kept talking animatedly beside him.
I recognized the man, Mr. Johnson, the owner of this park. Gavin had a meeting with him once. Following them were several other men in suits.
I wasn’t in Liam’s character to visit a place like this, so I knew he must have a business reason for being here.
But a troubling thought crept into my mind–was he here following me! No, he wouldn’t be that desperate. would he?
I was about to turn away, determined not to let him ruin my day when our eyes met.
He stopped walking, causing everyone else to halt. His gaze bore into me, making me the center of their attention.
Clasping my hands behind my back, I clenched them and smiled politely, acknowledging his presence.
That was when he began walking toward me
“Good afternoon. Sir, I greeted, keeping my tone neutral
His eyes swept over me from head to toe. I was wearing a summer dress and a cardigan. How he looked at me made it seem like he was recalling
memones.
“Mia, right? Gavin’s secretary or perhaps his girlfriend now?” Mr. Johnson, who had a sharp memory, remembered me. His teasing tone was harmless, though he didn’t realize his words caused Liam Anderson’s face to darken
“Good afternoon, Mr. Johnson,” I replied, acknowledging him.
He exchanged glances between me and Liam. “Oh, you know each other?”
“Yes I know her. Liam answered quickly, his gaze never wavering from me.
My palms stung as my nails dug into them. His answer had a deeper meaning, but I couldn’t agree. No. Mr. Anderson, you don’t know me.
“He’s a client-
“Mommy“”
I froze at the sound of Ryker’s voice. My
y heart started pounding, but I forced myself to stay calm.
I smiled and unclenched my fists as I turned to see Ryker, who was already standing before me. I instinctively positioned myself to shield him from
their varw
I could feel Liam’s intense gaze on us. Knowing he’d likely hired someone to investigate me, I was sure he already knew I was a mother to twins.
I had anticipated this moment, but I still felt fear creeping in.
Those words.. they still echo in my ears.
“Abort it.”
“Mommy! You okay? Ryker’s concerned voice pulled me back to the moment.
I smiled at him, drawing strength from his innocent face. “Yes, baby. Come, let’s find Daddy and Hylie.”
Before he could protest, I scooped him up. Ryker usually hated being carried, insisting he was a “big boy” but as if sensing my his arms around my neck and buried his face in it, offering silent comfort.
“Oh, your son, Mia
I turned to Mr. Johnson, smiling as I nodded. I held Ryker closer as my eyes mei Liam’s piercing stare,
“Yes, Mr. Johnson This is Ryker, my son‘
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mood, he wrapped
11:13 AM – ch
Chapter 17
“Wow, what a surprise! You look so young to have a child. How old is he?”
Before I could answer, Kylie’s excited voice interrupted.
“Mommy! Mommy! Look! Daddy didn’t just get Elu: he got Oluf, too!”
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