Chapter 7
Chapter 6 Mu Miller-
I grew up without a father by my side, and I promised myself I wouldn’t let my child suffer the same fate I diel. But life doesn’t always work the way you want it to. It certainly didn’t for me.
Life fcked me up. If it weren’t for my children, I don’t know if I’d will have the strength to keep going after everything I endured nearly six years
Being betrayed by the man who promised you forever. Losing the ones you loved. Worst of all, losing younsell
“Forget it, Mommy. I’m sorry.
Ryker’s soft voice brought me back to the present. I blinked, realizing I had been staring into space while my thoughts wandered to a past 1 desperately wanted to leave behind. He tried to smile at me, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
I cleared my throat and crouched down to meet his eyes. I gently caressed his hair and studied his face.
Yes, Ryker, you look like him. But I know you’re nothing like that man. You could never be like him.
“Sorry for what, baby“”
“For asking that question
Did it remind you of a bad memory! You looked sad
y did you ask that, hrnm?”
I quickly shook my head. “No, Ryker. I’m not sad. And about your question, why a
“Well, Rylie looks like you, and according to the science book I read, we inherit our genes from our parents. I don’t look like you, so I figured I probably look like my father?
I swallowed hard, struggling to keep my emotions in check. My throat felt dry as I searched for the right words. “Well, you do resemble him- just a little,” I said, gesturing with my fingers to show how slight the resemblance was. “But you mostly look like your great–grandfather when he was alive.
“Really?” He let out a long sigh and nodded. “That’s good to hear. I don’t want to look like my father.”
My smile faltered. “What?”
He turned serious again. “He hurt you, didn’t he, Mommy? That’s why he’s not here with us. Does he have another wife and children?”
Trying to keep my voice
“Ryker, where did you learn all those things” Tasked, trying to keep my voice calm,
He shrugged, his small shoulders rising and falling with an air of maturity that seemed unnatural for a five–year–old “I just figured it out, Mommy. You never mention him to us. And he’s not in heaven, right?”.
No, baby He’ll never ascend to heaven
I opened my mouth to respond, but he climbed down from the step stool before I could say anything. I’m hungry, Mommy. I’ll hurry up before Rylie ears my share
I stood there, a hand pressed to my forehead, watching him leave. “God, is my son really only fi
only five years old!” I muttered to myself.
Hyker always surprises me with his choice of words and how he talks. The first time he asked about their father, he had just turned four. Back then, I avoided the question and changed the subject because I didn’t know how to answer it.
But now, I realized I couldn’t avoid it much longer. I needed to be prepared for when they both asked me again.
I needed to come up with an answer that would protect them from the painful truth, even if it meant I had to lie.
After all, lars have been a part of my life ever since I changed my identity to escape that monster.
“Don’t worry, Mommy” I looked down as Ryker returned, holding my hand. “You don’t have to tell me about him if it makes you sad. I’ll protect
Trans mung my eyes, but
Byker, have
; my eyes, but 1 blinked them away. “You’re my linde hero, Ryker,” I whispered, kissing his head.
e you eaten the chocolates Daddy y Gavin gave you?
Ryker scoffed. “Hes not our dad. Why do you always call him Tuddy?”
11 11 AM M
Chapter 7
Kyle frowned at him and angrily chewed her pancake. “He said I can call him that! You used to call him “Takly‘
Ryker continued eating, ignoring his twin.
He had stopped calling Gavin “Daddy” after 1 explained to them that Gavin wasn’t their father Gavin wouldn’t love minded, ban. I felt uncomfortable with my children thinking of him as their dad when he wasich. He had already done so much for us—asking for more would be too
much
I’m asking you–have you already eaten your chocolate—
“You already ate yours. No more chocolates for you, Rylie
Rylie pouted. Tim just asking-
“You’re asking because you want more. It’s a no, Rylie Ryker said, smirking, clearly teasing his twin, I knew he’d give it to her later anyway,
My son didn’t like sweets that mich.
looked about to cry
when Gavin’s voice echoed from misisle
“Good morning. Millers”
“Daddy” Rylie shouted as soon as she heard him and quickly clinshed from her chair.
“Don’t nu. Rylief” I called out, panicking as she almost stumbled while bolting out of the dining room.
Ryber continued eating, shaking his head at her antics.
“I made Mommy laugh this morning. Daddy! And Ryker’s being grumpy again!”
“Rylie, you’re not done with your breakfast, I reminded her as I followed my daughter, Gavin was already carrying her, talking his car off.
Gavin laughed. “Don’t touch your brother’s chocolate. I just give you some more-
Leleared my throat, and Gavin whispered something to Rylie, which I already knew was a promise to spoil her later.
He put Kylie down, and she ran off:
“again, announcing Cavin’s arrival to her twin as though Ryker hadn’t heard it.
“Boss, good moming. But why are you here?”
He kissed my check and flicked my forehead. “Stop calling me ‘Boss. Of course, it’s the twins‘ first day at school. I wouldn’t miss iL”
I smiled but couldn’t help feeling a bit worried. “If both of us are late today, your sister won’t like it.”
“We won’t be late, and I’m the CEO. What’s for breakfast?” he asked, casually draping his arm over my shoulder.
“MOMMY, are you crying?”
I stopped myself from slapping Gavin’s ann as I heard him laugh beside me
“No, I’m not, baby—”
“Your eyes are red, Mommy” Ryker cut me off.
I crouched down to his level and hugged both my children. The warmth of their little bodies against mine felt like a lifeline, grounding me. “Mommy’s just happy. It’s my twin’s first day at school.”
“Let’s take a picture”
“We’ll be late. Unde Gavin Hyker replied, clearly not a fan of pictures
Just one picture! I want a picture! Rylie wants a picture!” Rylie declared, her voice escalating with excitement.
“Okay, okay? Enough shouting Rybie Geez
I stood with them, and of course, it didn’t end with
I just one jacture, tioi
ist our jacture, not when Rylie was with us.
“Careful, Rylie! Don’t pull your brother called out as I watched my daughter run, tugging her brother behind her.
I almost ran after them when Rylie nearly stumbled. Ryker looked annoyed but held Hybe’s hand and took charge, now the one pulling his twin
2/3
Chapter 7
‘Don’t worry too much. Ryker’s got it under control. He’ll handle our little brat.
it just line. Gavin said.
I nodded, smiling as I watched them. But a pang of pain hit my chest when I saw another child walking nearby.
For a fleeting moment, I imagined another little boy with them. I felt bad for my angel, he could have been here with them
I quickly wiped my tears and forced a smile at Gavin. “Let’s go. We can’t be late. Have you read Juliana’s email? She set up a meeting”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly aware of my distraction but choosing not to press “Yeals, she’s eyeing a big client–or so she said.”
“Did she mention whot Hotel Resort Condominiums?“ Lasked, my curiosity piqued.
He shrugged as he g
guided me toward his car. “Let’s not talk about work, Mia. We’re not in the office yet
–
“Fine. How about we talk about that guy we saw at the restaurant
“Let’s just talk about work.” he interested.
I grimmed mischievously. “I knew it! Did you sleep with him-
“Oh, shut it, Mia. I did not he cut me off, his embarrassment making me laugh. Itis reddening face only added to my amusement.
“Someone’s blushing!
“Stop it he muttered, though his shy laughter betrayed his attempt to sound annoyed.
I glanced out the car window, my smile fading when I spotted a man across the street near the restaurant. His back was so familiar.
No it can’t be him.
ed, my palms growing cold. I tore my gaze away before he could turn around, my breathing uneven.
My chest tightened, my
“Mia?” Gavin’s voice was filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I whispered as the car started moving again.
Unable to help myself, I looked back. Relief washed over me when I saw no one there.
It’s not him, Mia..
And even if it is!
So what!
You’re Mia Miller now.
Not that man’s ex–wife, Camille Collins.
Remember that
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