I wanted to avoid hurting Trina. But my love for Anna forced me to do this. Everything that hurts Anna will be out of her life. She has faced a lot. But not anymore.

My lunch break was over, and I have no option but, to face the family again. Without Norma, Carter are intolerable now. How Cherish and Jessica manage to live with them?

The Carter are huge. Genetically, they inherited the art of money-making. They can buy anything.

I was surprised when I saw the file written with the name of ANASTASIA CARTER. It must be Mark Rogers, who provides any information if you throw money to him. But James threw the file away, calling it useless. I took the hint..... James doesn't even know the name of the mother of the daughter. I did the math and concluded he is not aware of Jamie. And Norma stepped in.

My fox wife planned to hide the Little boy from his father. She took sleeping Jamie and run out of the mansion from the backdoor. She walked through the woods and called me. I was infuriated. But now, I am thankful. At least, Anna has Jamie… And Anna is finally getting rid of this weird family. But I am stuck with them.

It's time for retirement.

Currently, driving back to the Carter mansion, when I received a message from Jessica I was relieved. At least, she is there. Only one woman can make James rebellious. Jessica Carter. For Jessica, James can disobey his mother. And Cherish… She has shut her mouth for Anna, as she promised Anna that she would respect her father. But she never called James as Dad. For Cherish, it's Mr Carter.

I parked the car and prayed for wildfire. Acid rain. Tsunami. Earthquake. Anything… I simply want to be in the arms of my love and have tea with my children.

Once upon a time, James and David was like a sibling. James has been protective towards not only Jessica but David as well. James was lively until the accident. I despise the present James.

*****

“Where is Norma?” I heard Emmeline Carter approaching me. Her mocking voice delivered her intention of mocking me. Of course, she thinks we are not doing a good job of taking care of James, just like Norma was supposed to do. But James is a man. 43 years old man. Old enough to take care of himself. Norma has Jamie to protect. My wife chose her job and I will support her… That's what a partner does.

“She is enjoying her retirement,” I replied, mocking her, remembering Emmeline mentioned her old days to be her days of enjoyment. A beach house, tea, ocean, waves, James, and kids. But she didn't get to enjoy it. I don't think she will ever enjoy this. The way she is moving towards her end is satisfying to watch.

“That's so sad.” She faked a gasp and placed her perfectly manicured hands on her lips. Watching her is disgusting. She looks good but not genuine.

Emmeline aged well. She maintained herself. But with time, she turned vicious, just like with time Anna became brave. Tolerating disgusted eyes over herself and fear of the unknown, Anna became courageous.

“Norma is the same old,” Emmeline said.

“I know.” I looked around for help. Luckily, I found Jessica giving me a pity look, and she dragged Cherish towards us.

“Mom.....” Jessica chirped and hugged Emmeline.

The beautiful old woman's motionless face took time to paste a fake smile.

Emmeline, your end not going to be good. I wanted to scream at her, but I sealed my mouth for Jessica and Cherish. Both girls are the sweetest Carter in the history of this family.

Cherish hugged like she was dying without me. I understand the need. She needs her mother. What Emmeline did to this girl is inhumane. She is her granddaughter. Few people Never blessed with this title. Anna gave Emmeline the honour of becoming a grandmother and this is how she was treated….inhumanly.

“What are you wearing?” Emmeline assessed the dress of both girls. “I brought the latest designer dress for both of you.”

“I was uncomfortable.” Cherish rolled her eyes. “I am 15. I don't think I should be wearing that dress.” She looked at me. “The material was so thin. I felt naked.” She whined. “That designer needs to learn how to design a dress for a 15-year-old.”

“What did you say?” James interrupted.

Rolling her eyes, Cherish hugged me and ignored her father. This girl is my favourite. My son, David and Susan, are having a daughter next month. I will love my granddaughter, but I will make sure to Cherish receive the love that she deserves from me.

“Even I didn't feel comfortable with the material.” Jessica supported her niece.

“Who is the designer?” James growled.

“Someone… Someone.” Emmeline clenched her teeth and glared at the girls. Like always, Jessica was unaware but Cherish..... This girl is something. She is wise. She knows the importance of intuition. Not only that, but she glared back at her grandmother.

“It's from Hudson….” Jessica mumbled with a low voice.

“I will......” James stopped when Emmeline laughed.

“I thought the girls like that type of fashion, but I was so wrong.” Emmeline forced the laugh.

“It's fine mom.” Jessica shrugged off and left to join the Sullivan family.

Even though I didn't approve of the Sullivan boy for Jessica, but I know one thing, Sullivan boy is her friend. She is comfortable around him. I think I can tolerate the boy.

Emmeline talked to James for a while and left to join her fake friends, and cherish decided to asleep. Despite every luxury, Cherish needs her mother.

“I promise you, you will meet your mom soon.” I mentally promised the walking away figure of Cherish, who was getting far and far with every step.

“Long time.” James smiled.

I looked at the man who becomes a monster after drinking. He is not the same Jay that was once the life of the Carter Mansion. But things turned hideous. I hate to admit, but James is not only a monster, but he lost his humanity. Norma is trying to save Anna, but the life of Anna is intertwined with James. Anna is getting affected because of James.

“I was in your home. You didn't visit us.” I never try to hide my disappointment with him. He broke not only Norma but my trust as well.

“You know, I couldn't stay there. The memory… Willa…. Malcolm. My family….” James stopped. I understand he is overwhelmed. His heart is aching, lacking Willa and Malcolm. No one will ever be able to replace them. They made James a better person. For a while, even though it was a short period, James was better. He used to smile. He was trying to cooperate with his alcohol addiction. He was determined to change himself, and, joining rehab was his first step. But things changed.

I still regret that noon.

Bartholomew Kepner hit Willa and Malcolm when James went to take ice cream. The accident was so brutal that Willa and Malcolm died on the spot, and father Kepner was in a coma for 6 months.

Emmeline went wild. She ruined everything, was ready to burn the world. Anna's world.

“Your family is still waiting for you.” I delivered Anna's thoughts.

I remember what I saw this noon. Trina's brother was looking at Anna like she is his lucky charm. Not even Theo, but there are other suitors as well. They are ready to replace him. James needs to realize what he is losing, or else it would be too late.

Anna is still hoping for her fairy tale.

“That woman is not my family,” James growled.

“But her daughter is your daughter.” I mocked him.

“Because she is my daughter.”

“And she is her daughter too.”

The forest green eyes of James turned greenest. “What do you want?”

“I want you to drop all your insanity and consider a normal life.”

“I am living a normal life,” James argued.

Pointing out at the pregnant lady in the coward, “that is not normal.” I said with a stern voice.

“I know what I am doing.” James emotionless voice sounded dangerous.

“No, you are doing what you think is easy. Nothing is easy, James. Life is not business… Deal.”

“So, did she cry and manipulate you?” Again, James is blaming Anna.

“No, she doesn't drag another person in her matrimonial matter.” I couldn't help but chuckle.

“Then stop interfering in my matrimonial matter.”

“I am not interfering in your matrimonial matter. I am advising you about the output of your insanity. Those women are not trustworthy.”

“You have no idea how it feels when you are stuck in guilt.” James looked at the pregnant lady.

“Trust me, I know.” I looked at broken James. He has no idea how it feels to know that you could have changed the present if you had taken THAT ONE STEP in the past.