“Jamie, please be good for Mommy.” I cooed my boy, but he is not in the mood. He doesn't like shoes at all. “We need to reach to school.”

He shook his head and started to run out of the house. This is regularly, but I am satisfied with the presence of boundary walls, zippy, security cameras and bodyguards. Without Norma, holding a house is getting tougher for me. I haven't done this before. A house by myself. And, now, in my 30s, I have a house, garden, kids, dog and my upcoming business to handle.

How I am going to do this?

I rushed outside with his shoes through the same door frame that Jamie used, calling his name. He has been the rebellious baby, lately.

“See, mommy is here.” James smiled and scooped Jamie in his arms.

Jamie doesn't like getting in the arms of the stranger… So naturally, he started to struggle to get down from his father's height.

“Why he is being fussy?” James asked, holding Jamie.

“Ahh,” Jamie screamed at the ears of James. “Zippyyyyy.....” He called his protector.

“Jamie… Jamie…” James called, but it was of no use. Finally, he let him go, who run immediately to me. “Where is the Zippy?” James walked at the bottom of the porch.

“With David, but What are doing here in the middle of the day?” I took Jamie, who was trying to glare at the big man in front of him.

“Kid's bodyguard called me and said that they are calling you… Jace was in a fight?”

“And, Jamie is not helping me.” I tried to hold the shoe and Jamie. But shoes fell.

Nodding, James jogged to us and got the shoes. “I can help.”

“I don't need your help.” I could feel my eyes rolling at him.

He chuckled and pulled the chair for me to sit. “I know, you are capable enough, but we need to reach the school.”

There was no place to present further argument. I have been trying to ignore James as much as I can. But he is like a human with superglue. The 6 hours of night, and 8 hours of his office, is the only time when I am free from his face. He even exercises in my garden. He has extra keys that were given to him when he was brought to the house. And, clearly, he is misusing it by entering into my property. Luckily, he hasn't entered tried to set foot into my house.

“Is there any problem in the house?” The counsellor asked.

“I am confident that is none of your business.” James was cold. The voice resulted in the counsellor shivering. That anxiety, James left, was a little soothing to me. I didn't like the way she was scolding Annie when we entered. She even dared to glare at Jace, who was so guilty that he didn't dare to raise his head.

“Because Jace never does that.” She tried to be brave. “Their grandparents were a better influence, I guess.” Even though she mumbled, we heard her, or maybe she intended that we hear her. Whatever was the case, it managed to get James' undivided attention to her.

“Ms… McCarthy.” James read her name on the register on her table. “My kids are too young to put up a fight. Actually, any kids of their age. So, my question is where were the teachers?”

“She was busy with other kids… They were fine and suddenly, they started to fight.” She was irritated. Not because, She has to handle kids but because of James. He is not ready to accept that Jace did something wrong.

“Jace… Baby. Come here.” I called guilty, Jace. “What happened? Why did you hit him?”

“He pushed Annie and Irene. He was teasing Paris. And, Annie and Irene got hurt too.”

“What? All the girls are fine.” She claimed.

“Do you didn't ask him the reason?” James raised his eyebrow and asked her with his bossy attitude. This is the James Carter I heard. Ruthless, cold, ready to pounce. “Are you new?” He was annoyed.

“That has nothing to with this….”

“The first you would have done is to ask them the reason. Fighting aimlessly is not delightful.” He encountered.

James didn't allow me to speak and continued to argue until the mother of the Paris interfere. She thanked Jace for standing for her, while the parents of the other boy apologized for the drama. Most probably it's because of James Carter… Because he is the moneymaker.

“I will shut the school.” James was angry. “She dared to blame my son. This school is not good. We will change the school.”

“No… My friends are here.” Annie protested.

“He was sad when Paris took his crayons. He is my friend.” Even Jace was sad.

“Nothing will happen. Dad was joking.” I cheer them while James was shocked.

"I heard James is always around.” Trina was busy checking the interior when she commented.

“Yes… He wants to be friends with kids.” I took the file and started to arrange them.

“It's fine. His father instinct are living now.” She laughed. But I couldn't join her. I am stuck with my decision. What to do next?

Giving the chance to James will cost me seeing him every day. Our conversation regarding divorce failed, miserably. He said he wants to wait for a year before signing the divorce paper. George explained divorce would be beneficial for me. I would be blessed with not only good alimony but also 50% of the property that he brought during our marriage, that is all the property he brought in the 16 years.

That's huge.

I feel I am not entitled to get those properties. I didn't work for it… Neither do I contribute in any way. So, that's unfair. I don't want my kids to learn this. Hard work is th3 key to ultimate satisfaction.

I chose silence because I am not aware of my next move. I desperately want to throw James out of my life, but I need a father figure for my kids. Especially for Jace.

Trina and I spend the day checking the office. Soon, we will be ready to set our business. We are hoping to extend this little adventure and expect it to thrive. And the son of the cab driver that night, the accountant, already contacted Trina. George is ready to set a contract for our staff.

I was ready to leave with Jamie when I come face to face with Theo.

In his business suit, he appeared like he was somewhere important before meeting us. But his hair narrates the story of his wait.

“Why do I feel, you have spent a good time here?” I joked and approached him.

“I am allergic to rose.” He smiled and took steps towards us, completing the process of standing in front of me. “Where are wins?” He asked.

“Susan.”

He nodded and looked at his watch. “I hope you have time.”

“What are you doing here?” Trina peaked out of the door, who was holding the flower of black Iris which means honour, pride, and change. Trina wants to decorate my desk with this.

“Just pack up. George is on the way.” Theo dismissed her. While she rolled her eyes before resuming her work.

“The siblings.” I laughed.

“Do you mind having dinner with me?” He asked without waiting.

I wanted to accept the offer but twins..... I can't stress Susan and David. The Brown family has done too much for me, of course, except Norma.

“You can deny it if you want. I was hoping to spend the rest of the time left before going to bed… I needed someone to talk to.”

“Not tonight but how about Saturday night.” I was happy that I am growing my social circle… Especially with Theo. There is something Charismatic about him despite his appearance.

Respect.

Option to deny.

My individuality.

.