“Why are you seeking employment when you are the employer?” I asked Theo, placing the salad in the middle of the table. “Trina said you own a club.”

“Just exploring my options.” Theo was still busy with arranging plates for just three of us. Annie wanted to spend time with Susan and Jupiter, and Jace wanted his father.

James was red when he learned that my friend invited to dinner is a male. He was sure that it is not George and the guest is undoubtedly is Theo Edwards. As I was clearing the flowers since I learned that Theo is allergic to Rose. I couldn't risk the health of my guest.

I wonder does James knew that Theo is allergic to Rose.

“Why don't you practice? George told me you were his senior. You are a lawyer… Right?”

“I have the degree, but I didn't like the output of my first case.” Placing Jamie, Theo arranged food for the toddler. Little Ryan gave him a good practice. He knows how to behave with a kid. And Jamie Adores him. Both boys adore Theo.

Squealing, Jamie clapped when Theo did a little peek-a-boo with the plate. They are going to have a great bond.

“George said, you are best in your work.” Taking a seat next to Jamie, I waited for Theo, who was still busy in my kitchen.

Unlike the other, Theo arrived with groceries instead of wine or pie. He cooked Macaroni and Cheese. I wanted to help him, so I roasted broccoli, as a side dish.

“How is the job hunting?” I asked Theo while he was helping me with washing every utensil available… Or he found.

“For the starter… Your husband brought every law firm I could think.” He didn't try to hide his emotion, the hint of anger was displayed. Another thing about Theo Edwards is, that he believes that expressing it or else it will consume the ability of expression.

“Is he buys in everything?” I find myself asking in annoyance. Wherever I am going, the only thing I am hearing is that James Carter brought the place. I am thankful that he didn't buy my shop, or else I would have ordered Zippy for the war.

“No, I applied in two places. One at your husband's office and the next is George's office. But, today, I applied In Harrington Law Firm. That's the place James wants, but Harrington is a tough nut.”

“Harrington?” Dr. Harrington. “Is Dr. Anastasia Harrington connected to them?” I asked, focusing mentally that I need to search her online, just like I did for James.

With a sympathetic look, Theo turned. “Yes, Harrington are 3 siblings. Gerard Harrington is missing, Anastasia Harrington is a renowned psychiatrist. Then, Rosio Morris, she's paediatrics at tal of Mark Rogers.” He explained.

The moment he finished the story of Harrington, I realized that how little I am aware of the world around me. I don't know how to properly use, phones..... The latest technology, laptop, and the internet is an ocean for me. I am behind my time.

“I heard the rumours….” my attention. “She is the Anna, he was talking about.”

“It doesn't matter.” Despite my Attempt to let this topic go, I felt the pain, that embarrassment is still fresh… Like it happened yesterday.

Susan was right. She warned me so many times. She was the one who has never changed her side and always tried to persuade me that divorce is a better option for me. And, I am here, planning how to convince my so-called husband for divorce. His sudden interest in this marriage seems like a conspiracy.

“I don't like James Carter. But I am being honest. He is trying for you.” Theo left the glass and walked towards me. “Anyone, who is sane, will try for you.”

I couldn't help but laugh at the irony. He thinks James wants me. No. My husband doesn't want me. He wants his kids. And, he will give Jace to whomever he wants. James Carter is nothing but an opportunist. He understands that all his kids wants me, not him. This is the reason that He needs me to win their trust.

“I was about to get married when my fiancé said she doesn't love me, the night before marriage. She loved her best friend, who is married. So, she used me to get attention from her married friend. He rejected her, so she dismissed me as he understood her obsession with him and moved away. I tried to win her back but….” He chuckled. “She married his boss to stay close to him.” He reached to me. “She is miserable now.” Looking right into my eyes, “quitting is sometimes a necessity. It breaks the vicious cycle of failure. You were stuck in the cycle. You held that dead relationship for 16 years… Why?” He asked.

“As a kid, I… Not only fancied James but thought him to be the right man, any woman would want.” Hearing my words, Theo smiled. His eyes pitied me. “I admired James from the day, I saw him in Ryan Harrison's house. He was 18. Amy took me… Ryan was her classmate. I don't know what was happening but, there was something about James. He even turned to look. At something. Maybe he felt my stares. After 8 months, I saw him on T.V. playing basketball. He wasn't like everybody… He was like himself.”

“Most probably, you were a kid,” Theo commented.

“I know... I was 8.”

“Do you think that was love at first sight with James?” He was nervous. I know, he feels for me. He accepted those feelings for me, he dit deny that.

“I have stopped thinking about him,” I admitted. I have a much more important concern that demands my attention. My kids.

Every so often, I dream of my alternate reality where there was no kid. Maybe James would court me, or maybe I would find a better man. And then, have kids… And I would give them a better life. A life that they deserve. A normal parent. A normal pet… Nothing like Zippy, who is ready to attack at their father.

“Do you think about me?” Theo took a step that almost close the distance between us. I looked at Jamie was rolling on the floor with little grown, zippy. “He is safe. Zippy will keep him safe.” Theo assured me.

“Why are you so good with my kids?” I whispered with the fear that if Jamie learn what I am doing with the man who is not his father, not my husband. I grew up watching my parents, loving each other, respecting each other. This was the ideal life for me. A loving husband, and amazing kids. Father loved to shower the flowers of red roses on Mother, which is a sign of his eternal love. But James and I are not my parents. We have our issue. Different from theirs.

“Because they are yours,” Theo said, and bend a little towards me, but then he stopped. His eyes asked permission. I knew it. I have to do this, I have to take this step…. Away from James.

I nodded and he kissed me.

.