Theo pulled me closer. I could feel him shaking. The marathon of his heart is infectious. Even my heart is racing.

Pulling away, “Jamie needs his bed as well.” Theo suggested.

My heart swelled with emotion. Even in this situation, he is thinking about Jamie.

I nodded and turned to Jamie, who is pouting at… The door. I followed his sight and saw James.

James was inside… With Jace, sleeping and single flower of Primrose which means eternal love. The face of the father of my children is turning green. His clenched teeth is controlled, the tiny arms wrapped around his neck by his beloved son.

Did he see us?

Without exchanging any words, James started to walk upstairs. His posture is forced. The walk is frustrated. I am confident now, James saw us… Kissing. Me and Theo.

“I will take him.” Theo followed James.

“I can take care of MY son,” James emphasized the word MY. That morning, when James saw us..... I and Jamie, he has been polite with us. He patiently waits until I open the door, never tries to enter inside. He even keeps his distance from kids as well as Zippy. Even though he tries to treat Zippy, but he never forced himself on kids. But tonight, he is inside my home, snapping at the man who has always helped me.

“I will take MY son.” Interrupting, I took sleeping Jace from James and walked into Jamie's room, where the Carter brothers are sharing the room.

Putting to sleep, I stormed back to the hall. Jamie and Zippy are alone with James and Theo. I need to make sure that kids are away from the drama. But when I reached the hall, Jamie was in the arms of James who was humming and Zippy was laying next to the big bare feet of James.

How did this happen?

Theo was staring at them, like he would have killed James if it wasn't for Jamie.

Clearing my throat, I dragged the attention. Everyone looked at me except for Jamie, who was busy yawning.

“He needs to sleep,” I mumbled and was about to take Jamie from James when he caught my wrist to stop me.

Those forest green eyes were glowing with anger. That rage was perfectly lit in his eyes. His clenched teeth wanted to bite me… To the death.

“I. Can. Take. Care. Of. My. Son.” James pronounced each word, reminding me that Jamie has not only his blood, genes but his last name as well. If he files for custody of all the kids, then he will win. I know this harsh reality. George and I discussed the consequences of filing full custody of 4 Carter heirs.

I had no words to defend myself. Suddenly, I feel guilty. Not for kissing Theo but for doing this in front of my son… Who understand nothing, yet is mature enough to know that he can play with his siblings, that James is a stranja… Despite spending too much time with him.

“Anna?” Theo called as James walks upstairs. “I am so sorry, I was so lost that I didn't respect Jamie.”

“I am sorry…. It's responsibility.” I couldn't speak. What should I say?

“Do you want me to talk to James?” He offered.

I wanted to accept this offer, but it's time that James and I need to talk about our status. What we are?

“No, I think we need a talk.” I declined.

“But James looked….”

"That's Mr Carter to you… Mr Edwards… We are not friends.” James walked into the living area with hands in his pocket. His clam walk is scaring me. “And, she is Mrs Carter to you.” Pulling, me close, he held me close. His hands travel curved on my back and held me possessively. “Did you….” He took my wrist and looked at the scar he left on it a few minutes back. “Look for the scar on your body? That abusive scar?” He mocked me. I couldn't answer him. Because he was right. There are no scars on my body. James did rape me, but it was 16 years ago, on our first night. I am so confused about what is reality, and what is a hallucination? “Don't worry, I will count it with you, tonight.” He whispered.

I looked at Theo, who was staring at us. I am sure he didn't listen to us, but he knows, something is off. James just told me he would be staying here tonight. And, I don't know what he would be doing to me. Am I dreaming?

“Leave her… Carter.” Theo warned James.

“I don't need a third person, telling me what to do with my wife.” James snapped. “Get out of my property.” He demanded.

Pushing James away, “This is my property and I want you to get out.” I remind James.

Smirking, James, looked amused. “My little wife is furious.” He looked at Theo. “She hates me.” He chuckled. “Why?” His face turned cold. His voice is ruthless.

“Because you fooled me. You made me sign my life away.” Now, I am angry. James Carter thinks he can walk back into my life and I will jump into his arms. I am human with dignity. I loved him… But I don't love anyone more than my self-respect now.

“I didn't fool you.” James was dangerously calm. “Mom told the condition to your mother. Your Mother wanted that stupid marriage. It's not my fault that you trusted your mother blindly and signed the paper.”

“But you shut your mouth for 16 years.” I hit his chest.

“Is this is the reason you hate me?” James didn't stop me. He let me hit him.

“I don't hate you,” I yelled at him.

Smirking, James looked victorious. “Then what about the lawyer who made the paper?” He asked.

Stopping, I frowned.

“I am sure you tried to read the paper. You went to school. The problem was decoding. The paper was presented in such a way that you didn't understand the meaning.” James said.

“James, stop manipulating her. You knew what she was doing. You could have stopped her when she was signing the papers, but you didn't. Because you wanted her.” Theo pushed James away from me.

“Think, Mrs Carter…. I am no lawyer. I do not know of law… How to play with law. Only a lawyer will do it.” James ignored Theo and looked at me.

“Anna, he is shifting his blame.” Theo was restless. That's when I realized James is teasing Theo, and it's working. Theo is hiding something.

Taking my hands out of Theo's grip, “don't play with me.” My voice was giving up. “Tell me… There is something between you two"

Looking at me with pain, “Theo Edward was excellent in his class, so his professor introduced him to us, and he prepared our arrangement.” James confessed.

HE PREPARED OUR ARRANGEMENT.

Holding my breath, I walked to the couch. Both men followed me. I could feel the movement.

“Anna, I needed money for admission of Trina. Trust me, I was told it was Amelia Kepner. But when I saw you… A kid walking to James in a wedding gown, I knew Emmeline Carter is fooling every one of us.” Theo desperately kneel in front of me.

“I didn't know your age. I thought you have a babyface. I read your file last week. You were just two years older than Cherish.” James was restless.

When Theo touched me, my body reacted and my heart almost blasted with the realization that I have been fooled again. I fear this man… I fear Theo more than James. At least, James was real to me. But Theo lied.

“Trust me, I didn't know you are that girl when I meet you that day in my parent's grocery store.” Theo was anxious. He wanted to keep his point. “When Trina told me that you are the wife of James Carter. I knew what I did was a crime. I ruined your life.”

“Get away from her.” James pulled Theo away from me. Theo fight and punched him. But then James knocked him. “Get out.”

“I…i… Need space.” I break into tears.

“Anna….” Theo mumbled. But I focused my empty hands. I have no wedding band. Then I focused on James. He has a wedding band.

“What about Dr Harrington?" I asked him.

“Anna…” Theo called me.

“I have two kids sleeping under my roof.” I almost begged Theo. “I can't talk now.”

“Get out.” James dragged Theo out of the house and joined me.

“Can you leave?” I cried, begging James.

“Not this time.”

.