“Where is Cherish?” Jace asked me.

“She is coming.” Caressing his silky smooth hair, I smiled. Even though James is not here, he is always here. His versions are always with me. Jamie is an exact copy of James, and Jace has His eyes, hair, are so much like his father. It's like Jace is our mixture.

“I know, but who is there?” Pointing at the gate, Jace questioned me.

I looked at the gate, where Annie and Jamie are interacting with strangers.

My maternal instinct kicked, and I dropped my business papers to rush to my babies.

“There is no one called Jay here.” I heard Annie snapping at the stranger. “No Jay.”

“No jay… No jay…” Jamie repeated his sister's words.

Oh, God!! What should I do with these two carters? Sometimes, they fight like they don't like each other and sometimes, they are closest.

“Even he knows, no, Jay.” Annie sounded proud.

Sticking out the signature tongue to strangers, the toddler giggled like he achieved something great.

“Who is teaching you all this?” Taking Jamie in my arms, I asked with a stern voice.

Blinking those captive eyes like his father, Jamie pointed at Annie. “Ani. Say no Jay.” He said.

“Liar-Liar pants on fire,” Annie whined.

“He is so much like James.” A new male voice laughed.

Looking at the source, on the other side of the gate, I looked around to see our bodyguards. Last week, I was possessed and hired a security team for our little house area. So now, with bodyguards, we have a security team. I have a feeling that something worse is about to happen. Maybe it's my pregnancy hormones, but I am not taking any risk.

“I am so sorry, but I didn't.....” I couldn't say anything. The lady who joined the new man caught my attention. She held a bouquet of yellow roses. But I wonder why they chose those roses. Yellow roses are quintessential friendship flowers. They symbolize friendship, happiness, and new beginnings, and are the perfect way to rekindle a friendly relationship. And, as far as I am aware, there is no friend of them here. So, Without any doubt, I knew who are they. Both of them. They are here to mock me. To see how we are surviving.

“Mrs Carter… It's Adrian Peterson.....” Joe, the driver explained and run towards us. I notice him opening the gates.

“There is no need, Joe. I am sure Mr Peterson has important work to do.” I stopped Joe and glared at the couple. “How can I help you both?”

“I am Yana.” The lady smiled, sweetly. “Adrian wanted to see his best friend's family.”

“Mrs Peterson, are you convinced this is the matter? Because I am familiar with Mr Peterson's Past.” I mocked her.

Adrian Peterson is the same man who slept with his best friend's wife. The sister of his current wife. How can she sleep at night trusting this man? I can blink without thinking that what James would have done with Dr Harrington. Was she wild? Was James satisfied with her? Why did James choose her?

Looking uncomfortable, Yana tried to smile. “I know…”

“Is there anything else you need?” I am planning to shoo them away. I don't need negativity in my life, anymore. I want good people, good vibes. Everything to be happy-happy.

“I just want to see them.” Adrian pushed.

“Them?” I challenged him and Jamie absorbed my defensive posture.

He sighed. “I understand, I am not a good man. Trust me, I mean no harm. I am sorry.”

“Annie, will you take Jamie inside?” Placing Jamie on the ground, I nodded to Joe to assist them inside the house. Joe obliged and took my kids to the porch, where Cherish was with Jace.

“It's me, who should be sorry. Adrian used to date Willa, but their relationship ended on a bad note. So, when we meet, I decided to stay away from him for Willa. By that time, Willa was married to James.” Yana said.

“So, let me assume….” I looked at the couple. “You…” I pointed at Adrian. “Decided to have an affair with Willa to get her attention.”

With no answers, Adrian looked down with guilt. My assumption was right. This man ridiculously ruin his best friend's married life. The people around James Carter are not stable. Yes, I can use this as my motive for divorce against James.

People around James Carter are toxic for kids.

“Do you even realize what you did?” I am about to explode. This is an insult to the friendship. Whatever happened because my mother wanted Amy to stay away from Ryan Harrison. Mrs Carter thought James wants a son. And, James wanted to return Adrian a son. But this man, Adrian Peterson, ruined his best friend's married life, purposely.

“You were his best man?” I asked.

“He didn't mean any harm.” Yana interrupted.

“You are right. He didn't mean any harm. Because he wanted to damage.” I snapped at Yana. What is wrong with people? Is it my karma hitting me, that I manifested for 16 years? Is this how I looked while defending James..? A fool?

“You have no right to judge me.” Adrian sounded defensive.

“I have every right to judge you. I was the one who paid for your deeds.” Glaring at Adrian, “your affair broke the marriage. Do you realize James was ready to sacrifice his son for you? Malcolm deserved better. You both men are sick.” I tried to control my anger.

“What are you doing here, Adrian?” James stormed out of his car. “I told you, I haven't talked to her about you meeting kids.”

“We are talking now.” I turned to James. “I don't want these two people around my kids.” I declared my verdict. There is no chance of changing my decision.

“Mrs Carter..... It was a misunderstanding.” James tried to open the gates. “Kids are watching us.” He said when the gates didn't open. He was anxious that I will shut him out, which I want to, but I can't. Jace loves his dad. James is lucky that Jace has a soft corner for James Carter.

I turned and looked at the kids, who are watching us. All four of them. What must they have heard? Then, Cherish gestured that they can't hear anything brought a sense of relief in us.

“You are not listening to me… We have a lot to talk about.” James was a little calm, but his effort of pulling me into the conversation was visible.

“First, get rid of your mistress.” I almost yelled. But somehow I controlled myself and pointed at his car, where I can see Dr Harrington looking at us. Why is James with her if he wants us to work?

“Because you need to listen from her.” Looking at Adrian, “it's a family matter.” James hissed.

“James, he is sorry.” Yana is about to cry.

“Take your sorry from here,” I yelled at all three of them. “This gate is not opening. Get out.” Pulling out my phone, I dialled David. The massive man can help.

“Oh, come on,” Adrian sighed. “She's calling your brother?” He asked James.

“That's David.” Yana interpreted.

“That's his brother.” Adrian clarified.

“Hello.....” We heard David's voice.

“Are you a Carter, too?” I asked David instead.

“No…” The reply was short.

“Then why Adrian called you James's brother?” I politely asked.

“Because James used to say this to everyone that David is my brother.” Answering, David was quiet. “Anna….” He called, but I couldn't respond. “Do you want me there?” He asked.

“No, I wanted to know when you will be back?” I watched the trio gazing at kids.

“Right now.” I heard him, rushing, and the call was disconnected.

“And, Mr Peterson, you need counselling. Because you don't feel guilty for ruining someone's life.”

Looking down, “I am visiting a counsellor.” Adrian said. “Meeting those kids are my way of assuring that James is doing fine with life.”

“Anastasia… Please let's talk.” James begged.

“I will talk when your Mistress is not in the picture.” My decision is final.

.