“Where are the reports, Mark Rogers?” Demanding, I re-read the last week report. I haven't received any update about my wife or family since last week. What is happening? I remember paying Rogers investigation unit more than enough for keeping me updated about my family, as I am not allowed near them. My wife throws me out of the property, every time. I get to see Twins and Cherish in the school. Another problem that, I think, need to be addressed that why my kids are going to a cheap school? I can bring the world for them.

With no emotions, “Mr Carter… Mrs Carter asked for a refund. Since she is the highest paying client, I couldn't deny her demand. She makes sure to pay extra to my staff. So, her satisfaction is our priority.” Rogers replied.

“It was me, who paid, not her.” I am about to snap at him, but I need him. Somehow, I managed to control myself and forced every word out of my mouth.

“I discussed this, Mr Carter.” He chuckled. “She e-mailed me the marriage certificate and claimed that whatever is yours, is hers as well.”

I couldn't help but smile. She is getting sharp. She knows how to retaliate.

“But I am tracking her,” Rogers informed me. “Your daughter is friends with my daughter. And, I always keep an eye on people around me.” He explained. “However, that's for me.”

“Yet you told me.”

“Because I can see your mother is posing a threat to my client.”

His words gave me anxiety. Mom has been missing. And, it's been 9 days without her information. She's not fine and needs help. I have to talk to her. Her life story is tragic. More tragic than my wife. My wife was brainwashed but mom… She faced the brutality.

“Then, I am paying you… Locate Emmeline Carter.” Ordering him, I disconnected the call.

My personal assistant paid Rogers Security Firm and resumed his job. I am glad that I found a good, dedicated employee. My previous assistant abused my son and my dog. She's lucky that I didn't sue her for child and animal abuse. I could have made it dirtier for her. Williams animal society not only works for welfare and rehabilitation for animals, but they fight for animal rights. And, they are always interested when people, like me, invite them. I could sit and watch the show, but she left peacefully. I think, she understood her place. Despite being an efficient employee, she was nothing but an opportunist. She returned to my wife on various occasions. She even spilt my lunch made by my wife… I am sure mom asked her. But I am the one, who paid her salary. That woman isn't a reliable employee. She is young, has good mobility, can be efficient, but I don't trust her. So, I don't need her in my company.

"Are you sure?” Anna asked me, closing my file.

Looking at her, I realise it's been a long that I didn't have a proper conversation with my best friend. After Adrian, I was alone. Initially, She has been only my psychiatrist but later, we become friends and then, best friends. The moment our professional relationship become personal, she passed my case to another psychiatrist. I visited her because I couldn't talk to anyone. My wife screamed every time I even look at her.

“Yes, her decision is final. But I wanted her to know what Dad and Daniel told me.” She is still not aware of my family drama. I simply needed my wife's psychiatrist to announce that everything is fine. My wife is not mad, she was brainwashed. Her memories are fake. Norma manifested it for years. That's why Dr Anastasia Harrington, never prescribed her medicines apart from sleeping pills. My wife had postpartum depression and insomnia.

“I am the third person. And, she thinks I am the other woman in your marriage, so it would be better that I stay away from her. You should talk to her and inform her. My opinion doesn't matter at all.” Anna smiled politely. She wants me to stay away from her, which I want to. But what about Dean? He has been in chaos since the day, he met his father. For him, I am his father. Dean reminded me of Malcolm. I had to seek comfort in someone else's child smile because my wife never allowed me near our child. I still remember, my wife asking me if I want to see our child. Cherish has been my firstborn, but the guilt of taking someone else child was heavy on me. I denied and did inhuman things to her. I verbally abused her, mentally harassed her. Even on one occasion, I gave her rough sex. Cherish heard her mother's voice. My daughter thinks I am an abuser. Even though the majority of the physical abuse was fed to my wife… But I did abuse her…. on some occasions. And, that's shameful.

The first night… Twice, and I am sure Cherish heard us. And Jamie was made. At office, once..... Even…my first meet with Jamie.

I sighed, thinking about the possibility of losing the family that I built with my wife. “I am worried about Dean. My absence will….”

“Dean is not your responsibility. I wanted the best life for my nephew. So, I kept Dean and my ex-husband away. But, now, I think that's the worst decision. My nephew is Dean's half brother. Dean should have his father's name. But I gave him my name. That's so wrong.” This is the first time, I am seeing a vulnerable Anastasia Harrington. She was strong when she left her husband, who was in love with her sister. She accepted that her marriage with Winter Morris was nothing but a compromise for Dean, as Winter Morris has been always responsible and stepped in to take care of the child. But, the love of Rosio and Winter was real.

Whatever happened between me and Anna was nothing but an experiment, which failed miserably. We have been friends. I did a few Jokes here and there but nothing serious. She has been my best friend and a great supporter.

“Having the mother's name is not wrong,” I mumbled, assuming the possibility of Cherish considering this an option. “The last name is simply a name. That doesn't change in genes.” I assured myself. If Cherish takes My wife's name, then I don't think it would be a problem. I just want one thing from my firstborn, a word called, DAD.

ANASTASIA CARTER.....

My feisty wife is doing great. Jace just told me, how mommy is busy. She is working on her projects, business, and kids. She asks for help from kids about her project, bring them to her store and plays a lot with them. She will be a graduate, this year… and a mother of a new baby.

“When will you be coming home?” Jace asked me, chewing his pizza.

“He is not coming home.” Despite Annie's attempt to whisper to her brother, I heard her. This girl looks so much like my wife, but she reminds me of Jess. Jess and I have an age gap of 10 years. I remember everything about my baby sister. I am lucky to have Annie as a mixture of my wife and my sister.

I chuckled when I noticed her flushed cheeks. “Who said that?” She knows I heard her. She is embarrassed.

“I know everything.” She rolled her eyes.

"I don't think, your mommy will appreciate this behaviour of yours. “ I couldn't help but laugh at her.

“She will never know.” Shrugging her bouncy shoulder, she looked away. I know, she has been eyeing the ducks on the lake, but she hasn't expressed her desire to see them.

“Jace can tell her.” I blackmailed her.

My words earned me attention from My young daughter. Her eyes widened with shock. She didn't expect this from me. I have never tried to force anything on her and now, she is scared, that her mommy will know that she's being a bad girl.

“I can ask Jace not to tell mommy if you ask mommy to talk to dad.” I offered.

“Please…” Jace joined.

“Fine…” Agreeing, “even I don't like That tattoo man.” She confessed.

“That tattoo man… You mean Theo Edwards?” I asked her.

“Yes… I think, he is at the store. He has been trying hard to talk to mommy.” Jace interrupted. “He always waits outside the store.”

Without waiting for other words, I carried the kids out of the park and drove to the store. “You will not have my family, Edwards, at any cost….” I groaned. “Even If I have to take Anna out of the picture.” that is when I realised. “I need Anna, to talk to my wife.”

.