Done.

Alright.

Finally.

I closed my project file and relaxed, watching my son and his friend drawing on the floor. They both are so busy that they didn't realise that I am watching them.

Little Ryan rolled on the floor and reached to Jamie to take another crayon. Jamie beamed and they started to talk. They both pointed at the figures on the floor and talked about various colours.

“They are supports of each other.” Taking the seat in front of me, she passed the cup of tea. “I know, you prefer tea.” She smiled with a knowing look and placed a blue cornflower on the table which represented positive hope for the future.

Sipping the flavorful liquid, I loosened up even more. With tea, I have two Best Friends and a real friend in front of me. What more I could ask for?

“Susan called me. She was sorry. She didn't want to leave, but her father is not well.” Trina passed me a plate full of cookies. When did she bring this?

“That's fine. I already told her. She was already guilty of the deeds of her mother-in-law, which is unnecessary. I mean, Norma did this. Why are her children guilty about it? David was broken when he entered into the house to surprise us. I was angry at him. But when he asked me where is his mom, I realised I am going to break his heart with my news. So, I didn't tell him anything. That should be between him and his mother. Daniel told him in front of me. That was so embarrassing. David run out of the house, like it was on fire." I laughed remembering that moment.

“Not just David, but George was guilty as well. He couldn't help his best friend.”

“No one could help. Mom was trying to separate Amy and Ryan Harrison. It was co-incident that I was pulled into the chaos.”

“Where is she? I never heard about any Amy with the infamous Ryan Harrison. His private life is never in the limelight.”

“She never contacted us. When I meet Annie, I thought she is Amy's daughter.”

“Where are twins?” She checked her wristwatch. “They should be here. Your driver… Worked for James. I don't trust his loyalty.”

“Yes, He is a chauffeur. And, Annie called me. James was at school to meet them.” Looking at Jamie, “Jace wanted to meet his dad." I said.

“Jace is very fond of James.”

***

We have hired the three students permanently who initially started their part-time job with us. They have been a great help, especially Evan. He makes sure Theo doesn't enter the shop.

Another addition to our team is Landon. He is the accountant who joined us. I assumed that the cab driver will never notify him. But he did. Landon has been working for David and us. It's a part-time job for him. None of us does full time, except David, who is efficient enough to handle his little business.

Everything was packed, and we are done for the day when the hustle at the counter grabbed our attention. I checked the time and realised that maybe Trina must have not put the closed sign at the door before leaving. Evan is here, and it must be hard for him to handle the stubborn people.

“Come on Jamie…” I called my boy and stepped to the counter.

“Listen… You…” We heard. It sounds like… Theo. He is allergic to roses, and he is inside a flower shop. Has he lost his sanity?

“Theo, get out. You are allergic to roses.” I yelled.

“He is red. But he is not leaving.” Evan is panicked. “I asked him, but he is not leaving.”

“Mommy.....” I heard Annie jumping through the door.

Looking at us, Jamie hugged me and I noticed him glaring at his sister. But she wasn't paying attention to us. She was glaring at Theo.

Suddenly, like a possessed person, she screeched and run to Theo. “Get out.” She pulled Theo.

“Annie… Please….” Theo tried to get out of her little grip. But she was persistent. “Leave me.” Yelling, Theo pulled out of her grip.

His scream was so loud that Annie flinched and fell on the floor. Jamie was so scared that he hugged me like his life depend on me. I even looked at Jace, whose little face turned fearful, and he rushed to James to hide behind him.

“You will never scream in front of kids…. ever,” I warned Theo.

“Sir, your allergy is causing you a problem,” Evan said, politely.

James mumbled something to Joe and leave Jace to him, before shifting his attention to Theo, who is about to faint.

“Never ever raise your voice around my kids.” James stormed towards Theo and dragged him to the couch. “Call an ambulance for him.” Demanding, James rush to Annie, who is still on the floor, crying. “It's fine… But what you did was not right…” James cooed her and took her in his arms.

“I… I… Don't… Like… Him….” Annie hiccuped with tears.

Wiping her tears, “it's good that you don't lie. But be polite.” He cooed her.

“He is meanie.” She sobbed.

“No, he is having fever.” James held Annie, tight.

Seeing the interaction of father-daughter, Jamie leave me and fly to them.

The person who gives my kids a sense of security is James. Standing at the top of the stairs, I see all three of them going to James for comfort. Whenever they are sad, they run to me, but when they feel danger around them, they always go to James.

All three of my kids are hugging James as their father will disappear if they didn't hold him — now.

I also see Joe and Evan taking Theo out of the shop. This is a must step. The roses are not Theo's friends. He was uncomfortable and Annie caused him… Whatever, and snapped at the 5-year-old kid. I understand his uneasiness, but he shouldn't have raised his voice. All the kids are scared now. Even I never raise my voice, despite the condition. I always try to control my uninvited emotion whenever kids are around. This is an unspoken law, and Theo broke it.

As I took to step down on the stair, James looked at me. He looked relieved and stood up, eagerly. He flashed me his enchanting smile and when I took another step down, I feel something.

There is no step.

Then.....

“Anastasia.....” James cried out.

Throwing my 2nd cup of coffee at the trash can, I finished my call. I have been trying to maintain my club through calls, but that seems impossible. I am not James carter who has an army of lawyers, accountants, and CEOs that will do the work for him. I am by myself. My club is elite, but it cost me efforts to run. By far, I have managed to have only one. Maybe in the future, I have another club with Anna.

I still feel guilty about my first work with Carter. My father owns 2 grocery stores In the heart of the city. I don't know why I wanted to contribute to the education of Trina when nobody asked me. I constantly try to give reason that, that was my brother instinct. I wanted to do something for my sister.

But there are other ways!!!

I regret it now. Anna and Trina, both, doesn't talk to me. I get to see Trina sometime as she visits mom to drop Ryan off.

Getting into the ca noticed 3 cars stopping in front of Anna and Trina's store. It must be James. Those cars are his signature. Three Black Maybach in a row on road always belongs to James Carter.

Without caring about myself, I stormed into the store. Doctors will take care of my health. I can't lose Anna.

.