His Broken Beauty

Xxsavage Surfer · 26 chapters · 23,292 words

Prologue

A flashback to the past back in high school when a naive, shy teenage girl stumbled into a nightclub under the influence of her peers.

She was 18 at the time and had just gotten out of a messy breakup with her ex boyfriend. It was the night after graduation and prom and she missed it cause she didn’t have a prom date.

After that one night,she woke up in the arms of a heavily tatooed man, she didn’t catch his name as she took off out of that hotel room doing the walk of shame to her apartment where she alone lived with her small kitten Pepper.

Afew weeks later she found out she was pregnant and a 9 months later,she gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy whom she named Jaxon.

She managed to go to college through online classes and looked after her son. She managed to get a Masters degree in Business Economics and Financial Management and Business Development.

A straight A+ student and a young responsible mother….

When she manages to land an interview at The Blackstone Holdings, she finds herself looking at the familiar face of her baby’s daddy.

Her boss,the CEO himself.

When she tries to quit her job, he catches on quickly as to what is going on and tries to get her back.

And he’ll stop at nothing until he has her and his son back in his arms.

|One|

years

ago

The

past

Sophia’s

POV

“Come on Soph it’ll be fun,I promise” I narrowed my eyes at my best friend Beverly as I sat on my bed,drowning myself in self pity since I caught my boyfriend cheating on me.

It happened a week before graduation and exactly 7 days before prom. I was gonna surprise my boyfriend Tristan since it was his birthday, he comes from a broken family and he doesn’t really celebrate his birthday but I wanted to.

Only to find myself surprised when I walked in on him getting it on with this chick from my bio class.

I remember dropping that birthday cake I put so much effort in decorating, cause let’s face it,I’m not the best icing cakes designer- or just a baker in general.

After that,I had just been so depressed in my apartment. Graduation was actually a good day…..that was until my mom showed up having an episode.

She was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and she wasn’t taking her medication, she caused a huge wreck and I just couldn’t show up for prom night- she completely wrecked the whole place but thankfully,the committee fixed the problem.

That wasn’t the only reason I couldn’t show up, its also cause I didn’t have a prom date.

“OK fine. But if we get in trouble,I’ll blame you” I warned her teasingly as she smiled like a creepy Cheshire cat.

“Trouble is my second name” she says and I raise an eyebrow at her.

“OK fine” she says after a give her a long stare.

So I’ve decided,no more wallowing myself in self pity. Tristan was an asshole for cheating on me, I didn’t do anything wrong.

I just hope I don’t do anything stupid tonight.

•°•°•°•°•°•°

“Damn girl, I knew you were an hourglass. Ooff ,Look at that ass” Beverly gushes as she told me to wear this extremely tight white short dress that ended around my mid thighs,just above my knees.

It had a good amount of cleavage but I didn’t feel too comfortable with it being so….open like this so I paired it with a leather jacket.

Thankfully,I wasn’t too lazy to shave…..everywhere so in case I loose my virginity tonight, I came prepared- Bev’s words,not mine.

I slid my feet into these criss cross belted Zara heel boot shoes which were pretty comfortable.

Beverly curled my blackish chestnut brown hair and did my ‘smoky’ eyeliner/ makeup thingy. My hair reached my waist,and it was in these really nice spiral curls form.

The dress hugged my curves perfectly and made my ass and boobs appear more…perfectly big? I don’t know. But not like oversized big.

“OK,let’s go girly” Beverly says as I picked up my hand purse which had my ID card,some loose cash and my iPhone 7+ in it.

•°•°•°•°•

We walked in, and I look around. No wonder this place is like famous in town. I look around to what I guess as the VIP booths and my eyes meet a pair of stormy gray eyes staring back at me.

He has tatooes covering his entire neck that is exposed since he’s wearing a plain white shirt that outlines his no doubt six PAC abs. His muscles flex against his leather jacket as he continues staring at me, only then do I realize,I’m staring at him.

I blushed,my curly hair covers my red cheeks from his view as Beverly takes my hand and drags me to the bar.

A shiver runs through my spine as I feel like I’m being stared at or someone’s watching me. Looking up, my view turns to a group of college jocks staring at Beverly and I, just gaping at us.

A few drinks at the bar, Beverly drags me to the dance floor, I don’t really know how to dance so I just sway my hips against Beverly as I lift my hands and run it all over my body,

“Damn girl” Beverly slurred and I blush feeling myself realize I kinda got caught up and a bit tipsy in the sensual music of Britney Spears, Slay.

“Hey, my friend and I wanna dance. Do you mind?” One of the blonde headed jocks from their table came over with his friend.

“This is Nate. I’m Mike” they introduce themselves.

Beverly dances with Michael guy and this other jock,Nate, I noticed who couldn’t stop staring at me the whole night came over. He gives me a smile and I fake one back before turning around.

Yeah,I don’t like the vibe I get from him. Kinda creepy. I mean like, why wouldn’t he stop staring at me. I know,call me cruel for leaving him hanging like that in the middle of the dance floor but I value my life. I mean like, why wouldn’t he stop staring at me?? Do I have something on my face?

I stumbled through the dance floor full of horny,drunk people grinding against each other,yes,along with Nate as well whose now dancing with this blonde girl.

The music is pretty loud making me almost deaf,the smell of sweat, strong perfume and cologne as well as alcohol makes me wanna sneeze.

How do you call this fun?

I make my way to the bar and take a seat.

“What can I get the pretty lady?I don’t think I’ve seen a beauty like you around here…” Says this good looking guy. He has unruly brown curly hair and bright blue eyes that seemed more appealing against the lit up different lights against the marble bar counter.

“Yeah, first time in a nightclub. But I-I’m legal though so yeah…. And I’d like a glass of water please” his face breaks out into a hearty laughter/ smile as I embarrassingly stuttered out.

“You come to the famous nightclub in town and you want water?how about I recommend you something. I promise,its not too strong for starters as yourself” I contemplate my choices.

Well I am in a nightclub bar,its only fair I got a drink….even though I already had like a few drinks with Beverly.

I guess….

“Um…yeah,sure. Thanks” I finish my answer awkwardly as he laughs again pouring me a drink in a glass.

I face palm mentally. Great!probably scared that guy off.

He places the fruity looking drink in front of me.

“I’m Sebastian by the way” he says drying one of the long beer glasses.

“I’m Sophia. But I go by Sophie sometimes. Pleased to meet you Sebastian” I said sipping on my drink.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

“You like it?” He asked looking hopeful making me nod.

“Not gonna lie,tastes kinda funny” I said laughing a little to lighten the mood looking down at my drink as I sip on it. Sebastian continues to stare at my face. My curly hair comes down to my face as I tucked it behind my ear.

“But its great. Thanks” I added as I fished out some cash from my purse.

“Its fine. Compliments of the gentleman over there” he says nodding his head and I look over to the upstairs section meeting the gray stormy gray eyes of the same covered neck tatooed guy from earlier when I first entered. I offer him a kind smile before I turn back to Sebastian who serves other people.

“Oh and as for that funny taste?its gin,on the rocks” I nodded interestedly at Sebastian as he smiles at me.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and I turned around seeing Nate.

“How bout we take this around back?” He asked slurring so I know he’s drunk. Red lights go off in my head and my heart races in fear when he places his hand on my thigh. I gulped.

“Um…uh, thanks…. but I’m waiting for my friend” I said making an excuse. I take his hand off me when he grips my wrist and drags me away.

Sebastian is too busy to see my tear stricken face.

“Please let go of me. You’re hurting me” I said in attempt to free my aching wrist.

“Shut up,we’re almost there” he says and I try to ground myself.

God,I should’ve just stayed home with Pepper.

Nate pushes me up the wall as I push him off with everything in me. He grips my hand harshly roughly slamming it over my head as tears slid down my cheeks. “Let go of me. Nate,please” I said half crying.

He obviously ignores my pleas as he stuffed his face in my neck,I feel his hands coming up my leg to my thighs

“Please stop…” I begged /crying quietly.

I feel his body getting pushed off mine as I watch the same gray eyed man roughly punch him over and over several times.

|Two|

(

Damian

Scarlatti

Valekov

Imagine

him

with

gray

eyes

and

upper body

full

tatooes

)

Previously

His Broken Beauty……

I feel his body getting pushed off mine as I watch the same gray eyed man roughly punch him over and over several times.

•°•°•°•°°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

The

past

Sophia’s

Bodyguards come in every corner as I feel my heart race in my chest.

The man who bought me a drink comes close to me. Too close for comfort.

“Did he hurt you?” He asked. His voice is gruff, his rich Russian/Italian accent is one I haven’t heard before.

I find myself shaking my head as I hold my no doubt dislocated wrist.

His eyes glance to my wrist. He reaches for them but I bring my wrist close to my chest indicating I don’t want him touching me.

I guess he got the memo and turned back to look at Nate whose clutching his bleeding nose, he walks over to him in powerful strides and delivers a gut wrenching kick to his….man part/thingy

“Fucking asshole” he cussed at Nate as he runs a hand through his dark black roots that’s neatly brushed. His bangs comes over his forehead.

He speaks in a foreign language, probably Italian or Russian and two of the buff built men take an unconscious Nate away.

“I’m not going to hurt you fiore. But I need you to come with me. I need to check out your wrist” he says and I contemplate my choices.

“Promise you won’t hurt me?” I asked in a whisper. I hear him breath out a sigh.

“I promise”

πππππππππππππππππππππ |•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•||•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

I sat on his kitchen counter as he got an ice pack on my now purple wrist.

I hissed in pain when he applied pressure on my wrist. “That hurts” I said as he walked away and came back a minute less later holding a red small wrap in first aid kit purse.

I watched him work so delicately with me. “I….I never got your name Mister….” I said quietly.

He looks up,his stormy gray eyes falls on my lips before he looks me in the eyes.

“Damian. Damian Valekov” he says and I nod. Hmm, name sounds familiar.

“Pleasure to meet you Mr Vale-kov. I’m Sophie” I said and his lips twitch up a bit before it pulls back down in a thin line.

“Pleasures all mine fiore” his reply was. His voice was deep and had a double meaning undertone to it.

|Three|

The

past

Sophia’s

POV

I had woken up the next morning feeling a heavy arm on my hip. I looked down seeing a tattoo covered arm draped over my exposed Calvin Klein lingerie covered butt.

I feel a warm breath on my shoulder blade as well as an extremely warm body up close my back.

What happened?!!

Memories after memories came into my head as I blushed.

I looked around the room,sitting up a bit,careful not to move the beefy looking tatooed arm over my lower half grazing my inner thigh. He’s rich,alright?which also means,he’s probably a player too. I blushed when the memories of him taking me almost everywhere in his room.

His couch,the coffee table,by the walls, on the bed-multiple times might I add, the bathroom counter, the bathroom shower place, the bathtub, and the jacuzzi.

I looked down at the blood stain on the white bedsheets.

There goes my v card right there.

I quietly got outve bed but froze when his arms tightened around me and he nuzzled into my shoulder.

“Sophie…..baby ,five more minutes” he mumbles tiredly as my eyes widen as saucers.

How does he know my name?maybe I told him last night….. I can’t remember.

Speaking of names,what’s his name? I don’t remember…..

I got outve bed, thankfully. He frowns as his arms reach out for me I guess as I place my pillow over to him and he hugs it.

Awww, cute. If only I knew his name…

Daniel?Danzel?Darnell? Drew?Damien?Donovan?

Doesn’t ring the bell.

Dory?

Yeah no…..

My head pounds so much and I clutch my aching head as I pick up all my clothes quietly sliding them on again.

Thank god I had my panties on.

I run a hand through my hair before I pick up my purse turning on my phone seeing multiple missed calls from Beverly and my mum.

I quickly tip toed out of his house like mansion. OK cross that off,it is a mansion.

I walked to the front gate and the security easily let me go out.

•°•°•°•°•

days

later

“You what?!!” Beverly says excitedly as she gapes at me.

“I…..I slept with him but I don’t remember his name” I said as I stacked the books that just came in.

Since school is over,I’ll be working full time now at the public library just until I can pay off my full fees for my college choices.

I was thinking of The University of Riverdale, its just a close one to home…literally,its like around town and stuff.

Not the cheapest I’ll admit, but its got one of the best business law programmes which I’m very much interested in.

It costs like $130,000 dollars full course programme. I get to graduate with honors program and degrees in Business Law and Business Economics, if I work really hard…

The public library is owned by this very nice man called Mr Davis Porters, he also happened to own the condominium apartments that I live in, he works for a man named Mr Russo. The name is certainly familiar,yet doesn’t ring the bell.

Oh well….

Mr and Mrs Porters were so kind to me that they only let me pay half of a full months rent. They even let me call them mum and dad cause they can’t have children of their own.

Anyways,its been two days since it happened. Everything is as normal as it can be.

Bev’s phone chiming gets me out of my thoughts as I stocked in John Gresham’s books.

“Ass face!OK, Sophia,I gotta go. I’m late for my figure skating practice this afternoon at the rink. I thought it was 4:30” she rambled as she picks up her things.

I check my brown leather banded,worn out wristwatch. “Its quarter past seven” I said and she cusses again.

“Talk later. Love you” she yells from down the hallway as she rushed out.

“Love you too” I said back as I continue setting all the books.

I take out the empty boxes to the back before I male it up front to Mrs Porter.

“There you are love. Do you have plans this evening?” Mrs Porter asked and I shake my head.

“That’s great. Dad and I would like to invite you over for dinner,if you don’t mind of course” I smiled as she caressed my face, tucking my long chestnut brown bangs behind my ear.

“Of course not. I’ll see you there. Would you like me to make something?” I asked making her smile

“Your father sure loves that chocolate fudge you make, love” I nodded returning the smile.

“I’ll see you there,with the chocolate fudge of course” I said as she pecks my head.

“Be safe” she says as I grab her furry brown trench coat and help her into it.

“You sure you’ll be OK closing up?” She asks and I nodded.

“Go on Ma. I’ll come later” she smiles caressing my chin one more time before pecking the top of my head.

“I’ll see you later my love” she says as she finally leaves.

I start closing up the big library before I make my way to the front and lock up,making sure to turn on the CCTV camera footage as well as leave some left over muffins from this morning’s breakfast for Larry,the homeless guy I always meet up front.

I walked out,wrapping my trench coat around myself as my heeled boots make clicking noises against the concrete pavement.

My hair,much to my surprise,was still curly from curling it the other day.

“Hi Larry” I waved at the middle aged man with the supermarket cart.

Yeah,they’re gonna start looking for that soon…..

“Hello Ms Porters” he says and I smiled. The only person who calls me that…..

“Here are some left over breakfast from this morning. Cinnamon rolls and cookies. Here’s five bucks,maybe buy yourself a nice cup of coffee” I said as I give him the brown bag of food.

“Thank you Sophia. You are very kind. God bless you, and I hope you find happiness. True happiness” I give him a soft smile before I wave at him and he leaves.

I walk down the busy street when I see a familiar someone.

“S-Sebastian?”

|Four|

This

how

imagined

Sebastian

^^^^^^

^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°^°

Previously on His Broken Beauty:

I walk down the busy street when I see a familiar someone.

“S-Sebastian?”

•••••••

The

past

Sophia’s

POV

“Hello beautiful” he cheesily remarks and I blushed.

“Where are you going?” I asked as we walked down the cold,busy street of 4th street, Porter Avenue.

“I was just walking around. You live around here?” He asks and I shake my head making my hair come over my face and I tuck it behind my ear.

“No,I live in an apartment not far from here” I said as he continues staring at me.

“What?” I asked as he slowly grinned.

“You’re really pretty. Like,no jokes-drop dead gorgeous” I blushed at his words.

“Stop it” I said mid laughing as a tinted blush covered my cheeks.

“No,like honestly, how are you single?” He asks as we walked down the pavement.

“Um…well?….I just got outve a messy break up with my now ex boyfriend. He….he cheated on me” I said the last part as I feel tears stinging my eyes.

I wipe my tears with my glove covered hands.

I held my hands over my face as I feel arms wrapped around me. I sniffled into his scarf covered neck and chest as he hugs me tightly.

“I got you Sophie. I’m here. And I promise,I’m never letting go” he says into my ear as he tightened his hold on my waist.

I pulled away from the hug. “Sorry about that….I….I have a family get together that I need to get ready for” I said as I wiped away my tears.

“Sure. Do you want me to drop you off at your apartment?” I just shook my head.

“I don’t wanna offend you or anything but I still consider you a stranger and I can’t really trust you with my location” I said honestly as I hear him laugh.

“Its fine,non taken actually. But…you can get to know me sometime” he says with a cheesy grin and I laugh a little.

“Are you asking me on a date?” I asked him.

“Am I that bad?” He retorts and I shake my head with a smile.

“No” I said as he raises his brows at me with a pointed look.

“OK yeah…. I mean,that was the cheesiest pickup line I’ve ever heard. But if the offer still stands for tomorrow,count me in” I said as he smiles at me.

The kind of smile on a kid’s face when they got what they wished for,for Christmas. Wish I knew what that felt like….

“Yeah,totally. I’ll see you tomorrow for our date. Do you want me to come pick you up?or do you wanna just meet up at a spot you feel comfortable with?” He asked.

“Can we meet at the Bruno’s cafe tomorrow? My shift ends around at like 5 or 6 at latest. We can go see that winter carnival and my best friend will be skating at the rink stadium” he nods.

“Wait,your best friend is the loud, blonde party girl?” I nodded laughing at the nickname he gave for her.

Wait till I tell her.

“Yep,the one and only” I said and he smirks.

“Now I’m intrigued. How does someone that outgoing be best friends with someone quiet and shy good girl as yourself?” I laugh at his statement.

“Good girls are bad girls who haven’t been caught yet” I said with a smirk as his eyes widen and I burst out giggling at his shocked face.

“I’m just kidding. A lot of people actually ask me that. Beverly and I have been best friend since…..since kindergarten. I was getting bullied by this girl who said mean but truthful things about my parents and she stood up for me and told the girl to shut up before and I quote ‘or I will punch a hole in your face’ “ I said to him and he laughs,with me.

“No way” he says and I nod mid laughing.

“Yes way. It was one of the best days of my life” I said reminiscing the memory in my head.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow” he says staring at me. His bright blue eyes stared at my bluish gray ones,

“I…..I have to go now” I said as he nods looking down as I see a small yet noticeable red tint on his cheeks.

Oh my god,is he…..blushing? Awww…….

“Yeah,sure…um OK. I’ll see you around? I mean,like tomorrow and stuff” He asked hopeful as I nodded with a soft dimpled smile.

“Yeah. I’ll see you tomorrow” I said as he nods leaving me where I was and walking away.

I smiled walking away.

|Five|

years

later

The

present

Sophia’s

POV

An ear piercing scream of ‘mommy!’ wakes me up from my unconscious state of sleep as I rushed out of my cabin room and burst open the door of my 8 year old sons bedroom.

Jaxon was awake on his bed sweating as he breathed heavily. “Ma” he whispers as he sees me. Jake was sleeping soundly-he was always a heavy sleeper.

I rush over to Jaxon and embrace him in a hug.

“Shh,its OK baby. Mommy’s here” its been exactly 10 years and 2 months since everything else happened.

Sebastian wasn’t who I thought he was. After that date 10 years ago, we got to know each other, The Porters of course didn’t like him,said something about him being shady and stuff but I didn’t listen. I guess I fell for him, he was funny,smart and such a dork…. Or so I thought.

One night,after a few weeks when we were dating,two weeks to be exact,he asked if we could go to his hotel room. I agreed and we went there. He was 20 and I was 19 since my birthday was like around the time so we were basically legal.

He changed that night. He became so rough with me. He’d boss me around to wear long baggy clothes,which honestly was fine by me but then he would get super jealous when I spoke to a guy.

I remember this tourist who came from China was looking for the theme park and asked me for directions, when we got home he started accusing me of lying to him,that I was seeing another man when he was working,which is not true.

He would slap me and punch me around and I’d take it. He’d always remind me that every time I tried to leave him, he would beat me up till I was bleeding in my own pool of blood which honestly freaked me out.

He gave me a promise ring saying that I will forever belong to him. When I started throwing up around the fourth week,he assumed I was pregnant,which I was…. Just,not with his child. But of course if I told him,he would probably kill me and my child.

The boys were soon born but what freaked me out was that they looked nothing like Sebastian, which Sebastian had brown straight locks,the boys rather had curly black hair, tan skin complexion and the brightest gray stormy eyes I’d ever seen . The boys were two at the time, when he came home drunk and wanted to sleep with me. I obviously didn’t want that so he beat me up, to the point where I nearly lost my life and had a miscarriage to his only child. I was about a few weeks old.

I reported him and we went to court against sexual and physical assault. He went to jail and rehabilitation center to get better while I raised my boys. 10 years later now and he still hasn’t been released.

I didn’t let what happened to me get in my head so after a year of therapy,when the boys were around 3, I decided to go to college.

10 years later now,I’d already graduated from the local university with honors under Business Economics and Business Law and I work for Hillcrest Hotel that is located by the mountain side not far from town. Since it snows around here most of the tin,its really got this breathtaking view.

I work as the general manager and I’m able to provide for my boys.

“Mommy….I-I…..do-don’t l-leave please?” Jaxon asks hiccuping out every word.

“I’m right here baby. Mommy’s here. No need to be worried” I said as I kiss his black curly locks that really needs a haircut soon.

His stormy gray eyes stare at me tear stricken and it breaks my heart.

“P-promise?” He asks and I wrap my pinkie finger around his small pinkie finger kissing my end of the closed fist like our tradition promise.

“I promise baby” I said as he hugs me and I lay down with him.

I don’t know how Jake and Jaxon are twins but they are anything but alike. Sure,they look like their father,whom I still don’t know his name but they have completely different personalities.

Jake is outgoing,loud and friendly while Jaxon is closed off,quiet and shy. Kids at his school are always intimidated by him so he doesn’t really have any friends. He kinda reminds me of his father the night we’d met in that nightclub.

Intimidating…..a mystery itself…

No one but Jake and I get to see this side of Jaxon. He usually keeps a straight face on in public. Always quiet. Independent and closed off, it kinda scares me.

Makes me question if I’m being a good enough mother to the both of them.

“Jaxon?mommy?” I hear Jake as I look over to his bed.

He grins the sleepy tired grin before he makes his way over to us,slipping in from the other side of Jaxon.

“Bad dream again?” Jake asks as Jaxon nods turning away from me as Jake takes ahold of his hand.

“Tell you what….I’m gonna hold your pinkie with mine. This way,in our sleep,I always promise not to leave you” Jake says and Jaxon nods as Jake extends his free arm to get their blanket over them.

I slip out of their bed and kiss their heads both as I make my way

|Six|

(I imagined her as Sophia Kings)

Sophia’s

POV

“Jaxon?Jake?wake up” I said softly as I shake the boys softly awake.

Jakes icy gray eyes stared up at me as Jaxon stretched out on his bat mobile car bed.

Jake gets outve bed as he enters their bathroom and Jaxon climbs out as well but comes over to where I sat on his bedside and hugs me.

“Morning mommy” he mumbles tiredly and I smile as I ruffle over his hair.

“Good morning baby boy” I said as he pouts and I smile a dimpled smile knowing he doesn’t like being called a baby.

“Sorry love . Now,go get ready for school” I said with a smile as he gives me a dimpled grin,his gray orbs shining with excitement. Much like myself, Jaxon loves school.

He disappears into their bathroom as I leave their room after picking up their Lego league toys in the big Lego bucket before placing it by their toys corner.

I leave walking downstairs and getting their lunch and our breakfast ready. I put a good amount of breakfast and individual cereals in a bowl with milk, I place them on the dinner table with their orange juice. They attend a private school around here, Hillcrest Private School.

As much as I hate what had happened in my past,I couldn’t find the courage to leave this place. This is home. Its where Mr Porter (dad)and Mrs Porter(mum) live as well as Beverly- my kids godmother and their aunt.

Its where I learned a lot of things growing up, people in this town were super nice to me and the boys when they heard what happened with Sebastian and I.

We live in a much comfortable environment around here. My job gave me the opportunity to provide for my boys, we had a nice home,car and I pay the bills,I don’t need a man.

I quickly rush upstairs,not panting thanks to my morning and evening runs on my treadmill in my room, I quickly shower and get dressed in leather brown professional dress pants that I prepared and ironed out last night before bed, along with a white top that showed my cleavage pretty good. I curled my waist length hair and fixed up my makeup- red lipstick,concealer, and mascara. Done. I fixed on a pearl necklace and matching earrings as well as a leather band Lores wristwatch over my wrist. I brushed my teeth and popped in a mentos mint candy.

I slipped into a pair of black stiletto heels before grabbing my stylish woman’s briefcase where I put all my finished files after I was done with them last night.

I walked downstairs seeing them having breakfast. They finish their cereals-as usual. Ate their waffles and pancakes and half of their apple and orange juice.

“Good morning Mrs Hernandez” I said politely at our house maid,she’s family to us. We always invite her family over for holiday occasions like Christmas and thanksgiving, or just the boys birthday.

“Good morning ma’am” she replies in a heavy Hispanic accent.

Our house maid, Mrs Hernandez zips up the boys TMNT and Batman lunch box bags as Jake both washed their hands with sanitizers.

I brush Jaxon’s messy hair and he rolls his eyes but let’s me brush it anyways. The boys are in matching Hillcrest private school uniforms. Gray shirt,navy blue vest sweater with their school’s golden threaded monogram on it, gray fix on tie and gray knee length pants, black shoes and navy blue below knee socks.

Jake and Jaxon both have their full set of uniform on as I see them helping each other with their bags. Awww,how sweet.

I quickly snap a picture with my iPhone 7+ as Jaxon glares at me. So cute,I snap another picture of him as Jake fixes his straps.

“Maaaa” he whines and boop his nose as he scrunches it in frustration.

“Oh hush. You boys ready?” I ask as they nodded. I grabbed my handbag apart from my file bag, and the car keys to my car ad we walked out.

Once we’re outside, I unlock the car doors to my gray Jeep Cherokee and they quickly get in the back. I walked around the garage and Mrs Hernandez shows up with two different mini duffel bags.

The boys are on the schools sports team. Jaxon has soccer and Jake has baseball.

Upon seeing me from the car,the boys get out again and take their individual bags to the back of the car.

Once we’re all in, I put on a song- Dance in the dark by Digamma. We had this song downloaded into our music drive from the cartoon Home.

As we drove down into town, we sang to the song in our extremely terrible,ear bleeding voices.

Taking the usual route to the boys school, I first made a stop at the bakery/coffee shop where they make my coffee the way I like it. I remember working here part time when I was in college. The Porters public library had closed down and they were renewing the building, so I got another job-right here at the Palmers bakery and coffee place💁☕☕

It even has this new small library corner if you wanna borrow a book to read.

The bell chimes as the boys walked in first and I also walked in.

“Mommy can I have a piece of chocolate fudge please? “ Jake asked as I saw the new batch of freshly baked goods.

Yum.

“Yeah sure. Jaxon? What about you?” I asked Jaxon as he looked at the treats,so many to choose from.

“Can I have an peanut butter Oreo flavored donut?” He asks and I nod as I quickly make my order for a large cup of coffee latte, along with a nice piece of cinnamon rolls for my morning tea at work.

“Ms Kings. Fancy seeing you here” Mark, my son’s best friend’s father says and I smiled at him politely.

Mark is also my age, he’s a single father, recently moved here to Riverdale. His son Danny happens to be Jakes best friend. Unlike Jake, Danny attends a public school- Riverdale Elementary school- the same one I used to attend when I was little.

“Good morning Mark. And yeah, just getting coffee and a little treat for the boys and I” I said as Mary Leah,the new worker around here gave us our parcels in brown bags with our names on it.

“Oh OK… Have a nice day” he waves at us. I wave back.

“You too Mark” I said casually as I open the door for the boys and we walked to the car.

|Seven|

(

Mark

Wykeham

Sophia’s

not

secret

admirer

)

Sophia’s

POV

“Be good OK?I’ll see you in the evening. Maybe we can drop by at grandma and grandpa” I told the boys as they got outve the car and I got out with them.

“Yay!” Jake said as he hears what I say about visiting his grandparents. I kiss his head as he walks away to the group of boys his age waiting for him. All neatly dressed in their uniforms.

I turn to Jaxon. “You gonna be OK kiddo?you have your cellphone I gave you,right?” I asked him and he nods.

“Bye” I said as he walks away going straight inside.

Their second grade teacher Mr Michaels opens the door as Jaxon walks in,head down.

He waves at me and I wave back before I get back in my car and the line of cars continue as I drive out of the big school’s drive thru and parking spot…

I drove down town and turned uphill to the resort where I work. Its a bit more secluded area. Its in the woods by the hills.

The whole place is beautiful yet has a modern touch to it.

Its one of those very highly recommended resort hotels on Home & Living magazines.

Once I drive over to the staff parking lot pavement, I get out of my car, lock it with a simple press of a remote button after I’ve taken out all my file case,hand bag and my coffee and food.

I walked through the entrance after sliding my hotel ID card on the screen slot provided. It glows green and the sliding doors depart as I walk in.

“Good morning Ms Kings” an employee says as I greet them back.

“Good morning Samantha. How are you?” I asked her kindly.

“I’m good,thank you. Here,let me help you with that” she says as she takes my file bag and handbag from me.

“Thank you Sam. I hope you got those questionnaires answered” I said as she nodded,her ponytail bobbing slightly.

“Yeah,I did. Thanks for your help though. I had a good feedback report from Dr Lee” she says. Samantha is a receptionist at our resort. She works for the spa pala around here which I also manage.

She’s a college student who moved here from Chicago and goes to the local university here. She’s studying to become a manager.

We reach my office on the fifth floor as I thank her for the help.

“Let me know if you’re facing complications with school and stuff and I’ll help you out and stuff “ I told her as she places my things on my leather couch in the office.

“Yeah,OK. Thank you Ms Kings. Have a nice day” she says leaving closing the door behind her softly.

I quickly get settled in.

|Eight|

I’m busily working on my computer about recent installments and the budget that should be made for the resort and for my presentation this evening when there’s a soft knock at my door, I see the time and its 12:38.

“Come in” I say as the door opens and my boss, the owner of the resort walks in. I stand up,slightly adjust my wristwatch as I greet them with a smile.

“Mr and Mrs Hillcrest. Please,come in” I say as they smiles walking in,

Thank goodness the office is clean. It smells like fresh coffee and the air con system which is OK.

I call in my PA when I press a button on the telephone.

They have a seat as I join just in time for my PA to knock and open the door.

“Good morning sir…..ma’am” Jane greets the bosses before turning to me.

“ You called for me Ms Kings?“ I hear her ask.

“Yes. Can you get us three cups of coffee?two cappuccino and a dark latte mocha” she nods as I hand her my credit card.

“Mr Hillcrest?Mrs Hillcrest?would you like something to eat with you’d coffees?” I asked politely.

“No thank you for me” Mr Hillcrest says.

“I’ll have a small blueberry muffin” she says and I turn to look at Jane.

“And a blueberry muffin for Mrs Hillcrest. I’ll get a chicken wrap with the usual KFC . You can also buy yourself something for lunch” I told her as she thanks me and leaves.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” I asked, sitting down on the single couch as they took the leather long couch opposite from me.

“Well, there is a resort promotion project occurring in New York from next week. All reservations and accommodation will be taken care of. Every 5 star hotels and resorts around the world are to compete, my wife and I think we should send you, I mean, you’ve been in the industry not long yet you’ve done so much. The profit percentage we’re getting are sky rocketing since you’ve taken over. So what do you say Sophie?” Mr Hillcrest asks.

“I……yes. It would be a great privilege to represent Riverdale and Hillcrest Resort in New York. Looking forward to it sir…..” I said and soon we’re emerging into a different conversation about our daily lives.

The Hillcrest couple are like family to us. They consider me like their own daughter and treat my kids like they are their grandchildren.

“I’ll make sure to bake those cookies again for the boys” Mrs Hillcrest says and I nod.

“Oh yes. The boys love it. Jake is always wanting me to bake those but I can’t bake them as well as you do Mrs Hillcrest” she laughs and waves me off.

“Oh stop it darling. You flatter me” she says in her heavy British accent.

“How is Hayden by the way?” I asked.

“Hayden is well. His last year in business law school before he comes here and takes over my place. Of course, your place is well secured. I don’t think we can loose you Sophia” Mr Hillcrest says and I blush..

“Thank you sir” just then the door opens and Janet walks in with various parcel foods.

“Two cappuccinos, one dark latte mocha. A blueberry muffin, chicken salad wrap, and the usual KFC combo serve” Janet repeats as she places our food on the table.

“Thank you Janet. Did you get yourself something to eat?” I said asking her.

“Yeah. I also got KFC. Thank you Ms Kings for buying me lunch” she says as she hands me my card with both hands. A sign of respect around here.

“Your welcome Janet. Enjoy” I said as she leaves.

“You’re very nice to your employees Sophie. That’s really nice to see” I shrug sipping on my coffee latte.

“Well, I see it like, do unto others what you want others to do unto you. I treat them kindly,with respect, they don’t disappoint and do their job well and they respect me. Win win” I said.

“Well, we’ll be on our way then dear. Have a nice day Sophia. Give my love to the boys. Shall we have dinner together tomorrow?” Mrs Hillcrest asks.

“Sure. The boys will be excited for that one” I say as they both chuckle and leave. After they leave, I eat lunch.

|Nine|

My phone rings as I walked outve the conference room where I presented my next budget for the resort.

I’m planning on getting installation for a kids club around here. Something for every age group. Its been approved and we have more than enough budget for it, so I need to arrange for a construction company that can be reachable within the budget of the resort.

I run my hand through my loose curled hair that cascades down my chest and waist as I picked up the call.

“Sophie Kings speaking” I say in my usual business monotone.

“Hello Sophia. Its Jeff. Jake and Jaxon’s teacher” I frowned.

“Are the boys OK?did something happen?” I asked all too quickly as Janet gives me a worried look.

She’s always been attached to the boys. I hand her the files and blueprints of the new hotel building as she walks back to my office.

“No, no. Non of that sort. The boys are fine. But Jaxon had a bit difficulty breathing in gym class and so I wanted to ask if he has asthma or any special pills to take. Is everything alright at home?” He asks.

“Everything is fine Jeffrey. I mean, Mr Larson. Should I come pick him up from school?” I asked again as I walked to the closed elevator and waited for it to open.

“No its fine. The nurse says,he’s not having enough sleep and has been missing out meals and stuff. Should I be worried,is everything OK at home?” He asks again.

“Yeah. Everything is fine. Its just…..I….I don’t know how to raise them like boys. They need a father and I’m afraid my love isn’t enough for them…..” I can’t stop my tears that fall freely down my cheeks as I fast walk down the hallway and have a seat against the window spot holding my face.

“Hey,Sophie don’t say that. Look I—”

“I’m sorry, this is so out of context. I have to go Mr Larson” I said as I cut the call, he was still saying something.

Am I good mother to my boys?!what if they find another woman and start calling them mommy?!

I wipe my tears as I hear my name being called.

“Sophia?you OK?” I look up at one of my team members.

Luke.

He came from Australia. Sandy blonde hair, bright blue eyes,tall, tan skin complexion and a smile that could melt the heart of high school and college girls.

But of course I’m not too close with him. I don’t think I’ll ever trust men after what happened between Sebastian and I ,10 years ago

“Yeah. I’m fine” I said wiping away my tears.

“Its OK. Come ere” he says pulling me into a hug.

“Here you go” he says handing me his pocket hangardchief.

I laugh a little amidst crying as I wipe my tears away. He still has his hands on my lower back holding me and I uncomfortable so I step away from him.

A hurt look covers his face as he sees me pull away from him but he covers it up with a sad smile.

“Talk to me Soph” he says and takes ahold of my hand as he pulls me to sit next to him.

He loosens up his tie, as he waits patiently for me.

“I…..its nothing. Just some complications with the boys is all” I say.

“Come on Sophie. Don’t give me that shit” he says and I sigh.

“I……what if I’m not being a good enough mom to the boys?I mean, I can’t teach them boys stuff. Like what happens if they meet a girl or boy they might like?how am I suppose to teach them how to approach the person they have a crush on? What if someone’s bullying them?do I teach my boys to fight back,or just come home and tell me? What about their soccer games?whose to give them boy pep talk? All I do is scream my lungs out from the bleachers when they’ve got the ball and stuff….. I mean,do they even have pep talks?!what happens when they’re nervous for an exam or something?or when that time comes when they have a man to man talk?! Or talking about treating about the person they care about? What if I say something sensitive?!! “ I ask, more like ramble on… He gives me a bewildered look.

“Sophie, listen to yourself when you speak. You care about all these little things. They all matter so much to you that it makes you cry and become so nervous, which shows you care about them…a lot. Pep talks?man to man talk?safe sex talk? Babe,they’re only 8, not 18, you think way too much into this. When the time comes,you’ll know what to say. You’re really smart, you’ll know what to say, I can guarantee that… You are the best mom those boys could ever ask for. You’re so gentle and kind yet firm and smart. You care about them so much and you love them so much,and that’s all that matters. But if you still need help in that department, I’m always free to help you with the boys” he says and I awe mentally in my head.

“Thank you Luke. I appreciate it. I have to go, I have to finish some paperwork and stuff” I said as he nods standing up with me. He shoves his hand in his pocket. Basically, he still towers over me even when I’m in heels.

sigh the life of a midget.

|Ten|

(

Jeff

Larson

The

twins

school

teacher^^^

)

Sophia

Kings

POV

“Baby!!” I say excitedly as Jake runs into my arms.

“Mommy” he says as he gives my cheek a peck.

“Awe. What was that for?” I asked. He shrugs as I run my hand through his neatly cut curly hair.

“We’re still going to grandma and grandpa right?” He asks rocking back and forth on his heels and I nod, my hair coming over to my face as I tucked it behind my ear.

“Of course. Where’s Jaxon?” I asked.

“I’m here” Jaxon says as I looked at him with a gentle smile.

“Hi baby” I say pulling him into a hug.

“Maaaa” he whines as he hugs me back embarrassed. Burying his face in my neck as I feel soft tears on my skin.

“Hey,hey, what’s wrong?” I asked him patting his back softly.

“Mommy,is something wrong with me?” He asks and I shake my head breaking the hug.

“No of course not. Why, is everything OK?” I asked as he nodded then shook his head when I give him a pointed look.

“No……OK,yes. Something’s wrong. I went to see Ms Nancy, the school nurse,and she says, I need to sleep a lot” I peck his cheek.

“And what’s the problem with sleeping?” I asked.

“N-nothing. Its just…..whenever I sleep I get nightmares. I don’t want nightmares mommy” he says as I peck his head.

“Its gonna be OK Jaxon. I promise. We’re all sleeping in mommy’s room tonight OK?” I told him as he nods.

“Sophie?can we have a minute? Please?…” Jeff…..I mean,Mr Larson says and I nod kissing both boys on the top of their heads as they both get in the car.

“Are you OK?” He asks me and I nod.

“Yeah….I just. I’m sorry,I had a melt down through the phone. It was completely unprofessional of me to just start pouring out my feelings through the phone. I’m really sorry” I said as he stuffed his hand in his pockets.

“Its fine, I didn’t mind . I….I can’t say I understand where you’re coming from cause I don’t have kids of my own, but I’m always here if you need to talk” he says almost nervously.

“Thank you Jeff. I mean,Mr Larson” I said as he gives me a smile.

“Its fine Sophie. Jeff is fine with me” he says and I check my wristwatch.

“I’m just gonna go. The kids and I are visiting their grandparents and I have to get home to make something to take” he waves off his hand at me.

“Tsk, its fine. But I…..you know what?enjoy your dinner” he says and I thank him again before I get in the car and drive off.

|Eleven|

(

Hayden

Hillcrest

, only son

and

Mrs

Hillcrest

)

Sophia’s

POV

I put on red lipstick over my lips and curled my hair in long loose curls before I patted down my dress.

I put some of the portion of my curly hair to the front over my chest area,while the rest of my hair cascaded down my back.

I put on mascara and some face powder that compliments my light brown eyes.

I wore a simple black dress with white patterns on it as well as black sandal heels. The dress is a wrap around so it kinda hugs my body perfectly. My waist is small but my hips a slightly wider and i have a little cleavage,

I still have my rose gold wristwatch on as I walked out of my room into the boys conjoined room.

I quickly bathed the both of them in the bathtub,careful not to get any water on my dress. “Mommy you look pretty” Jake says and I smiled at him kissing his wet cheek.

“Yeah mommy,you do” Jaxon added.

“Thank you my babies…” I said as they play a bit in the water,with all their pirate boats, yellow ducks and blue puffy net scrubs for kids…

“Alright,time to get out’ve the water” I said as they pout and give me the puppy dog eyes.

Resist Sophia. Resist.

That’s right boys,you can’t––

“OK fine. 5 more minutes, before you’re officially out” they both break out into beaming smiles.

Dang it.

“Love you mommy” Jaxon says and I kiss his forehead as he playfully glared at me.

“Love you more. And, I’ll be getting your clothes ready. Please don’t play too harshly in the water and don’t get water in your ears” I instruct them, as they both nod.

“Yes mommy” they say in unison as I turn around and leave.

I get out their different denim blue pair of jeans, white monster truck shirt for Jake and black monster truck shirt for Jaxon.

Their sneakers collection are so cute. They both wear sneaker converse, black for Jaxon and gray for Jake.

“Mommy,we’re done!” I hear Jake yell as I walked to the bathroom with their different body towels.

Batman for Jaxon, and Paw Patrol for Jake.

|Twelve|

(

Sophia’s

dress^^^^)

Sophia

Kings

“Hello!” I said as I held the dish of baked chicken as Jaxon held the glass dish of mashed potatoes and Jake held the bowl of salad.

“You’re here!!come in. Come in dear” my mom, Mrs Porters says as we walked in.

“Oh my handsome grandchildren. Give Nana a big hug. I’ve missed you” she says as the boys placed the things on the dinner table before hugging her.

“I thought I heard my grandchildren come in” dad,aka Mr Porter says as the boys ran to dad screaming ‘papa!’ in unison.

I give mum a hug.

“You look beautiful my darling” mom says as she pulls me into a hug.

“Thank you. How are you?” I asked her as she smiled at me.

“I’m well now that you and the boys are here” I blushed as she pecks my head.

“And when I said to bring yourselves. Did I mention to bring food?” She asks pointedly at me as I shrugged.

“No, but I wanted to…. Besides—” I stop mid sentence when the doorbell rang.

“Oh that must be Jannis and Henry” mum says more to herself than me.

“Sweetheart,can you be such a dear and get the food dished out. I forgot to mention we invited the Hillcrest’s over” I nodded at mum as she kisses my cheek and leaves to greet them.

I busy myself putting the different dishes on the table when I hear an unfamiliar voice ask from behind me.

“Need help?” Turning around I’m met with a tall muscular looking man with deep blue eyes and blonde hair like Mrs Hillcrest’s.

“Thank you. Its all finished around here” I said as he smiles at me.

“Can I know your name beautiful?” I can’t help but blush.

“Sophia Kings. Sophie for short. And you are?” I said as he puts out his hand and I hesitantly shake it.

“Oh so you’re the infamous Sophia my parents wont shut up about. Well, my pleasure to meet you Sophie. I’m Hayden Hillcrest” he says.

So this is Hayden.

“Oh I see you two have met” Mrs Hillcrest says and I break my hand shake away from Hayden’s firm but not painful grip.

“Mum, you failed to mention she’s drop dead gorgeous” Hayden says and I blush tucking a strand of my curled strands behind my ear.

“I knew you two were good for each other” Mrs Hillcrest gushed as my eyes widened and I turned to Hayden who has this smug look on his face.

Um…..what’s going on?

“Oh Jannis stop it. You know my daughter doesn’t like being pressured into all those things” mum easily defends me as I give her a thankful smile,yet it doesn’t reach my eyes the way it usually does.

I feel uncomfortable….

I feel a hand on my back and I am startled seeing my mums eyes on me.

“Sophie,are you OK ,love?” She asks as her eyes softened and I find myself nodding yet the ringing background in my ears tells me otherwise.

“Excuse me” I said as I walked upstairs to the bathroom and shut the door behind me as I feel myself breathing way too fast.

My heart is racing in my chest as tears threatened to escape.

Don’t cry Sophia. Don’t freaking cry.

I blink away my tears and look at myself in the mirror.

There comes a knock to the door and I hear mum’s muffled voice.

“Sophie?baby,are you OK?” She asks and the door knob jiggles.

“Um….yeah…..yeah, I’m fine. I just need a minute please” I say,my voice echoing off the tiled walls of the bathroom.

“OK honey. Just come down when you’re ready” she says before she leaves.

After I take in deep breaths, I leave walking downstairs seeing everyone chatting away and the sound of clattering of plates.

They all quietened down when I show myself. “Mommy!” The boys say in unison as they hug my thighs/legs.

“Mommy,where did you go?” Jake asks as two pair of stormy gray eyes stare at me.

“I just….needed to use the bathroom” I said with a fake smile.

“Are you OK now?” Jaxon asks and I nod,my hair bobbing slightly, resulting in it coming over my left eye as I tuck it behind my ear.

“Yeah, go eat” I say as they both walk back to their seats next to their grandfather.

“I hope you didn’t mind that we started” Mrs Hillcrest says and I shake my head smiling genuinely at her.

“I didn’t mind Mrs Hillcrest. I’m sorry I took sometime up there….” I said

“Its fine deary. Come eat” she says and I glance to Hayden whose already staring at me.

“ I’ll just get a plate and dish myself something to eat“ I said as she nodded.

I leave the dining area and walked into the kitchen. Picking out a plate, I walked back into the dining area around the living room area as I got myself a seat…….right next to Hayden.

He smiles at me and I return it back.

“Can I borrow the salad please?” I asked him as he passes me over the salad. His hand brushing against mine.

I dish myself some food, as we all started a very lively discussion, even managing to have a few laughs here and there.

“So Sophie, do you think you’re available tomorrow for dinner?” Hayden asks me discreetly as our parents continue chatting away.

“I…..I have dinner with your parents tomorrow night so we’ll be there” I told him as he gives me a smile.

“I meant, just two people trying to get to know each other kind of dinner. If you’re free that is” he says and I blushed , my curly hair comes over down the side of my face covering my blush from his view.

“I….I’m sorry, I just can’t right now” I told him and after that,it just became super awkward.

“Mommy,can we have ice cream?” Jake asks in a pleading tone as Jaxon perks up from his seat at the sound of ice cream.

These two…..

“Um…sure. But only if you finish your veggies” I told them both as they looked at each other and started eating their veggies.

Jakes food doesn’t have any cucumber cause he’s got an allergy reaction to cucumber while Jaxon has difficulty breathing in his sleep if he eats too much.

Much like myself, but most of my difficulty in breathing at night is because I have these nightmares that when Sebastian comes out from rehab center and prison, he will find us again and we’ll go through the same things over again.

|Thirteen|

Great.

The boys are passed out on the couch with their grandfather.

They just had ice cream and cake and I just wiped off the remaining chocolate from their cheeks and chin.

“Hayden, why don’t you help Sophie with the boys?” Mrs Hillcrest says and Hayden moves over to pick up Jake first before Jaxon.

His muscles flex under his check shirt as the boys lay their heads on his broad shoulders. “Thank you for tonight” I told mum and dad as we leave.

My two empty dishes are in my hands as I place them in the back seat.

Hayden stands there patiently as I opened the boys doors in the back.

He manages to place Jaxon in his seat without dropping Jake, as I first buckled a sleeping Jaxon.

After he places Jake in, I buckled him up as I shut his door so he doesn’t catch a cold.

“Thank you…. For helping me out with the boys” I said as he smiled at me.

His eyes glance over to my lips as I feel myself getting paralysed.

He leans in all the way as he places his lips over mine. At first, I’m stuck in my spot as he takes my hand and places it on his muscular clothed chest.

I find myself kissing him back as he smiles against my lips. His hands go around my waist as I hold his face.

I squeeze my eyes shut tightly as memories of when Sebastian raped me came over my mind.

The struggle I had,my tears cascading down my cheeks that night.

Without realizing, reality comes back to me as tears were sliding down my cheeks as he pulls away.

His smile immediately fades as he looks at my tear stricken face.

“Hey, hey what’s wrong?was it the kiss?” He asks as I shake my head pushing his arms from around my waist, I open the car door and get in before I drive off.

My phone continues ringing and I don’t pick it up as I focus on the road.

What’s wrong with me?!!

|Fourteen|

(

Jake

and Jaxon

Kings⬆⬆⬆might

look

something

that

….

Imagine

them

with

gray

eyes

though

….)

The next morning I woke up, with a pounding headache.

I get outve bed, clutching my head in uttermost pain.

There comes a knock and it later opens as Mrs Hernandez walks in.

“Good morning ma’am. I checked your vitals this morning, you aren’t feeling well. I’ve gotten the boys ready for school and they have already left. I also received a call from your workplace,at the hotel, I told them you are sick , I spoke with Mrs Hillcrest. She says to get well rested until you can come over for their family dinner tonight. Here are the pills i bought from the chemist” she says and i give her a tired smile.

“Thank you so much Mrs Hernandez….. Did the boys have breakfast?” I asked in concern as she nodded before giving me a cup of hot cocoa,with my pills that tastes like absolute….poop

After i drank two tablets, i can feel the headache subsiding.

I feel water trickling down my legs and stand up. Seeing the red stain.

How can I forget?!!!

“I’m just going to get in the shower” i said as she helps me out of bed.

“I’ll clean this out for you ma’am” she says looking at my ‘mess’

“Its fine. I can clean it out later” i told her as she stubbornly started taking out my stained bedsheets.

“It is my job ma’am. Besides,there’s nothing else to do anywhere. The whole house is clean. But, i was hoping i could talk to you about something?” She asked me and i nod.

“Sure. After my bath though. I feel icky” i said laughing awkwardly as she nodded and continued cleaning up my bed.

I closed the bathroom door behind me and quickly had my bath.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•

I dressed into fitting black legging jeans that somehow made my ass look bigger. I pulled on a dark gray turtle neck sweater that have like those long hooves covering my fingers.

I had to go pick up a few things from work and I didn’t want to bother my assistant, Jane since she was at a funeral which I gave like 12,000 dollars to, to simply help her out.

She called me last night telling me that she was not coming in for work today cause she was going to the funeral. I asked her to send me her bank account number and I send the money through my PayPal account.

She rang me afterwards and thanked me, to which I just told her it was fine. I also might’ve said that she can take the rest of the week off until she’s ready to come back.

I pulled on black leather high heels as I straightened my hair.

Damn. I look fine.

I put on some casual makeup and red lipstick before I leave. I put my hair up in a Ariana Grande ponytail before I leave my bathroom.

The bedroom was clean and I smiled seeing Mrs Hernandez pack up my empty file briefcase handing it to me.

“How did you know?” I asked her grabbing the bag handle from her.

“Well, I always know that when you call in sick, you always drop by work to pick up the files from work and work from home” I smiled at her talking.

“Thank you. I’ll be back later. Should I maybe get us cheesecake for tonight?” Her eyes lit up at the sound of cheesecake.

“From Romeo’s?” I nodded at her question.

Romeo’s bakery made the best cheesecake in town.

“Thank you ma’am.” She says and I wave her off.

“Please. Its nothing. I’m craving for cheesecake too so its only fair for the both of us” she nods and I leave.

My hair swung slightly from side to side as I walked out and grabbed my purse, my iPhone, Samsung A90 model and my car keys.

I wonder who came to pick the boys up this morning?

Must be mum.

I get in the car and drove off to the hotel.

Upon arriving, I slipped on a pair of shades and walked out.

I was greeted by some of my employees who I hired personally. They came from broken families, who needed a job but didn’t have a qualification.

“Good morning Ms Kings “ Samantha says and I greet her with a wave.

“Good morning Samantha. How are you?” I responded.

“I’m good Ms Kings. I hear you’re not feeling well. Is everything OK?” She asks.

“I’m a little under the weather this morning but I’m gonna be OK. How’s school?” I asked her as she walked with me upstairs to my office.

Greeting a few good mornings along the way.

“School is great. You look stunning by the way” she says and I blushed.

“Thank you. I’m just here to pick up a few files and maybe work from home if I’m not feeling too sick” I told her.

Once we reach my floor where my office is,Sam pulls me in a hug.

“Get well soon” she says and I stand shocked.

OK,she’s never done that.

“Bye Sam. Have a great day at work” I told her as she waves me back and I enter my office with my ID card that is also on the back of my phone case…

Once I pick up all the files I need, I leave again when I bump into……….Hayden

|Fifteen|

“Oh…..H-Hayden” I stuttered as he looks at me up and down before his Adams apple bobs in his throat.

“H-hey” he stuttered right back. “I mean, hi…… You look….wow” he says and swung my file back by my shoulder.

“I heard you’re sick. Is everything OK?” He asks and I nod.

“Yeah…yeah,everything’s fine. Look I …..I have to go, someone’s waiting for me at home so I kinda have to hurry” I said and he clenches his jaw as I walked away from him.

He starts calling my name as I reach the door out and I ignore him, walking out as I walked to the parking lot.

I hear running and I’m almost to my car when he grabs my wrist.

“Leave me alone Hayden” I said as I try to yank my hand away from his hold.

“Oh so its like that now huh? You’re just gonna pretend like we never kissed yesterday night? I felt something Sophie, and I know damn well you did too” the only feeling I felt that night was blood curling fear.

How he kissed me. It was just how Sebastian did it. And will forever be embedded in my brain.

“Let go of my hand Hayden” I said weakly as I try to break free from his hold.

“You’re hurting me, please let go” I plead when I feel that His hold on my wrist started to hurt.

He immediately let’s go of my hand. “Sorry….I’m….I’m really so sorry Sophia “ he asks and I just nod biting my bottom lip nervously.

I rub my wrist through the turtle neck sweater as the pain subsided a bit.

“I really like you. Like, a lot. And….And I-I want to take you out on a date if you want but I guess from my recent actions earlier, you don’t feel safe around me. I want to get to know you Sophia, you’re like the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever met. You make me think about having kids and having a wife to come home to which is not me cause I’m a playboy type. I just….I want to make things right with you Sophie. Please?” He says, and I look inside the hotel building through the glass walls to the hotel that’s always crystal clean and clear.

“I’ve had a bad past Hayden. I….I just don’t trust people that easily especially men. I’m sure you’re a great guy no doubt, but I’m sorry, I….I just can’t….” I told him honestly as he looked at me sadly before his face contorted into a look I couldn’t tell.

Like….determination ??!!

“I understand. I like a challenge Sophia, so I’m not giving up on us that easily. I’ll keep trying until you say yes to me….” He says and I almost face palm.

Why does this keep happening to me?!!!

Like, when a guy or girl had asked me out, I always declined them. For 2 reasons mostly:

I’m honestly afraid of the past repeating itself.
I’m straight but I don’t have anything against gay or lesbian couples.

“Can I have a hug?” Hayden asks as he snaps me out of my train of thoughts.

“Excuse me?” I asked. Did he just say that?

“Can I have a hug?” He asks again and I look around.

“I….I don’t think that’s appropriate” I told him as he sighed.

“OK. I’m sorry if I made you a bit uncomfortable” he says.

A bit?!!! A bit?!!!!

“Its OK. I have to go” I told him as I unlocked my car door and got in.

I drove out of there swiftly as I drove down to Romeo’s.

Upon arriving, I parked up front and got out.

I walked in, leaving my file case in the car. I had my purse and phone as well as my car keys in my black Gucci handbag.

“Hello ma’am. What can I get you?” Mrs Hernandez daughter, Rubinna asks.

“Hello Ruby. I’m here to get the usual cheesecake” I told her.

“Let me guess, you and mama are having tea?” She asks.

“You know me so well dear” I told her as she laughs a bit.

“Have a seat. I’ll be up with your order in a few minutes” she says.

“Take your time Ruby” I told her as I ordered myself a peanut butter smoothie and a few large cookies.

I take a seat and pull out my phone scrolling through my social media feeds. First my Instagram, then was my recent emails….

I finished my plate of cookies and decided to get the kids some smoothie and cookies from here later.

My phone rings and I frowned at the private ID call.

I decided to answer.

“Sophia Kings speaking” I said in my usual business monotone.

“Hello Ms Kings. This is the maximum mental ward prison department. Inmate 4869 who is known as Sebastian McKlein would like to make contact with you. Are you OK with that?”

And just when I thought my day was gonna get better, it just got worse.

|Sixteen|

“Hello?ma’am? Are you there?” The person speaks from the end of the line.

“I…I….yeah. Yeah, I’m here” I stuttered.

“Ma’am, would you like to be in contact with Mr McKlein?” She asks, the ringing in my ear becomes louder and I hold my hand over the side of my face so no one can notice me crying.

“I…no. I don’t want to speak to him. I want nothing to do with him” I told them as I cut the call and dropped the phone harshly on the mahogany round table.

I sniffled a cry as I held my hands over my eyes taking in deep breaths.

That’s it Sophia. In…..out.

I repeat the in and out part like a mantra.

“Are you OK miss?” I hear a voice ask.

I look up, a girl with brownish blonde hair in a tight back ponytail. She was tall, taller than me. She had bright blue eyes and I could see the outlines of her abs through her tucked in uniform vest.

She was in a US army Navy seal marines uniform.

“Um..Yeah. I’m OK” I said wiping my tears.

“Mind if I sit?” She asks and I shake my head as she takes a seat.

“Sorry, I honestly couldn’t help myself, you got my attention sitting all the way from there with my friends” she says nudging her head to a group of all guys in the wooden booth with cushions from the far corner of the room. They waved at me and I wave back before turning back to the girl.

“I’m Ellie. And you are?” She asks holding out her hand.

“Stranger danger” I told her as she smirks licking her bottom lip.

“Feisty. I like it” she says relaxing into her seat.

“You’re not a supermodel are you?” She asks and I shake my hand sipping on my smoothie.

“ no“ I said laughing a bit.

Phff…. Supermodel….yeah right. Like I’d ever make it there…..

“ what brings you here,Sergeant Major Ellie?“ I asked her as she looked at the threaded name embedded into her uniform coat which was opened.

“Stranger danger baby” she says taking my glass and sips on it through my colorful striped straw. I laugh with her and she smiles winking at me.

“I’d like to take you out on a date” she says and I blush.

“I’m sorry. I’m straight” I told her.

“That’s what my last girlfriend told me” she says smugly and I give her a raised eyebrow look.

“Arrogant are we?” I asked her and she chuckled shaking her head.

“God,you’re so fucking pretty” she says and I can’t help the blush.

“Thanks. But, like I said. I’m straight” I told her as she stands up.

“I can help you with that” she flirts back with a smug smirk and I can’t help the blush.

“I hope I meet you again” she says and leans down.

She kisses my cheek boldly.

“Bye beautiful” she says and she walks away as Ruby comes back with my order.

“Thank you so much Ruby” I told her tipping her as she stared at the money.

“ I can’t take this ma’am “ she says.

“Its too much” she added and I pick up my wallet, tuck my phones in my back pocket of the jeans I’m wearing.

“Bye Ruby. I don’t take no for an answer either so just keep it. Buy Romeo a new toy truck or something…” I told her as I walked out.

I feel Ellie’s eyes on me as I walked out and got back in my car with the white cake box of delicious creamy cheesecake.

Once I’m on the street, my mind goes back to the phone call earlier.

••••••

I pulled up the spacious driveway of my house as I got outve the car, I went around the other side and got the box of cheesecake out.

I walked up the pavement, past the neatly trimmed green grass as well as the mini rose garden by the glass window of the house.

I unlocked the front door and pushed the slightly heavy mahogany door open closing it behind me.

I hear Mrs Hernandez familiar voice humming a tune from outside in the backyard where I saw her hanging the dirty laundry.

I folding glass doors that led to the backyard was locked up and only the door from the left to the house was open so she must’ve used that door.

I unlocked the locks of the sliding glass doors and folded them apart as fresh air was allowed in the house.

Mrs Hernandez turned around and I wave back at her as she smiled at me.

“I bought the cheesecake you asked for Mrs Hernandez. Come have cocoa” I told her as she nodded hanging the boys last set of school socks.

She brings back the empty laundry blue basket and placed it in the laundry room before she appeared in the kitchen where I was cutting the cheesecake into pizza slices although they were a bit thicker than pizza.

I boiled the water and made us both hot cocoa.

“Do you need help ma’am?” She asks and I shake my head waving her off.

“Nonsense Mrs Hernandez. I got this. Please have a seat” I told her as I placed two big slices of cheesecake on her white saucer plate.

She sits down and waits for me patiently.

I place our plate of cheesecake on the table and two large mugs of hot brewing hot chocolate on the table after I placed a dinner mat on the bottom of the plates and mugs.

“Mrs Hernandez, could you please get the file case from the car?the car keys is on the kitchen table. I need to use the bathroom. Don’t wait up for me….” I told her and she nods standing up and walking out with the car keys.

I walked upstairs to my room, into my bathroom and did my business. It was one of those heavy days as I switched my full sanitary into a new one.

I nicely wrapped up the used one and placed it in the bin by the side of the toilet.

I changed into black yoga pants and kept the dark gray sweater on.

I walked back downstairs after I loosened up my tight ponytail and decided to lazily tie it right down my back in a loose ponytail as I walked back downstairs.

I walked into the living room seeing Mrs Hernandez sipping on her cocoa slowly. White marshmallow cubes floating on top of both our drinks.

I see she arranged my files by the side of my readily opened macbook that I only use for work while the other one I use for when the boys wanna use my laptop.

I set my phones beside my opened macbook as Mrs Hernandez bought a silver long fork for me- for my cheesecake.

“Thank you Mrs Hernandez” I told her with a gentle smile.

“Its fine deary. Thank you for the cheesecake” I waved her off.

“Its fine. I was craving it anyways” I told her as I checked the marketing stats.

Hmm, good enough.

Mrs Hernandez soon leaves to go get the next set of laundries out and I busy myself working most of the day from my laptop.

A few emails from travel magazine companies wanting to feature our resort on the market.

Some other big ass company wanting to buy the resort.

And another one from….Valekov Group & Co.

I clicked onto it.

Dear

Kings

Congratulations

getting

the

Hillcrest

Resort

Hotel

the

|Seventeen|

I licked my dry bottom lip as I sipped on my hot cocoa.

Dear

Valekov

Thank

you

much

for

your

Unfortunately

I’m

not

facing

any

difficulty

here

the

Hillcrest

Resort

for

your

offer

….

tempting

may

sound

apologize

for

rejecting

your

offer

and

wish

you

the

very

best

luck

finding

General

Manager

and

Marketing

Manager

Yours

sincerely

Kings

I clicked the send button and it was already send. I checked through other mails from the new cruise ship that will be here in about 3 weeks from now.

I have that conference meeting in New York and….. Holy shit!!!!

Holy shit,holy shit, holy shit!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness!!!! Mr Valekov! Like, the MR VALEKOV?!!!!

he’s the one hosting this years resort group meeting.

Holy cow! Oh my god!!!!

Breath Sophie. He probably would’ve forgotten about it already.

Yeah….

Just then, the laptop made a noise indicating a new message.

Kings

The

offer

still

stands

you

change

your

mind

Triple

the

pay

and

everything

will

taken

care

Looking

forward

officially

meeting

you

Kings

the

CEO

and

Managers

Directing

Conference

Meeting

week

Think

about

Kings

not

for

you

for

your

boys

Yours

truly

Valekov

Oh my god!!!! What did I just do?!?

Its OK Sophie. Just breath….

Its fine. Everything’s fine.

I dismissed the thoughts of that email. Its fine. Everything’s fine.

I ate my cheesecake and couldn’t help the moan of delight that escaped my stuffed face.

Oh my god, this is so good!!!

I cut myself another piece before I felt full. I finished my second mug of hot cocoa and decided to focus on my work for today.

•°•°•°

I closed the last file for today as I sighed out in relief.

Phew,thank god!!!

“Mrs Hernandez?” I called out and she walks out from the laundry room.

“I’m going to go change upstairs. I have to pick up the boys in a few minutes and was wondering if you’d like to go home now?” I asked her.

“Cause we’re having dinner later with the Hillcrest family and we won’t be needing you for the rest of tonight so you can have the night off” I told her as she thanked me.

“Go get ready to go Mrs Hernandez, I’ll drop you off while picking the boys up” I told her as she nodded leaving the living room.

I felt a great pain in my hip bone from all the sitting. The pain in my back didn’t help either.

“OK Sophie, you can do this” my legs were numb and it felt funny using them.

I stretched out of my seat and logged off my account for the Hillcrest Resort Hotel app where all the higher members installed it in.

I might’ve given the idea of building this app for the company so it be easier where to look if traveling tourist or employee to the company.

I leave the page and closed up all my files as I neatly placed them back in my black leather file case.

Once I clicked it back in place, I took it upstairs with my laptop leaving my phones, and macbook charging as I uncharged the other macbook I have for Skype purposes to my parents if I’m away, checking in on the boys.

I take a nice warm bath, shaved and changed into a pair of black jean shorts, and a cropped white shirt leaving my flat tanned belly on full exposure. I curled my hair and left it in a messy ponytail down my back with two strands coming over to the front.

I decided on white and black converse star ankle sneakers and wore my wristwatch and lucky charm from a Pandora outlet.

I walked downstairs, my small white Gucci handbag was hanging lazily from my shoulder.

I walked back downstairs with $1520 dollars for Mrs Hernandez, her payroll from last week.

She meets me sitting at one of the stool with her bags all ready to go home.

Mrs Hernandez stays here. She uses one of the spare guest bedrooms because she says its easier for her.

Its Friday evening, the boys last day of school before the weekend.

I might hire a nanny tomorrow and Sunday for the boys when I’m going to work because tomorrow is Romeo’s birthday and I know Mrs Hernandez would want to be there for her grandson’s birthday so I’m gonna let her go for the weekend.

“There you go Mrs Hernandez” I told her as I hand over the money in an envelope.

She stares horrified as she held the heavy envelope.

“M-ma’am this is too much” she says opening the cream yellow envelope.

“ I know its Romeo’s birthday Mrs Hernandez and I also know you’ve been wanting to buy your grandson that new bike on the papers. This is your chance. And tell Rubinna that the boys will drop off their birthday present tomorrow morning“ I told her as she pulled me in a hug..

“Thank you ma’am” she says through her tears, I pulled her in another hug rubbing her back.

“Don’t cry Mrs Hernandez. You’ve earned it, you are the best grandma Romeo could ever ask for” I told her as she wiped away her tears nodding at my words.

“Come on, I know you’re super excited for the party” I told her.

“Ma’am, I’d like to invite you and the boys to the official birthday party tomorrow. Today is his birthday but tomorrow night is the party” she says and I nod.

“Alright. We’ll be there. Are you sure Rubina will be OK with that?” I asked her.

“Of course. She must’ve forgotten to invite you guys but we’ve already discussed it” I nodded at her.

“Come on, let’s go” I told her as I grabbed one of her bags and we loaded the car.

I locked every door in the house and put the alarm system on active mode.

She gets in the passenger seat and I get in the drivers seat.

I pull outve the house and soon we’re headed to the boys school.

|Eighteen|

Friday Night, Dinner at the

Hillcrest’s~~

Sophie’s

POV

Here I was driving like a maniac trying to get home as quick as I could.

After I’d dropped off Mrs Hernandez this afternoon, I was called in for a last minute conference meeting.

I pulled on a readily ironed white work blouse and black pencil skirt that hugged my curves in all the right places.

I had called my nanny, Katie who is a high school student. She’s 18 and a very responsible child which was great.

I asked her if she could make a dinner dish for us to take when I got back and she rang me through the phone telling me she had made roasted chicken breast and potato slices along with vegetable salad.

I drove up the pavement parking spit of the house and rushed inside in my black stiletto heels, my curly hair coming in contact with my face every five seconds.

Katie said that the boys were already showered and ready to go and were currently watching movies in the living room with Katie.

I unlocked the door,jiggling the keys as I walked in.

“Boys?Katie?I’m home” I yelled out as I hear a unison ‘Mommy!’ From the boys as Katie showed up as well smiling. I hugged them and kissed their cheeks.

“Thank you so much Katie” I told her as I see the boys were comfortable and neatly dressed.

“Its fine Ms Kings. I’m happy you called. I was thinking how I was gonna earn money to buy my stationary for my exams next week” I smiled at what she says.

“Boys?go get your jackets, its cold outside” I told the boys as they nodded and tumbled upstairs racing.

“Don’t run,you’ll get hurt!” I yelled as I hear ‘yes mommy’ from Jaxon and ‘OK mama’ Jake says.

“Tell you what, here’s your money. Can you maybe come over tomorrow and Sunday morning? cause I have work. We’ll go to the mall, I’ll buy all your stationeries and whatnot, and that’s not your pay alone, I want to do it. You can bring over your books to study for your exam. My laptop is always available to use for research purposes. I have guest bedrooms here if you wanna stay the night and stuff” I told her as she gives me a beaming smile.

“Really?!oh my goodness,yes please!” She says and I nod.

“OK, well I have to go change out of this. Is the food ready” I asked her as she nodded.

“Yeah, I also wrapped them up for you guys. Do you want me to put them in the car for you?” She asked.

“Yes please. Would you like to go with us?” I asked her and she shakes her head.

“Its OK Ms Kings. I’ll just go home and get my stuff ready to come over tomorrow. What time would you like me here?” She asks me.

“ maybe, like 6? Cause I want you having breakfast with the kids“ I told her.

“Oh and please remind me tomorrow its Romeo Hernandez birthday so I need to get the boys a birthday present. The party’s at 7 and you’re coming with us” I told her as she nodded.

“Got it” she says.

“I’m gonna go change. I’ll drop you off” I told her as she nodded and I walked upstairs to get ready.

I decided that my outfit is fine.

I just sprayed myself with deodorant and perfume and boom!!, I’m done

I retouched my loose long curls before my makeup and soon walked back downstairs pulling on my fitting gray trenchcoat.

“Boys?Katie honey,we’re leaving!” I told them.

The boys came downstairs in their jacket hoodies as I kissed their heads and we all headed out,Katie included. I got the tray of roasted food from her and she bought the salad much to her protesting of taking the food from me.

We all got in, the boys strapped in the back and Katie held the food on her lap in the passenger seat.

•°•°•°•

“Boys, say thank you to Miss Katie for coming to look after you guys on last minute schedule” I told the boys.

“Thank you Miss Katie” Jake says.

“Bye Miss Katie” Jaxon says and Katie waved them goodbye.

“Here. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Have a good night Katie and please ring me when you come over” I told her as I hand over $40.

“Oh Ms Kings, this is too much. Its only $10” she told me as she handed the $30 dollars back and I shake my head.

“Keep it Katie. And I’ll see you tomorrow” I told her as she nodded and closed the passenger door.

The trays of food were placed on the passenger seat as we drove outve the dark part of town. Where Katie lived.

Katie was like me when I was younger, I somehow saw myself in her. We were both facing the same kind of trouble.

Abusive uncaring parents, we had to pay bills at some point but I admit my life was a bit easier. I had moved outve the house at the age of 18. I had people like mum and dad( Mr and Mrs Porters), I had my now deceased cat,Pepper and Beverly.

You’re probably wondering where Beverly is. She became a supermodel but we still stay in contact. Unfortunately she’s outve the country. Doing a clothing gig in France. Hopefully she’ll be available to meet up next week when I go to New York for that conference meeting.

The boys school is closing from next week because their holidays have begun so I think I might take the boys with me….and Mrs Hernandez, that is if she wants to tag along.

“Hey boys?” I asked them glancing through the rearview mirror.

“Yes mommy?” Jake asked as Jaxon silently stared at me through the rearview mirror. His gray eyes boring into my light brown ones.

“How do you like the sound of going to New York for the holidays?” I asked them

“Really?!!can we go see the aquarium and the zoo mommy? Please pretty please?” I nodded at what Jake asked for.

“Sure. What about you Jaxon?what do you wanna see?” I asked him.

“Um….. I guess, I’d like to see my daddy…..”

Oh shit.

|Nineteen|

(

Their

car⬆⬆⬆⬆

)

It became eerily quiet in the car after Jaxon said that.

Me too baby, I wish I could see him too, if only I’d known his name. I can still vaguely remember his appearance.

If I saw him again, I might know him as the father of my boys but that is if I saw him.

When we pulled up at the Hillcrest residence, the front gate security let us through as we drove through the long pavement road to their house. Passed by the neatly trimmed grass, the neatly shaped tall grasses and the fountain in the middle of the round parking place.

The Hillcrest home looked similar to the white house as we got outve the car and we carried the food inside with the help of the maids who came to help with the dishes.

“Sophie! You made it darling” Mrs Hillcrest says and pulls me in a hug.

“Hello Mrs Hillcrest. I’m sorry I wasn’t feeling well earlier today” I told her as I broke the hug.

“ oh nonsense child. Take as much time as you need off work and recover“ she told me as she looks to the boys.

“My babies” she says gleefully as she pulled both boys in a group hug.

“Mrs Hillcrest” Jaxon winces as her earring comes in contact with my son’s face.

“How many times must I tell you boys. It’s Nana to you” Mrs Hillcrest scolded the boys as they both nodded.

“Papa is outside getting the barbecue ready with Hayden. Go on while Nana and mommy have a big people’s talk” the boys leave as the maids put the food in the spacious dining room table.

“ so, what do you think of my son Sophie love?“ Mrs Hillcrest says and I blushed.

“He’s OK. You didn’t tell me he was coming down here though” I told her.

“ yeah, we got a shock when we went home that afternoon, he was just getting settled in his room. The boy nearly gave his old man a heart attack“ Mrs Hillcrest laughed humorously and I smiled at her.

“Why on earth are you dressed like you just came out of a conference meeting?” She says and I blushed tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“Maybe because I just did?” I said with a nervous laugh. She laughs and when she realizes I wasn’t kidding, the smile leaves her lips.

Oh no.

“And what did I say about getting better Sophia?” She says sternly.

“Its not that big of a deal anyways. I was feeling better around the evening so I attended it” I said casually but I was nervous.

“You’re taking tomorrow off” she declares and I make a move to talk her out of it but she raises her palm.

“I’m not taking no for an answer darling. I’m the female boss and its my responsibility that my employees work in the environment of business on their best health. You’re not just an employee Sophia. You’re family. You’re part of this family, you and my boys” she says and I sighed defeated knowing she won….again

“OK, I’m sorry for working today, but it isn’t entirely necessary to stop me from working tomorrow. I swear, I’m fine” I reassured her but she wasn’t having any of it.

“So, that trip to New York” she says changing the subject.

Guess I’m working from home again, tomorrow.

°°°°°

I offered to help with the dishes and was shocked when my bosses agreed nonchalantly.

Not that I have a problem with washing the dishes but like…..they NEVER let me wash the dishes.

Um…OK?

I was washing the dishes, when I felt a presence behind me, turning around I got startled when Hayden leaned against the door frame watching me..

Um…OK?

I ignore him, washing the dishes I hear him moving around the kitchen before he briefly passes by my back, going to wipe the dishes.

Realization hit me. Did my employers just set me up with their son?

It was awkwardly silent until…. “So about earlier….” He says and I glanced at him, nodding over a strand of my loose curls to my face to hide my blush.

Get a grip Sophia.

I scolded myself mentally, as I closed the water faucet.

“Yeah, I just…..its not gonna work out. You’re my bosses son and my future boss if we’ll still be here at Riverdale” he frowns coming to stand in front of me.

He towered over me as he lifts my chin-curiosity in his eyes. “What do you mean ‘if we’ll still be here in Riverdale’. Where are you guys going?” He asked and go to move away but he cages me in his arms on either side of my escape routes.

“Well……for a while, I’d been getting these emails from various companies and hotels in New York, London and DC. They are offering me much greater over there. Of course, I declined cause I like my life here. The boys are happy here, I’m happy too…” I said as I feel him still staring at me.

“But?” He says

“But….someone from my past tried to make contact with me again. And I can’t risk the boys safety if things go wrong if we decide to stay. So I’m going to sacrifice my happiness for the sake of my boys safety. After this conference meeting in New York, I’ll make my choice by then, whether I decide to leave or stay. Your parents and my parents know about this person Hayden and if it were up to them, they’d let me go for the safety of my boys and I . He’s….. He’s not safe to be around so we’re leaving…” I told him as he tilts my chin up.

“I can protect you Sophie. They won’t hurt you, whoever this bastard is” he says and his eyes flicks to my lips which I lick subconsciously.

“I don’t want anyone getting hurt….” I whispered as he leans down claiming my lips.

I scrunched my brows trying to concentrate and keep up with him forcing off the haunting memories I had of Sebastian’s kisses.

They were so similar. So demanding and full of want. I broke the kiss after a few seconds as I panted.

Hayden took my hands and placed them gently on His shoulder as his arms encircled around my waist, burying his head in my neck.

“You’re safe with me Sophie. You all are safe with me. You and the boys. I’ll keep you safe, just……just don’t leave Riverdale” he says softly in my ear.

I’ll think about it Hayden. I’ll think about it.

|Twenty|

Hayden

Hillcrest’s

POV

I watched Sophie as she spend time with the boys and my parents….. Her future in laws.

Call me crazy but I really believe she’s the one. I don’t care if those boys aren’t mine, I will treat them like as if they were my own sons. Sophie makes me believe that I can love someone. She makes me want to fall in love, and take her out on a date and be a romantic guy which is like not me….at all.

Back at campus, I was known to be a player and I actually loved that reputation of sleeping around, no attachments.

But with Sophie?I wanted to be anything but a player. I wanna be a real man and take her out to an expensive restaraunt to have dinner. She makes me feel the need to be different….to be myself again which I lost cause I went away for a while.

I smiled seeing her laugh at something my mother said. God, she’s so fucking beautiful.

One of the boys, I think Jaxon walked up to her and whispered something in her ear. She nods and excuses herself.

She held Jaxon’s hand as they walked towards me. “Where are you guys going?” I asked them voicing my thoughts.

“Jaxon needs to use the bathroom” Sophie says and I looked to Jaxon.

“I’ll take him. Spend some big boy time together. Don’t worry” she looks unsure as I wrapped an arm around her waist and kiss the crown of her head.

She stiffened as I released her. My arms unwrapping from around her waist,

I take Jaxon’s hand in mine as we walked upstairs. I noticed Jaxon’s knee was bleeding from inside his jeans.

I stopped walking and he did too. He looks up at me curiously, his gray eyes are similar to ones I’ve seen before…..

But I couldn’t pinpoint on who exactly.

“Why did we stop?” He asks quietly.

“Jaxon, why didn’t you tell anyone your leg was bleeding?” I asked him squatting in front of him.

“I….cause mommy’s stressed and I didn’t want to bother anyone with my own problems” he says quietly as I sighed.

“We’re you really going to use the bathroom?” I asked him and he bit the inside of his cheek before he shook his head. His cute curly black locks bobbing slightly as he shook his head.

“I wanted to get some toilet paper on it and maybe find a bandaid” he says as I stood up and picked him up swiftly.

“Its OK kiddo. I’ll get you all fixed up,OK?don’t cry….” He only nods sniffling his tears as he leans into my broad shoulder.

I rubbed his back softly, delivering a kiss to the side of his head. “Please don’t tell mommy” he whispers as we entered the bathroom and I closed the door behind me. The counter was a bit wet so I held Jaxon in one arm while I wiped off the wet surface with a towel.

“Why not?” I asked as I placed him gently on the now dry marble stone counter. “Because mommy is busy and I don’t want to worry her “ he says as I smiled at him.

“OK, can you take off the jeans so I take a look at your wound please?” I asked him as he nodded and took off his pants. He has on superman brief boxers and I smiled.

I fucking loved superman brief boxers when I was younger…..

I checked his cut. It isn’t that deep but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a serious injury.

I opened the cabinet getting out the first aid kit, smiling when I’d found it.

I opened it and got some cotton ball under warm running water before dabbing it softly on the cut, cleaning away the blood.

I applied a small amount of cream on a gauze pad before putting it gently over his knee. He hissed a bit and clutched the front of my shirt. “Ow” he whimpered as I kissed his mop of curly hair.

“You’re doing great buddy” I said while I get a bandaid for his gauze pad. I got a packet of kids health band aids.

“Pick one baby boy” I told him as he moved his head away from my clothed chest. He had tears in his eyes and a few smudged over his red cheeks.

He picks the paw patrol one and a batman one. “Good job” I praised him as I transferred the two colorful band aids over his small sized gauze pad. The bandaid covered the whole gauze pad, and I smiled at my work.

There came a knock at the door. “Jaxon?Hayden?you guys in here?” I hear Sophie ask softly.

Jaxon looked panicked and I helped him into his jeans but not quick enough as the door opens and Sophie’s eyes go wide at us.

She rushed in and pushed me away. “You pervert!!” She yelled at me and I stand there confused before realization hits me.

She must think I….touched his son sexually.

No fucking way. I’m not some perverted freak….

“No Sophie, its not like that!….wait Sophie! Sophie wait please, let me explain” I said as she carried Jaxon out.

“I’m going to call the police!” She says as she walks downstairs and I rushed to her grabbing her arm a little harshly.

“Just listen!” I said angrily.

“I know what that looked like OK?but I’m not some fucking pedophile OK? Jaxon got hurt on his knee and I was helping him. He didn’t want to let you know cause he doesn’t think its a big of a deal so I helped him clean up and bandaid his wound. I’d never hurt him or Jake Sophie, I swear to god” I told her as Jaxon calmed down her mommy.

“Its true mommy. Hayden helped me with my booboo. He didn’t hurt me, look” he says wiggling out of his mother’s hold on me.

He pulls down his pants displaying his band aided wound. “See?I’m OK mommy” he assured as he pulls up his pants.

“Why didn’t you tell me you got hurt Jaxon?” Sophie asks squatting in front of Jaxon.

“Cause……cause I don’t want you to get worried. You’re always stressed about me and Jake, I don’t want you to make a big deal out of it and take me to the hospital. I don’t like the smell of the hospital. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you” he says and Sophie glanced at my relieved face

Phew, I’m glad she doesn’t think of me as some sort of pedophile

“Its OK, just don’t hide things from mommy OK?I’ll always worry about you my sweet boy. That’s what all mommies do. They worry over little things. First thank Hayden for helping you” Sophie says as Jaxon turns to me.

I squat to his level and he hugs me hesitantly. “Thank you for helping me” he mumbled before he quickly pulls away and runs back down the stairs.

It was silent between the two of us. “I’m sorry if I offended you or called you a…pedophile” she says and I sighed pulling her into a hug. As much as I wanted to get angry at her for assuming I’d do that to a child, I couldn’t find myself angry at Sophie.

No matter how much I tried.

“I am hurt that you’d assume I’d do that to a child Sophie but I can’t find myself mad at you” I told her as she buried her face in my chest.

“Thank you for helping him out” she said in my chest and I smiled kissing her hair.

“I’d do more than help the boys out if it meant you’d end up here in my arms” I told her and I could tell as she blushed hiding her smile in my chest making me chuckle and subconsciously kiss her head.

“Let’s go back downstairs?” I asked her as she nodded.

We walked back downstairs and I was a little hurt when she un-entwined our joined fingers.

Soon, they left and Sophie boldly pecked my cheek as she got in her car. I smiled, grinning like the Cheshire cat as I remembered her kiss on my cheek.

Baby steps Hayden. Baby steps.

|Twenty-One|

Katie^^^^

When we got back home, I was shocked to see a rain drenched Katie waiting by the door.

“Mama,its Katie” Jake says.

I nodded “ yeah, just stay inside the car OK?I’m going to go talk to her“ I said and they nodded as I hand over my phones to them to play with.

“If someone calls, you let me know by making the horn sound OK?” I said and they nodded in unison all too concentrated on their game.

I got the small umbrella from the file compartment on the passenger seat, as I got out.

I came around the car and walked up the white cement pavement to where she stood.

“Katie?is everything alright?” I asked her and she nodded. I gasped seeing the bruise on her cheek and tear stricken face.

I pull her in a hug “ oh Katie. Who did this to you love?“ I asked her as she melted in my arms.

“M-my dad. He took the money and kicked me out. I’m so sorry Ms Kings I have nowhere else to go, can I stay until Sunday?” She asks and I nod.

“Stay for as long as you like” I said and she gives me a smile.

“Thank you ma’am” she says and I smiled at her.

“We’ll check out that bruise and I’m calling the police” I said and she looks at me unsure.

“Don’t worry Katie. Its over now. He won’t hurt you again”i said hugging her as I unlocked the house with my fingerprint ID. There are other forms to unlock the house from the high security system we have, there’s a card which only works when I slide it in. There’s a normal key which is cut in a very difficult way that its rare to try and copy and the house is technically built on the latest security tech system.

The house gate is on top surveillance watch when we’re away and in case the fire or break in alarm goes off, the police are immediately notified, and they’re here within 5 minutes tops.

I helped Katie inside and she helped me get the boys and the empty clean dishes in as well before we had to leave again for the police station and to check at the hospital in case Katie had broken bones and other stuff.

When we arrived at the hospital, I got Katie checked up for her bruise as the boys and I waited in the waiting room.

“ hello ma’am, are you Katie’s mother?“ The nurse asks me and I shake my head.

“No, I’m her boss. She works as a babysitter for my kids. But, I…..I want to fill in to be her foster parent soon” I said as the nurse smiled nodding,

“I’m Riley, I’m her nurse. I was hoping if I could ask you a few questions regarding Katie’s home care” I nod at what she says.

“Sure,sure” I said as she flipped the board.

“Since you want to be Katie’s foster parent, I need to discuss the possibility of Katie…..being sexually abused” she says and I grow pale.

“Look, all I know is that her dad isn’t a good man, he isn’t stable and Katie’s current environment isn’t all that safe for a teenager and a young woman at that” I said as she nodded,

There were a bunch of other questions I needed to answer,and by the time I finished I saw Jaxon nursing a sleeping Jake whose head was on his brother’s lap.

“Ma’am I’m afraid we’re gonna get the police involved” the nurse Riley says and I nod.

“Absolutely. We were thinking of heading there too after I see that Katie’s injuries were taken care of” I said and she smiles at me.

“You are a good parent and mother, Ms Kings, its something this generation of young women are lacking” she says and I smiled at her.

“Thank you” I said.

•••••

We didn’t have to drive to the police station because they came.

The town’s sheriff, Mark Wykeham, and his coworker Nick Graham.

“Sophie?are you OK?” Mark says concerned as he pulls me in a hug. I smiled against his uniform covered shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m OK. Its my babysitter though who you’re here for” I said and he nods stuffing his hand in his pocket.

“Hi Nick” I greeted Nick who gapes at me before blushingly says hi.

“Oh…I….um hi S-Sophie” he says stuttering as I give give him a raised eyebrow look before looking back to the nurse.

“Ma’am, you and your kids should probably go home. We’re holding Katie back for some questioning before she can go home” Riley says and I frowned.

“Would it be OK to do the questioning some other time?Katie is probably tired and just wants to sleep”I said and she looks unsure.

“ its up to the police if they want to do the questioning “ Riley says and I look at Mark.

“I’ll be checking on Katie for now” Riley says before leaving.

“Please Mark?Nick?please, I’m sure Katie will answer the questions better tomorrow when she’s feeling better after a good night rest” I pleaded as Mark looks at Nick whose still staring at me. Something he hasn’t stopped doing since they got here.

Mark sighs. “Anything for you Sophie. Come on Nick, let’s get the boys to the car,Sophie?love,why don’t you check on Katie?see how she’s up for answering the questions we have tomorrow morning” he says and I can’t help pulling him into a hug,he chuckles wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Thank you” I said as it was muffled in his shirt collar.

“You’re welcome beautiful” he says chuckling as he takes in my perfume scent as I blushed puling away.

“Give my love to Danny. And please bring him over tomorrow, the kids are going to a birthday party and they said to bring a friend” I told Mark as he nods leaning over to peck me on the cheek and the side of my head, on my curly locks.

“Alright gorgeous. Nick and I are gonna get the boys to the car” Mark says and I nod with a smile as I handed him the car keys.

hours

later

….

We piled in the car, Katie in the passenger seat, as I kept her medication in my handbag, Jake also sleeping soundly cuddling close to his brother’s lap who patted his back softly lulling him to sleep. I will file a case against Katie’s father for physical assault and sexual abuse and assault of a minor.

“ mommy, is Katie OK?“ Jaxon asks as I glanced over at Katie whose sleeping soundly on the passenger seat probably exhausted from today, as well as Jake.

“Yeah. She’s……she’s going to be OK now because we’re going to keep her with us” I said smiling at him before I look back to the road.

“She’s going to be like a big sissy we never had” he asks rather excited making me surprised. He’s not one whose usually surprised, nevertheless I’m happy for that.

“I hope so bud. I really do”

|Twenty-Two|

The next morning I’d woken up to chattering from a few unfamiliar voices.

I was in nothing but my silky gray gown, the sash tied up tightly around my flat belly side. The silk material reached just on my mid thigh and I’d worn lingerie and a matching lacy red bra inside. My hair was in its curly state cascading down my back reaching my waist area as I entered the bathroom and freshened up a bit, putting on some light makeup and lip gloss before I leave my room walking downstairs barefoot.

Is that Mark and Nick??? I asked myself as I got closer to the staircase and went downstairs.

Walking into the kitchen through the living room, I’m met with a tired Katie lying her head on the counter. Jake and Danny were chatting away and Jaxon was well….just playing with his own phone.

“Good morning” I said making myself known as Nick nudged Mark about the burning pancake on the pan since Mark was busy staring at me.

I kissed Danny’s,Jake,Jaxon and Katie’s on the top of their heads.

“Good morning mommy” Jake and Jaxon says.

“Good morning “ Katie says

“Good morning Jakie’s mom” Danny says blushing.

“I hope you don’t mind me using your kitchen. I came to drop Danny off and saw you were still asleep, I made boys and Katie breakfast and we’ll be back around ten to do the questioning” Mark says putting a plate full of breakfast in front of me.

“Its fine. And Thank you” I said as he kisses my cheek grinning when he sees me blushing.

Get it together Sophie.

“Anytime beautiful” he says winking and I look at my food, my curly hair comes over to the side of my face hiding my blush from his preying eyes.

I hear him chuckle and he kisses the side of my head. I look over at Nick whose frowning at us, I cough drinking the glass of orange juice in front of me.

“Sophie?are you OK?” Mark asks and I nod as he taps my back gently.

“Mom? are you OK?” Jaxon asks and I nod. “Y-yeah. I’m OK honey” I said as I ate my food. Mark reluctantly pulls his hand away from my back.

“Danny, you’re gonna be OK here,alright buddy?” Mark asks and Danny nods still listening to Jake whose hasn’t stopped talking since I walked in.

“Katie? Sweetie, are you OK?” I asked her ad I see she’s not eating and she nods.

“Um yeah….yeah, I’m OK” she says softly and I nod turning back to my food and eating.

“Alright, we’re heading out now” Mark says and I get off my stool.

“I’ll show you out” Mark was going to decline letting me eat my very much needed breakfast.

“Come on, its the least I could do for letting you make breakfast. Its delicious by the way. Thanks Nick….” I said then I thought, what was Nick doing here anyways.

“For…um….pouring me some juice” I said awkwardly as I walked them the front door. Mark laughed at what I said and Nick laughed too making laugh as well as I opened the door. Hayden held some brown bag parceled food that looked like from the local diner in town from the label by the front Red

Rocks

Diner

He was raising his hand up to knock as I’d opened the door. The cold air nipped at my skin as I clutched my arms around myself.

“Oh…um, good morning Hayden” I said trying to hide my confusion.

What is he doing here?

Nick and Mark somehow puff out their chest a bit as they tried to look intimidating at Hayden who looked at them with a raised eyebrow look.

“Morning. Who are these people?” He asks and I looked to Mark and Nick.

Before I could introduce them, Mark stepped forward. “I’m Mark, a close friend of my Sophiebear here. This is Nick, my coworker. You are?” He asks only then do I realize they’re the same height.

“I’m Hayden. Hayden Hillcrest. Sophie’s also very close friend” Hayden says and Mark nod before looking at me.

He leans over me, his hand on my side of my waist and he pecks my cheek taking me by surprise. “Bye beautiful. I’ll be back to make dinner” he says and they leave. I saw how Mark bumped his arm over Hayden as he passed him. Hayden snorted laughing a bit humorlessly as he stares at me.

I watched as Mark and Nick drive off in Mark’s County Ford Ranger blackish silver tipped truck.

“I….come in?” I said it like a question as he gives me a serious look.

“What?” I asked as he shakes his head.

“Go change. You’re shivering. And I don’t like you parading around men like Mike in these revealing clothes which are meant for my eyes only” he says making me blush.

“His name’s Mark” I told him but he gives me a single raised eyebrow.

“I honestly could care less what his name was” he says stepping in, leaning right close to my ear as he whispered those words.

“Go” he says as he nudged to the stairs and I leave.

Twenty Three

I fished out my phone as I answered it.

“Sophie Kings speaking” I said as my usual greeting. We were out shopping for Jaxon and Jakes birthday gift to Mrs Hernandez grandson,Romeo.

It had been a few hours after Hayden dropped by with waffles and bagel for breakfast. We had talked things out. He asked me on a date…. again and this time I said yes.

Mark and Nick then dropped by an hour later after that and did the questioning. I also called a social worker hoping to get my hands on a few fostering and adopting papers for Katie’s case. She’s a teenager so the paperwork weren’t that bad since Katie agreed she wanted to stay with us.

“Mommy, why don’t we get Romeo a puppy?” Jake asks as I was holding his and Danny’s hand.

I was wearing a pair of denim blue jeans, cropped white t shirt and a denim jacket with my white Jordan Michael sneakers. My hair was in a waterfall braid thanks to Katie’s hands.

Jaxon was trailing behind us holding Katie’s hand who also had a few shopping bags on her since I bought her some new clothes and two pair of sneakers.

“Um….OK. We can go to the pet store after this” I said and they cheered up.

We dropped all the shopping stuff in the car and then went off for lunch.

•••• We entered the pet store which was sort of full I guess. We started looking around when a sales guy came over.

“Good morning guys. Can I help you with something?” He asks me cheerfully.

“Um..yes please. We’re looking for a puppy for a seven year olds birthday today” I said and he nodded.

“Lucky for you guys, one of the females Briah just gave birth a few days ago and the puppies are all good to go. They’ve already received their injections and stuff and they are so adorable. Come this way” he says and we follow.

I look behind me not seeing Katie or Jaxon only to find them by the glass box where a large snake lay asleep.

We walked passed the cages full of pet animals and soon came to the cage where four or five small fluffy puppies were laying sound asleep.

God,they’re so adorable.

I feel bad. They look so close with each other, their family. I wouldn’t want anyone taking my family.

“Aww mummy they’re so pretty. But that’s their family. They’ll be upset” Jake says worriedly and I nod in agreement.

“Do you have any stray puppies that were found?” I asked as he nodded.

“Yeah, right this way” we followed him to the cage where there played an active small canine pup. He was a fluffy little thing. He had white fur accept for the part on his eyes and ears were brown.

“Mommy can we take this one?” Jake asks pleading and I nod.

“We’ll take him” I said as he smiles nodding as he hands me a few forms.

“You need to fill these out, his name is Cooper. He’s about a month old and we found him by the pet shop’s trash box in the ally. Poor thing” he says as I feel sympathy for the puppy who playfully ran around as Jake and Danny were playing with Cooper

I looked behind me seeing Jake with a squatting Katie trying to tie his sneakers lace.

“Sophie?” Someone calls out and I turn behind me to find one of my school colleagues back in the days.

Carson.

“Carson?” I asked as he nodded and pulled me in a hug. I pulled away first.

“Wow Sophie. You look amazing” he says eyeing me up and down.

Carson is Australian. He moved here ages ago with his divorcee mum Helen who married again,they’re happy together. Carson has that typical Australian sandy blonde hair and deep grazing blue eyes. He moved away to new York to study Architecture and stuff and I guess he’s back now.

He’s taller than me… Heck,who isn’t?

“Mommy?” Jaxon appears in front of me as I broke my eye contact with Carson.

“What’s wrong Jaxon?” I asked.

“I’m gonna use the bathroom” he says and I nod seeing him enter the brightly paw painted males restroom.

“Wow, so it was real” he says making me give him a confused look.

“Well, when I was like back in new York. Mark called me saying you gotten pregnant. I didn’t believe him cause I was afraid that my only chance of being with you was ruined but….now I see it. Is that the twin?” He asks after explaining shocking me to the core.

He points to Jake who picks up Cooper and gives him a kiss on top of his brown spotted puppy.

“Uh yeah. Yeah, Jaxon is the oldest,the one that was just here… And that’s Jake. Of course you know Danny. Took him for a day out and that’s my daughter Katie,talking to that…. Guy?” I said pointed to Katie seeing her blush as a guy was talking to her.

“Wow. Whose the lucky guy?” He asks and I blushed.

“Um….I’m a single mum. Yup, I know,its boring and stuff but I love the boys and my only daughter….even though I just adopted her recently” I said as he nodded staring at me.

“A date” he says and I frown.

“Do you wanna go out on a date sometime?I wanna fix the ’ single parent’ issue” he says smirking and I can’t help the blush.

“Being a single parent isn’t an issue. Its more of a blessing in a way” I said.

“And thanks but I’m just….. Not wanting to date just yet” I said and he nods with a grim smile.

And also not forgetting my date with Hayden tomorrow.

“I like a challenge Kings” he says and I shake my head.

This guy……

“Right” I said awkwardly before walking away to fill out the forms in peace.

Oh boy….

Thirty-Four

I put on a pair of leather brown,cross ankle ,sandal heels as I patted down my white evening party dress,spaghetti thin strapped around the collar area,which is covered by my loosely curled hair that cascades down my breast.

The dress reaches down my legs,with two high slits up the side. I had loosely curled my hair, and decided to just let it down but pinned up some of it with a red rose hair clip.

My lipstick was on point with my dress. I had perfect shade of red lipstick that matched my skin tone and the rest of my casual makeup.

We had already adopted Cooper for Romeo and I think he’d love his new pet. But just to be extra, Danny,Katie,Jake and Jaxon and I also wrapped up some boxes for our gifts to Romeo.

I walked out of my room to get the boys ready.

•••••

“Mommy you look so pretty” Jake says as he was wearing matching party tropical green beach shirts matching with both Jaxon and Danny.

“Yeah Jakeys mum. You look as pwetty as a butterfwy “ he says and I aww at him.

“Why thank you Danny and Jake. Why don’t you wait for mommy downstairs in the living room while I check on Jaxon and Katie” I said as they nodded leaving with their poorly, messily wrapped up gifts for Romeo.

I walked into Jaxon’s room seeing him frustratedly trying to tie his shoelaces as he slightly stuck his tongue out the side of his mouth in concentration.

“Hey kiddo” I said softly as to not startle him.

“Mommy” he says and I take a seat next to him tying his shoelaces.

“There you go. All done” I said as he smiles in relief before hugging me.

“I love you mommy. A lot” he says and I melt as I pull him towards me hugging me.

“I love you more baby boy” I said as soon we broke up and he stands up.

“I’m gonna go see Jake and Danny downstairs” he says taking his neatly covered gift for Romeo. He even went as far as making a homemade post card wishing the birthday boy well.

For his age, he acts so mature. So wise and so full of wisdom and I’m proud of him. I’m proud of them all. I look over to the glass trophy bookshelf fairly decorated in fairy lights around every shelf of achievement of the boys. Some with their photo frames of them shaking the chief guests hands,receiving their award.

I leave their Master bedroom as I knocked softly on Katie’s room. “Katie?sweetie,you done in there?” I hear shuffling as I asked before the door opens seeing Katie in a fitting nice summer set dress which fit her body like a glove.

“Do I look too fat in this dress?” She asks and starts ranting about just wearing something casual and I put my hand up still staring at her.

“Sweetie, its beautiful. Do a twirl for me” I said and she does,blushing and I gushed about how pretty it was.

“Its so pretty” I said sniffling as I cry a bit.

“Are you crying?please don’t cry….” She says as she engulfs me in a hug.

I laugh through my tears as I hug her.

“Sorry, its just. I get so emotional, now that I have my daughter figure here in my house, in her room. Oh hush, just let me be a mom for a minute” I mumbled as she laughs hugging me tight.

“I’d like to call you mom too if you want” she says and I pull away in shock at the statement.

“YES!!!! YES! GOD YES!!” I said pulling her into a tighter hug.

She giggle and hugs me back.

“OK…mom. Let me go now” she says and I let go of her.

“We’re leaving. The boys are waiting downstairs” I said as she nods as she turns off the lamp light

I give her her privacy as I lock up from my room as I leave the hallway lights on along with the CCTV and security system turned on as we leave making sure to take the wrapped up presents, the ultimate present-Cooper along with a housewarming gift card as well as the birthday card from the family.

••••••••

We’d arrived at the equally blue themed front parking spot where I noticed a few cars as the people from town. My parents are here,Mr and Mrs Hillcrest are also here. No doubt Hayden too since his black Jeep Cherokee is parked up next to the expensive looking Mercedes parked up which no doubt belongs to Mr and Mrs Hillcrest.

We got out and were greeted at the front door by Mrs Hernandez.

“Sophie!darling, you all made it!” She says happily and I can see the joy in her eyes.

“Hello to you too Mrs Hernandez” I said chuckling as we got invited inside.

“Why don’t you boys join mijo over there at the table with his…friends” she says gesturing to Romeo who sat by the empty table waiting for his friends to arrive. Danny,Jake and Jaxon went off to accompany Romeo.

Romeo was like Jaxon in a way. He doesn’t know how to make friends and say anything to anyone. I hope they get along with Jaxon.

“You look beautiful mija. So do you Miss Katie” she says as Katie blushed as we both thanked her.

“Katie, you can read that book in the balcony outside by the swinging bench, you’ll love the view dear” Mrs Hernandez says and Katie nods as she pecks my cheek leaving.

“So I heard that you’re adopting dear Katie?” Mrs Hernandez asks and I nod.

“Yes, I’ve always wanted an older daughter and even if she’s not my own by blood, I’ll love her like she were” I said.

“She deserves it. After the hellhole that sorry excuse of a man had put her through. She deserves to be happy, and I can tell she is” she says nudging at Katie who was accompanied by Jaxon and Romeo laughing at something both the boys were lively chatting about.

Well this is new. Not the fact that Katie is talking with a bunch of 7 year olds but the fact that I’ve never seen nor heard Romeo or Jaxon this…. Chatty.

But I’m not complaining either….

Thirty Five

An hour or two into the party, and everything was starting to look up. I asked Mrs Hernandez to keep Cooper in his cage upstairs in Mrs Hernandez room so that it doesn’t ruin the surprise for Romeo.

God knows how long he’d been praying for a dog or pet for that matter. Guess,prayers are answered eventually.

I’d introduced Katie and she’s met and greeted mum and dad, they’d been introduced into the family and met Mr and Mrs Hillcrest as Hayden trailed behind, as soon as the two elderly couple disappeared to get more of those delicious nacho chips, Hayden had pulled me around the waist and kissed my forehead.

“You look gorgeous,beautiful” he says in a deep husky voice making me blush as I casually run my hands over his clothed biceps.

“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself” I said as he leans down and pecks my forehead.

“Though I love the dress, this belongs to me only” he says and slides his hand down to grab one of my ass cheeks making me blush as I slapped his hand away.

“Hayden!this is a kids birthday party. You can’t just go grabbing me like that” I said glaring at him as he kisses my scrunched up brows.

“I’m sorry angel. I just….I can’t help myself. You’re so beautiful, it amazes me how you’re still single after all this while but I’m thankful” he says and I blush wrapping my arms around his neck as I leaned into him. Soft music is playing from a near distance, and from where I stand, I can monitor the boys and Katie whose now talking to a group of teenagers her age.

He turns me around so I’m facing the kids, his arms snake around my waist from behind as he presses his lips to the side of my head as we slow dance.

“Are you free tomorrow my love?” He says and I hum in agreement.

“Good. Cause our date’s tomorrow night if you want” he says as I feel him stuff his face in my neck.

Too fast Sophie.

I said to myself. We haven’t even gone on a date yet and he’s already touching me in intimate ways. I push him away.

No more touching….

“ Excuse me“ I said as he stood dumbfounded in his spot and I go back inside to help the ladies prepare for the kids.

We sung happy birthday, and turns out, the boys were the only ones whose Romeo’s age who came around. Mr and Mrs Hillcrest didn’t stay for long as they’d left for Japan for a conference meeting with the supplies of the hotel facilities like towels, hand washing products,etc.

I was trying to avoid Hayden at all costs. With my past….its just….its hard, to trust men. I honestly don’t really trust men. Even if my life depended on it, I wouldn’t. Ever.

Not after him anyways….

I know Hayden won’t be like him but just trying to get comfortable with Hayden felt…wrong? It just didn’t sit right with me. A lot about Sebastian reminded me of Hayden. Their eye color,the hair, the body,his feel around me that caused shivers down my spine and-not good shivers….AT ALL!!!

I felt somewhat disgusted with myself, I’d forced myself to do something I promised myself I would never do.

Trust men enough to let them touch me

I ate that funny hat chip with sauce on it and wow!absolutely amazing!!!

I just love Mexican food, especially with the assortments of chips and crackers and stuff

Romeo was so shocked with his puppy that he cried. Freaking cried!!!!

Jaxon then stood up and hugged Romeo with puppy in his arms. Now this was shocking. Jaxon was NEVER one to initiate a hug so ……easily. I sometimes blackmailed him into not having triple ripple ice cream and gummy worms for dessert just so I’d get a hug or two in a day or week to which he’d roll his eyes and hug me anyways.

“Its your birthday Romeo. My mommy says that the birthday person shouldn’t cry on their birthday” Jaxon says and everyone awes at them-including myself. Katie took pictures and so did I, some with my Hispanic familia while the rest I just took pictures of the boys,Romeo and the cake,etc.

Danny walks up to me with tears down his cheeks, I am immediately alert.

“Danny?baby,what’s wrong?” I asked as he shakes his head, his curly blondish brown locks bobbing slightly, as he pouts with tears in his eyes. I look around seeing a Jake glaring cutely at the small boy in front of me with crossed arms as his gray eyes shone with baby anger. So cute,this one.

“N-nofing….. I dos want my daddy” Danny says and I pick him up setting him on my lap, “Come here, did you and Jakie have an argument?” I asked and he shakes his head.

“No,we were dos figwting cause cause, I-I said I wan you to be my mommy too, cause you make wafers,and he got weally mad” he says and I hide my smile at their childish disagreement hugging the boy to my chest.

“ well, first of all….thank for commenting on the wafers, and secondly, Jake is just jealous, don’t listen to him OK? You guys are besties for life and besties for life don’t fight over mommies. I can be your mommy and Jakie’s mommy too. I already considered you one of my own Danny, and nothing and no one is going to change that. Please do forgive Jakie for being mean, but….you have to try to understand him because he’s mommy’s boy, and he gets mad over small things but I promise, he’ll come around“ I told him as he wiped his tears off. He hugs my neck.

“Tank you Jakie’s mom” he mumbles and I laugh heartily as he gets off my lap. Going to Jakie who after they talked for a few minutes, he sighed and opened his arms engulfing Danny in a hug.

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His Broken Beauty

Prologue

|One|

|Two|

|Three|

|Four|

|Five|

|Six|

|Seven|

|Eight|

|Nine|

|Ten|

|Eleven|

|Twelve|

|Thirteen|

|Fourteen|

|Fifteen|

|Sixteen|

|Seventeen|

|Eighteen|

|Nineteen|

|Twenty|

|Twenty-One|

|Twenty-Two|

Twenty Three

Thirty-Four

Thirty Five

Table of Contents

His Broken Beauty

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