Page 102 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

Kayden was now murmuring some words. I lay on the bed with him and put a pillow behind him. He refused to let go of me, so I just pulled him to my chest and put my arm around him.

“It’s late, baby. Mommy needs sleep.” I yawned, stroking his hair.

He mumbled a few indistinctive words and pulled away to look at me. I made a goofy face, and he giggled. It was partly my fault for keeping him up with the goofy face because he kept asking me to do it and I couldn’t say no. At some point, he started jumping on the bed, and my eyes were heavy with sleep.

Eventually, he got tired and went to sleep while I stayed up, thinking about Tristan’s words before he walked away last night, leaving me flustered and sexually frustrated. If only he knew he’d ruined me for any other man out there. Why did I hate the idea of leaving him? I knew our relationship was complicated, but somehow, he’d given me something I couldn’t live without. What if we could work this out and find happiness? We deserved it after everything we’d been through together. I was starting to let down my walls for him. I couldn’t control it anymore. I’d tried over the years to get rid of every memory of us and my feelings for him, but the more time I spent around him, the more it brought back all those memories and reminded me that the feelings had never left.

I sighed softly and closed my eyes.

***

Tristan had to go to the office today for an urgent meeting. Mrs. Sanchester and Nana went to the hospital for Nana’s monthly physicals, and the twins wouldn’t let any of the maids or their nanny carry them without thrashing and crying. So, I had to manage the chaos of them playing so loud in the background while I took my online classes. At some point, they were climbing on my body while I tried to answer a question. I was exhausted by the time it was over.

Mrs. Sanchester and Nana were back before I left for my night shift.

I spoke to Vina on the phone, telling her what had happened with Ciara. It was her day off, but she was out with some colleagues. I loved that for her because Vina wasn’t a social butterfly. She hated interacting with anyone other than family and close friends.

We received two new employees, so my shift wasn’t as hectic as usual, and I closed an hour early. I looked through my tote bag for the car keys. One of the Sanchesters’ drivers had insisted on driving me and told me he’d lose his job if I took the bus. I knew Tristan was behind it. I decided to pick one of the cars instead. I looked like trash next to the red Bentley. I was scared of messing it up the whole ride. The expensive leather seats and luxurious interior design made me want to wear heels and a suit to work.

“Oh my God, wait, you own this?” Freda, one of my coworkers, asked stepping out of her old car with the paint already worn out, too many scratches, and one headlight broken.

I called her a parrot because she always had something to say.

“How are you able to afford this with your paycheck? And you said you’re going to school, right?” she asked, assessing the car like it was a masterpiece.

“It’s not mine.” I rolled my eyes and sighed in relief when I found the keys.

“Ohh, right. Now, I get.” She grinned, and I gave her a questioning look.

I shook my head and entered the car. I wasn’t interested in what she had meant by that. She never had anything good to say anyway. I was in a good mood today, and I wanted to keep it that way. I stopped by the drive-through and got the twins their favorite nuggets and fries. They could still be awake when I got home.

Tristan’s car was not in the garage or driveway when I arrived. I found Kayla in the living room, watching TV with Nana, who was fast asleep on the recliner. I had never felt so happy because it was the first time I had seen her face light up when she saw me. She stood up and ran to me. I picked her up and hugged her.

“Hey, sweetie.” I kissed her cheek.

She smiled and looked away from my face.

“Where’s your brother?”

“Their nanny tucked him in bed an hour ago. Kayla decided to keep me company,” Nana said, sitting up on the seat.

“You can go to bed, Nana. Thank you.”

“You’re back early,” she said, standing up.

“Yeah, there wasn’t much work to do.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow morning, sweet cake,” Nana said.

“Tell Nana good night.”

Kayla’s voice was barely audible as she mumbled the word. Nana laughed and left for her room with the help of one of the maids. I decided to keep the takeout in the fridge for tomorrow.

“Why are you still awake, little miss?” I asked playfully as I took her with me upstairs.

I heard the front door open as I got off the last set of steps. I could smell Tristan’s strong scent from here. I paused as I heard his footsteps on the stairs. My breathing ceased when I saw him in that finely pressed dark suit that hugged his tall form and insinuated his beauty.

“You’re home early,” he said. His lips curved into a smile as he got closer.

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