Page 7 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

"Second one, Mommy," she says, her brown eyes sparkle as she turns her other cheek to my face. I kiss her other cheek before standing to my feet. I look around the living room to ensure we haven't forgotten anything.

"Alright, let's go," I say, holding her hand as I lead her outside the house. While I lock the door, she hops along toward the car.

"Mommy, can I sit in front with you?" she asks.

"Not yet, honey. You are still my sweet little gummy bear, and little gummy bears sit in their car seat, which is in the back seat," I say, walking toward her as I open the back seat so she can climb in.

She gets into the car, and I strap her into her seat.

16 HELEN BLUME

"But Mommy, I'll be Gve soon," she says conGdently, putting three Gngers into the air. "I'll be an adult soon," she states proudly. I laugh at her naivety.

"DeGnitely. But till then, you'll have to sit in your seat. Okay?" "Okay," she replies.

"Rreat!" I kiss her on her forehead before going over to the driver's

seat to start the car and head out.

In Gve minutes, we’re at Mina's place.

Mina qobinson has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We practically grew up together. She has always had my back, and I have hers. Mina is the closest person I have to a sister. She is also Octavia's godmother. Mina stood by me when I was pregnant and didn't know what to do. I was scared, confused, and hopeless, but Mina remained strong for me in those moments. She assured me that everything was going to be okay. I don't know what I would have done without Mina and my dad. Both of them held it down for me. Even when my dad passed last year, she stood by Octavia and me. She helped us stay strong. I have no idea what I'd do with my life without her.

Unlike me, Mina Gnished her degree and bagged a managerial position at the bank. I am very proud of her.

I bring the car to a halt and get ox to assist Octavia out of her seat.

Rrabbing her backpack, she runs to Mina's front door.

"Aunty Mina! Let me in. Your cupcake is here," she sFueaks eXcitedly.

I smile, seeing her eXcitement.

Mina opens the front door, and her face brightens as soon as she sees Octavia.

"My beautiful cupcake!" She picks Octavia up and showers her with kisses. "How I've missed my baby girl!" Octavia giggles as Mina kisses her as they enter the house.

I grab the rest of Octavia's things from the car and head inside. "Hey, Mina," I say immediately after I enter the house.

"Hey, girl. How are you?" Mina 8ashes me a smile, but all her attention is on Octavia.

It is obvious she loves Octavia more than me. Not that I'm complaining.

I walk over to the couch to drop the rest of Octavia's stux.

"Thanks for doing this, Mina," I say as I face her.

"Stop saying that. She is my goddaughter. Of course, I will help," she smiles her reassurance.

"Aunty Mina, look! I can jump very high!" Octavia says as she tries to jump up on her feet.

"Rood job, cupcake!" Mina claps for her, and Octavia smiles in satisfaction. Her smile always reminds me so much of her father. Thinking about him now makes my heart ache.

I was such a foolish girl.

I shake my head, bringing myself back to reality.

"I have to go now, Mina. I don't want to miss my appointment at the salon," I say, grabbing my purse from the couch.

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