Cassandra
Three years later,
"Ms. Walker." I glanced up to find my secretary, Hera, standing before me.
"Yes? What is it?" I replied with a smile.
"Actually, you have a meeting right now, and everyone is waiting for you," she informed me. My eyes widened in realization as I had completely forgotten about the meeting.
"Oh my, how could I forget? Let's go immediately," I said, quickly grabbing my phone and the necessary files for the meeting. Hera and I made our way to the meeting room, where everyone was already assembled. "I apologize for my tardiness. Shall we begin?" I asked, hoping to make up for my delay. With that, the meeting commenced. Lately, my schedule had been extremely busy, and I hadn't been taking proper breaks or eating well. I knew I needed some rest after this.
As you may know, I now have my own boutique. I ventured into starting my own company as a fashion designer, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I currently have nearly five boutiques, with locations in London, Milan, and three in Los Angeles, where my dreams first took flight. I began my new life there with the money I saved from my part-time job, and now my business is flourishing. Danica has been instrumental in this journey, as we co-own the boutique together. With my background in fashion and design from university, I seized the opportunity to launch my own clothing line.
It all started with a small shop, but soon we began receiving numerous requests to open additional boutiques. Danica and I worked tirelessly to earn enough money for our first boutique. We faced challenges initially, but as months went by, things started to improve. Our hard work paid off, and I am now reaping the rewards. My life has undergone significant positive changes.
The meeting revolved around the launch of my new branch in Brooklyn, New York. The grand opening is scheduled in three days, and I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
The moment I opened the door, my adorable twins, Finley and Lindsey, ran towards me and hugged my feet. Yes, you heard it right - I am a proud mother of twins. They have been the source of immense joy in my life. Danica, my best friend, has been my pillar of support throughout this journey. She currently resides in Paris, pursuing her dream as an interior designer. Although it was tough to be apart after everything we went through, I knew it was important for her to follow her passion.
"Hello, my loves." I embraced both of them tightly and planted kisses on their cheeks. Placing my handbag on the table, we walked together to the living room. "So, tell me, what do you want to do today?" I asked, curious about their plans.
"We want to eat!" Finley and Lindsey chimed in unison, making me burst into laughter at their adorable synchrony.
"Is that all?" I playfully teased them.
"We also want to play, sleep, and eat," Finley replied with a mischievous grin. Just then, Riley, the nanny I hired to assist with their care, entered the room. "Oh, hi, Riley," I greeted her warmly, and she responded with a smile.
"Ma'am, I haven't bathed them yet. May I take them to shower?" Riley asked.
"If that's the case, it's fine. Besides, I planned to take them to the playground later, so they might need to shower again if they do it now," I explained, and Finley and Lindsey nodded enthusiastically. "Are you both excited?" They eagerly nodded their heads.
"Riley, I'll go change my clothes first. Please get the kids ready," I instructed. With a nod, I made my way to my room. Opting for a casual outfit, I styled my hair in a low bun before heading back to the living room. I waited there as the sound of their little footsteps echoed down the stairs. "Mommy, let's go!" they exclaimed in unison, their faces beaming with excitement.
"Riley, you can head home now. I can handle things from here. Thank you for your help today," I said appreciatively. She nodded, grabbed her bag, and prepared to leave.
"Finley and Lindsey, don't run. Oh my gosh," I said with a shake of my head, watching their energetic play on the playground while I sat on one of the nearby benches. A smile formed on my face as I observed their adorable antics. Finley with his dark brown hair and brown eyes, and Lindsey with her light brown hair and matching brown eyes. They resembled him so much, and despite everything, I couldn't help but think of him. The memory of when he heartlessly cast me aside like a stray dog will forever remain etched in my mind.
Suddenly, my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Retrieving it from my pocket, I answered the call. After a brief conversation, I ended the call and glanced towards the playground to check on Finley and Lindsey. However, to my alarm, they were nowhere to be seen. Panic coursed through me, and I swiftly stood up, scanning the area. "Finley! Lindsey!" I called out desperately, but they didn't respond.
I searched the entire park, my anxiety escalating with each passing second. Tears welled up uncontrollably, and I couldn't bear the thought of them being lost. I needed to find them. Praying for divine assistance, I wiped my tears and cast another look towards the playground. They were my whole world, and now they were missing from that very spot. Where could they be? I frantically scanned the playground, tears streaming down my cheeks.
And then, I spotted them sitting at one of the tables near the playground, happily enjoying their ice cream. Relief washed over me, and I raced towards them, my heart still pounding. Sitting down beside Lindsey, I took a deep breath, wiping away my tears as I looked at them.
"Where did you two go? You almost gave me a heart attack," I exclaimed, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and relief. Both of them simply grinned at me with their innocent faces. "Who gave you the ice cream?" I inquired.
"A kind uncle," Finley responded nonchalantly, continuing to enjoy his treat.
"A kind uncle? Who is that? Finley, why didn't you tell me? What if he was a stranger with bad intentions? You could have been taken to an unknown place, and I might never have seen you again. It's not safe to follow someone you don't know, even if they offer candy or ice cream. Do you understand?" I scolded, my worry evident. They both nodded their heads, still engrossed in their ice cream. I let out a sigh, realizing my own responsibility in the situation. I should have been more attentive, not allowing them to play unattended while I was distracted by my phone.
"No, mommy, he's good. Sowwy, mommy," Lindsey pleaded, her innocent eyes melting my heart. This little one knows just how to tug at my emotions. However, it still leaves me feeling like a failure as a mother for not being able to protect them.
"Alright, this time I forgive both of you, but promise me you'll never follow a stranger again, okay? It's incredibly dangerous. Listen to mommy, it's really dangerous," I reiterated, trying to emphasize the importance of their safety. They nodded in understanding.
"After this, both of you need to take a shower," I instructed, glancing at their messy faces and stained clothes from the ice cream.
We headed home, the journey not taking too long since the park was nearby, just a 10-minute drive. As we arrived, I guided them inside the house, urging them to go to their room while I took care of some things.
Entering my own room, I placed my handbag and phone on the bed before proceeding to their room to clean them up. "Come here," I beckoned, helping them remove their clothes before filling the tub with warm water. Bath time was always a joyful experience, witnessing their laughter and excitement.
"Mommy, bubbles!" Lindsey exclaimed with delight. I allowed them a few minutes to play with the bubbles, cherishing the sight of their enjoyment. The thought of not finding them today sent shivers down my spine. I would forever carry the weight of regret and self-blame had we been separated. They were my whole world, my only family by blood. I resolved to be more vigilant when taking them out, perhaps even bringing Riley along for added assistance.
"Alright, my loves, come over and let mommy rinse you off," I gently called them, swiftly completing their bath to prevent them from catching a cold. Wrapping them in towels, we left the bathroom, making our way to their room where I quickly prepared their pajamas.
"Mommy?" Finley called out, looking up at me.
"Yes, my love?"
"Hungry," he stated, prompting a chuckle to escape my lips.
"Mommy will make dinner for you after this. Come and put on your clothes," I said, ushering them to dress up.
After changing into fresh clothes, I made my way downstairs to prepare dinner. As the meal finished cooking, I called the twins to come down. "Take a seat, and let me put on your bibs to prevent any food from falling on your pajamas," I instructed. They obediently settled into their chairs. Watching them eat, their faces adorned with food, brought a smile to my lips as I joined them for a bite.
With the clock nearing ten, I announced, "Finley, Lindsey, it's time for bed now." I switched off the television in the living room and held their little hands as we ascended the stairs together.
"You both need a good night's sleep because tomorrow we're going to New York," I informed them as I settled them onto the bed.
"Mommy, can I ask something?" Finley spoke up. "What is it, Gab?" I replied, curious about his sudden question.
"Where's daddy? Kind uncle, is he Daddy?" Finley inquired, causing my eyebrows to raise in surprise.
"Why are you suddenly asking about that?" They had never shown any curiosity about their father before, making this the first time they mentioned him.
"I want Daddy. Daddy, be kind and buy ice cream," Lindsey added.
"Well, umm, your dad is someone who used to be in our lives, and no, you won't be seeing that 'kind' uncle ever again. It's not safe. We don't know him," I carefully explained, opting for a gentle tone despite my true feelings. I wished I could express how their father had been an unfaithful, arrogant, and insensitive man, but they were still too young to understand those harsh truths.
"Now, let's not talk about it and get some sleep. Sweet dreams," I said, kissing their foreheads before quietly leaving the room.
Cassandra
"Gab, Ella, wake up. We've arrived," I gently shake my children as we sit on the plane. After enduring a long flight, we have finally landed in New York.
"Mommy, where are we?" Lindsey asks, her eyes still drowsy, while Finley yawns and tries to fall back asleep. This is the first time the three of us have flown together, and it's going to be a challenge. "Gabby, please wake up. You can go back to sleep once we reach the hotel. Wake up," I coax him, but he ends up crying softly. Thankfully, it's not too loud.
"Miss, I'm sorry, but you need to disembark the plane," one of the flight attendants kindly informs me. "Alright, just give me a moment," I reply, lifting Finley and holding Lindsey's hand with my free hand. You can do this, Cassandra. You can handle it.
---
Thankfully, we have safely arrived at the hotel. My body aches from carrying Finley, even during the taxi ride. He sure loves his sleep, while Lindsey always seems to have a hearty appetite. Despite being twins, they have distinct personalities.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," Lindsey tugs at my dress. I look at her in disbelief. "Lindsey, you just ate like 20 minutes ago," I remind her, and she starts to whine. "Alright, alright. Mommy will order room service." No matter what, I won't let my children go hungry. I call for room service to deliver some food, and shortly after, the meal arrives. Lindsey jumps with joy at the sight of the food. I allow them to eat on their own since they prefer it that way. The last time I tried to feed them, they ended up sulking.
It's 6:15, and I have about fifteen minutes left before our driver arrives to take us to the launch. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The nerves come from the fear that something might not go as planned during the event.
Taking a deep breath, I try to stay positive. "Everything will be fine," I reassure myself.
I'm already dressed in my outfit for the evening, and with one final touch, I remove my earrings. "Finley, Lindsey, come here," I call out to my children.
"Mommy, I'm not a present," Finley protests while pointing at his bow. I can't help but smile at his adorable frown. Finley looks so handsome in his little tuxedo, just like his father.
"But you look so handsome when you wear it. So, will you wear it?" I gently pinch his cheeks, and he nods in agreement. Once Finley is ready, I turn my attention to Lindsey, who has messy hair. "Ella, come here. I need to style your hair," I say, and she quickly runs over from the bed.
"Mommy, can you make my hair like a princess?" she requests, and I nod with a smile. I guide her to a chair and begin styling her hair. After a few minutes, her hair is neatly braided into a French braid. She looks absolutely adorable. Glancing at the time, I grab my purse.
"Let's go, kids. It's time to leave," I announce, and they excitedly rush out of the room. These children sure have an abundance of energy. I shake my head in amusement.
It takes just 10 minutes to reach my new boutique. As I step inside, I'm greeted by the bustling atmosphere of preparation and the presence of the models who will bring my designs to life. A smile naturally forms on my lips as I realize that my career is steadily growing. Tonight is going to be a busy night.
I realize that I should have brought Riley along to help take care of my babies. Unfortunately, I hadn't thought of it earlier. I quickly scan the room, searching for someone I can trust to look after Finley and Lindsey. I need to find someone soon before they start running around and make it difficult for me to focus. "Finley, Lindsey, come with me. Let's go," I call out to them, leading them to an available room, which happens to be the office. Perfect.
"Listen to me, please don't run around in this place. It's filled with lots of people, and you might get lost. It would make mommy so sad if that happened. Do you want to see mommy cry again?" I ask them, hoping they understand and behave just for tonight. They shake their heads, and I hope their determination holds true. Just then, the door opens, revealing my secretary. I had contacted her earlier, asking if she could take care of Finley and Lindsey, and I was relieved when she agreed.
