We finally got to our neighborhood. Ryan stopped the car in front of my house. After he had turned the car's engine off, I came down from it. He did too and I turned to face him.
"Thank you very much once again, for helping me." I said as I walked over to where he was.
"How many times do you have to thank me? I already told you, you are really important to me so your problem is my problem." He said.
"I know but if I could just do anything, at all to pay you back for all the help you have shown me these past few days, I'll definitely do it." I said.
"Well, if you put it that way, there's one thing that you can do."
"Which is?"
"Go on a date with me." He answered with a small smile.
"Seriously??" I asked as I raised my brows in a questioning manner.
"You know you still owe me eight dates. Besides, you really need to breathe some fresh air. You have been locked up in your home for quite sometime now and it's taking a huge toll on you." He remarked.
"I would really love to but I can't." I said.
"Why not?" He asked as he stared down at me.
"It's because of Molly. I can't bear it if she is out of my sight."
"Then you can bring her along with you. She also needs to go out and spend some time with her mother."
"How would you know that?"
"Ever since the burial, have you ever sit down to maybe chat with her a little bit or just give her some of your time?" He asked back.
I went quiet immediately because I knew he was telling the truth. Even though I was on a break from work, I spend most of my time locked up in my room and always shut her out whenever she tries to talk to me.
"She might not be saying anything now but she feels your absence just like you feel your parent's absence." He muttered as he held my hands.
"Just don't think too mush about it. This would be an amazing experience for both of you. If only you agree to it." He said.
He's right. There's nothing that could go wrong if I agree on the date with him. Both I and Molly need a change of scenery and going out could be the answer.
"Okay." I finally answered making him smile happily.
"On one condition though." I added.
"Anything.."
"Molly gets to choose where we are going to." I negotiated
"Deal!!!! It's fine as long as I get to spend time with you both. You won't regret your decision, I'll make sure of it " He promised.
"Okay. Tomorrow's is Saturday so Molly won't be going to school. Come pick us up around 12 pm." I ordered.
"Yes ma'am." He teased making me chuckle.
"It's nice to finally see you smile genuinely." He muttered as he stroked my cheek gently.
That was when I realised how close we were towards each other. Our lips were few inches away from each other so I decided to initiate it but this time, without any hesitation or regret.
I pulled him closer to me and pressed my lips on his. He kissed me back immediately like he was expecting it. After sucking on each other's lips for some time, we finally pulled away.
Ours eyes locked as we tried to catch our breath. Then, he smiled at me. His really handsome smile that always weakens me.
"See you tomorrow then." I said.
"Yeah... goodnight." He said still staring at me like he didn't want you leave until I nudged him.
Then, he gave me one last peck on my lips before he got into his car. I stood there and watched as he drove into his house. When he was already inside, I finally entered the house.
I was greeted by Molly's worried face.
"Mummy." She called as she ran towards me and hugged my legs.
"My baby." I answered as I carried her in my arms.
"Where have you been? I was so worried." She muttered with a small pout.
"I'm so sorry for worrying you. I went to see a friend." I answered as I took her into my bedroom.
"Is that friend Mr. Ryan?" She asked making me stare at her in surprise.
"Why do you ask?" I asked back as I placed her on my bed.
"I noticed he drove you home and I saw some other stuffs but don't worry, I closed my eyes when it started to get really heated." My eyes widened when I understood what she meant.
Don't tell me she saw both of us kissing. This naughty brat.
"Haven't I warned you never to peep when adults are talking?" I asked, feigning a scolding tone.
"You did but I didn't do it on purpose. I was waiting by the door for you so I stumbled on the both of you by accident. Besides, you weren't even talking to him." She said.
"Alright, let's forget about that. I have good news for you." I said, trying to change the awkward subject.
"You do? What is it?" She asked.
"Tomorrow, you, me and Mr. Ryan would be going on an outing." Her eyes brightened in happiness when I said that.
"We will? To where?" She asked.
"Anywhere you want to." I answered.
"Really??"
"Yes."
"It would be just like a family outing." She said.
"Well, if you put it that way, I guess it is." I answered.
"Great!! I better start thinking of where to go to." She said.
"You should. Have you eaten?" I asked.
"No."
"Why not?? It's late already." I said as I checked the wall clock only to find out that the time was 8 pm.
"Where's your nanny?" I asked again.
"She's in her room. She has been there since she picked me up from school." Molly answered.
"Alright." I picked up my phone and ordered some food since it was already too late to cook. Then, I went towards Abigail's room.
I knocked on it twice before she finally opened the door.
"Miss Natasha. What are you doing here?" She asked in surprise like she wasn't expecting to see me.
"What is the meaning of that question? This is my house." I answered back.
"Besides, what have you been doing in your room? Why weren't you with Molly? Do you know that she hasn't eaten since?" I asked, all at once.
"I'm so sorry. The moment I got home from picking up Molly, I was so tired so I fell asleep." She explained as she released a yawn that was obviously fake.
"Oh really?" I asked suspiciously.
"Yes. I'm so sorry. Where's she?" She asked.
"In my room."
"Okay. I had better start cooking now." She said and was about to head to the kitchen when I stopped her.
"I already ordered some food so there's no need for you to stress yourself. You can go back to sleep if you're that tired." I said before leaving for my room.
The food later arrived and I and Molly ate till our satisfaction. After that, we both slept in my room with smiles on both our faces.
*The next day*
I smiled as Molly giggled happily when the Monkey snatched the banana from her palms. We were currently at the zoo, Molly's choice obviously and we were all having the best time of our lives.
"Don't stand too close to the cage. It can be really dangerous." Ryan said as he pulled Molly closer towards him.
We just left the amusement park and we were about to head home when Molly suggested we go to the zoo. Ryan agreed and took us there. He was really helpful in taking care of Molly that I didn't have to disturb myself.
I could feel many jealous eyes on us because to them, we seemed like the perfect family. If only they knew that Rtlyan wasn't even related to us. My own family was even more messed up.
Ryan lifted Molly up and placed her around his neck so she wouldn't have to walk anymore. Then, he held my hands before we did more sightseeing on the animals.
I turned to stare at him and Molly and smiled at how both of them talked like they were related. If only they actually are. We continued enjoying ourselves till the extent that I wished that it would never end.
Sadly, we had to stop because it was already getting really late. The zoo wanted to close so Ryan drove us back home. When we got to the house, Molly was too sad to leave.
She finally agreed to go in when Ryan promised her another day of fun. We bid Ryan bye and he drove off. We were about to go in when we saw Abigail talking to someone.
He had his back facing us so I couldn't see his face. I noticed she collected something from him but I didn't see what it was. I decided not to interrupt them so I waited till till had finally left before I walked towards where Abigail was.
"Abigail." I called when we finally got to where she was.
"Miss Natasha." She called out in shock when she saw me.
"Who was that?" I asked. She stared at me nervously like I had caught her doing something really bad.
"Who??" She asked back as she scratched her neck nervously. Is she seriously trying to play dumb with me?
"The man that you were talking to." I answered. I could notice her shaking in fear and that made me grow suspicious of who he was.
Wait.... don't tell me!!
"Is that..."