Chapter 100 The Birthday That Changed Forever

Chapter 100 The Birthday That Changed Forever
It's Amanda's birthday, Rowan didn't mention anything to her. The children only greeted her casually, not wanting to get her suspicious.

That evening, Mrs. Roberts came into her room with a nice dress, insisting she put it on.

“Why do you want me to wear this mother? I am not going anywhere.” Amanda protested.

“Because I bought it for you and it's your birthday. I want you to dress nice. Show Rowan that you've still got it.” Mrs. Roberts said, helping her get dressed.

“How many times have I told you that we are taking things slow. I have nothing to show.” Amanda snapped.

“You are the one taking things slow, not him. We all know that. Just cheer up already and start having your best life with Rowan. “ Her mother answered.

“Now, look at you. So adorable.”Mrs. Roberts said, admiring Amanda in the dress. “Now let's go and show the whole house what you have got.”

“Mom!” Amanda exclaimed, feeling like she had overdressed for someone who isn't going anywhere.

“Come on” her mother dragged her along. As they got downstairs, Tyler ran to them. “Mom, come and see Adora. I don't know what happened to her.”

“What? Where is she? Amanda asked as she hurried, following him.

When Amanda stepped into the backyard, she was met with a burst of cheerful voices yelling, "Surprise!" The backyard was adorned with decorations, and a table held a birthday cake surrounded by her children, Rowan, and his parents.

Amanda stood there, genuinely surprised. “Really? You did this for me?” She asked, emotional.

“They planned this all.” Anna said, pointing to the kids.

“Oh, this is amazing. I love you all.” Amanda exclaimed. “Happy Birthday, Mummy!” The children echoed. For the first time in days, Amanda's reserved demeanor melted away, replaced by a genuine smile.

The kids presented Amanda with a carefully wrapped box. “We got this for you.” Adora said, waiting impatiently for her to open it.

She opened it to find a custom-made necklace with four intertwined rings, each representing one of her children. Amanda was visibly moved, and tears welled up in her eyes. “This is beautiful.” She exclaimed.

“Do you like it?” Tyler asked. “I love it,” Amanda said. “I will try it on now.” She tried to wear it but couldn't fix the hook at the back. She suddenly felt a hand , trying to fix it for her. She tried to turn immediately but Rowan spoke.

“Stay still. I will fix it for you” By the time he was done and Amanda turned to say her gratitude, Rowan was on one knee holding out a ring.

A hush fell over the backyard as Rowan looked up at Amanda, a mixture of nervousness and sincerity in his eyes. The children exchanged excited glances, knowing the significance of the moment. The audience began to murmur, surprised.

“Amanda," Rowan began, his voice filled with emotion. “I know I haven't been the best man and you have every reason to hate me with what I have done to you, what I have put you through.”

Amanda's heart raced as she looked down at Rowan, tears running down her cheeks. Rowan sighed and continued.

“I am sorry. Please forgive me.” Rowan said, holding her hands with his free hand. Amanda nodded.

“I am using this opportunity to ask you to be my partner forever. Be my wife, the mother of my kids” Rowan said.

“I am already the mother of your kids.” Amanda said, chuckling.

“We can have more,” Rowan exclaimed. “Is that a yes?’’

“You have not asked me the question,” Amanda said sarcastically.

“Oh, yeah.” Rowan sighed. “Will you give me a chance to make things right? Will you allow me to love you right as my wife and the mother of my kids? Will you be my partner forever?”

The backyard was silent, every gaze fixed on Amanda as she processed the momentous question. Mrs. Roberts, standing nearby, held her breath, hoping for a positive response.

Amanda's face softened, and a tear rolled down her cheek. She nodded, trying to control her tears. She looked at Rowan, and with a trembling voice, she said, "Yes. Yes, Rowan, I will."

The backyard erupted into cheers, and the children rushed forward to congratulate their parents. Rowan stood up, slipping the ring into Amanda's finger.

“Are we going to have a wedding, dad?” Adora asked.

“Yes we are…” Rowan answered but stopped halfway when he realized what he heard. “Did you say Dad?” Rowan asked, emotional.

Adora nodded. Rowan turned to Amanda. “Thank you. She just called me Dad.” Amanda smiled and they hugged.

Mr. Xi interrupted their moment. I have a gift for Amanda. Since today is your first birthday as my daughter-in-law, I have decided to give you this.” He handed her a key.

Amanda looked at the key, puzzled. "What's this for?" she asked.

"It's the key to the beach house," Mr. Xi explained. "I thought it would be a nice place for you and your new family to spend some time together. I was going to get a car but since Rowan beat me to it, I am opting for this.”

“Dad!” Rowan exclaimed.

“Oh, sorry.” That was supposed to be a surprise.” Mr. Xi apologized.

“You bought me a car?” Amanda asked, turning to Rowan.

“Yes, I did. You deserve more and that is what I will be doing for the rest of our lives. “ Rowan said.

Amanda was genuinely touched by the gesture. "Thank you so much. She turned to Mr. Xi, “thank you” she said, sniffing in her tears.

“I also have something. It's small compared to what these men have done but I hope you like it too.” Madam Xi handed Amanda a jewelry box.

Amanda opened the box and her eyes widened. “This is for me?” She hugged Madam Xi. “Thank you so much. I love it.”

The evening continued with celebration and Amanda received gifts from the staff too.



Some weeks after, Rowan and Amanda visited Wilson in prison.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Wilson sneered, looking up at his brother.

“How have you been? Rowan asked, pity sitting comfortably on his face.

“I have been in prison.” Wilson joked. “And please spare me that pity on your face. It's far from what I need right now.

Rowan scoffed. “Why are you here though? I don't expect to see you ever again after what I did. Especially to you.” He pointed to Amanda.

“I came to talk to you” Rowan responded.

Wilson leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "What could you possibly want to talk about?"

“We are getting married.” Amanda said without hesitating further.

Wilson smiled. “I thought as much. So are you here for my permission or what?”

“No..no..I just feel you should know. Dad might have disowned you but you are still my brother. You deserve to know that I am getting married…to Amanda.” Rowan said.

Wilson focused his gaze on Rowan. “And yes, about Amanda's kids, they are mine. I'm their father.” Rowan added.

“You are adopting them?” WIlson asked.

“No.. I am their biological father.” Rowan exclaimed.

“Wait…what! You are the rapist from the hotel” Wilson said, surprised.

“I wouldn't put it that way but since you understand what I am talking about, then yes, I am.” Rowan replied.

Wilson scoffed. “It's good to know I wasn't the only one who hurt Amanda. But it's all good now. You should take care of her.” He turned to Amanda, “I am sorry. For everything…from the beginning and till now. About the detective ..I am sorry. I wish I could take back the things I did to you but I can't.”

“It's alright.” Amanda said, trying to fight her emotions. Rowan noticed and he stood up immediately. “We should go.” He said, helping Amanda up.

Wilson nodded. He watched them walk away. When they reached the entrance, he called out to Rowan. “Thanks for telling me. Congratulations.”

Rowan nodded and then walked away. Outside, he hugged Amanda and she cried in his arms. “It's okay,” he said, comforting her.

“Can I ask you for a favor? Amanda asked.

“Of course,” he responded. “What is it?”

Amanda sighed, “Can we visit Wills's grave someday?”

“I would love to.” Rowan responded. He kissed her forehead and whispered into her ears. “I love you, now and forever.”

Amanda chuckled. “I know. I love you too.”

“Now! What about forever?” Rowan teased and they continued to talk and laugh as they drove back home.