Chapter 55 Crossing Into A New Life
"Mrs Roberts nodded that she should go ahead. "You are the best mother anyone could ask for. You have been supportive right from the beginning. I didn't realize how difficult it was for you until I became a single mother and trust me, I would not have done a thing without you."
Amanda wiped the tears running down her mother's cheeks. "My kids are in your hands and I trust they would do just fine with you."
Mrs. Roberts smiled. "Don't try to patronize me. You can put that energy into packing."
"Yes, mother," Amanda responded. They resumed tracking immediately.
After a while, they had already packed what they believed to be necessary. "You should get some rest, Mother," Amanda said. She was coming from the children's room. They were all asleep by the time Amanda went in to check up on them.
"You should too" Mrs. Roberts responded.
"Yes, I will. I just need to send this message to Rowan and I will have some sleep." Amanda answered, walking to the living room.
She texted Rowan about her moving in. To her surprise, he called her immediately.
"I would have bet you would be fast asleep by now," Amanda said when she picked up the call.
"Then I guess you still have some things to learn about me," Rowan teased.
"My men will pick you up first thing tomorrow morning," Rowan said almost immediately.
"It doesn't have to be that early and I still know my way to your house" Amanda giggled.
"It's nice to hear you joke at a moment like this but I want to be sure you all are safe."
"Oh, my mother is not coming with me. She would be going to the countryside, she would be safer there.' Amanda responded.
" Is that it? Are you sure about that?" Rowan asked again.
"Yes. This means a lot to me," she replied, feeling reassured. She didn't want to keep him on the phone longer. "I know it's late, so I will just say goodnight."
"Goodnight, Amanda," Rowan said, his voice warm. "Even though we are in the morning already. Sleep well and stay safe. I will see you in the morning."
Detective Wills arrived early the next morning as promised, and he, along with Amanda's mother and the kids, left the house, heading for a safe location in the countryside.
"Mummy! Please come with us" Ryan said. He looked disappointed.
"I'm sorry but I can't come with you," Amanda responded.
"But Mom, are you safe here?'' Tyler asked. Amanda reassured them that she would visit soon and keep them updated on her safety.
After they departed, Amanda turned her attention to the situation at hand. She needed to remain in her house until Rowan's driver showed up, even if it was risky.
Rowan's security team remained on high alert around her residence, and the local police had increased patrols in the area.
As she contemplated what to do when she entered the house to engage herself, Rowan's vehicle showed up from a distance. "Here we are," Amanda mumbled, smiling.
Her smile soon became wider when she discovered Rowan was in the car. "I was not expecting to see you so soon," she remarked as Rowan walked up to her at the door.
"I couldn't wait any longer so I decided to come get you myself. Is that a problem?" Rowan asked, also smiling.
"Not at all?" Amanda responded.
"Your mom?" Rowan asked.
"She left already," Amanda answered, suddenly excited.
"Good," Rowan exclaimed. "Shall we?" He gestured with his hand that she should walk to the car.
"Sure. Let me get my luggage." Amanda said as she made to leave for the house but Rowan pulled her back softly.
"You won't be needing that," He said.
"What!" Amanda exclaimed. She looked confused and curious. After waiting for Rowan to explain further which he didn't, she continued. "What do you mean?"
"I meant you will not be needing anything from your house. I made preparations for that already" Rowan said. Pride was sitting pretty on his face.
"Rowan!" Amanda called out. She seemed angry. "Again? I thought we talked about this."
Rowan realized what he had done immediately. Amanda did not like him making decisions for or about her without informing her first.
"Hey, I am sorry. I just…" he stopped. What he wanted to say might be fuel to the fire that was already ablaze. "I'm sorry. My bad. I can't get fixed in a day but am trying. I will be more conscious henceforth."
She sighed, her anger subsiding. "I know you're trying, Rowan, but please, just involve me in decisions like this. It's important to me."
"Yes, ma'am," Rowan responded. His response made Amanda smile. For what it is worth, Rowan is the most humble rich man she knows. But she also knows that he could be the most unpredictable when he is angry.
"Can we leave now?" Rowan asked. Amanda nodded and they entered the car.
Upon their arrival at the mansion, Amanda was greeted with warm and enthusiastic welcomes from the household staff. It was clear that they were genuinely happy to see her, and Amanda felt a sense of belonging.
Anna approached Amanda with a smile. She bowed. "You are welcome ma." She greeted Amanda. Amanda reciprocated their warm greetings with a smile. She hugged Anna unexpectedly, leaving all of them in shock.
"Thank you for the other day. You did a great job, and so was everyone.' Amanda said, still hugging Anna.
Anna struggled to free herself from Amanda's grip but she held her tighter. "We had an agreement. You are to treat me like your daughter." Amanda whispered.
Anna whispered too. "The boss is watching"
"Is that going to get you into a problem with him?" Amanda whispered again.
"I don't know that. Mr. Xi is always unpredictable." Anna responded.
Amanda released her grip on her. She looked at Rowan whose focus was on them. All the other staff had their eyes on him too.
"What?" Amanda snapped.