Chapter 94 A Temporary Refuge
The tension in the room died down immediately and silence took over. Mr. Wills walked up to Rowan and said,
"How could you still defend this woman despite the damage she had caused to your family? How could you even choose to be with a woman with such baggage?"
"To begin with, she has done no bad to my family and I do not think anyone should dictate how I treat my family or get angry when I treat whom I love right.
Mr. Wills scoffed, embarrassed by his response. "You should not have left them to be my son's responsibility in the first place."
"You are totally right. They wouldn't have been subjected to insults from irresponsible people." Rowan responded. "Lesson learnt. It won't happen again." He turned back to Amanda, "go and pack your stuff. My men will help you.
Without hesitation, they started packing. Wills's parents were obviously displeased by the situation but they stepped aside quietly, watching as Rowan's men helped with their luggage.
Rowan came with his escort so it was easy for them to pack their luggage in one car while Amanda and her kids entered the car with Rowan.
"The house is all yours now. It won't bring back Wills but I hope you do find the closure you need to heal." Rowan said before stepping out.
In the car, they were all quiet, absorbing the situation. "Thank you, Rowan. I really appreciate it." Amanda said, breaking the silence.
He placed his hand on hers, squeezing it. "It's okay. I am sorry you had to go through that." Rowan responded.
Silence enveloped the moment as they faced each other, their gaze fixated on each other. "What next?" Mason said from the back seat and they quickly faced their reality.
Rowan realized his hand on Amanda's and he quickly took it away. "Sorry… what?"
"We have nowhere to go?" Mrs. Roberts added.
"Ermm…" Amanda started, stuttering. "We left our house about a year and months ago. Our rent was due, so were most of the things in there." She sighed.
"But I will fix it. I just need somewhere for us to stay for like 2 days till I get a place" she added.
"That is nothing to worry about. You are coming with me." Rowan said.
"No..no.." Amanda protested. "After what happened, your house is the last place I wanna be."
"Why? Because I am a complete stranger now? Rowan asked.
" You know why, Rowan." Amanda replied. "I was thinking of the hotel"
"You can't stay at the hotel. There are reporters everywhere waiting to exploit your words. It is not a safe place except you want to make it your responsibility to tell your story to every one of them…they are out there in numbers." Rowan explained.
"He is right." Mrs. Roberts interjected. We had to fight them off every minute when you were at the hospital. I am not emotionally ready for that.
"But your house? I don't want to impose." Amanda said, weighing her options.
"It's not an imposition. Consider it a temporary arrangement until you find a more permanent solution," Rowan assured her. "Fine!" Amanda mumbled, relaxing in her seat.
Arriving at Rowan's home, the children and Mrs. Roberts were amazed by the beauty of the mansion.
"This is my first time in a mansion." Mason whispered.
"I have only seen them in movies" Tyler responded in a whisper too.
Amanda looked around and exclaimed, "this is a mess, Rowan"
"I know right. That is a vivid picture of how my life has been in the past year."
"Make yourselves at home. If there's anything you need, feel free to ask," Rowan offered, breaking the silence about to start building up.
The next morning, Amanda was the last to wake up but she did to the nice aroma of food. Curious, she traced the aroma to the kitchen. On her way, she discovered that everywhere was neat and she could hear the loud noises of her children playing.
She entered the kitchen and was surprised to see Anna. "Anna?" She exclaimed in shock.
"Good morning, Amanda," Anna greeted with a warm smile.
"Wait…I thought Rowan said you left. I…" She was short of words. She gave Anna a warm embrace.
"Mr. Xi called me back yesterday. I was going to say no but when he mentioned you are back, I couldn't" Anna explained.
"He told you I am back? Amanda asked, confused.
"Yes, he did and he gave me a raise saying my responsibilities will now double with the kids around."
Amanda's eyes widened. She was trying to make sense of what Anna claimed Rowan said to her. "By the way, I have met the kids. They are awesome. You did a good job. And your mother is a whole vibe. I would love to spend the rest of my life with her." Anna added.
Amanda smiled. "Do you have any idea of where Rowan is? I need to talk to him."
"He stepped out about an hour ago," Anna responded.
The noise of an intrusion interrupted their discussion. "What's that? Amanda asked. " No idea," Anna responded. They both headed out of the kitchen to see, only to find Mr and Madam Xi, with their men moving in luggage.
"Hey, Anna, you are back!" She exclaimed excitedly seeing Anna but her excitement was short-lived when she saw Amanda. "And you? What are you doing here?" Madam Xi asked, shocked.
"Where is Rowan?" Mr. Xi asked.
"He is not in" Anna responded.
Not knowing the situation in the house, Mrs. Roberts came into the living room asking for food. "Isn't it time to have the food with this nice aroma already?"
"And who is this old stranger strolling in my son's home?" Madam Xi asked, looking at Mrs. Roberts with disgust.
"From what I can see, I look younger than you do even with your makeup." Mrs. Roberts snapped.
"Mother!" Amanda exclaimed.
"Mother? You came back into my son's home with your mother this time." Madam Xi retorted.
"And kids too. I can hear them" Mr. Xi added.
"Seriously?" Madam Xi started. "How dare you come back here despite all you have done. You are the reason my son is in jail." She yelled.
"Lies!" Mrs. Roberts snapped. "Your son is in jail because he is a murderer. He killed two people including a police officer and abducted my daughter. That is your fault not my daughter's. You have refused to raise him properly so you should own up to that."
Madam Xi turned to Amanda, "did you hear what your mother just said? First you are in my son's house now you are insulting me? I need you out of here, this instance.
"Hello kids!" She screamed. "I know you can hear me. Wherever you are, I need you down here now."
The yell drew the attention of the kids and in no time, who cautiously descended the grand staircase, meeting Rowan's parents, fuming.
"Oh my God, see how adorable they look." Madam Xi exclaimed before she continued her tirade, "I want you to get your stuff and get out of here as I speak."
Just as that escalated, the door opened, and Rowan walked in.