Chapter 98 When Children Choose, Hearts Must Bend
“What is going on here?’ she asked, trying to understand the situation. Mason tried to explain but Rowan stopped him, lying. “Nothing, just having a conversation with the kids.”
“I see,” Amanda responded. “Go and get your stuff. The cab will be here in a few minutes” she had finished her statement before she noticed the expression on the kids’ faces. “What is it?”
Adora spoke up, “I thought you broke up with mom because she lied. Now you are doing the same. Amanda's expression changed, concern overtaking her expression. “Lied about what?”
Rowan hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I had a bit of an accident, hit my head on the wall. I'm okay, just a little dizzy."
'What?” Amanda exclaimed, rushing toward him. “Let me have a look” Tyler returned to the room, followed by Mrs. Roberts with a cold compress. "Here, Put this on your head. How did this happen?’ she asked.
“How bad is it? Do we need to get you to the hospital?” Amanda asked.
“No, I will be fine,” Rowan responded, placing the compress on his head. Amanda’s phone beeped and she checked. “The cab is here. We should leave now” she said.
The room went silent immediately and Amanda expected the kids to move but none of them made an attempt to follow her order. “I said the cab is here, you should go and get your stuff” she said again.
This time, she was sure that they heard her but were protesting against something. Tyler exchanged a glance with his siblings before responding, “do we really have to leave now?”
“Why not?” Amanda responded, her gaze fixated on Tyler. Tyler was still struggling with how to explain his reason to Amanda when Ryan spoke, “He is hurt. Are we supposed to leave him here like that?”
“He is not alone” Amanda exclaimed. His parents are here with him. They can finally have the Parent-child moment they came here for.”
“They are not here as we speak. Mr. Xi went to the hospital for a DNA test. He is hoping to get it done as soon as possible so he can get the result in 2 days. Madam Xi said she was going out shopping. I don't know what she was shopping for exactly. And Anna is busy making dinner”
Amanda's expression shifted as she absorbed the information. The atmosphere in the room became tensed as the children silently awaited her response. “I insist we leave…now” Amanda said authoritatively.
“I’m staying. You can leave.” Tyler said, leaving Amanda and Rowan in shock. “No.. Tyler. You should listen to your mom.” Rowan interjected.
“I want to stay too if Tyler is staying,” Mason responded. “I thought you said you were with mom,” Ryan exclaimed.
“Yes, I did and I am,” Mason answered. “But we shouldn't leave him like this”
“I agree with you, Mason.” Adora said, moving closer to Tyler. “Mason is right. He said he is our dad after all.” Ryan threw his hands in the air, “Then I will agree with you, I will stay too”
Amanda scoffed, looking at the united front the children presented, torn between her anger and surprise. She turned to Rowan “I can see you are already using your parental influence on them.” Rowan wanted to talk but she stopped him.
“It’s okay. They are your kids after all. And all I have done in nine years is nothing for them to listen to me.“ Amanda said before she turned to her mother. “Do you also want to stay behind? I guess he now matters the most now”
Mrs. Roberts spoke up, addressing Amanda, "Maybe it's best if they stay for a while. It doesn't look like Rowan should be left alone in this state."
“Even you? Mother” Amanda exclaimed, hurt that they all agreed on staying. “I guess things have really changed.
“Listen, daughter, “ Mrs Roberts started. “I know you are hurt. We all can see that. But you have to let go now. You have suffered enough, this is your time to have that kind of family you dream of. You have to forgive Rowan and allow him to be a father to his children…”
“I haven't stopped him.” Amanda interjected. “The last i checked, he is doing so well” She said, shifting her gaze to the kids who are now clustered to a corner.
“That is not what you want…or should i say how you want it. You love Rowan, everyone knows that. He knows that too. Don't throw away your chance to have a better life because you can't forgive.”
Mrs. Roberts walked closer and placed her hand on her shoulder, “You were there. You knew what your dad did to me but I was by his side till he breathed his last. It wasn't easy but I forgave him and till this day, I remain a proud wife and mother.”
She pointed to the kids, “they have lived their lives without their father for nine years. Don't you think it would be unfair to deny them their right to fatherly care now that you know who their father is?
Amanda, torn between her own pain and the persuasive words of her mother, took a deep breath. The room was filled with an uneasy silence as she contemplated the weight of the decisions before her. The children, still standing together, watched the exchange with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Mrs. Roberts continued, "Life is unpredictable, my dear. We can't change the past, but we have the power to shape the future. Rowan wants to be a part of their lives. Look at him; he's willing to make amends. Don't let your past define your present and future."
Amanda, conflicted and emotional, looked at Rowan, who met her gaze with a mixture of regret and sincerity. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited for Amanda's response.
“Mom, Please!” Tyler pleaded softly.
“Fine.” Amanda finally spoke. “They can stay for now.” she said before she walked away in the direction of her room.
Mrs. Roberts gestured to Rowan to follow her. “This is your chance. Use it well.” She said to Rowan who stood up immediately, still holding the compress tightly to his head.
Just as Rowan left, following Amanda, Madam Xi entered the house with her driver and one of Rowan’s security men coming in with her, their hands filled with packages.
Seeing the kids she called out to them excitedly, “Hello amazing kids” The children all turned away immediately, trying to leave. “Oh, don't do that, please. I got all of this for you.” she said, hoping that they would stop.
They did stop but did not look excited. They all clung together, their gaze focused on her. “Come on, are you still mad at me?” Madam Xi started. “I promise you, I am not a terrible grandmother you would want to run away from. I was just trying to protect your dad earlier but now I know”
“And I really love your mother. I was just angry that she lied to me about being pregnant despite knowing how much I wanted to have a grandchild but now she has given me four. I have no reason to be angry anymore and you shouldn't stay mad at me either.”
The children remained silent, their expressions guarded, still processing the whirlwind of events. Madam Xi approached them, her demeanor attempting to convey warmth and sincerity.
"Children!. I know it's been a lot to take in, and I understand if you are upset," Madam Xi continued. "But I genuinely care about all of you. I want to make things right. Let me prove to you that I can be a good grandmother. You have the whole time to accept me but I am not sure you can wait to see the contents of these bags" she pointed to the gift she bought.
Madam Xi opened one bag and she brought out a toy trumpet, “have you seen this before?”
“Is that a trumpet?” Mason asked, surprised. “Yes, my dear. It is the latest toy from Joyful kids and it was just released this week.” Madam Xi answered. “There are more amazing things in here, you might want to check them out now.
The children clustered around the bags and began to unpack excitedly. Madam Xi, smiling, walked up to Mrs. Roberts who had been watching all along. “I guess you now have to compete to be the best grandmother with me.”