After Leland passed away, Kira busied herself with work and with raising her kids
She forced herself not to think about the future and lived one day at a time.
Austyn was shot because of her
She had to find him.
It was her obligation
But now that she did, she wasn't sure of the next step.
When she looked at his face, she saw the father of her children, but she also saw the son of murderer
What was she supposed to do?
Joshua's voor jolted herback to the present
"Yes, honey?"
Jennie's back
Austyn was strolling towards them, holding Jennie's hand,
The little girl was prattling on
She was on cloud nine
Finally, she had a father, just like the other kids at the kindergarten
She would bring him to school and show them.
He was so tall, sobe,
Even his hands were big
No one would dare make fun of her again.
If they did, she could ask her new daddy to teach them a lesson
Jennie was so lost nevere, she didn't watch where she was going.
She tripped over herown Boot and tell.
Herknees made contact with the hard vinyl floor.
The three-year-old burst into tears instantly.
Austyn scooped her up in his aims and felt contrite.
He should have kept a closer eye on her
He carried her over to a bench, set her down and gently rolled up berpant legs.
math of her knees were sped
Luckily, there was blood.
But the patch of red was a stark contrast against the rest of her fair skin and somehow made the injury look much worse. Austyn was filled with self-reproach,
"It's play, sweetie," he said in his gentest voice. "It's just a boo-boo. You'll be fine
Jele continued bawling.
Austynan out of ideas.
He's An Intruder
He had zero experience dealing with a kid so small.
He could only repeat those words over and over again.
The injury wasn't serious.
There was no bleeding and no swelling.
But Jennie's reaction got him concerned.
Maybe her bones were hurt.
'I'll bring you to see a doctor,' he said. "There's no need.' Kira had come over.
Starved Of Fatherly Affection
Kica examined the superficial wounds on jeanie's mees
The anxious look on her face disappeared
She folded her and watched feunir, who was still blubbering.
Jennie Howl'
Jelescopped crying abptly and hiccupped.
Kiawww.familiar with her daughter's superb acting skills.
While the girl watching, she had kept one eye on Austyn, watching his reaction
The mode heed her, the more it spurred her
Kira silenced her daughter with one look and tossed another disapproving glance at Justy
He was a grown.
How could he be fooled by a three-year-old?
Ruashook her head
Austyn caught on medely
He examined the girl in his arms.
Jennie's cherka were still stained with tears but she didn't look to be in pain at all.
She was still sivelling
She clutched the front of his shirt with both hands, looking sheepish.
Aysand without thinking, "Why are you yelling at her? she did nothing wrong."
Kira threw up both hands, exasperated.
Jennie, on the other hand, was emboldened
She buned her head in Austy's neck to hide a smile.
"Can't you see she's taking it? Kira said.
"The tears are real. The injury's anal. Which part of it is take? Austynetted in an even rolce. Kinrolled her eyes.
Joshua, as usual, sided with his sister. 'Mummy, Jennie's really hurt. She took a big fall.'
Kita stared at heran, incredulous.
Why was she being made the bad person here?
Joshua read her mood and instantly changed the topic. 'I'm hungry. Let's go home.
He took Kira's hand and led her towards the front door.
Aunty followed them, with a triumphant Jennie in his anns.
He pinched her chubby cheek lightly when he heard amutiled giggle "Tell me the truth, were you taking it just now?
Jenie closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.
'Good lads don't be
Austyn's stem voice was more than what the toddler could handle.
She opened her eyes a crack and saw his solemn expression.
'Daddy, why are you being so mean to me?" she whined. "I'm scared."
Afraid she was going to cry again, Austyn gave in and forced a sele. 'I didn't mean to scold you, I just want to know the truth." Jeanie sniffed
'faked it, a little bit
"I wanted you to keep hegging me. Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Austyn was stunned.
He could tell in loved both her kids very much, but the girl was still starved of fatherly affection.
She cravedic so much, she was willing to cry and act out to get it
Austyn said nothing and just held her tightly
He picked up his pace.
Rowe hurried out of the idling car when he saw Austyn come out of the hospital
"Tosa, Mr Presley just called. He wants to have dinner with you tonight."
Austyn nodded.
"Noms Pensley" interjected
"Uh, yes," Howe said. "You know him?"
Ka pursed her lips
She had interviewed the manence.
Norris Perley was a lecher and a womaniser.
Dinner with him ally meant a visit to a nightclub or worse, a strip club
Katured to Austyn. 'I thought you were diving us home."
Austynocked an eyebrow. "When did I say that?"
'Daddy, are you coming home with us? Jennie asked.
Austyn was at a less for words.
Kira folded her anns and waited for aceply.
She could tell that Austynadored the little girl.
No one could say no to the little cherub with blz. puppy-like eyes.
Austyn was no exception.
He let out a sigh. "Tine, I'll send you home."
"Yay!!
Austyn patted the little rascal's bottom before handing her over to Kira. 'Strapherin."
Rowe stood on the sidewalk, dumbstruck.
The vice president and the young lady was acting like an old married couple.
which raised the question again was ptr Taylor the lads' father?
"You ringo back to the hotel," Austyn said to Rowe.
'But Boss, what about the dinner meeting?"
Tell him I'm not free
Rowe was abandoned outside the hospital and could only watch as the car pulled away.
Since the car didn't come with booster rats, Kira stayed in the backseat with both kids to keep an eye on them.
She gave Austyn the directions to her house.
"What brings you to Stamford she asked when the car stopped at a red light.
Joshua was showing Jennir hour to play Tetris on Bira's phone. ""Work,' Austyn said simply.
"How long are you in town for? Kira hid the trace of disappointment
She should have known that Austyn hadn't come here for her sale
"A couple more days 11 head back by the end of the week
need to take care of some things back in Rinton'
Austyn gave a vague answer.
By 'things,' he meant wedding arrangements.
Gwen handled most of the wedding planning, but certain responsibilities fell on the groom.
Austyn kept his eyes straight ahead, but still managed to catch a glimpse of Kira's crestfallen face.
She understood his implied meaning
Kira fell silent for the rest of the journey.
The neighbourhood was a slightly run-down area fat from downITED WEL
Kira moved out of the villa Amege Park four years ago.
It wasn't her home; it was Austyn's.
Gaia helped her find the apartment.
7
The pen waschrap
The lapiloni wet easygoing
Starved Of Fatherly Affection.
And the neighbours usually kept to themselves.
Jennie had fallen asleep.
Austyn parked the car and carried the girl upstairs. 'Sorry about the mess.' Kira unlocked the door.
Paternity Test
Nica was feeling a little embarassed.
The living room was clean but messy.
Kids' clothes and toys were scattered all over the door.
Kira picked up a cardigan and a couple of t-shirts from the sofa, clearing out a spot for Austyn to sit at.
"Would you like something to drink?""
Just water is fine..
Kica ferched him a glass of plain water.
Austyn took a sip and scanned the place.
It was small.
He could see straight into the lichen.
A narrow hallway led to two bedrooms and a bathroom
The living room was cluttered with furniture and kid stuff rocking horse, Lego bricks and unfinished saw puzzles.
Joshua was lost in his puzzle world
Kiraput enne to bed
Then she came back out to the living rooms
She didn't see Austy
'Balcony, Joshua said without looking up.
The blinds were drawn.
-
Kira pulled open the glass sliding door and was immediately assaulted with the pungent smell of tobacco.
She coughed.
Austyn pulled the door shut.
Kira glanced at the lit cigarette in his hand and said nothing.
She knew he'd started smolding again.
Four years ago, he made the snap decision to quit smoking because she was worried about his health,
He said he would quit for her and the baby.
'Miss Hewitt,
'Yes?'
'We need to talk"
Austyn took another long drag on his cigarette and exhaled slowly
Joshua and Jennie, are they mine?"
Kisa as much as said it back at the hospital
Austyn paused
'Can you prove that?'
Kicatossed Nimadarklook
Austyn was unfazed Tcan't just accept whatever you say on blind faith, cant?!
Kiw resisted the urge to bash her stubborn, sceptical, amnesiac husband over the head.
She sucked in a deep breath
"You know there's something called a DNA test, right?"
Austyn nodded. "I can arrange one tomorrow.
'Not so fast," Kira crossed her arms. "Joshua and Jennie are my kids. I will always be their mother, no matter what happens in the future. As for their father.."
She gave Austyna once-over. "You are their biological father. But that doesn't mean they'll have to call you Daddy."
Austan narrowed his eyes.
"We are perfectly fine on our own, Kira continued. The DNA test is just for your peace of mind, but it's not going to change anything. The kids will still be living
Austyn stopped sinking.
What was the liplying?
If the kids were his, who else could they call Daddy except him?
Was she trying to tell him that she could marry someone else, someone who would be the kids stepdad?
Was she already involved with another man?
If that was the case, then why did she came to Binton to find him?
Why did she follow him everywhere and kiss him?
Why did she send him bunch every day for a week?
Kica noticed Austyn's face getting darker.
She leew the man was ploed, but she said nothing wrong.
It Austyn kept pushing her away with the use of amnesia, he was also unlikely to be willing to acknowledge the kids as his own.
"Let me know when you want to do the patemity test, Kira said. 'And please don't smoke in my house."
Austyn looked at the cigarette in his hand.
He'd ducked out onto the balcony because he didn't want Joshua to suffer from second-hand smoke.
He put it out and said nothing.
Kira checked the time.
she needed to get started on lunch.
'Thank you for sending us home, if there's nothing else, I won't keep you any longer."
Austyn raised an eyebrow. 'Is that how you treat some who just did you a favour?
Before Kira could answer, the doorbell rang
She let the balcony.
"Must be Aunt Glana." Joshua was on his feet.
Gana came over forquently
Bath kids loved her.
Kira moved towards the door but then paused.
She turned back to face Austyn 'Don't you have a dinner to attend?"
Austyn could cell she was eager to get rid of him
He did have a lot of work to do.
But for some reason, he was reluctant to leave the cosy apartment.
Jennie darted out of the bedroom and threw hereldusty's legs.
"Daddy, can you please stay? I don't want you to go!!
Austyn shot a victorious glance at Kira, who slinged.
Resigned, she went to open the door
"What took you so long? Label complained.
She stepped around Kira and headed straight into the living room
When she saw jo, she bent down and hugged the little boy. "Justry! Did you miss me?"
She packed both his cheeks and succeeded in getting the boy to blush.
Joshua wiped his ac discreetly 'Aunt Isabel, what brings you by?"
Isabel pinched his chookhaven't seen you for two weeks. Don't you miss me?"
Joshua knew she was not going to drop the subject until he answered in the affirmative
So he nodded. 'Of course,
That ramed him another peck on the forhead "Such a sweetheart"
Where's my other sweetheart?" isabel straightened up.
Only then did she catch sight of the man standing behind the sola
Austyn was hury comforting pernie, who wanted him to promise he wouldn't leve.
die glanced at Isabel, who was pointing a shakingger at him.
Paternity Test
'It's...It's really you!"
She trotted up to him and scrutinised his face.
'Yes, the same eyes, same nose, same mouth, same cold, unfriendly look. It's really you!'
Austyn took a step backwards.
Isabel was still in shock.
'When Kira said she'd found you in Rinton, I thought she was joking. But it's really you!'
She rubbed her eyes twice and blinked.
Austyn remained where he was.
Isabel looked at Kira, who nodded.
She shrieked again and went up to him with both arms outstretched.
Austyn sidestepped and dodged the hug.
'Miss, please don't do that."'
Isabel stood stock-still, dumbfounded.
Karma
Kira closed the door and shook her head.
had the same reaction when Austyn treated her as a stranger.
It took Isabel along while to find her voice agai
"You don't rememberme?"
Austyn didn't even spare her a glance
Jere had gone to the bathroom
He took advantage of her absence and said to Kira, 'Miss Hewitt, I will take my leave now."
But Isabel wasn't one to be dismissed so easily.
She darted towards the door and blocked his path.
"What's the rusli" She smiled at him. "We haven't seen each other for so long. Let's eatchup.'
Austyn pursed his lips.
The woman was a total stranger to him.
What was there.tcatchupon?
Isabel ran her eyes over his face, evaluating.
"Have you really lost your memory? Or did you lie to her?"
She had to ask, since Austyn had a history.
He deceivedra, married her with an ulterior motive, and indirectly caused the death of her father.
Who was to say he wasn'
in't trying to shink responsibility by claiming amnesia?
But the Austyn she knew would never sinks low as that
habel looked fixedly at him, trying to identify signs of deception:
The man was unfazed
Isabel pulled a face at him.
She turned to Kita "Do you think this is kar
"What?"Kina was confused.
Isabellnew everything that took place between ira and Austyn.
She was the one who treated Kira when she fell into depression after her father's death.
Over the years, she witnessed how Kira tried to juggle work and case two Idds, and couldn't help but pity her.
Everything Kira went through was thanks to the Mccarthy family.
Maybe Austyn's amnesia was god's way of punishing him.
Dy losing his memory, he also lost his wife and his two kids
Isabel shared what she was thinking with Kira, who could only shrup.
She knew Isabel meant well.
Austyn, on the other hand, was offended
"Miss Hewitt, "he said with a dark face, maybe you should consider choosing your friends more carefully. A woman who speaks ill of others is a bad influence on your children!
Isabel rolled her eyes at him, "What? It's not like I said anything wrong. Despite losing your memory, you are still the same arrogant prick1 remember.
Then she flashed him the middle finger.
Kira swatted Isabel's hand away. "Stop it, both of you! My kids are here!"
"Sorry, Joshy.'bubel covered Joshua's ears with her hands, 'Forget what you heard.
Joshuanodded.
"Come with me."Kisa held Isabel's wrist and dragged her into the kitchen.
She thrust ononto Isabel's hand. Teel this?
Isabel glanced back towards the living room.
Austyn was still there, talking to Join
Looksebe rally can't remember anything, Isabel said.
th-huh. Kira washed a head of iceberg lettuce in the sink
What are you going to do?"
"About what?!
"About Austyn What if he can't recover his memory for the rest of his life?"
Kita
paused.
She stared at the stream of running water
"Nothing," she said after a long while. "There's nothing I can do. It doesn't matter if he can't remember his past, as long as he's safe
Isabel raised an eyebrow. 'Are you really okay with that? If he doesn't remeinher you, he's not going to acknowledge you as his wife. Then it's over between the tre of you
Kira switched off the faucet and looked at Isabel. 'It's already over between us."
Henry McCarthy murdered Leland.
Austyn was the murderer's son.
And he lied to kita.
Isabel was even more contused. Then why did you spend so much time trying to find him?
'He went missing because of ine. Kita shugged. 'Teel responsible."
"And now that you have found him? Isabel pressed further. 'What's your plan?!
She added, 'Do you still have feelings for him?
Kira lowered her gaze
She said with a bitter andle, "There's something I forgot to tell you. Austyn's engaged. He has a fiancee. They are getting married in a month."
Kira hated Gwen for keeping the truth from Austyn.
But what Gwen said still got her thinking after she left into
Austyn had a new life now, and he seemed happy.
Maybe it was time to let him go.
Isabel's mouth hung open "W-what? Are you serious? He's engaged?
Kira nodded. "Her name is Owen Taylor. Austyn took her last name. He's known as Jason Taylor now."
'Holy crap!" bel crushed the onion in her hands. That's that's.."
She struggled to find an appropriate word to describe her feelings
After a long while, she finally managed to say, "Bigamy's illegall'
Kira shrugged. "Gwen got him a new set of identity papers. Short of conducting a DNA test, everyone will think he's Jason Taylor, not Austyn McCarthy." Then ask him to get a DNA test!
Kira just shrugged.
she did think about this,
Hut Austyn-no, Jason-was obviously averse to the idea.
He made it perfectly clear that even if he had a whole other life in the past, be much preferred his current one.
"Are you just going to sit by and watch him marry another woman? Isabel gripped Kira's arm.
Technically, our marriage is annulled after four years of separation"
Which meant Austyn was free to marry whomever he wanted.
Isabel was at a loss for words
Kua returned to the lettuce.
Jennie was a meat lover and hated vegetables of all types.
Kira decided to make chicken lettuce wraps.
Isabel had completely forgotten about the onion
She
stood beside Kara, seething
As our of her closest friends, she knew how much Kitahad suffered over the years
Thuring the first year, she was so racked with guilt and grief and stress, she almost miscarried
Old Friends
After Kira gave birth, she barely had time to rest before taking on the job of a field correspondent
The majority of her pay cheques went towards paying for the babysitters and for the lads' upkeep
She had not bought new clothes for herself for two years.
tabel stomped her feet.
It was so undatel
Why should Austyn get to lead a carefree life with another woman while Rita was left to shoulder the responsibilities of raising two kids by herself?
And what about all the pain and misery she'd suffered through?
Kapakted Isabel's arm when she saw how angry herdend was. The most important thing is he's alive. Which means can let go of my guilt and move on. I'm happy with my life now. I have Joshua and Jennie."
"Bullshit!" Isabel rolled her eyes. "Why are you still defending him? He's abandoning you for another woman
Kica didn't know what to say.
The amnesia wasn't Austyn's fault.
Inaway, Kira was
But she knew better than to argue with Isabel, who could be headstrong sometimes.
Like right now, bel rolled up her sleeves and looked ready to pick a fight with Austyn
stopped hand tried to tallcher down
She was running out of ideas when she was saved by the bell,
"Let me go get the door!' Kira said before hurriedly lewing the kitchen.
Altaid that tabel would get into a fight with Austyn, she dragged Tabel along with her.
She opened the door.
Luca and Jesse were cooling their heelsoutode.
Luca wore a black leather jacket and an impatient scowl on his face
se had both hands stuck in his pants pockets.
An unlitigarette dangled from the comerot his lips,
Luca's gaze swept past Kira and landed on Isabel.
The couple had not seen or talked to each other for two month
Belwasn't looking at her husband.
She shat an irate look at Jesse. 'I thought I told you to come alone!"
she'd tested the doctor half an hour ago, telling him Austyn was here and asking him to get down to Kira's apartment. Jesse shougged sheepishly.
He knew Isabel and Luca were going through a divorce right now.
It had something to do with another
But Luca was one of his best friends
woman
Jesse had no choice but to side with him.
Besides, Luca was with him when he received the text from Isabel
The doctor looked at the floor. "He's Austyn's friend as well. He has a right to visit him."
Jesse sipped past the trio at the door and entered the living room
He saw Austyn right away.
since they last
saw each other.
It had been four years since
Jesse was so excited, he went straight up to Austynto hug him.
But the cold look in Austyna yes stopped him short
Austyndidn't engage him.
Heat down next to joshua, who was teaching his sister how to put together a Lego horse. "Hey, kids,"
"Uncle Jeune,' Jostra nodded politely at him before returning to his puzzle.
Jemde did't notice the doctor at all.
en get you sense mater® Kita livaded into the kitchen.
Luca and Isabel were left at the door, locked in a staring contest.
Isabel blocked the doorway and refused to budge.
"Move aside," Luca said.
'This is Kira's house. You are not welcome here."
Luca sneered. Like you said, this is Kira's house, not yours. What night do you have to lock me out?"
I'm her friend. I have a duty to keep her and her kids away f from bad influences."
'Are you talking about me?' Luca raised an eyebrow.
'Of course I'm talking about you." Isabel crossed her arms. 'I don't want little joshua to leam from an adulterer.'
Adarkshadow fitted across Luca's face.
He was about to say
something when Kira retumed. 'That's enough."
She took Isabel's wrist and hauled her back into the living room.
Luca followed them inside and kicked the door shut,
Isabel stood as far from him as possible.
She said to Kira, "I have something else to do. I'll come and see you another day.'
Kira held back asleh
She knew Isabel just didn't want to stay in the same room as Luca
So she nodded and didn't press her to stay. 'Drive safe.
Isabellased the lids and lett, ignoring Luca like he was air.
He was about to chase after her when Kira blocked his path "Why don't you just leave her alone?"
She knew about the reason for their divorce.
As a woman, it was only natural for her to side with Isabel
Luca took a deep
breath.
In the
end, he gave up on the idea of pushing past Kira.
He turned back. Jesse told me about Austyn. Is it true, he lost his memory?
"Yes.
Luca mitted his brows.
Jesse told him everything that happened in Rinton, including Austyn's new name and the Taylor family.
Luca looked at Austyn, who noticed his gaze but did not react.
Jesse shook his head at Luca
The police captain couldn't resist asking, 'Austyn, do you remember me?"
Austyn scowled impatiently.
He was getting tired of being grilled by all the strangers-the woman called Isabel, then the doctor called Jesse, and now this man who seemed to treat him like suspect
He didn't answer.
Luca tomed to Jesse. "You are the doctor here. What's your verdict?'
Jesse shrugged. 'I'm a surgeon, not a neurologist. I can't give a diagnosis at the moment. He'll have to potor
a checkup for me
know more."
Austyn sneered. 'I'm busy.'
He Woke Up In Her Bed
Astyn had seen plenty of neurologists, but all they told him the same thing.
His retrograde anmedia was caused by a traumatic event.
But other than the loss of his memory, every other part of his body functioned just fine.
Jeiseyed Austyn up and down, mumbling to himself, "Have you done CT scans MRT? Probably yes. But the doctors found nothing? Not even hematoma Hmm.."
Austyn maintained his poker face.
He stood up from the sola. "Like I said, Imbusy. And I her a business dinner to attend. I think I'll take my leave now."
Jennie abandoned her puzzle pieces and wrapped both arms around Austyn's legs. "Daddy, you promised you would stay!'
Austyn looked down at the little girl. 'I have things to do. I'll come and see you next time, okay?"
Jennie's lace puckered.
She was about lacry.
But something in Austyn's expression gaveberpasse
You
promise?
Austynnodded. "I promise."
"Okay.' Jennie slowly removed her arms. "Coodbye, Daddy."
Austyn had greenup on correcting her.
He said simply, "Goodbye"
said nothing as he walked past beer.
Austyn
made it to the door.
Tot in the next second, everything in front of him went black
His hand shot out to grab the doorknob, but it was too late.
Austyn collapsed onto the floor.
Te fainted
When he came to, he felt his body ache all over.
He blinked and tried to sit up
The pain made him grunt...
'Daddy!'
Jennie's voice told him where he was
Austyn moved his head with some
Jennie propped herself up on
When the saw him look at her,
difficulty.
her elbows and was staring at him anxiously.
she shouted, "Mumy, Daddy's awake!!
Austyn heard the sound of hunied
footsteps.
A moment later, the bedroom door was pushed open.
Kira was panting
The dashed for the door but pulled up short at the sight of him
Austyn took in her flushed face
The concem in here
eyes
plain to read.
was
His Adam's apple bobbed.
Kura hoved a long sigh of relie
She cleared her throat when she realised she'd overreacted,
She approached the bed and lifted Jennie into her arms.
'Daddy's awake" the pit gushed excitedly.
"Bean see that." Kira patted Jennie's back gently
She turned to Austyn. 'low ar you freling?
"Have Thresout furlong!"
All he ermembered was heading for the doos and then passing out
nintracranial
Jennie cut in. "Daddy, you fainted! Luckily, Uncle Jesse's a doctor. He said you have a fever. You need to take medicine. You can't throw the pills away just because they are bitter. You have to be brave, like me!!
She pulled out her chest
proudly.
Kira pinched her nose.
Jennie's gaze shifted away. "No."
'Did you throw away your meds?"
Kirpatted her bottom. "Naughty girl."
Jesse said you are running a high fever,' she said to Austyn. 'He administered an Ivdrip."
Only then did Austyn realise he had a needle stuck in his left arm.
She pointed to a small white plastic bottle on the nightstand. We found this in your pocket, jesse said you should continue to take the antipyretics. And you have to monitor your temperature continuously. If the fever doesn't go down in another six hours, you'll have to go
to the hospital'
Austyn said nothing and just took the thermometer from Kira's outstretched hand.
'Is this your room?
The bedsheets were light pink
So was the pillow.
Ditto for the blanket.
The
colour was chosen by
Kira
didn't
answer.
Instead, she said, "You can stay here for tonight. I take the kids to the spare bedroom.
Austyn infered the answer
This was
her bedroom, but also the kids'.
He noticed the pinkstuffed bear on adesk
And there were two smaller-sized pillows next to the one he was using
He caught a whiff of baby powder, mixed with the scent of coconut shampoo.
Austyn was about to say exclusive content.
no.
He had business to tend to
But he changed his mind when he took in the room.
The bed was soft, the blanket was warm.
He nodded, 'Okay, thank you!
It was just one night, probably not a big deal.
I'll
go
get
you some water."
Kira brought Jennie out of the mom
Ansty checked his temperature.
355
degrees Celsius
He found his phone and called Rowe
"Where are you staying, Boss? Rowe was puzzled when Austyn said he wasn't setuming to the hotel tonight
before Austyn could answer, the assistant seemed to draw his own conclusion.
Rowe whispered
conspiratorially, Got it. Don't worry, Mr Taylor, I won't bothe a word about this to ampone Have fun tonight.'
you do what I told you to?" Austyn didn't bother comecting the assistant's misunderstanding.
Yes.
The lab tells me they'll have the test result tomonow."
Call me as soon as you get the report"
"Will
do,
Boss."
Austyn hung up
jennie and Joshua sat at the dining table, waiting patiently despite their growling stomachs.
"Just five more minutes, a shouted from the kitchen.
When Austyn faced, it thiew everyone into a panic.
Luca and Jesse helped
carry his
into the bedro
Kira was so flustered, she forgot all about lunch.
It was now two hours past the kids' al mealtime.
When she brought out the dishes, her forehead was drenched in sweat
He
Woke Up In Her
Bed
'All done. Dig
in,
kids."
She plonked herself down at a chair, panting slightly..
Joshua held out a tissue to her.
+
"Thanks, honey. Kira kissed his cheek.
Austyn's voice startled her. "What are you guys having?
He was
drawn by the
delicious smell.
"Daddy, come and join us!' Jennie squirmed in her booster seat.
She was waving a spinach and cheese pizza roll.
With Daddy's help, they could divide and conquer-she would have all the cheese and Daddy could have all the spinach. 'May 1?' Austyn looked at Kira.
Men's
Pyjamas
Kira pulled out a chair for him. To get you a plate."
She went to the kitchen.
Joshua munched silently on his chicken lettuce wrap.
Je was
talking
excitedly with her
mouth full
with her tiny, nimble hands, the picked out the spinach from the pizza roll, laid it out on an empty dish and looked at Austyn expectantly.
Austyn-didn't catch her meaning. 'What's wrong?"
"Daddy, you are even better looking than Joshma!!
Austyn was thrown.
Joshua shot a meaningful look at his twin sister but said nothing.
Kira laughed.
She set down a plate of custard yoghurt toast in front of him 'She claims Joshua is the most handsome boy she's ever met in the whole wide world. It she says you are better looking, be prepared. She wants something from you."
Kica had not missed the plate of spinach in front of Austyn-no doubt the work of jennie, the meat lover.
Kira decided to make vegetable for dinner.
Austyn raised an eyebrow when he saw the toast on his plate.
Kira noticed his look. "What?"
Toast for lunch?'
Kira sounded defensive. "What's wrong with ring roast for ch? It's a perfectly healthy food."
Then she rolled her eyes at him. 'I didn't exactly invite you to lunch. You are lucky to be served any food at all"
Austyn looked at the chickpea salad in front of her and said nothing
Joshua watched the scene
a thoughttal look.
He had never seen Mummy act in this way-she sounded like she was scolding the man, but her eyes twinkled with amusement.
Kira was about to say
something else when she caught the carious glances from herson
she cleared her timmat, 'Let's eat.
She was feeling slightly embarrassed to art so childishly in front of het loads.
The attemoon passed
quickly.
Austyn woke up
from
He got up and left the
a nap and heard pleeting
room.
The door to the bathroom was ajar.
Austyn leaned against the door jamb and watched the lids calong a bath.
Jennie was squealing and squirming as Kira tickled her ribs.
Herarms and face were covered with white foam and bubbles.
Joshua, on the other hand, was bathing himself studiously.
Austys watched the scene without realising he had a smile on his face
Kira had her back to him
Her hair was wet.
So were her
rolled-up shim sleever.
Jannie was splashing water everywhere.
Kita cght the rascal with
both arms and spanked her bottom lightly.
'Joshua, help!' Jennie was giggling and writhing.
forward, revealing a section of her slender waist.
Kira's shirt rode up
as
she
leaned
Austyn
caught
His collar suddenly felt too tight.
himself staring and looked away.
He quietly
left
the
bathroom
But the same kept replaying in his mind
Austyn swallowed, feeling thirsty.
He sat down on the living room sota and busied himself with work all, but he couldn't concentrate
"The kids are done," Kira said as she entered the living room. 'You can take a shower if you want."
Austyn caught the fragrant scent of strawberry shampoo from her.
Kira was
standing.
His eyes
were
level
with her waist
Her white cotton shirt was drenched and had turned transparent.
Austyn caught a glimpse of the black bra underneath.
Kira moved closer
Austyn sprang up from the sofa and stepped back
Kira was startled, "What are you doing?'
Austyn kept his gaze on the floor. "Don't come any
any closer!*
He was annoyed with himself, with the way he was reacting to the woman's presence.
When she moved up to him just now, he had the urge to pull her into his arms and rip the shirt off her Austyn's breathing grew heavy.
Kira frowned. 'What's the matter with you? I was just asking if you wanted to take a shower.'
Austyn refused to look at her.
Her scent permeated the room
Before that day, he had
no idea the scent of shampoo could work as an aphrodisiac No, it wasn't the shampoo.
It was her
Austyn silently berated himself for feeling this way about another woman.
He had never had the same thought about Owen, even as she made it clear on several occasions that she wanted to take things to the next level.
They had been engaged for over six months now, but
Austyn kept the sofa
the most intimate thing they did was a chaste kiss on the cheeks.
between him and Kira, to hide the evidence of his excitement.
His silenceded her
Kira put her hands on her hips. "It's just a shower. What are you getting so worked up about?"
She stomped out of the living room and returned thirty seconds later.
She lung something at Austyn who still refused to lock eyes with her. Austyn caught it.
It was a set of pyjamas.
Men's
pyjamas.
Kira had spun around when Austyn said, 'Stop!
"What?" she rolled her eyes at him,
"Where
did you get these? Austyn held up the pyjamas in his hands.
His voice was frosty.
The clothes were clean and washed, but they were definitely not new
Kics shifted her gaze away. That's none of your
stared wallding away before he could ask
She
The
pyjamas
belonged
Gideon
business!'
more questions.
About a month ago, he got drunk when he came over for dinner and insisted on staying at Kira's apartment,
He was too heavy for her to
lift and refused to
leave.
Kira had to call his assistant to bring him a change of clothes
Gideon spent the night on the sofa and
Kira had been meaning to return them to
left
the pyjamas
behind.
him but just never found the time.
She felt awkward about Jetting Austyn wear Gideon's clothes, but she didn't have any other men's clothes in the apartment. Her own pyjamas were too small for hi
He Lost
Control
hot as she was about to leave the living room, Astyn caught up with her in two quick strides.
He clamped a hand around her wrist and spun her around.
Kia was pulled into
a wam embrace.
She bumped her head against the man's hand chest,
She looked up, blocking in contusion
Justyn stared into her eyes and saw has reflection,
She
wasemeloped by his scent.
Kira swallowed. 'What you doing?
Austyn had no idea.
He just didn't want her to leave.
she was pasting
Het lips were parted slightly.
'Let let me go."
Austyn didn't reply.
From his angle, he could see her collarbone and the upper edge of her black bra
He couldn't tear his eyes way
'Let go of me!' writhed in his arms
Her body brushed against his
Austyn felt a surge of current nursing through his system.
He lowered his head
and kissed her lips
Kira was so shocked, she forgot to straggle
Angle travelled up from Austyn's spine all the way to his brain.
The moment his lips touched hers, he felt an indescribable sensation.
Every nerve ending in his body was set on
It was an overwhelming sensation, and it
There
was no time to think
fire.
was addictive.
His body
reacted faster than his mind.
Austyn pulled her body closer and kissed her urgently, explong her taste.
Kira's back was pinned against the door.
She opened her mouth to breathe, which gave him the opportunity to explore further.
He traced the outline of her soft lips with his tongue, hungry for more.
Kira's eyes
were half-closed.
A mon
escaped
from her lips.
the trure when she glimpsed a light coming on in the bedroom.
She shoved
Austyn's chest. 'No. The kids.."
Austyn halted abruptly.
He pulled back panting.
Kira was we kred
Her face was flushed.
Her lips were deed.
Ansty seemed to have just realised what he'd dour
His eyes
widear
What was he doing?
Die was
going in be manied in a mouth
How could be love contmi bile this and kiss anothery
The flames of devir weer doused instantly.
woman?
Austynstepped back, keeping away from her intoxicating scent.
He looked down at his hands.
They were explacing her back a minute ago, inching closer to her bra clasp.
Austyn
shook his head in disbelief.
"Mummy. "Jennie called out from the bedroom. 'Are you out there? can't open the door!"
held onto the doorknob, breathing heavily
'Mummy?" Jerole was standing on tiptoe, Begling the door knob,
'I'll be with you in a mute! Kira said though the door.
'Clay." kunde jumped onto the bed.
Her heart was still pounding.
She shot Austyn am angry look and kept her voice down. "Why did you do that?"
Austyn's voice was hoarse. You did the same thing to me in inton. I'm Jost turning the favour. Now we are even.'
Kira rolled her
eyes.
She tried to move past him.
Austyninfused to budge.
'Step aside!!
She was afraid the kids would come out and see them.
Austyn remained where he was. 'Answer one question, and I'll step
'What?'
Austyn pointed to his pyjamas. "Who do they belong to
Kira was
exasperated.
Why
was
he
so hated on
this!
She wasn't in the mood to explains herself.
Kisa folded her arms. Like I said earlier, that's none of your business
she added after a pause, "You can be
engaged to another woman, Why can't I find someone else, too?"
The engagement ring on his hand was a huntfulder that he was involved with another woman now.
In fact, he was going to be mad in a
month.
Kira looked away, ignoring the shopping in her heart
Austynblanched.
He nodded slowly. You are rip
Kawas an adult.
reright"
He had
no
right
She had the right to date whoever she liked.
ask her about her personal life.
What he did just now was wrong
Thinking
of
that,
Austyn took another two steps back
His face had returned to its normal impassive state.
Then he marched into Kira's bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Kita stared at the rightly closed door, holding back tears.
She took several calming breaths, collected herself, and then entered the kids' coom.
Austyn checked his phone.
It was two minutes till midnight.
Yet he still couldn't sleep
The bedroom was shrouded in darkness
The entire apartment was deathly
silent.
Which made the creak of the door hinge impossibly loud.
Austyn heard the sodi pitter patter of footsteps.
He Lest Control
Jennie poked her head from behind the door.
She came into the room, holding a teddy bear in her right hand.
She climbed
into bed, snuggled into Austyn's arms and closed her eyes.
Austyn heard
gentle snoring.
He felt the warmth emanating from the girl's tiny body.
She was using his arm like a pillow.
A smile slowly spread across his face.
Austyn stroked Jennie's back gently.
Then he closed his eyes as well.
Kira woke up in the moming with only Joshua in her arms.
She searched the bathroom for Jennie.
When she didn't find her daughter, she headed into the other bedroom.
Sure enough, Jennie was sound asleep, clutching her favourite teddy bear.
Austyn was gone.
Kira was stunned.
She didn't hear him leave.
Austyn paced in
hallway
Rowe had gone to
the
fetch
the report fifteen minutes ago.
and checked his watch again.
What was taking him so long?
Finally, the assistant bounded out of the doctor's office, waving an envelope in his hand.
'Boss, the results are out.
Austyn took a deep breath.
He was about to open the envelope when he caught Rowe pe He shot the assistant a dark look
Rowe took the hint and retreated, leaving his boss alone. Austyn's hands shook
perking
The Paternity Test Result
When Austyn was at the hospital yesterday, he took a stand of jennie's hair without her knowing and gave it to howe
This envelope contained the DNA test rule.
He extracted the single piece of paper with trembling hands
He
skipped all the medical jargon and jumped to the end.
Tobability of
patemity: 99.9999999%."
The mamilien semained the same.
The Implication was clear
He was Jennie's biological faller.
Which meant he was also joshna's father.
Anstyn swayed slightly on his teet,
Kha didn't lie.
He was by the lids Lather.
Still, thenews.came as a shock
He had two three-war-old kids!
Despite his engagement to Gwen, he had not given much thought to starting a family
At the moment, work was more important.
He
shouldered the heavy sponsibility of managing the Taylor Group
He
was so busy with work, he seldom had time to go out with Gwen
After spending almost two years visiting the neurologist almost weekly, Justynd more or less given up on the idea of recovering his memory