BARREN EX-LUNA RETURNS WITH TRIPLETS

Chapter Eight: Sudden Call At Home

Chapter Eight: Sudden Call At Home

SHERRY’S POV

Toby had the lawyer draft out a contract agreement between us. I knew he was not comfortable with having to draw lines between us but I had to. I was definitely not going to make the same mistake as I did in the past. I didn't set boundaries then. Didn’t know how to do it because I was blinded by the love I had for Brian so I did everything he wanted me to. And now that I have the chance to choose the kind of life I want, I will choose the right way and do it perfectly.

The contract was a safe option and a way out of danger for me. Toby was my best friend, don’t get me wrong. I trusted him but I knew better than to put all my eggs in one basket. And I have to protect my kids also.

I shook my head at the twirling thoughts. Ever since I met Brian again, my life has taken a turn and I need to make sure he does not find out about the kids. Letting out a sigh as I placed my kids’ dresses into their wardrobe, I did not go to work today, considering Toby had urgently told me this morning that he was called for a family meeting back at home. Most ironic part is that I have never seen any of Toby’s family. I once asked him if he had any siblings, he said that he did and they were two in numbers but were not really close. I didn’t want to probe further because it might be a sensitive topic for him but with the way he has called me this morning, it seemed like he had even just received the call before he called and let that out without knowing.

If it hadn’t been for the fact that he has dropped the call in a hurry, I would have asked him. I already told him about the secret of mine and it was only right that he did the same.

After I was done with the kids’ clothes, I exited their room and went outside to meet them where they were playing with their toys and the sweet aroma of the cupcakes Miss D. was busy baking for them wafted into my nostrils. Only the goddess knows how they always manage to get her to bake the cakes.

I shook my head at how troublesome they could be. Standing at the top of the stairs and staring at them from there, my mind returned to when I found out about them and how I wanted to share the news with their father. How he divorced and how Toby saved me. They were my bundles of joy and I don’t joke with them.

“Mummy!” Farah looked up and I blinked, coming back to reality and walking down the stairs to meet them. A smile tilted on my lips as I reached them and crouched to their level.

“What are you doing?” I asked, taking note of the alphabetical toys Toby had gotten them. That was Toby. He was adamant about sponsoring the kids to school even when I told him that I could only afford a home teacher for them. He refused and gave me a lecture on how education is important for a child and how I should always take it as my first priority. Since then, at any chance he gets, he buys them toys that relate to their academics. Whether it be songs or even videos, he makes them watch it and they don’t get tired.

“Playing, mommy. When will Uncle Toby come and pick us up for the park?” Fenriz asked, looking into my eyes. And yes, he takes them out to the amusement park once a month. He was a busy man, making time to take my kids out always gladdens my heart. He once said, “It is to lessen the burden off you. You are a single mother whose life should not only be about her kids but only herself.”

He was the person I never knew I could be given and maybe, just maybe, it was the Moon goddess atonement for what she did to me with Brian.

I smiled. “Uncle Toby had somewhere to be this morning so I cannot say if he would come or not. But don’t keep your hopes high.” I managed to tell him. I noticed their faces fell and I felt a stab of pain in my heart. They looked forward to this day so much. Toby has never told me about meeting for some family issues so I did not want to raise their hopes high. The family meeting might last for a long time. Or… I can’t say.

Thinking of what to distract them, I chipped. “Oh! The cupcakes are ready!”

They instantly jumped to their feet and ran toward Miss D. who shook her head and smiled at them. They began to play around her and she let out ‘ohs’ and laughter rang out. The fact that these kids were capable of making people around them happy.

I grinned, pulling out my phone and tapping on Toby’s contact.

Hey, is everything alright?- Me

My brows furrowed as it ticked twice and yet, there was no reply. My heart skipped at seeing this. Toby replies to my messages almost immediately, as if he was always expecting me to chat him up and now… something must have happened.

I just wanted to check if my kids will still be able to go to the amusement park or not. Letting out a deep breath and cleaning off the worry expression on my face, I went to join the kids. They were eating the cupcakes already so I only got one to eat.

Later that day, I sat down to watch a K-drama. I was not a fan of k-dramas but I needed it to distract me from thinking about Toby. Did anything happen?

My fingers itched to call him or even text him but worry gnawed at me as I thought I could be disturbing him. I pursed my lips and waited, glancing at the door minute after minute.

Fahrenheit walked up to me and sat close. I pulled him into a hug and relief washed through me at our closeness. “Uncle Toby is not coming here today?” He asked again and I blinked down at him.

They were really expecting him.

“Fahrenheit, I really can’t say if your uncle is going to come—”

The door creaked open, interrupting me and we both looked at the door in expectation. First, it was his foot and the second, his hand. I could recognize Toby anywhere and anytime. His hands gave him away.

He appeared and we all rose to our feet as if we have been waiting in suspension for the next episode of a movie. A grin instinctively split on my lips as we locked our gaze. I knew he was going to come!

“Uncle Toby!” The kids rushed towards him and I let them have their moment.

“You were supposed to take us out today!”

“Yes, we were waiting for you!”

They whined and I spoke up to reprimand them. “You should first ask him if he is fine and not—”

He looked up at me and shook his head. I blew out a shaky breath and he bent to their level. “You are right. Something urgent came up and I had to attend to it. How about this? You go upstairs and chance and I will take you guys there now?” He suggested and they cheered.

“Miss D., come and get us dressed. We are going to the park!” Farah said with excitement as her eyes glinted.

I stared at Toby who watched the kids with so much amusement and once again, the thought of Toby being their father was quite appealing except it was dangerous. The kids soon went upstairs and there it was, a new uncomfortable air hovering over us. I rubbed my palm against my jeans as I looked up to him, biting the inner of my cheeks awkwardly.

When did things get this awkward between us?

He walked to the kitchen and I followed after him. Pouring himself a glass of water, I realized that this was the first time I would be seeing him after the lawyer had sent the copy of the contract to me to sign.

“So…” I gulped hard as I watched the way his throat bobbed as he downed the water. “How was the family meeting?”

Suddenly, his eyes went wide and he choked on the water. I instantly reached out for him and helped him. Dropping the glass, he turned to me, shock evident in his face as he asked, “What did you ask?”