Chapter 229
LYRIC
By the following morning, Marta brought the kids to the location I asked. It was in a busy amusement park. Here, I could easily get away in case she betrayed me and brought the Executioners. Although, I doubt she’d take such risks when she knows I could easily expose her to everyone.
My heart leapt for joy as I watched her entering into the park with the kids. They hadn’t seen me yet, so I took the opportunity to admire my two beautiful creations.
I couldn’t believe they were both mine, I suddenly felt lucky, so so lucky to be their mother.
They finally saw me and I felt the warmth of the happiness that illuminated their faces.
“Aunty Lyric!”
They stopped walking and ran. I kept my arms ready for them to jump in.
Their excitement was contagious. Goodness, I couldn’t believe the kids were the ones looking so happy to see me. It was only a few weeks ago when they called me a witch and didn’t want to have anything to do with me.
“Hey, pumpkins. How have you been?” I stroked Xyla’s hair with one hand while I ruffled Xylon’s hair with the other.
“We’ve been fine, Aunty. We missed you. How have you been?” Xyla asked.
“I’ve been…well, good.” Of course, I’ve been anything but good.
Xyla lowered her eyes as she suddenly looked guilty. She nervously fiddled with her nails.
“I’m sorry…for getting you in trouble. I didn’t know Grandma was going to get badly hurt. I didn’t mean to put you in trouble. I was just… angry when I saw her hurting you and wanted her to stop. I didn’t mean to-”
“Hey, it’s okay,” I pulled her into a small hug. “Nobody’s blaming you for anything, Xyla. Don’t even think about it.”
Now that I gave it a thought, how had she been able to cope with the memory of killing her own grandmother? Has she been fine?
Well, one thing was for sure: my daughter was one hell of a strong woman–like her father.
“I wanted to tell daddy and save you,” she whispered against my waist. “But mummy told me it was a bad idea and was only going to get Daddy more hurt. I’m sorry, Aunt Lyric. I’m sorry I stayed quiet and said nothing.”
I threw a stare at Marta who was staring back at me, looking a bit uncomfortable. Oh, typical Marta. Always ready to throw me under the bus for her ow…
benefit.
“It’s fine, honey, you did the right thing.” I pulled Xyla from my waist and gently stroked her hair. “Daddy doesn’t need to know what you did. Besides, if it. wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have done it. So, don’t blame yourself in any way okay?”
She nodded.
I touched Xylon’s jaw. “And you, young man. How have you been?”
“I’ve been good.”
His speech was clearer. It was relieving to know he was becoming more outspoken. Though from the look of things, Xylon was going to be a very cold man in the future.
With them on either side of me, I threw my hands around their shoulders and led them toward the game centers. “Wanna play some games with me like
old times?”
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Chapter 229
“Yes!”
My day was beyond fulfilled. I spent a long time with the kids, played until I was breathless and didn’t have any more energy
The whole time, I completely ignored Marta who kept watching from a distance with a scowl on her face. I was actually happy she was here to see this, to see the motherly connection she was never going to have with the kids she took from me.
I wish I could continue being in their lives and
grow. It was quite unfortunate that
has cruel plans for me.
I got them ice cream and went on to speak with Marta while they busied themselves on a bench.
“You need to wrap it up, Lyric. We have to go soon as I reached her.
“Calm down, will you? I’m done with them.”
She crossed her arms and looked away.
oving. You might be far from the Capital City, but someone could also recognize you here,” Marta said as
“I’m not giving you my blessings to be their mother, Marta. Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be a mother, not unless you change. Unfortunately, I don’t have a choice right now. So, I’m telling you now to take good care of my kids. I know you only see people as tools and commodities, but my kids are different. Don’t ever hurt them. Don’t ever put them in a difficult position to achieve one of your sick aims. And more importantly,” I stepped closer to her. “Don’t ever try to utilize Xyla’s powers. I already hate that she’s a Siphon. I’d hate more for her to become your gadget.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on you, Marta, and if I ever get to know you’ve been using Xyla, I’ll damn all consequences and take her from you. I’m sure you understand what I mean.”
Her eyes burned with irritation. “Can you stop with the lecture? They’re also my kids. I know you birthed them, but I took care of them from infanthood you know? So, don’t think I actually hate them.”
“Oh, you never hate someone as long as they’re useful to you,” I chuckled. “Mischievous Marta. Always doing the wrong things.” I tsked.
“Aunt Lyric!” Xyla called as she and her brother scuttled toward me. “We’re done with the ice cream.”
I spent more time with them before we finally parted ways. It was the hardest thing to do.
The poor kids didn’t even know this was likely going to be the last time we saw each other; at least for a long time. They didn’t know how heartbreaking this moment was for me.
Even at that, they were still reluctant to leave with Marta and asked when they’d come visit again. I promised them I’d make out time, but for the first time, I knew I made a promise I’d not be able to keep.
I was finally ready.
The number Caden had stored in my phone hadn’t been going through. We tried calling severally during the last two weeks but couldn’t reach him. I even sent multiple texts, begging him to release Jaris, but he didn’t respond.
I texted him again today, telling him what I knew he’d been waiting to hear. I told him I was ready to sign the contract and asked where I was meant to meet him.
His response didn’t come until hours later, at night.
He gave me an address to go to and added a warning beneath it: “come alone, Lyric. If you’re just trying to play with me, you’ll never see Jaris again. No
one will.”
The threat was enough to raise goosebumps on my skin.
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Chapter 229
I got my things ready and left the cottage.
