Chapter 100: Chapter 100

True to his words, he did not bother me.

My meeting with the client was peaceful and I was able to leave the restaurant without seeing his presence again. It's a good thing because I am free to look for a house without him following me. But maybe I was unlucky for a bit because I didn't like any of the available houses that I went to. If they are not too big, they are too crowded, and not safe for the twins.

I let out a sigh as I got into my car. Later I suddenly remembered the apartment I lived in before. There was a little hope in my chest somehow. Yeah, it doesn't have much space. But I can make it bigger while we stay there.

Well, that's only possible if the owner sells the house to me.

I looked at my watch. I just shook my head because I knew I couldn't fit going there into my schedule anymore. In the end, I decided to get back at the office.

I was walking calmly to my office when I was stopped by Mama's presence. She was holding a food tray in his hand with two juices on it—she was about to enter the office. Our eyes met.

"Ma," I said in surprise and finally approached her.

She let out a small smile. "I'm sorry. But I think you need to be with the kids."

"Did something happen?" The nervousness rose quickly in my chest.

Mama shook her head. "Nothing happened to the children. Physically," she concluded with deep meaning.

I frowned in surprise. Before I could ask again, Mama opened the door to my office. That's when the twins finally revealed themselves to me; they sat quietly on the couch. Both seem to be deep in thought.

They raised their eyes in my direction when they felt the presence of Mama and me. They both gave me a small smile before hugging me together. I can already feel the weight in their aura.

"How are my babies?" I tried to lighten up the mood.

"We went to the mall, Mommy," Gia answered with a raw smile plastered on her face.

I formed my mouth into an O shape. "Really? Did you enjoy it?"

No one of them answered immediately. The twins looked at each other for a little while, so I didn't do anything but peek at Mama who was quietly watching us from the side.

She smiled sadly at me. It's a sign that something really happened that made the children look like this.

"Do you want to sit, my babies?" I kindly asked the two.

They still stayed silent, but they immediately followed when I went to the couch. I carefully picked them up and made them sit on each side of me. After that I gently and lovingly caressed their hair.

"Did something happen?" I asked both of them.

I saw Gia playing with her fingers while bending over. I was expecting an answer from her, but Gio talked instead.

"We saw . . ." Gio trailed off and then lifted his lonely gaze at me. "Dad."

I felt like my breathing stopped instantly. The shiver automatically spread in my chest after hearing my son's word. I swallowed hard and tried to calm myself down.

"Hmm. Did he see you and your sister, too?" I acted normal despite my racing heartbeat.

Gio slowly shook his head. I don't know if I can breathe a sigh of relief or be more nervous because fate is really making a way for them to meet the children.

Do I really need to tell about them?

Is that what should be done?

"We hid," Gia whispered.

I blinked twice as I turned to look at her. She kept playing with her fingers, she never raised her head. It was like thousands of needles were stabbing my chest when I saw her tears falling on her leg. Quiet, unhurried, unmoving.

"Daddy . . . is with his family," Gio stated next.

I don't know who to focus on first. I knew both twins were hurting, in the end there was nothing I could do but hold and hug them both. I badly wish I could get their pains right now.

"You don't need to do that, babies," I murmured. "You don't need to hide at your father."

I felt Gio's little head shake. "We don't want to cause a fight, Mommy. Dad's family seems happy."

I bit my lower lip as I remembered the same image my children had seen. If anyone understands them well now, it's me.

"I'm sorry . . ." I whispered sincerely to my kids.

I planted a kiss on each of their heads and hugged them tightly again. I don't know how to comfort them. I don't know what words I should say to make them feel better.

"We understand, Mom," Gia mumbled. "It's for everyone's sake."

I felt a blockage in my throat at that moment. The corners of my eyes warmed up. The weight inside my chest doubled over the fact that my children understood the situation of all of us at their tender age.

I never told them to hide their identity from their father. Nor did ask them to hate Agustine. The only thing I told them was the fact that it was impossible for us to have our own family because their father had a legal family.

Yeah, at the age of four, they already know the truth behind their father's absence. Maybe it helped that they grew up in America so they became open to such things. But even though I know they understand everything, it can't be denied that the truth is painful and heavy for them.

Whose child does not want a complete family? Of their own that can be called?

"Mommy," Gio uttered weakly and slowly pulled away from my hug.

"Yes, baby?" I replied and tried to smile in front of him.

"If we are . . . Dad's legal family instead, do you think . . . we'll be happy too?" Gio asked softly.

I was paralyzed and couldn't answer right away. Thinking about what happened between Agustine and I, I don't want to hurt my child anymore.

I tried to smile and nodded slowly. "Yes, we will be happy," I answered without breaking my stare at my son, then hugged him again.

I am sorry for lying, baby.

"I'm glad that Daddy is happy with them," Gia whispered and leaned her body closer. "The hide was worth it."

There, my tears streamed down silently as I kept my arms around them. I can feel nothing but pity and sympathy for my children. I feel like I robbed them of the time to be kids.

I hope that you will forgive Mommy.