Bedmates Soulmates novel Chapter 690

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 ldds, 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 woman 

But Luca was one of his best friends 

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. 

3/2 

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 to 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 difficulty. 

Jennie propped herself up on her elbows and was staring at him anxiously. 

When the saw him look at her, 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 was plain to read. 

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. ‘Did you throw away your meds?” 

Jennie’s gaze shifted away. “No.” 

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 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 with 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 a nap and heard pleeting 

He got up and left the 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. 

Kira’s shirt rode up as she leaned forward, revealing a section of her slender waist. 

Austyn caught himself staring and looked away. 

His collar suddenly felt too tight. 

He quietly left the bathroom 

But the same kept replaying in his mind