Chapter 5
That night when I got home, I heard about my two kids from Mackenzie for the first time.[]
“Oh, those two! They’re both really smart, but back when River was building his company, you were swamped too. You went back to work right after having them.
The grandparents basically raised both kids, so they were never really close to you.]
When you got divorced, you could’ve taken fifty percent of the marital assets, but you signed this agreement to only take twenty percent. In exchange, River had to promise in writing that he’d never remarry and that all his wealth would go to the kids.“[]
She paused before continuing. “You carried those babies for nine months and gave birth to them–you loved them more than anything. But it didn’t matter. Neither kid liked you. The day I came to pick you up, I watched them yell at you, saying you didn’t deserve twenty percent of River’s money just for doing nothing, demanding you give it back. You just stood there taking it, and when they got really worked up, they started throwing glasses at you…“]
Mackenzie didn’t finish the story. She just sighed and hugged me. “Willa, please don’t try to remember, okay? We’re so happy now–let’s just keep it that way!“]
I nodded seriously. “Okay. I don’t want to remember either.”
“But if you want to see them this weekend, you should go. You can’t avoid them forever. I’ll come with you–no one’s gonna mess with you on my watch.“]
I looked up at Mackenzie and nodded.]
Honestly, not seeing them would be fine too. I really had forgotten everything.]
I felt a little sad when she first brought it up, but now I didn’t feel much of anything.]
I was just curious about what they looked like.[]
Mackenzie came with me that day. When River opened the door and saw her, his face immediately darkened.]
He obviously didn’t like Mackenzie, and the feeling was definitely mutual.
River wanted to let me in but block Mackenzie at the door.
I panicked and immediately ran back outside to stand behind Mackenzie. I was honestly a little scared of River.
He was so tall and intimidating, and the fact that I couldn’t remember him made it worse.
I grabbed onto Mackenzie’s arm. If she wasn’t going in, neither was I. River’s expression got even darker.[]
“Willa, if you want to see the kids today, you’re coming in alone.”
“Never mind then. I don’t need to see them.“]
I shook my head like crazy, totally freaked out. What was wrong with this guy?[]
I tried to drag Mackenzie away, which actually made River laugh.]
“Willa, what’s your deal? Am I really that scary?“]
Depleti
Um, YES. He was like six–foot–three and built like he could punch me through a wall.[]
I said firmly, “I’m only going in with Mackenzie.“[]
River glared at her, and Mackenzie stared right back with zero expression.[]
Finally River stepped aside.
“Fine. Come in.”
The living room in the little mansion was huge. In the center sat a boy who looked about seven or eight. He looked exactly like his dad, and when our eyes met, his face wasn’t exactly welcoming.
This had to be Max. Next to him sat a little girl who must be Zoe.[]
The little girl was following her brother’s lead but looked at me with curiosity.
“Are you our mommy?“[]
I nodded.
Zoe tugged on her brother’s sleeve. “Max, mommy looks… really pretty now!“]
The little boy immediately started yelling, “Shut up! Don’t call her mommy! She’s not our mommy anymore! She doesn’t take care of you or me, so what kind of mother is that? And she won’t let daddy get married so we can’t have a new mommy! She’s a bad person! She’s completely nuts!”
All my expectations just evaporated in that moment. I didn’t feel as hurt as I thought I would. I still couldn’t remember them at all.
They looked familiar, but I’d forgotten them completely.]
It felt like two vaguely familiar kids were insulting me. I wasn’t angry, just… bored.
