Warning: Strong language

Twen's voice was like a kick in my gut. I was trying so hard to hide Twen’s existence, and this had to happen. Why was everything going so wrong? Was Robbie reappearing in my life, not enough? Am I cursed by the Devil or something?

I saw Robbie stiffen and look at me in shock. I realized I had to act faster before Robbie started questioning me about Twen. I pushed Robbie out with all my strength and slammed the door in his face. I turned to look at the surprised face of Twen.

"Twen, why are you out of bed?" I asked

"I thought I heard the doorbell," he answered, looking at me with his wide innocent eyes.

"Th-that's just-" Before I could even complete my sentence, there was a knock on the door.

Oh!! For God's sake, get the damn message and leave!!

Why is he hellbent on making my life miserable?

"That's just mommy's guest, okay? You should go back to bed," I said, forcing a smile.

Twen looked at me doubtfully. There was another knock on the door.

Goddamnit! I wanna murder this guy!

"Mommy, why don’t you let the guest in?" Twen asked, slightly tilting his head, giving the door an unsure look.

How do I tell him that I am not allowing the guest in because he happens to be his dad! The last thing I want is for them to meet.

"Don’t worry Twen, he was about to leave. Go back to your bed. You have to wake up early for school, right? Mommy would be right back with you."

Twen looked at me with slightly narrowed eyes. I knew I was acting very suspicious for him to believe, but I did not want to explain the situation to him. I crossed my fingers, hoping Robbie would leave, and Twen was convinced. After staring at me for a full minute, Twen finally nodded.

He turned to leave but stopped mid-way and said in a dubious tone, “Come back fast. I will keep the lights on.”

I knew he was suspicious, but the best I could do at that moment was to smile at him and nod. Twen shrugged and walked back to his room. I exhaled in relief.  Opening the door, I found Robbie still standing there. This jerk was so stubborn! I went out and quickly shut the door behind me.

Before I could say anything, Robbie closed the distance between us with two long steps. Coming so close that his nose was almost touching mine. This was uncomfortable. I wanted to say so, but he interfered with a slightly aggressive and urgent voice.

"Is-Is that-"

“None of your business,” I interjected. I knew he wanted to know about Twen, but I was not interested in telling him anything.

“That child, -is it-”

“NONE OF YOUR GODDAMN BUSINESS!!” I said, spelling each word with strong emphasis.

“Tony,” he said, looking me straight in the eye.

I looked back with all the fierceness I could muster. He was too close, enough for me to feel his breath on my cheek. I don't remember the last time I had been this close to anyone. There were girls and guys who had hit on me in the past, but no one got intimate with me. Naturally, I felt awkward being intimate with someone suddenly. I put both my hands on Robbie's chest trying to put a distance between us, but he was totally oblivious to it.

"Robbie move back," I said, looking away from his eyes.

Robbie ignored my words and instead put his hands on my waist, blocking me from getting away. It might have looked very romantic in a different situation, but right now, I felt trapped. Feeling my heartbeat increase, I gritted my teeth to not panic. As he put his face closer to my ear, I felt his warm breath on my bare neck giving me goosebumps, as he whispered,

"You really gave birth to my child?"

HIS CHILD???!!

I felt a string breaking in my head. Struggling with all my might, I finally succeeded in pushing him back. I was breathing hard, and so was Robbie. I looked at him, enraged. Robbie held his chest and stared right back,

"He is MY CHILD and will forever be MINE only!" I almost yelled at him, forgetting all about the other employees in the building.

Robbie's eye got milder. There was something akin to pity in his eyes that infuriated me even more. I do not want his pity. Not when he discarded the pregnant me like trash. Where was his pity then? Where were all these so-called emotions when I had to give birth to Twen all alone? Now, after all these years, he is coming back, claiming my Twen to be HIS child. How dare he?!!

"GET LOST. I have got nothing to talk to you about,” I said, turning away. “And by the way, I will turn in my resignation letter tomorrow," I said, placing my hand on the doorknob but was stopped by his strong arms.

"Resignation?" Robbie asked, looking mad and a little desperate.

What the hell?? I should be the one who is mad. What makes him think that after ditching me, he can come back whenever he wants to? 

I tried to free my arm. I didn’t want to drag this any longer. I just wanted to be back with Twen. But Robbie’s grip was strong. Seeing me trying to break free, he pulled me towards his chest and picked me up in princess-style. I was so stunned by his action that for a few minutes, I froze. He carried me easily like some ragdoll. Without warning, he started walking down the stairs. When I returned to my senses, I was halfway down. I threw my arms and legs around violently to get down. Twen was all alone in the house, waiting for me. I can't leave him there.

"Let me go! L.E.T M.E. G.O" I screamed

"Ssshhh!! don't cry out so much. Otherwise, you'll wake everyone up," he said smoothly, looking ahead.

What? This guy...how shameless can he get?

"Let me go. Leave me!" I hit him on the chest, ignoring his stupid threat, "Twen is all alone in the house!" I shouted urgently.

This grabbed Robbie's attention. We were nearly out of the building when he stopped and looked at me. I thought he would drop me down, but instead, he suddenly gripped me more tightly and hurriedly got out of the building to his car. He threw me in his car’s backseat. All of this happened in a matter of a few seconds. I didn't even have time to react. He got in from the other door and locked the car. Realizing my situation, attempting to open the door was fruitless. So, I started hitting the window, shouting at him,

"What are you doing? He’s all alone. Unlock the damn door..."

I hadn't even finished yelling when Robbie caught hold of my arm with one of his hands and my tee's collar with another. He pulled me closer, and before I could comprehend anything, his lips covered my mouth.