Always Been You

~Lola’s POV~

I knew I was in deep shit when I bumped into him. What exactly was he doing here? My children look like him, and I can’t hide that. I tried everything I could to keep my kids from getting out of the car, but it was all in vain. He now knows he has three children. I feel bad for not telling him, but I had no other choice. He chose Candice over me. He wanted to be with her, so I gave him what he wanted. It was difficult, but I had no choice. I couldn’t see myself dragging over him with Candice. He seemed not to be holding on to what we promised each other, so I had to go away. I needed peace, and remaining in New York was never going to be peaceful. I was lucky that my car was fixed the same day since it wasn’t a huge crash. I drove to the shop without wanting to think too much about today’s incident. After parking my car, I proceeded inside, where I was greeted by Matthew and Carol, who were both smiling to themselves while they worked.

“Good day, Carol.”

“Good day, Mrs. Monroe.” She replied with the brightest smile I’d ever seen on her face. I approached Matthew, who was singing as he sorted the flowers. Matthew never sings. What’s with him?

“Good day, Matthew.”

“Good day, Lola. How was your day?”

“Not bad,” I responded.

“Oh, how would it be bad when Mr. Monroe is in town?” Carol chimed in.

“What are you talking about?” I asked with my eyes shut, hoping it was not what I thought it was.

“Oh, Mr. Monroe came by earlier this morning. Mrs. Monroe, your husband, is extremely hot and resembles your children.” Carol stated.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

I’m doomed! I yelled at the back of my head.

“He stopped by to get directions back to the hotel. He stated that his phone was dead. Oh, and why didn’t you tell us your husband named that hotel after you, Lola?” I didn’t want to raise any suspicions because I have no idea what hotel they were alluding to. So I smiled and answered.

“You should know who I am by now. I hardly talk about things like that.”

“It’s no wonder the hotel and this boutique have the same name.” I went completely still. The Lolita hotel as well as the school. Oh my God, my children. Does he know they are going to that school? I can’t bring myself to ask these questions, as they will know that something isn’t right. I looked at the clock and realized it was already time for me to go pick them up.

“Oh, I have to get going. I have to pick up my children.” I said that as I rushed outside, praying that Dante wouldn’t know a thing. I drove to school and waited in the parking lot. I was a little early, so I took my time looking around for Dante, but he was nowhere to be found. I waited until one of the teachers approached me with my children. She was beaming with delight. Why? I’m not sure.

“Good day, Mrs. Monroe.” I simply nodded my head. I looked at my kids and noticed that they were happier than ever, which made me wonder why.

“How are you doing?” I said to the teacher, and she bent slightly as she responded.

“I’m well, ma’am, thanks for asking.”

Why did she bow a bit and did she just call me ma’am? I put the thought aside, and the lady spoke again as I was ready to get into my car. “By the way, your kids look exactly like your husband.” I froze and looked at her anxiously. “Mr. Monroe. The school’s proprietor.” I curse ever saying I was married because right now I can’t afford for people to know that Dante and I have just met since I ran away while pregnant. “Mr. Monroe seems to love his kids. He was here throughout their session. I’m envious of you, ma’am.” I chuckled and waved goodbye to the woman. I got in my car and began driving. I walked by an ice cream shop, expecting that my children might tell me more about what happened earlier on with their father today. After buying the ice cream, I gave them. Mia was so excited when the boys just looked at each other and back at me.

“What is it, mom?” Kia asked. I sighed, knowing that they knew I wanted something from them. Unlike Mia, the brothers are far too intelligent for their own good.

“I heard Daddy dropped by to see you all.” I eventually said something.

“Ho, mommy, my daddy is so cool. He is the best father on the planet.” Mia chimed, “But mommy, how come he never comes to see us?” She went on. I’ll be a lousy mother if I start criticizing their father. After all, he only found out about them today. For him to take time out of his busy schedule to be with children indicates that he wants to be a part of their lives, but do I want him to disrupt the tranquility that I have been able to keep all these years? Yes, I still want him to be part of his children’s lives, but knowing Dante, he is too cold and only used to warm up to me. Not even Candice changed him.

“Daddy has been quite busy. But he’ll be seeing you all a lot more now.” I said with a forced smile. I don’t want him seeing them. I want to run again, but for how long?

“Yeah!” Mia was happy, and so were the boys. What if Dante wants all of the kids to himself? No, he wouldn’t do that to me. He might be shocked and angry, but he will never take them away from me, will he?

The next morning, I didn’t want to take them to school since I knew he would see them. However, this is their future, not mine. They needed to go to school. I drove them myself, hoping not to bump into Dante. Once I was done, I sighed and drove back home. I went upstairs to take a shower. I was walking down the stairs when I heard a doorbell ring. I ran down the stairs. I squeaked the door open and breathed his name.

“Dante.”