Chapter 9 Plan Change

(Eliana's POV)

We were leaving New York today, so I brought the kids to a local cafe for breakfast. The cafe's interior was themed like a cartoon, and children loved the numerous toys that were connected to that particular cartoon character.

"Kids, I'll go and get something for you to eat but don't leave the seat and go anywhere alone" I gave them a firm instruction before making my way to the counter. I returned to the seat after giving the order and noticed that all three of them were staring out the window at something.

"Mumma, that boy has a mickey cap, look" Leo pointed eagerly at a boy, and when I looked at him, her mother had a bag with the name of the well-known Disney park on it.

"Lucas, don't do that...Leo, I'll get you a cap like that when we reach back home" I told him before giving Lucas a brief reprimand for playing with spoons. But all he did was pout, leaning his arms on his chest and staring at his lap.

"Leo, don't be sad. Mumma promise, she will buy you that cap... Now come on smile" I informed him prior to tickling him and Liam, and Lucas joined me, causing him to chuckle and improving his mood.

A short while later, a waitress arrived with our food and some kid-friendly toys, which the kids really liked. Their entire attention was on their toys, and they had a beaming smile on their faces, which made me feel happy as well. Seeing their children happy is a lifetime accomplishment for a mother.

"Mumma, can we pls stay longer?... I like it here, pls, pls" While I was eating, I noticed that Liam, with hopeful eyes, looked up at me from his toy and told me how much he liked this place and begged to remain for a few more days.

"...ok, we'll stay more days and I'll take you to amazing places" I looked at Lucas and Leo after he asked, and they were also staring at me with expectant eyes. I thus consented and chose to stay longer.

After learning my response, all three of them became ecstatic and enjoyed the entire drive back to the hotel. I called Mr. Richardson as soon as I got to our room to let him know what I had decided, and he first agreed to give me time off before telling me he had to go back as scheduled because of work.

I couldn't sleep, so after supper with Mr. Richardson, I put the kids to bed and went to the drawing room to watch TV. I kept changing channels the entire time until my finger stopped hitting the remote control and my eyes became glued on the television. The man on TV was the one who, for the past five years, had filled my dreams every night. His flawlessly combed hair accentuated his jawline and exquisitely sweet, always-pink lips, giving him a more radiant appearance. and last, his striking brown eyes.

I loved Grayson once, a well-known celebrity who is adored by many women. He is now so far away from me that I am unable to hold him, even if I wanted to. Even more painful than him becoming the father of my child was the grief he caused me that day. Even though I knew he was in New York, I chose to remain here. However, I've made a self-promise to never let him again be around my children or me.

"I hate you Grayson, I HATE you...You will never come in my life again, never...Liam, Lucas and Leo will always be mine and only mine" I grew angry, maintaining eye contact with the television as though I were expressing my feelings to him face-to-face.

That day, my heart broke into a million pieces because of the guy I loved at the time, the one I lost my special night with, and the father of my children. An awful day, which I wish to never return to.

I inhaled deeply, and for the first time in many months, I let my feelings rule my actions. I closed my eyes, sat back on the couch, and let the tears fall. But my mind still kept playing back what had happened that day, and I suddenly opened my eyes. I tried to fall asleep after returning to my room and having a glass of water.

The following morning, I was roused by the bright light streaming in through the window, and I proceeded to order breakfast for the kids. Meanwhile, I woke them up as well, and I took them to the garden to pass the time after breakfast. I turned to see Mr. Richardson when he placed a hand on my shoulder as I was sitting on a bench watching kids play.

"Are you leaving?" His trip was scheduled for the evening, so I queried him, with furrowed brows when a luggage was placed next to him. When I told him I wouldn't be returning, he said he had purchased his tickets in advance so he could be there on time as well for a case that requires his urgent attention.

I had my back to the children the entire time, and I unintentionally obscured his view, preventing him from seeing the children. The children were playing a little bit farther away from where they had been when we both looked at them. He strolled over to say goodbye to the children after saying goodbye to me. He waved to us and smiled before he left.

"Kids, so now tell me what should we do?" When they ran to me holding a ball in one hand, I inquired. They all turned to gaze at each other for an answer until Liam sprang with excitement and said, "Zoo,".

"Done, tomorrow we will go to the zoo. But no one will be naughty there, ok?" I confirmed our destination for tomorrow and grasped my hand. We departed the garden, but not before admonishing them to behave and refrain from mischievous behaviour there.

The kids went to bed excited about seeing the zoo the next day, after having dinner and watching an animated movie. I got up early the following morning to get dressed before the kids. After preparing them, which was already quite exhausting and there was still the entire day ahead of us. Afterward, while I reserved a taxi for the zoo, we had breakfast in the dining area. We headed to the zoo, where we were in for a startling surprise, after settling into the taxi.