Chapter 4 Let's Make A Deal

I blinked my eyes in utter surprise, unable to withstand the shock. Why were they here? I believed I asked Magdalena not to come yet... Or didn't I?

"Lilian, answer me! Are these your children? Is this what I think it is?" Ms. Wilton yelled, demanding for an answer.

I swallowed the lump in my throat before speaking with a neutral voice. "I'm not sure if I owe you any explanation. And whatever you think does not concern me. So now, can you leave already?" I said flatly.

I could finally read her expression. Her eyes were wide open like a saucer. She glanced down and stared at the children again. "They are either 4 or 5? Were you seeing someone while you were with my son?" She said with an accusing voice.

Great! The first thing she could think of was that I was sleeping with another man while still married to her son. Which made sense since she always saw me as a promiscuous woman.

She frowned suddenly. "Wait. They look familiar," she stated.

"Because they have my features." I chimed.

She shook her head. "That's not it. The children's features also look like that of my son's... Were you pregnant before you left?" She asked again, this time I was disturbed because she looked like she was about to faint, which reminded me that her health wasn't that stable.

"Like I said, I don't owe you an explanation. In fact, you've clearly overstayed your welcome, so I demand you leave my house right this instant." I replied, panicking a little because I knew what would happen next.

"There's no way I would leave if these are really Fredrick's children. Tell me Lilian, when did this happen? When do you intend to tell my son?" She inquired seriously and I rolled my eyes.

Turning to the lady still at the door, I gave her a sign to take the children inside their rooms. She quickly did that without saying a word.

Looking back at the woman who was now looking at me with a flaring nose, I crossed my arms over my chest. "What exactly do you want?" I asked angrily, slowly losing my cool.

"The children, do they know their father is still alive? Why did you keep this from Frederick?" she continued to question, and I burst into laughter, startling her.

"My words. I'm sorry, but you must be kidding, right? You don't expect me to believe that you want anything to do with these children even if they're Frederick's so stop with your pretense. Frederick is getting married soon, and the last thing you would want is to ruin that perfect marriage you've set up for him. Not after waiting so long to take me out of the picture and bring someone 'deserving' to enjoy the luxury I provided to your family. You were at the brink of losing everything, but I saved you, I helped your son get what he wanted and once he was done with me, you both tossed me out like trash." I spoke, my eyes darkening.

"You must be right that I wasn't deserving of him because he wasn't deserving of me either, and I've come to accept that. I loved him and that was my weakness, but now that that love is gone, I have no weakness. And I am not that fragile and disposable girl you can use. That version of me is dead, leaving behind the bold, fearless, unbreakable Liliana Hawthorne." I said dangerously.

She didn't seem to back down, even though she was a bit shaken by my change of personality. "I don't expect you to remain the same and however it may be, these children need to know their father. They need to know that they have a family aside from you. And I must see to that!"

"And ruin your son's marriage? I'm not sure if you understand the gravity of this matter. If you reveal this then your plan would be ruined and not only that but what would the people think once they find out that your son's ex-wife has children for him? Have you thought of that first?" I retorted.

She was silent at first, and I thought I finally got her, but I was greatly wrong. Besides, she wouldn't be a Wilton if she backed off that easily.

"That would be taken care of after I ensure that my grandchildren leave this Godforsaken place of yours that stinks of extreme poverty." She slurred.

"I will be the last person to watch you take my children to God knows where just because you suddenly grew a conscience." I snapped.

"They are my grandchildren!" She hissed angrily.

"You do not deserve to call them that. To them, you don't exist and it will forever remain that way. I would rather die than watch you take my children away from me after taking everything else." My voice broke a little.

"You didn't have anything in the first place. I, on the other hand, gave you everything you needed. And although you didn't enjoy it for long, you at least made the most of it while you were still with him." She said defiantly as she shrugged her shoulders. "So, you'll do as I say and hand those children over."

I chuckled darkly. Angry, hurt, and a little scared. "You must think your threats are working on me. Those children are mine and they are going nowhere. I advise you to leave now before I call the police," I warned, but it was rather ridiculous.

She smirked. "Go on. I dare you, I think you've forgotten who you are talking to and that's why you think you can threaten me with the police. If you call the police, then I'll call Frederick and tell him about the children," she threatened.

I trembled a little but made sure to stop and stand my ground. "Why do you even care?" I asked, trying my best to not show the effect of her words.

"Because they are my grandchildren," she replied almost immediately.

I shook my head. "Or maybe because you just love to take everything away from me."

She looked away. "And that as well, but you should also consider yourself lucky because now you have the opportunity to have a little of Wilton's wealth, as Frederick would need to have full custody of his children." She informed me, then took a step closer. "You have no idea how long I've longed for a grandchild and to think I'd get twins... it's really not too late." She muttered and reached for her phone.

I knew who she was about to call. I panicked, I couldn't let her take my children away from me. Never!

"Fine, let's make a deal. You'll leave my children alone in exchange, I'll do whatever you want of me."