SORRY

Chapter 49. The Meeting

Noah POV

I parked my car outside the Ford’s mansion and took deep breaths.

Then, I pulled the overhead mirror and checked my face.

I rolled the windows down, breathed fresh air to calm my nerves, and waited for any activity inside the house. I do not want to come out as overly excited when in truth, I

was

I kept rubbing my palms in anticipation when I heard the sounds of children.

My heart skipped a bit.

Checking the time, I heaved a sigh.

I opened the driver’s door to get out.

From the backseat, I pulled out several bags and walked to the house in front of me.

I rang the bell, and instead of a maid, Marcus Ford greeted me.

“Good morning!”

He opened the door wider to let me pass.

From the entrance, I could hear the boys. It looks like they were playing.

“Forgive the chaos, but my other brothers are here as well.”

I nodded and took a deep breath.

Instead of one adult male and Briana, I have to meet Marcus Ford’s brothers, too.

“Thank you for allowing me to get to know my children.” There was a blockage in my throat, making it hard for me to breathe, but I managed.

Marcus tapped me on the shoulder. “It’s for the children. Anything for my family.” He assured me, and I couldn’t help feeling envious of the man.

He was not ashamed to take on another man’s job that another man being me.

It takes a very great man to do that.

–

Marcus Ford invited me inside, and we walked a short corridor before we entered

what looked like their living reem

Briana, your visiter” He announced, and all ourteen pairs of eyes riveted in

gulped when I topks in the faces of the topla

They were horsing around with the three Fral brethers, and they looked like they were having the time of their lives

Bnana, on the other hand, was afting beside andher zaman. The men tapped her hand, and she rose to her feet to great me

“Hello”

For the first time since seeing her again, I get tongue tied

I could not get enough of her face now that we were facing sach other My hands itched to touch her I contented myself with staring voraciously at her

So close, yet so far.

“I will leave you to it.” Marcus tapped me on the back

He signaled to his brothers, and they all tuned in my direction Lemiled azizardly

“Hello.”

They all look at Briana before returning my greeting. Then, they all left Same with the girl on the couch

The oddness of the situation slipped past me because I was trying so hard to contred my emotions.

I cleared my throat, remembered the shopping bags in my hands, and lifted them for her inspection. “These are for the kids,” I told her.

Briana turned her head around to where the children were playing

“Riley, Brizz, Mason, come here please!

I heard their laughter die down and felt disconcerted in my heart I find that I quite like the sound of their happiness

The triplets ran toward us. They stopped shert when they recognized me

“The enemy” One of the triplets said.

This one had a more defined eyebrow than the other two

Chapter 43. The Meeting

“Hello, Riley.” I greeted him, hunkering down on my haunches so we were at a level. with each other.

Riley eyed me warily.

“Riley, Brixx, Mason, what did I tell you?”

“He’s not our enemy. His name is Noah Hunter.” The three boys said simultaneously, making my heart leap suddenly in excitement.

My children knew me by name!

I could not get the knowledge past my initial shock!

At least, in their eyes, I have a name, not just some random guy they call their ” enemy”

“Noah brought you gifts. What are you going to say to him?”

Briana prodded after she gave the children the paper bags containing the presents I hurried to get at the toy store the other day.

I stifled my amusement, seeing them well–behaved in front of their mother. Just now, it dawned on me how hard it must have been for Briana to handle three boys on her own. I commend her resilience.

My triplets looked adorable. Briana raised them well.

Then, I remembered Marcus Ford and the envy redoubled. Marcus was there when I

wasn’t.

Another ache pierced my heart.

The children opened the bags and exclaimed over their gifts.

“Thank you, Noah!” They chorus while I watch them with blurry eyes.

“This one is for you.” I handed Briana the smaller bag with the books.

“I hope you like the potted flowers I sent yesterday.”

Briana nodded, and when I looked at her, she was uncomfortable.

“You did not have to buy me stuff.” She said.

Her eyes trained on the triplets as they started to play with their toys.

+25 BONUS

“It’s just a token of my gratitude. I would have wanted to buy you more, but I realized I was overstepping my bounds. I don’t want Marcus to misinterpret.”

I was watching her reaction while she was watching the children. I don’t think she must have heard me.

She clapped her hands to get the triplets‘ attention. “Okay, Riley, Brixx, and Mason. It’s enough. We have to go.”

“Go where?” Riley asked, eyes still trained on his remote–controlled fire truck.

“We are going out with Noah,” Briana explained.

“Why?”

“Because he is our friend. Right, mommy?” Mason dusted his pants off and came to a stop in front of me.

He held out his hand and introduced himself, making my chest expand with so much pride.

“Hey, mister. My name is Mason Ford. Third in order of birth.“