Allen tried to console the twins, but they were almost inconsolable. He couldn’t blame them, though. They adored their father, but they craved a mother’s love. Even though there were women in their lives, they had always wanted someone they could proudly call their own mother.
The twins had made their decision long ago.
If their father couldn’t bring their mother home, they would go with her instead. Their reasoning was simple: they had spent their first five years with their father, so they wanted to spend the next five with their mother.
It was only fair.
Standing by the exit, Allen glanced back at the couch where the twins sat.
Well, if they’re serious... then I guess she should get used to his antics, he thought as he quietly stepped out of the family room.
As soon as he closed the door, he looked up at the crowded penthouse.
Countless people were inside, dressed in gear as if they were cleaning a crime scene. But that wasn’t what was happening. He watched some of them carry things—bathroom essentials packed in sealed bags—and replace them with identical replicas. Hairbrushes, lotions, and most of Lola’s other personal items were being switched out.
"Is she really the twins’ mother?" Allen wondered.
These were Atlas’s orders for the day, given after they had spent a full day meticulously replicating all of her belongings so she wouldn’t suspect a thing. A strand or a used glass of water was enough, but just to make sure.
"But from her records, she lost her child, right?" he tilted his head, knowing his boss was already aware of most of Lola’s life. "And she’s never pregnant with twins... according to her records. "
A plethora of questions swirled in his mind, but he knew most of them would be answered by a single piece of paper.
A piece of paper that could determine everyone’s fate.
*****
At the same time, Lola squeezed herself into the front corner of the elevator while Atlas stood in the middle, leaning against it. Her brows furrowed as she glanced at him.
"By the way, why are you alone?" she asked curiously. "Where are Chacha and Second?"
"Home."
She blinked. "Home?"
"Mhm." He cast her a side-eye. "They only reserved a table for two."
Lola hadn’t even processed this when the elevator chimed, prompting them to step out. He did, but paused a step outside and looked back at her.
"Let’s go."
"Uh..." Her half-open mouth tried to form a protest, but her feet were already moving before she could think. Before she knew it, she was seated across from him. One table, two chairs facing each other, and an entire rooftop just for them.
Didn’t this look like... a date?
Lola looked around at the setting, then at the server, who had started pouring them wine.
"Second already ordered for us." His voice snapped her out of her daze. "However, if you like anything else, he’s already given instructions to the staff to make you anything you want."
Lola absorbed that before leaning closer to the table. "Second was the one who reserved us a seat?"
"Mhm."
Could a child do that? She wanted to ask, but it sounded stupid. After all, those two could prepare a gourmet dish and spot problems in a business proposal. Reserving a table was an easy task for them.
Lola pressed her lips together and leaned back against her chair.
With her not speaking, he remained silent as well. For a while, only the clinking of glasses broke the quiet as they sipped their wine, which she could barely enjoy. The silence didn’t last long, though, as his cold and naturally distant voice cut through it.
"What were you doing in there?"
"Hmm?" she hummed, seeing him stare directly at her. "Oh, that. Why was I in the hallway?" She paused, touching her nape before shrugging. "I was looking for the bathroom."
"No one told you there’s one in here?"
"I didn’t ask."
"I see."
Lola watched him swirl the wine with slow elegance, his expression unchanged. It gave nothing away. She wondered if he believed her or if he already knew the truth. Her gut told her it was the latter.
Her mouth parted, but once again, her voice died in her throat. In the end, she reached for her glass and chugged a mouthful of wine.
As the warmth of the wine spread down her throat, she huffed in determination. "You might not know this, but I actually know you." She forced a natural smile as he finally met her eyes. "I went to the Summit School of Excellence in Anteca for a year. So... we’re once schoolmates."
"Small world, huh?" she let out a dry laugh that quickly faded when he didn’t react.
Again, she found herself reaching for the wine and taking another mouthful. Fortunately, the servers arrived, setting up a foldable stand to place the large tray.
"I’m sorry for the wait," the lead server said, offering a polite smile. "We’ll be serving you the first course of the night."
As he began explaining the appetizer, Lola kept her eyes on the dishes being placed before her. Her mind, however, drifted.
Good job, Lola. Of all the icebreakers you could think of, you just had to remind yourself how you embarrassed yourself.
She mentally shook her head, pushing the thought away. She raised her chin, reminding herself that even if she mentioned being a former schoolmate, he wouldn’t remember her. After all, she was just one among countless girls who had confessed their feelings to him.
"The second course will be served once you finish or are done with the first appetizer." The server took a step back, maintaining his smile. He gave a slight bow before making his exit with the other servers.
Lola’s gaze followed his figure, only to hear Atlas speak.
"I know," he said, causing her to turn her head toward him in slight confusion. He had already picked up his spoon and paused, meeting her eyes. "Do you still bake chocolates?"