“How do you feel now?” Yuki whispered after she had allowed Angela to cry to her heart's content. Angela took a deep breath. “Much better”. She sniffed. Yuki pecked her forehead. “Come on, the kids are waiting”. She stood on her feet, and Angela reluctantly did the same. They walked out of the room together, and I entered the dining room, where the breakfast table was already set. The comforting aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning sun that streamed through the small apartment windows. Liya and Lia, already seated at the table, looked up excitedly as the women approached. They can't wait to have Angela taste the pancakes they made for her. “Mummy!” Little Junior called out, jumping off his chair and running to her. “Oh my baby”. Angela gushed out. He wrapped his small arms around her waist, squeezing tightly. Angela knelt down, hugging him back with a sad smile. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, for making you worry. Mummy’s here now.” Junior grinned. “I love you, Mummy!” That face he made was just the face Antonio would make when he is super happy. Stop thinking about him! Angela yelled inside her head. “I love you too, Junior,” Angela whispered, kissing the top of his head before guiding him back to his seat. They were all settled around the table. The breakfast was simple yet satisfying fluffy pancakes drizzled with honey, scrambled eggs with fresh herbs, crispy bacon, and slices of tropical fruits like papaya and mango. A pot of steaming tea sat in the center, along with a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice. “We made the pancakes!” Junior announced. “Really you guys?” The twins, who had been quietly watching, exchanged relieved glances. “Aww! Junior, it was supposed to be a surprise”. Lia replied in disappointment. “Well, Junior never keeps a secret, you should know that”. Liya added with a giggle. “Hey, you guys. Don't blame Junior, he was taken away by his excitement.” Yuki defended the adorable 4-year-old. Angela smiled, staring at the pancake in front of her. “This looks good, who made it?” She turned to the twins and both had their hands up with teeth fully showcased. “Me!” Junior shouted. “All you did was pour the flour all over the place and look cute!” Liya accused. Junior giggled at her. "Permit me to say his cuteness was the secret ingredient”. Lia added. Yuki laughed. “Oh my goodness, these kids are something else”. Angela shook her head with a smile. “You guys did amaze work. I know it will taste excellent”. She applauded and took a bite. “How was it?” Lia asked nervously. Angela froze her reaction intentionally, she looked at the twins, impatiently waiting for her review. Suddenly, she gave a thumbs up and smiled. “The best one from you guys yet!” The twins gave each other a high five and then Junior had to request his which they couldn't resist. They all laughed happily. “Thanks Aunty Yuki for the lessons”. The twins said to Yuki. Who was dogging into her cravings. “Oh sure, I love that I am raising little chefs”. Yuki replied. “Alright let's eat”. Angela announced and said a little prayer for the meal. Afterward, the twins attacked their food with gusto, their teenage appetites evident. Lia carefully sliced the pancakes into perfect triangles, savoring each bite, while Liya poured extra honey onto their plate, letting it soak into the pancakes before eagerly devouring them. While Junior took big bites of his pancakes, getting a bit of honey on his cheeks. He giggled as Angela wiped his face with a napkin, her heart lightning with each moment spent with him. He was growing so fast and looking so much like Antonio. Moreover, the girls. Angela noticed the little feminine changes in their bodies too. It gave her a feeling of pride, excitement and also of worry. If only Jace was here with us. Our family would have been perfect. There will have a male figure around. Maybe it's time to move on. For their sake. Angela was just about to take another sip of her tea when her phone rang. Before she could react, Lia sprang up from her seat. “I’ll get it, Mum!” Lia said as she dashed out of the dining room. Moments later, she returned with the phone in hand, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Thanks, sweetheart,” Angela said, taking the phone from the teenager. She glanced at the screen and saw Doris’s name flashing. Angela’s heart skipped a beat. She got a bad feeling about the phone call. It was rare for Doris to call this early. However, perhaps she was calling to know how the club stuff went. She answered the call, her voice tinged with curiosity. “Hey, Doris. How are you?” Doris’s voice was cheerful on the other end. “Angela, honey. I’m doing well, and you?” “I am good”. “Mummy, is it Aunty Doris?!” The twins excitedly asked. Angela nodded. “The girls are excited that you called”. Angela told her. “How are my adorable bunnies? I missed them, tell them I will visit this Christmas season”. “Aunty Doris said she will visit during Christmas!” Angela announced. The girls screamed loudly in excitement. They were done with their food and started clearing the plates. Yuki helped and guided them. “How is my baby Junior?” “He had grown so much from the last time you saw him”. Angela replied and smiled at Junior. He was being carried by Lia, and she was helping him wash his hands in the kitchen. “Then why didn't you flood my dm with his pictures! He is my godson!” Doris snapped angrily. “My apologies!” Angela laughed, then she got curious. “How about your fiancé, has the date been fixed yet?” “Oh, please, let's not talk about that asshole. Let's talk about you. Listen, I have something important to tell you. Are you alone?” Angela felt a slight twinge of unease at the sudden change in her tone. First, she called her fiancé an asshole. Did Doris cancel her wedding? Then something important about her? Asking if she's alone? That's scary. “Yes, I am alone. What is it?” She whispered. Her heart was pounding so hard.