Hiding the Billionaire's Twins (English)

Chapter 12

The next day, I woke up to the ringing of my phone. I could barely force my eyes open, exhausted from crying all night. My whole body felt heavy, and my head throbbed with a dull ache from overthinking. My nose was stuffed up, too, I could feel a fever coming on. Still blind with sleep, I reached for my phone. Only five people ever called me; I hadn't given my number to anyone else.

Without checking the caller ID, I slid the screen to answer.

“Hello,” I greeted, my voice raspy and worn.

“Mommy, good morning!” the twins chimed in unison from the other end.

My eyes snapped open. I sat up straight, rubbing my sleepy eyes. Just hearing their voices—even over the phone—instantly lifted the weight off my chest. I missed them so terribly. It had only been a few weeks, but it felt like years since I last held them.

“Good morning, my loves,” I greeted back, forcing energy into my voice.

I caught the sound of their soft giggles before Hera cut in. “Mommy, we’re here in La Fe—” Her sentence was abruptly cut off, followed by muffled rustling.

“Girl, that mouth of yours really has zero brakes!” I heard the familiar voice scold my daughter in the background.

My brows furrowed at Hera’s slip. “What’s going on over there?” I asked, but no one answered, and the call abruptly disconnected.

I stared at the screen, my mind racing over Hera’s unfinished words before she was hushed. If I found out that person was up to something foolish with my kids, they were going to get a earful from me.

With a heavy sigh, I sank back onto the bed, my muscles still aching with fatigue. I checked my phone to call Amer back, only for my frustration to spike when I realized I was completely out of load.

I rested the phone on my stomach, waiting to see if Amer would call back. But as the silence dragged on, sleepiness washed over me again. After staring blankly at the white ceiling for a few minutes, I drifted off.

A continuous knock on my door pulled me back to consciousness. I rubbed my eyes with the backs of my hands and let out a long yawn before pushing myself up to open the door. My eyes adjusted just as I turned the knob and pulled it open.

Sean stood in the doorway, wearing a wide, radiant grin. My brows knitted together at his overly cheerful expression. He offered a quick greeting before stepping right into the room. I let him be and retreated to the bed, sitting on the edge to gather my thoughts. I glanced at the desk clock Farah had given me, it was already 11:00 PM.

I didn't even feel hungry. All I felt was the lingering fatigue in my body and the dull throbbing in my head. Last night had been spent doing nothing but crying beside Sean until I finally passed out. I had no idea what time he had even slipped out of my room.

“Get ready,” Sean announced cheerfully.

I looked at him, confused. “I don't have anywhere to go today. It’s my day off,” I corrected him.

He stood up from his seat, walked over to sit beside me, and casually threw an arm around my shoulder. “I have an idea on how to make you forget Rihav,” he said, throwing in a cheeky wink.

I rolled my eyes at his dramatic emphasis on forget. Still, I shrugged it off. I had nothing to lose by going along with his idea. Forgetting Rihav was honestly the best thing I could do to get my life back on track.

Besides, I had no plans anyway. Cooping myself up in this tiny room to dwell on my problems sounded far worse than going out with Sean.

“How?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“Just get ready already! You ask too many questions,” he teased, taking hold of my waist to pull me up.

I glared at him and shoved the pillow in my hands straight into his chest. He let out an exaggerated groan of pain. What a dramatic actor! That didn't even hurt!

Turning my back on him, I gave in and started picking out an outfit. I grabbed a fresh set of clothes before heading into the bathroom. My spare clothes inside the bathroom were strictly house clothes, so I needed proper attire since we were heading out. I certainly wasn't going to change in front of Sean.

The cool water cascaded down my skin as I took my time washing up. I spent a good few minutes in the shower before drying off, putting on my clothes, and doing a quick touch-up. Standing in front of the mirror, I ran a comb through my long hair. I skipped the makeup this time, that was strictly for work. I just wanted to look presentable.

“You ready?” Sean asked the moment I stepped out of the bathroom.

I rolled my eyes. “Do I look like I’m ready?” I retorted in English, gesturing sarcastically at myself.

He burst out laughing. This guy really loved getting on my nerves first thing in the morning. He knew full well how miserable I’d been feeling these past few days, yet he still insisted on teasing me.

“Was that an English?” he asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

“Ask yourself,” I smirked back.

I ignored his teasing and focused on putting on my sandals. They weren't actually mine, Farah had gifted them to me along with a pair of shoes. She still hadn't told me who actually bought them. If she used her own money, I fully intended to pay her back on my next payday. Money didn't grow on trees, and I hated feeling indebted.

“How do I look?” I asked Sean.

I was wearing a simple white dress that Zavia had given me a while back. She and Zoe had handed down a bunch of clothes they no longer wore. This dress was the only one I had brought with me, since I had never planned on going out casually while here in La Fera Dos.

I paired it with the white sandals from Farah. Luckily, the cross-body shoulder bag I brought along was something I had bought myself back in La Meyanda, so at least one thing I was wearing belonged to me.

I turned to Sean, waiting for his critique, but he was staring down at his phone. Annoyed, I tossed my shoulder bag right at him. Since he wasn't paying attention, the bag hit his phone, sending it slipping out of his hands and onto the floor. He quickly scrambled to pick it up.

“Hey, give me a second!” he grumbled, inspecting his screen for cracks before finally looking up at me. “You look good. I really have great taste in picking out sandals for you.” He flashed a broad smile.

My brows furrowed as I stared at him. What did he just say?

“Farah gave me these!” I pointed out.

He chuckled at my reaction. “Farah handed them to you, but I was the one who bought those sandals and the shoes. They suit you really well.” He cast a approving glance at my feet.

My eyes widened as I recalled Farah’s flimsy excuses when she gave them to me.

“You bought those shoes I really wanted, too? You were the only one who knew about them... why didn't I realize it sooner?” I bit my lip, embarrassed as I remembered everything I had said to him back then.

“Because your mind was completely full of Rihav!” he teased.

I felt like steam was about to pour out of my ears. Rushing over, I threw my arms around his neck. Since he was so tall, I had to jump slightly to reach him properly.

“You are seriously trying to test my patience today!” I grumbled.

“Woah, easy there!” He gently unclasped my hands from his neck and helped me plant my feet back on the ground, practically wheezing with laughter at my frustration. “No 'thank you'? One genuine 'thank you' and I promise not to mention his name again.” He winked again.

I scowled, glaring at him. “Fine... thank you.”

“That didn't sound sincere at all, Fayre,” he said, rolling his eyes in fake hurt.

I forced a tight, artificial smile. “Thank you, Semon.” I deliberately emphasized the name he always tried to avoid.

A bright smile broke across his face as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the room. I had zero idea where we were headed, but I trusted Sean enough to just go along with it. Inside the elevator, I snatched my shoulder bag back from his grip. He didn't mind, simply waiting quietly until the doors slid open at the ground floor.

We walked out together. None of the usual girls were around since it was a rest day for our shift. The club would open later with a different crew, as work schedules were rotated. They took Saturdays off while we took Sundays; Highden virtually never closed.

We made our way to the parking area. I stayed quiet during the drive, while Sean took a couple of brief phone calls. I refrained from listening in, respecting his privacy, and focused on looking out the window instead. Before long, my eyes landed on the most famous shopping center in La Fera Dos: RMall.

Sean pulled his car into the parking garage and maneuvered into a space. He stepped out first, walked around to my side, and pulled the door open for me. I stepped out with my brows furrowed, still bewildered as to why he had brought me here.

Crossing my arms, I looked at him with an undeniable expression of confusion.

“What are we doing here?” I asked as we walked toward the mall entrance.

Sean completely ignored my question, keeping his hands stuffed in his pockets as he walked ahead. I asked him several more times, but he gave me the silent treatment, acting as if I weren't even there. I stomped my foot like an annoyed child at his antics. Pouting, I had no choice but to silently follow behind him.

“Mommy!”

I froze instantly. That voice…

I snapped my head toward the sound and gasped. Hera and Hacov were running straight toward me! I dropped to my knees immediately, opening my arms wide to pull them into a fierce embrace. Smothering them in my arms, I kissed their cheeks repeatedly, unable to contain my joy.

Hera looked adorable in a yellow sun dress, her curly hair down and styled with a cute flower clip to keep it off her face. When I left La Meyanda, she definitely didn't own an outfit like this, nor that clip. Someone had clearly been dressing her up. Hacov looked equally handsome in a crisp white polo shirt and denim pants.

“Mommy, I missed you so much,” Hera murmured sweetly, burying her face in my neck.

I hugged her tighter. “Mommy missed you too, Hera.” I glanced around before pulling back slightly. “Who did you come here with? Didn't I say we were only going to meet on your birthday?” I asked, standing back up.

Hera and Hacov glanced around as if searching for someone. Following their gaze, I spotted the culprits standing a short distance away, the familiar figure of Amer alongside the Madreal twins, all trying unsuccessfully to hide behind a pillar.

Amer already had a sheepish peace sign raised the moment our eyes locked. I squeezed my eyes shut, took a deep, calming breath, and opened them again. The three of them slowly trudged toward us, with Zavia and Zoe flashing guilty peace signs as well.

What kind of scheme is this?!

I certainly hadn't expected this surprise.

Yet, I was happy, beyond happy to see my children again. I just wished it hadn't come amidst such complicated circumstances…

“I’m sorry, Fay! They missed you so much, they kept throwing tantrums to see you! The Madreal twins and I had no choice but to bring them here. Hera wouldn't stop crying, she just kept wailing and—”

“Tata Amera, I didn't cry—”

Amer instantly covered a hand over Hera’s mouth before she could finish her sentence.

I immediately swatted Amer's hand away from my daughter's mouth. Hera wrapped her little arms around my leg. Just as I was about to give Amer a earful, his eyes suddenly lit up while staring at something behind me.

“Omg, we meet again, Semon! Ehe, I think I’m falling in love with you,” Amer cooed flirtatiously, dramatically flipping imaginary long hair.

I heard Sean let out a chuckle before stepping past me to greet the Madreal twins. It only then clicked in my mind that since Sean and Rihav were close friends, Sean naturally knew Rihav’s younger siblings, too.

“Semon, long time no see! Our plan actually worked out pretty well,” Zavia said, exchanging a high five with Sean. She then turned to me. “No worries, Fay. Rihav went back to City early this morning. He was totally brokenhearted last night, chugging liquor like water. But hey, his liver is indestructible, so he’s still alive and kicking,” she added with a laugh.

I chose to ignore their banter and let them talk. I turned my attention back to the twins, who were wide-eyed, taking in the sights around the grand mall. Thankfully, they weren't paying attention to the adult conversation. The last time we came here, we couldn't even tour the place due to an unexpected incident. This time, I wanted to make sure they actually enjoyed themselves.

“Mommy, can we eat first? My stomach is making noise,” Hacov asked, rubbing his belly.

“Amer! Did you seriously not feed the kids before driving all the way here?” I snapped, turning toward Amer.

I felt like knocking some sense into Amer because he was busy ogling Sean, completely ignoring my question. I stepped closer and brought him back to reality by gently kicking the back of his knee. He let out a high-pitched squeal and glared at me.

“I asked if you fed the twins before heading out!” I repeated firmly.

His expression shifted into a guilty grin. “Ah! Well, no, because I was worried they’d get carsick on the road! Come on, let’s go eat already,” he deflected, turning his attention back to Sean. “Let’s go, my love, time to eat!”

I rolled my eyes at his dramatics.

“I’m taken. Don't call me 'my love',” Sean replied flatly, making me burst into laughter.

Straight to the point, no hesitation at all! He didn't even entertain Amer's joke.

Taken? My mind paused on that detail. I wondered who the lucky person was. Sean had never mentioned anything about his romantic life to me. I made a mental note to pry a little gossip out of him once we got back to the building.

We headed straight to a popular fast-food chain at the twins’ request. Since they rarely visited La Fera Dos, we let them pick where they wanted to eat. As we walked in, several diners turned to look at our group. Given how stylishly the Madreal twins were dressed, along with Sean’s striking appearance, we naturally drew attention.

We secured a large booth near the corner. Amer and the Madreal twins offered to order the food for everyone, so I stayed behind with the kids.

“Are you our father?” I heard Hera ask Sean from across the table.

Sean gently pinched her cheek. “No, I’m not your Father.” He shook his head softly.

Hera pouted slightly. “Do you speak English too? Are you rich? That’s how rich people like Tata Zoe and Tata Zavia talk,” she stated with innocent curiosity.

Sean chuckled at her cuteness. He gently adjusted her hair and stroked her cheek. “You are so adorable,” he cooed.

Hera offered a sweet smile before resting her chin in her hands, leaning forward to inspect him further.

“Do you know our father?”

Sean froze, the smile fading from his face at her sudden question.

He instinctively shot me a helpless glance, silently asking how to handle it. I gave him a subtle, firm shake of my head, signaling him not to reveal anything to her. I saw him release a heavy breath before turning back to Hera, who was still patiently awaiting an answer. Just as Sean opened his mouth to carefully skirt around the topic, Zoe and Zavia arrived at the table carrying trays packed with food.

Sean and I exchanged a collective sigh of relief.

“Wow! Look at all this food!” Hera cheered, clapping her hands.

We all dug into the meal together. Hera babbled happily about everything that had happened back in La Meyanda while I was away. My suspicion was confirmed, Amer had indeed been using the twins as his personal dress-up dolls.

“And then, Mommy, Tata Zavia gave me a dress! It’s so pretty, Mommy, it sparkles! I wish we brought it so you could see it,” she chattered, dipping her finger straight into the gravy and popping it into her mouth.

Her eyes went wide with delight, and she promptly spooned a generous glob over her rice.

I let the kids enjoy their food without fussing, as both of them were old enough to feed themselves properly. Once everyone was finished and rested, we cleared out of the restaurant.

As we strolled through the mall, several store employees recognized and greeted the Madreal twins. I found it curious at first, but quickly brushed it off. I held Hera’s hand while Hacov begged Sean to carry him on his shoulders. We headed toward the toy section while Amer and the twins split off to visit a spa salon.

“Mommy, I want this one!” Hera pointed eagerly at a fancy Baby Alive doll in a display case.

I checked the price tag and nearly gasped out loud, it was insanely expensive.

“For your birthday, I’ll buy it for you,” I promised her with a warm smile.

“Yay!” She jumped up and down, clapping her hands in pure excitement.

With the money I was earning now, I could finally afford to buy them nice things. Gone were the days when they had to watch other kids play with toys they could only dream of touching. On their birthday, I would come back and buy this doll for Hera and, of course, the toy phone Hacov had been eyeing.

Speaking of Hacov... I scanned the surrounding area, only to spot Sean looking visibly panicked a short distance away near the boys' toy aisle. I picked Hera up and quickly walked over to him.

“Sean, what’s wrong? Why are you breaking out in a sweat?” I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible even though my chest tightened with dread.

He bit his lip nervously, placing a hands on my shoulder. “It’s Hacov... I can’t find him.”

“What?!” I gasped out loud, my worst fears confirmed.

He looked around frantically, trying to recall where they had been standing. “He was right next to me a second ago. I just reached over to grab something he pointed at, and when I turned back around, he was gone...” he explained, his voice shaking. “I’m so sorry, Fay. I’ll search everywhere. Stay right here in case he comes back.”

I shook my head firmly. “We’re searching for him together. It’s not your fault. He couldn't have gone far.”

Ignoring Hera’s weight in my arms, we began frantically searching the store. Hera started complaining that she wanted to play, but I couldn't focus on anything else until we found her twin brother. My heart was pounding against my ribs; I needed to find Hacov before anything happened to him.

Sean and I swept through aisle after aisle. We were near the electronics section of the department store when the sound of a familiar, distressed cry caught my ear.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat as I spotted Hacov.

Even from behind, I instantly recognized my son. He was being carried in the arms of a tall man whose back was turned to us, while Hacov sobbed uncontrollably against his shoulder. I quickly handed Hera over to Sean and rushed forward. Without a word, I reached out and pulled my crying son away from the man's grip.

“Mommy!” Hacov sobbed, wrapping his small arms tightly around my neck.

I held him close, trying to soothe his tears, before looking up to face the man who had been holding him.

My eyes widened in utter disbelief, my breath catching as our gazes met. My mouth parted in shock.

“R-Rihav?” I gasped, staring directly at him.