He Couldn’t Forget, She Wouldn’t Forgive

Chapter 8 - Back

LAYLA

Six Years Later

“Liam! Mia! Don’t run,” I shouted as I pushed the trolley toward the airport exit. The children had given me a tough time on the airplane and still didn’t cease fire even after stepping out. My eyes kept wandering over them, scared of losing sight of them in the midst of the crowd.

Despite hearing my voice, they didn’t stop running. I could hear their hysterical laughter as they chased each other toward the door.

Mia finally caught Liam. She grabbed his clothes. The suddenness of her grip made Liam miss his step, and he stumbled. Both of them ended up on the floor. Liam went down on his face, while Mia landed on her back.

The people around gasped and made space for the duo. My grip slipped from the trolley as I ran to them.

“Oh my God! Didn’t I warn you to stop playing around? Why did you refuse to listen to me?” I shouted at them, helping them up one after the other and checking their bodies for any wounds. “This is your first time in the country, and you’re already causing trouble, huh? We are still at the airport. I can easily book a new flight to Canada and send you to Uncle T if you both refuse to act right,” I told them in a threatening tone.

The duo shared glances and clasped their palms pleadingly. “I’m sorry, Mummy,” Mia pleaded. Even though her apology wasn’t clear, it was easy to comprehend.

My gaze shifted to Liam. His face was lowered, and he wore a sulky expression. That meant he felt embarrassed by what had happened and was apologetic. That was one thing about Liam. Unlike Mia, who would apologize immediately when she did something wrong, he wouldn’t—not because he still thought he was right, but because he didn’t feel it was necessary after showing remorse. But I realized that in this world, a quick “I am sorry” could easily calm a storm in a fight, and I would teach my son how to say those words.

I pretended not to notice his remorseful expression and stood up. “Well, it seems Liam misses Uncle T already and wants to return to Canada. Let me quickly book a flight that will take him back.” I turned, and just as I took a step, I heard him say, “I’m sorry, Mama.”

My lips curled into a satisfied smile, but it vanished as I turned back to face them. I lowered myself to their level and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “Don’t make Mummy shout, pookies. You know you are both Mummy’s friends.”

They nodded. “Now, hug yourselves and apologize.” Again, they nodded and did as I instructed, their faces full of smiles.

Standing up, I returned to the trolley and instructed them to hold each other’s hands as we walked outside.

“Mummy! Aunty Aura!” Liam shouted as soon as we stepped out, pointing in a direction. I looked toward where he pointed, and it really was my adopted sister, Aurora. The children were five already, yet they still didn’t know the correct pronunciation of my sister’s name. They called her Aura, and even when I corrected them, they made the same mistake another day. I stopped correcting them. They would learn the correct pronunciation as they grew.

The children ran toward Aurora, and she stooped with her arms open to receive them. “Aunty Aura!!!” they called in unison as they ran into her arms. She wrapped her arms around them and placed kisses on their shoulders.

“Oh, my babies! I’ve missed you so much,” she greeted them, still hugging them passionately.

I stood aside after the chauffeur took the trolley from me and wheeled it to the car. I didn’t dare interfere in the aunt’s and niece’s and nephew’s reunion.

“I miss you too, Aunty Aura,” Mia said. She meant to say “Miss,” by the way.

Aurora broke the hug and stared at their faces. “Mummy really took good care of you two, but don’t worry—Aunty will do better than Mummy.” She pulled their cheeks gently. Afterward, she handed them the chocolates she bought for them.

After what seemed like an eternity, Aurora finally noticed my presence. She stood up and rushed over. “Welcome back to the country, Layla.”

“Oh!” I rolled my eyes, throwing my hands in the air dramatically. “She finally acknowledged my presence.”

“Oh, don’t do that. The children are just too cute not to miss,” she said.

“Enough of the excuses, Aunty.” I opened my arms. “Come, give your sister a hug,” I gestured. She giggled and walked into my arms.

“You should have told me you were jealous of the kids. I would have hugged you before the welcome speech,” she mumbled.

I chuckled and gave her a firm pat on the back. “Don’t frustrate your sister who just got back after many years. I can pack my bags and go back to Canada.” I broke the hug and took a step away.

“Don’t think I’ll stop you from going back. The reason we missed you is because of the kids, and they’re here already. You can go back while I take the children home,” she countered.

Dramatically, I placed a hand on my chest and bent slightly. “Oh my God! That stings. How can you all betray me for some strangers you met five years ago?” I groaned, still smiling.

“Well… you should know your place and act accordingly if you don’t want to keep getting hurt.”

“You are so brutal, Aurora. I hate you.” I snaked my arm around her shoulder. With the kids each holding one of our hands, we strolled to where the car was parked and climbed in.

*

There was silence in the car as the journey began. The children dozed off after eating their chocolates, and I wouldn’t mind saying that it was the most peaceful moment since we left Canada for the airport.

My eyes wandered over them, and a smile formed on my lips. They were everything I had asked God for.

Six years ago, I left the country for Canada with renewed hope. My grandfather was my support system. Despite being far from him, he never left me alone. Until the twins were born, he visited me in Canada every month. And when they were born, he wouldn’t stop visiting every week, like it was some sort of duty he was reporting to. Aurora, my sister, was also a support. The children loved her and sang her praises at every chance they got.

Now, I was back—in the country filled with memories, both good and bad. Six years had passed, but it still felt like everything had happened a month ago. It would have been difficult if my family had disposed of me the same way I did to them because of a man. But thankfully, they accepted me back, even after I had trudged the stray path once.

I was given a second chance to make a better choice and rewrite my story. That, I wouldn’t take for granted. I would make Grandfather proud and take the company’s name to the peak.

“Umm… Layla,” Aurora’s voice wafted into my ears, cutting my thoughts off. I tilted my head so I could face her.

“Huh?”

“Do you know about the ABA Awards party happening tonight?” she asked.

I nodded, picking up my iPad and reviewing the information on it. “Yes, and I also plan to attend the party since that is the only way we can meet and speak with Taylor Maxwell, the CEO of BOA,” I responded.

The air in the car shifted and grew colder at my response, but I assumed the driver had increased the AC and paid it no attention.

“You still want to go to a party after your trip to the country today? Aren’t you supposed to rest, Layla? I can always go to the party on your behalf. I’m sure you made me manage the company on your behalf because you’re aware of my capability,” she mumbled, her voice a mixture of worry, frustration, and anger. I knew she felt all this because she was concerned about me.