Chasing the Shrew

Who are they?

Amelia woke early the next morning to the sounds of birds. Her beautiful children were sprawled across her large bed, drooling, deep in sleep. She smiled and kissed their foreheads affectionately. It was still early so she covered them with a light blanket and crept away to freshen up.

She washed her face and rifled through her luggage for a bra, a shirt and comfortable pants. She crept out of the room to get breakfast started. As soon as she got to the first floor she smelled fresh bread and smiled.

“Good morning, Godfrey! Anything I can help with?”

Godfrey turned to smile at Amelia as she walked into the kitchen, “Ah, just in time! Would you please take the bread out of the oven?”

Amelia turned off the oven and got a kitchen towel. Pulling open the oven door she was greeted by a puff of hot air and the mouth watering smell of fresh bread. She set it aside and went to heat some milk for the children. The house was slowly coming alive and the other servants came in to help so Amelia left with two glasses of warm milk.

Amelia sneaked back into her room and set the cups down on the nightstand. Her angels were still asleep so she got her phone to search for a reputable realtor. She didn’t want to waste time interviewing multiple realtors for the job; she rather pay a little more and just sell the place faster so she could get back to her life. It didn’t take too long before she found one with 50 years of experience in the area. He came highly recommended and charged a low commission. She sent him an email about the property and asked him to set up a time to come discuss the details and look at the property.

Peter yawned and blinked, “Mama?”

Amelia looked over and put her phone down, “Hello baby. Good morning.”

She walked over to hug him and kiss him on his marshmallow cheek. He giggled and kissed her cheek in return. Jenny woke with a yawn, “Hnn… mama? I want a kissy too.”

Amelia picked her up and gave her a big smooch. Setting the kids on the bed she handed them both a glass of milk.

“Drink this first, babies. I am going to pick out your clothing and then we will go down for breakfast. After breakfast we will run through the orchards and go scavenger hunting!!!”

The kids squealed and hollered in excitement. Amelia smiled as she went to get their clothing.

***

Dustin could barely sleep.

Running into Amelia after all these years unearthed the feelings he buried six years ago. He knew she wasn't part of his world so he had intended it to be a one-night stand. However, she got pregnant from that one instance and to his surprise, he was happy to have a reason to keep her around. She was a hot young thing and he couldn't keep his hands off her. If it wasn't for work, he would be in bed all day every day. Everyday he came home from work, she would be around to greet and pamper him. He remained aloof as it was in his nature but deep down he reveled in the ardent attention. Their s*x life was incredible; she had a sensitive body and her heavenly voice drove him insane. He was starting to change, feeling that she deserved a little more affection and love than what he afforded her.

However, this all changed when his mother called him during his business trip. In a hissy fit she screamed that Amelia had been reckless and had a miscarriage. His father was so upset with her that he won't stand the sight of her. She insinuated that he should get a divorce immediately but Dustin shut down the notion and told them to move her to his orchard villa. It was a small inconspicuous estate that he kept to have a place to stash the older staff who were nearing retirement. There, she would be able to rest and recover from the miscarriage.

Like that, he kept her around for another year but the constant harping of his mother and the suggestions from his father withered his resolve. Amelia was so infatuated with him that he thought if he got a divorce with her, she would remain as his mistress. To his surprise the moment they signed the divorce paperwork, she disappeared. If he truly wanted to, he could have found her but what use was that? He was the one who let her go, so he should do so completely and severe all ties. So he did, burying the ember of his love deep in the recess of his mind. He doubled down on his work and brought the family business to new heights. He met his needs with casual flings from time to time, never forgetting to have the woman consume morning-after pills as a precaution. He wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want another Amelia, or couldn't stand the thought of having someone replace Amelia.

Dustin sat up in bed. Something compelled him to go to the villa just to take a look around. It belonged to Amelia but the staff wouldn't harass him since he was the one paying for everything. He wouldn't go in, he'll just walk the grounds and look for Amelia's shadows from the past; the after image of her running through the orchards or climbing the trees with that broad smile plastered on her face. Perhaps he would hear her laughter in the wind. Maybe... just maybe he could relive his past just for a moment.

***

After breakfast, the kids rushed to the front door antsy to be released for playtime. Amelia laughed at their antics as she took their hand in her own and led them out. This would be their little outing, just a family of three. DS was still sleeping and would likely wake up after 10 am since he had nothing better to do and Mary wanted to catch up with the rest of the staff.

When they got outside, the children gasped at the beautiful morning scenery; while they explored the area yesterday afternoon, it seemed like a completely different wonderland basked in the rising sun. The once serene landscape transformed overnight with the ruckous chattering of birds and insects, the flowers bent with morning dew glistened and beckoned them to play. Amelia ran and laughed with them; their happiness was the fuel that kept her going. They were so enthralled with the nature around them that they never noticed a blonde man had stopped close by.

Dustin watched Amelia with two blonde children running around the place. He rubbed his eyes and looked closely. He was too far to see their features clearly, but they looked close to Amelia. The staff around were too old for children so it was far more likely that they were Amelia's children. They looked to be about five or six, his brows furrowed; did Amelia sleep with someone so soon after their divorce? But wouldn't they have black hair if Dae-Seong was the father? A glimmer of hope fluttered in his chest; could they be his? If so, why didn't Amelia tell him? Wouldn't their existence kept them married?

Dustin took one more look at the happy family, he felt anger and a tinge of lonliness rear its ugly head. He turned and stormed back to his car. He needs to call Henry to expedite Amelia's background check and to add the two children to the investigation. If they were his, then Amelia has stolen from him and no one gets away with crossing him.