Chapter 11
-CIRCENN
y mind wanders back to my encounter with Naomi Gilmore, the mother of my kids.
As I sit in my office, savoring the rich aroma of my coffee, my i
Andi
it’s been four days since our last conversation, and I find myself still grappling with the weight of our discussion.
Becoming a father was never on my radar, as I’ve always been driven by my goals and ambitions.
But now that I have kids, it’s like a whole new dimension has opened up for me.
I’m experiencing a depth of joy that I never knew existed.
It’s indescribable, and there’s a sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes with being a parent.
It’s a game–changer, and I’m loving every moment of it
Though the darn media headlines have only been fueling my frustration, as they persist in sensationalizing my personal life.
I’ve taken measures to remove multiple online platforms that have dared to feature my children’s images, but it seems the public’s fascination with my life knows no bounds.
I find it perplexing, to be honest,
My life, by all accounts, has been rather uneventful—some might even say dull.
And yet, the media seem to be captivated by every detail.
I suppose it’s a price one pays for being a public figure.
to at
But what truly matters to me is making amends for lost time with my children, Jake and Blake. I’ve been ruminating on how to be a better father to them, and I’m determined to make it right.
As I continue to gaze out the window, my mind wanders to Naomi She’s a force to be reckoned with, and I admire her strength and determination. I know I messed up in the past, but I want to prove to her that I’m committed to being a good father and partner.
Not a partner who wants to be romantically involved with her, but a
a good partner to raise our kids.
I don’t care if Naomi Gilmore has undergone a heavy change in appearance, but she is certainly not my type.
Just as I’m deep in thought, Ralph bursts into my office
“Sir,
you have a visitor,” he says, his voice interrupting my reverie.
I look up, expecting it to be one of my business associates
But to my surprise, it’s Naomi standing in the doorway, looking radiant and confident.
I can’t believe the person on my mind actually showed up.
She is dressed in a green blouse that is strictly fitted around her waist with an open V–neck to show off her golden necklace and blue jeans that hug
her curves.
She even appears a bit taller, thanks to the brown shoes hugging her feet.
“Circenn,” she says, her voice firm but polite. “We need to talk”
I nod, gesturing for her to come in. “Of course, Naomi. Please, have a seat.
I don’t expect her to be here at all. We haven’t been in contact since I shared my contract offer with her.
As she sits down, I can sense a mix of emotions emanating from her. She’s still wary of me, and I don’t blame her.
I am determined and always ready to prove myself to her and our children.
Ralph leaves the room, and I take my own rat behind my desk.
Nagam looks defeated, despite trying not to pry. I can’t help it
12.56 PM G
Chapter II
After waiting for almost three minutes in a never–ending silence, I go for it
“What’s on your mind, Ms.Gilmore?” I ask, leaning forward in my chair,
She takes a deep breath before speaking.
“Just call me Naomi.” She nods
“Noma.” I press, and she smiles faintly.
She
openi her mouth to speak but closes it up again.
“Is this about the boys” I decide to help since she can’t find her words.
yes! Maybe!” She looks horribly defeated
I raise my brows at her and hear her utter another sigh.
“For the past four days” she begins. “My privacy y has been terribly invaded. I’ve been forced to work from home occasionally. I can’t take the twins our whenever I want to. I either get sidetracked on the road or get asked weird questions.”
My brows go higher.
“Questions?”
“Questions like, if I am romantically involved with you, how did I get to own your kids? It’s weird. My car has been recognized. I had to even take a taxi with a face mask today. I just can’t deal with this anymore.
I get up
“I’m sorry.” I begin, trying to be decent.
“This is all my fault.”
“Of course it is.” She sighs, “And I also feel like it’s half mine too. I shouldn’t have shown up at that party and just kept the twins to myself.”
My body shivers at her words.
“You did the right thing I rush my words.
She doesn’t try to look pleased with
tily words.
“I don’t know how you can stop people from actually tailing me and my boys, but please, put a stop to this
I stop every movement in my body to think, and after juggling every solution possible, I blurt out the only thing my head can think of.
“You can move in with me, and I assure you and the boys 24 hours of security. We can give the media what they want.
As I speak, Naomi’s expression morphs into bewilderment
“I’m sorry” she says, shaking her head. “I don’t get you at all. Give the media what they want?”
I nod and start to move around my office.
“There’s a family rule that’s been around for a while: if someone trespasses on the McCain property without permission, they’ll end up in jail. My great–grand uncle started this rule, and it’s stuck. Not many people know about it, but I can keep you safe within my own circle. As for the media, maybe we can give them what they want and put an end to all the wild guesses about our relationship. We can control the story and steer it in a better direction Like a brand level of intimation.”
She scuffs heavily
“So you’re saying I should pretend to be someone. No, wait, Your girlfriend?”
She catches on really fast.
“My wife, Naomi, My wife. You’re already the mother of my kids. What’s left?” I shrug.
Her face turns a bit crimson, and I catch her shy eyes under her thick lashes coated with heavy mascara
“That would be adding fuel to the fre,” she sneers.
12:56 PM
Chapter II
“Do you have a better idea?” I raise a brow.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” She shakes her head.
“No.” I say, and it
the truth.
“I just want people to stop talking. When they realize you’re nothing more than my wife, whom I’ve kept hidden, we can cook up another story as to why you showed up at my party. The media will drown our story out; we can carry on with our lives later on.”
She is quiet, like she is in deep thought.
Finally, she speaks.
“So the deal is just to pretend to be your wife and live with you for some time?”
“Exactly it”
I nod.
“What would
cost you, and what would I gain!”
She’s unbelievable, not even trying to hide her hatred for me.
I scoll.
“I have nothing to lose, but together, we can gain so much more than just a secure environment for our kids. You’ll experience a life beyond mere material comfort and security, with the added benefits of personal space and freedom from constant public attention. What do you say?”
Naomi’s expression softens, and she doesn’t appear to be entirely opposed to the idea.
And after a few moments of consideration, she subtly nods her head in agreement, signaling a willingness to explore this new path forward.
Perfect
“Fine,” she says.
“Good” I smile
“Our wedding is in four days, then.”
