"You can call me Mrs. Miller," Sydney said and saw something changing in Noah's eyes.
"What your husband does?" Noah asked narrowing his eyes and notice the eyes he seemed to know from somewhere. Of course, he noticed the striking similarity of this woman's name with his ex-wife. But he needs to interrogate her. He was already very pissed with the fact that she didn't inform him about his kids traveling.
"Noah, come on you are scaring her." Grace's voice came.
"He is a,...tech guy," This time Sydney's voice came out low.
"And, he doesn't have any problem with you working 24/7?" Noah asked with his voice quite hard.
"Leave Noah you are scaring her," Grace said but couldn't make Noah look away from her.
"We don't live together," Sydney said looking up.
"Why?" Noah wasn't ready to let go of the matter. There was something this woman was keeping from him and he wanted to catch her in between her lines.
"He got lost," Sydney said and it made Noah still for a second before he came to the point.
"Were not you supposed to inform me if my kids were traveling?" Noah's answer made Grace and Michael curse under their breaths. But both got startled when they found Sydney saying,
"I helped them running away,"
"Excuse me?" Noah seemed pissed,
"Their great grandmother has some serious issues and completely incapable to have children." Recalling her kids were suffering all this time made Sydney even more daring.
"I dare you to come again," Noah's voice was so loud that it made Sydney and Amber jumped. Noah and Sydney both looked down to find scared Amber.
"I deny any physical trauma for my kids." Sydney picked up Amber to hug her and said in a low voice.
"My granny will never do any such thing," Noah said and caught Amber from Sydney's hold. Sydney inhaled sharply the moment Noah's fingers touched her in the process.
"Are you sure? If not you should talk more to your kids." Sydney said making Noah go all red in anger. And a second before he could jump on her Grace came in between them saying,
"She is my friend,"
"I don't have time for this Grace. I will leave for Sacramento in the evening and she has to leave with kids to Mexico and with such attitude, I am afraid she can't continue." Noah said before leaving with Amber to his room.
Noah left for his office leaving his kids and friends in the suite. No matter how much he wanted to have some clear mind he couldn't rest for a single moment. Of course, he knew that his granny could be a little over the line but she brought up his kids all this time and now wanted nothing but for him to get married to a girl who was her friend's granddaughter to have the custody of his kids back. Noah attended the conference he was here to attend and was about to get to his place when he got a call from Katelyn. He would be lying if he says he wasn't thinking about Katelyn now. Grace and Michael loved her. Her kids loved her and she was indeed a very perfect candidate to be Mrs. Miller.
You can call me Mrs. Miller he recalled the babysitter from the morning and wondered from where she got the guts to talk to him like this.
************
"Wow, it is amazing," Amber said looking at her braid Sydney made for her.
"Sydney, I am sorry." Sydney saw Grace offering her a cup of coffee that she accepted saying,
"You know what Grace? Let me deal it my way. He seems perfect to know the truth." Sydney said knowing she can't win this battle. There was no Noah but just a shadow of him. What she was supposed to do with a man who could recall nothing about what they had?
"Sydney please, he can't. I can't lose him again." Grace pleaded,
"I won't live without my kids. Not a single day," Seeing no flexibility from Sydney, Grace was about to say something when Sydney added, "No, Grace. Please no."
Both women looked at their left to see Noah coming and Gideon running to his father with excitement.
"How my little man is doing?" Noah asked letting Gideon swing to his back.
"Dad, we want to live with you. We won't go without you," Gideon said,
"We had a talk. Didn't we?" Noah said getting Gideon to his room. Sydney couldn't help but feel agitated at how Noah was dealing with her kids. They were not asking for much. All they wanted was to be where their father was.
Grace ordered the management to arrange the dinner. All of them gathered around the table except Sydney. Noah was busy cutting the slices of steak for Amber when he heard Grace calling for Sydney. He wondered when Grace becomes friends with Sydney. Because there was no way Grace could have any girlfriends. His mind again went to how she had the same name as his ex-wife. He could have thought more into the matter when he felt Amber's shoe hitting his leg. Looking at Amber he found a pout that he hated most. She was his little spoiled girl.
"You two will go with Mrs. Miller and I don't want any whining. Daddy got a lot of work." Noah said in a low voice but everyone on the table heard him. Amber stopped eating and looks at her dad hoping he will agree. But when he didn't budge her eyes filled with tear and before she could cry she got down from the chair and started walking out.
"Amber!" Noah called but saw Amber getting out of the place.
"Excuse me," Gideon whispered looking at his dad's grim face and went after Amber. Looking at how her kids are being treated, was a final blow at Sydney. She was about to lose her mind when all of them startled listening to Gideon's loud cry.
"Dad!"
Sydney was first to run to look at her kids. And, the moment she found Amber curling on the floor she cried out,
"Shannon!"
Sitting in Sydney's lap Amber hiccupped looking at her bruised knee while Sydney hugged her from her back and kissed her head.
"You are a strong kid, Amber," Noah whispered as he put on the bandage and blow on her knee.
"Daddy I want to stay with you," Amber hiccupped and Sydney's heart squeezed at how much Amber loved her father. Sydney looked at Noah to see his reaction but lowered her eyes when Noah too looked at her.
"Fine, we can live for a week. But then you have to get back home and your school and you two will never pull a stunt like this." Noah said and excused himself for his buzzing cell phone.
"Grace, if he doesn't want to keep kids with him I will gladly take them. I can't stand my kids living with someone else." Sydney said looking at Gideon who came to have a seat where his father was a moment ago.
"Sydney! You can't do this." Grace protested,
"I will do anything for my kids even if it means telling him who I am?" Listening to Sydney Grace couldn't help requesting.
"Look, if he ever did anything good for you please never tell him what Sarah did to him." Silence roamed before Michael offered,
"Let me try this time."
Noah had to leave for Sacramento in an hour and Sydney was quick to get kids ready. Amber was sleepy in the whole ride to the airport and had her head leaned on to Sydney while Noah was busy on his laptop. Grace and Michael were following them in another car. While Gideon couldn't help and be excited about the cool limo his father uses.
"Daddy? Are we going to live where mama used to live?" Gideon asked,
"Hmm," Noah replied without leaving his eyes from the screen.
"I love hearing about her from Sandra and Jasper. Will she be there too?" Gideon asked and Sydney looked at her son with regrets.
"Hmm," Noah again replied indifferently.
"Why you don't talk about her?" Gideon asked,
"What you want to know?" Noah asked looking at Gideon this time.
"I want to know how she looked. We don't even have your wedding pictures to show to our friends."
"Don't worry, I won't forget to invite you to my wedding this time," Noah said making Sydney's eyes go widen while Gideon laughed.
"I will take many pictures," Gideon replied in between his laughs.
"Great," Noah said getting his attention back to his work.
"But I wanted to see my mom. The one who brought me from the hospital," Gideon asked making Noah huff in frustration. "Ask your nana to show you pictures once you reach Mexico," This made Gideon's face drop as he got back to the game he was playing on his cell phone.
"Can you bring a baby from the hospital?" This made Noah look at Sydney who tried to hide her smile looking out of the car.
"Gideon, I am working here. Let's talk about it some other time."
The car came to a halt. All of them walk out of the car while Sydney held the sleepy Amber. They were about to get into the plane when Noah took Amber from Sydney's hold.
Sydney spent her time sitting with Grace and Michael while kids slept with Noah. It was around midnight when all of them arrived in San Francisco. This time both kids were sleeping while Sydney stared at working Noah and wondered how a few days back she would do anything to see him.
The moment they arrived at their place Sydney couldn't help but notice everything to be the same. The living room still had the painting of a vase she made. The kitchen had the same interior. Noah ordered the butler to accommodate the guests and excused himself to his room. The room Sydney used to have as her own was still the same. But it was evident no one comes here anymore.
Everyone came to say their greetings to Sydney while Sandra came to give her a hug. "I can open your room. I don't think letting you sleep in another wing is a good idea." Sandra said and make Sydney smile,
"Just give me a room right beside the twins," Sydney replied,
"The room beside the twins is Mr. Miller's," This made Sydney smile as she walked to the twin's room and tucked them in their beds. She ran her fingers in Gideon's hair before saying,
"Sandra, don't worry about my room. I am at home." and kissed Gideon's head.
"You are very strong Mrs. Miller," Sandra said before leaving.
The morning came but Sydney couldn't close her eyes for a second. Breaking her eyes from her beautiful kids was something impossible for her. They were the most beautiful magic. She was finally home and way too excited for the morning to be there already. She made a lot of treats for her kids and made Noah's favorite omelet the same way he liked. The best part was to wake her kids up and bathing them. Amber hated to brush her teeth while Gideon was more into playing his game than having a bath.
When Noah came down to make breakfast he found Gideon sitting at the kitchen Island laughing as Amber sang a song and refused to get down from Sydney's back.
"Who wants to have muffins?" Sydney asked as she opened the oven while Amber screamed in her ear, "Me!!!"
"Amber!" Noah called and all of them went quite. Sydney let Amber get down while Noah went to pick the newspaper before switching on the TV to the news channel.
"I am sorry daddy, I was learning to make muffins," Amber said making Noah laugh in sarcasm.
"You aren't supposed to do this Amber. You are to learn more important things."
"I have to dad I want to be a baker," Amber said to which Noah's jaw hardened but he refrained to say anything.
"I will be your delivery man," Gideon said to which Amber laugh louder.
"Now, I know why you two don't want to live with nana," Noah added and kids laughed harder.
"Living with you is so cool," Amber smiled to which Noah added,
"It is because I know you will be disciplined by your nana just perfect," Noah said before having a seat,
"They are too little to be told they can't be a baker or a delivery man," Sydney whispered serving Noah his breakfast but before he could react Grace and Michael entered the space.
Saying their greetings both took their seats to have breakfast.
"Isn't it so lovely? Noah, why don't you keep your kids with you?" Michael stated,
"I will second that! I never let my kids without me no matter what." Grace commented.
"I will think about it but right now it is not possible," Noah said lost in the screen.
"You have Sydney now and you can totally depend on her," Sydney heard Grace say while she made more pancakes.
"And, you think she could be trusted over my grandmother? You know what Grace there is something very off about her." Listening to Noah's reply Sydney couldn't help but wonder what was off about her.
"But kids need their parents Noah," Michael stated.
"I want to live with my kids too. But I need some time and I don't want to disturb their lives. I won't be able to give them time." Sydney could see things won't work like this.
"Daddy, can mummy see me?" Amber asked and Noah seemed to be a little still before replying.
"Yes, she can see you,"
"I wish I could have a picture with her." Amber lamented,
Sandra appeared behind Sydney to squeeze her shoulder. "Don't worry everything will be alright," Sandra whispered to Sydney.
Everyone went silent on the table for a few seconds before Noah offered,
"Who wants to go out to the magical palace?"
"I would rather have my mother's picture," Gideon commented,
"Who wants to have their mother's picture?" Listening to this both kids lightened up.
"Me!!!" Both shouted,
"Mr. Miller," Everyone saw a tall brunette woman appearing in business attire.
"Hi, Katelyn." Noah respond,
"Hello, Kate," Twins chirped.
"Hello Kate," Grace said and got into the kitchen where Sydney was.
"You are so quite Michael," Kate commented.
"What is she doing here?" Sydney asked Grace.
"Noah and Kate are,..." Grace trailed off confirming Sydney's doubts.
"Grace, do you have any idea who is she?" Sydney asked Grace.
"Yea, she owns a very famous clothing and accessories brand," Grace replied,
"No, she is...she was always after Noah. In France, she tried to make a move on Noah. Noah promised me he won't even look at her." Sydney said and both women looked at their left again to hear Noah say,
"It is not something to worry about. I will let my accountant see into things."
"Thank you, by the way, my mom loved the necklace you gifted her," Kate said,
"Pleasure is all mine," Noah replied getting his suit Jacket off the chair. Kids hugged Noah before following him to the door. Kate almost followed him to the door but stopped in the mid and turn to say,
"Hello, Mrs. Miller," Kate said looking at Sydney. For a minute Sydney didn't say anything but when Kate didn't leave Sydney asked,
"What are you doing here?"
"Isn't it funny? Last time we met and you won't let Noah spare me a glance and now he can't even breathe without me. Things are where they should be."
"We both know it is not going to happen," Sydney said,
"A lot had already happened, honey. He only married you because he was literally stabbed by his first love. He wanted to marry someone who won't cheat on him but now he doesn't have any such issues. He can see what suits him,"
"How do you know that?" Grace asked,
"Nana loves me a lot. She believes I should know all about the person I was supposed to spend my life with," Kate said looking at Grace.
"I don't need your validation for how success my marriage is. My husband is having a condition and I will suggest to you,...please stay away." Sydney requested in the end.
"I am not going away ever. But you should stay for your kids because there is no way I am going to let them be part of us." Kate said but startled the moment she heard Noah.
"Mrs. Miller, I want you to have twins ready before I arrive. I want to take them out and you too have to come. In case, they need you,"
Sighing Kate added, "I can come too,"
"I promise kids to have our time. Give them some time they are not hard to get along with." Noah said before heading out.
"Sandra! From next time I don't want anyone to welcome Kate here," Sydney said making Kate go in red,
"Have you lost your mind?" Kate chuckled,
"And, if Noah asks why you can tell him it's my order," Sydney said looking right into Kate's eyes.
"Sure, Mrs. Miller," Sandra replied,
"And, if she didn't leave my property in next five minutes. Ask the security to show her the way out," This made Sandra quiet for a few seconds before she replied,
"Of course, Mrs. Miller,"
"Soon, Sydney sooner than you can imagine," Kate threatened before leaving.
"Sydney, what if she complained to Noah?" Grace commented,
"You two should worry about it," Sydney said looking at Grace and Michael,
At the lunchtime, Sydney was telling a story to the twins when Gideon cried out looking at his cellphone,
"Amber! Jasper has sent me mom," Listening to them Sydney's heart raced,
"Wow, she is pretty," Amber said looking at the phone,
"Let's see this video on the projector," Gideon said and kids ran to their room.
"Gideon!" Sydney called but kids ran to their room and didn't come back even after half an hour. Sydney made some sandwiches and got into the darkroom to see Noah and herself kissing on their wedding day.
"Play it again," Amber said and Gideon played it again,
It was the first time Sydney got to see this video. Two little girls were walking ahead her leaving a trail of petals in front of her.
"Isn't she so beautiful?" Amber said,
"I do," Sydney saw herself saying and the camera had the complete focus on her face but Sydney gathered her kids were not recognizing her.
"Who wants sandwiches?" Sydney asked but kids cried out "I do," with Noah.
In the evening, Sydney wore the very same pink dress Noah gifted her and waited for his return. She didn't wear her spectacles and let her hair the way they used to be in the past.
"Fairy, you look like my mom," Amber commented,
"Yes, you look like her a lot," Gideon said,
Sydney couldn't help but pass them a little smile.
Noah sent a car to pick them up and the car was pulled in front of their beach house. Twins ran to Noah in excitement while Sydney held Noah's gaze for a few seconds. Walking to him Sydney hoped to see the glimpse of some love in Noah's eyes but there was nothing except annoyance.
"Daddy? Mom was so pretty," "You kissed mom," Kids shouted while Noah only nodded with a smile at their excitement.
Noah was about to inquire Sydney for her dress when another car was pulled followed by Grace and Michael coming out,
"You two?" Noah inquired,
"Kids invited us," Grace shouted in defense waiving a bottle of vine.
"You are going to grill," Noah pointed at Michael,
Grace and Sydney settled on the beach chairs while Noah tried to teach kids how to ride the bicycle. Noah noticed how that babysitter couldn't stop staring at him.
"Don't you think there is something off about her?" Noah asked once he got to Michael.
"What are you talking about?" Michael asked,
"I don't know what Grace was thinking when she was hiring her as a babysitter. She looks at me as if I owe her something." Noah said and Michael couldn't help a laugh.
"Her name is same as your ex-wife," Michael said,
"Isn't it weird?" Noah replied,
"You never talk about your wife," Michael mentioned,
"I never talk about Sarah too,...I have heard she was beautiful...And, I am grateful for all she had given me." Noah said looking at his kids. "But I can't look at her pictures and regret why I can't recall anything. I have a lot to do, Michael. Taking out time for my kids is a struggle."
"So, why Kate?" Michael asked,
"In these past years, Nana has been through a lot. And, I don't seem to have a reason to reject Kate. Kids will have someone to call mom. I don't know why they are so into asking about their mom nowadays." Noah laughed at the end while Michael recalled how Grace and he made twins curious about their mom.
"Or you can wait and fall in love with someone. You fell for Sydney and seemed to be very satisfied with life,..."
"Did I ask you about Sydney? If I loved her enough I would haven't forgotten about her...I think she is dead for good." Noah said the last part with a tight jaw and Michael turns to look at Sydney thinking it was best she couldn't listen to Noah saying this.
"Just look at how she is dressed man. I don't recall babysitters to look this exquisite. My babysitter was fifty," Noah said making Michael laugh.
"My babysitter was forty."
"I guess my kids are lucky," Noah laughed emptying his beer can.
The night came and everyone settled inside when Grace suggested playing paper dance. "I will dance with daddy," Amber said,
"But I want to dance with you princess," Michael pouted,
"Then you have to ask me for a dance," Amber giggled and everybody laughed,
"I will dance with you," Gideon asked Sydney and takes her to a big square paper.
The music was programmed to pause after every one minute. The music started and Michael lifts Amber up.
"I would love to dance with you," Noah caught Grace's hand and took her to the last paper.
"I don't want to lose," Grace said and excused Sydney out of her paper. Gideon laughed and Sydney was laughing looking at him when she heard Noah say,
"We can dance,"
Sydney didn't think much before accepting the offer. But the moment Noah felt Sydney's hand he couldn't help but feel strange nostalgia. His heartbeat fastened. He didn't want to think about her delicate figure but he was excited having his hands over her waist. And, the moment he saw in her eyes he stopped breathing,
"Daddy! You need to turn the paper," Hearing Amber yelling he startled a little.
In the next turn, he avoided looking at her and hardened his jaw. It was taking everything in him from stopping his hands to roam on her petite figure. It wasn't him. No girl could make him wanton if it wasn't Sarah.
For God's sake, she is your kids' babysitter. And, she is married....But I never saw a ring on her finger. Maybe I should talk to her to lessen the tension. Noah thought,
"You,...for how long you are working for my kids?" He asked but stared at her mouth.
"I am,..."
"Daddy turn!" Gideon giggled,
"Aren't you listening to music?" Amber asked,
Noah! Stop looking at her. But wait,...is she shivering? Her breathing is fast too. Damn! I am not the only one excited. But she is married. Come on, Noah it is you. Not a single woman can be immune to your charms.
"I have joined recently," Sydney answered,
"Noah, turn!" Michael called,
The paper was so small this time. And, the moment Sydney place her feet on the paper and Noah held her body to his he had to trip to stop all of this. There is no way I can be excited about my kid's babysitter. Noah shouted in his brain.
Sydney realized what he did and was indeed disappointed.
"Look, daddy lost!" Amber shouted and Noah passed a smile to Amber before walking to the bar. Taking two shots he tried to dissipate the effect of his raging hormones. He looked at his back and was beyond annoyed having Sydney's attention this time.
There is no limit to this psychopath. He thought and hated the idea of having her as a babysitter for his kids.
Sydney made the bed for twins while Noah couldn't sleep annoyed with the fact of ever being excited by a woman who wasn't Sarah. But he knew it was a one-time thing and nothing like this can ever happen.
Walking to his window he looked down to find Sydney facing the ocean. She would hug her body and tilt her head to feel the breeze. Again annoyed he shut the window and crashed on the bed but couldn't sleep. Taking out his cell phone he looked at Sarah's pictures.
An hour after he hears someone opening his door. He stayed still and closed his eyes. He could smell it was that babysitter's perfume. He wondered if a babysitter like her could afford that. Heck! She was in his room. What the hell she is doing staring at me.
Taking his hand out he pulled her over him and before she could resist he settled her beneath him,
"Who are you?" His voice was stern and body sweaty.
"You tell me. Who am I?" Sydney asked,
The room was dark. He couldn't see her eyes but knew they were intoxicating.
"Don't play with me. Tell me for whom you are working?"
Sydney didn't reply and Noah was more into her warm breaths. Her little thin figure was hazing his conscience. But the moment his mouth was about to touch hers Sydney asked,
"First you tell me why you are so excited?"
This made Noah came off of her with a growl and Sydney was quick to get out of his room. Of course, she didn't plan to be caught but was happy knowing he wasn't completely indifferent to her.
In the morning, Michael and Grace used the same car they used to arrive here. But the moment Sydney was about to join twins Noah appeared.
"Mrs. Miller, I think we need to talk."
A crooked smile appeared on Sydney's mouth as she followed Noah to his car. Noah didn't utter a single word and wore quite a grim expression. But it didn't make Sydney worry instead she was happy knowing she was making him all nerved up.
Noah didn't speak until the car started on leaving the beach. With a smile on her mouth, Sydney looked at the sun rising.
"Mrs. Miller. I am very much against the idea of wasting time. Now, you will tell me who has sent you and will leave the job. And, believe me this is the easiest way I am offering."
"What other ways you have?" Sydney asked with an utter calm as if asking him what his favorite color is. But hissed in pain the moment Noah secured his hand around her neck. "I can break this in less than a second. You know what you have done! You have approached my kids. A very wrong move to make. Very,...very,...wrong." Noah gritted,
With her mouth hung open Sydney struggle to breathe and caught Noah's hand to make him lose his grip. The moment Sydney punched his chest he let go of his neck.
Sydney took long breaths before screaming, "No one has sent me. And, I am working for NO ONE!!! I am here because I won't let my kids live with a psychopath."
"What kids you are talking about? You are just a babysitter and have no right to say a thing over how my grandma raised them!!!" Noah shouted back.
"You know what Noah? I thought you were far smarter than that!..." Sydney said in disbelief,
"Stop the car," Noah ordered and the car came to a halt.
"The next time I saw you will be your last day," Noah gritted the words with the vein over his head popping out,
"Noah, I am going. Just breathe and try to relax," Sydney said opening the door.
"And, yea I can't give up on twins. You have to be flexible about this," She informed with a cracked voice before closing the door. Sydney took a long breath looking at the car and in seconds it went away. Out of her sight. Turning around she couldn't help her tears and sob harder.
Strangers started giving her stares but she couldn't care and cry harder all the while taking long steps and rubbing her tears away. But in the very next moment found her wrist caged and was pulled to a chest. Her eyes widened finding Noah with a very grim expression.
"Mrs. Miller?" He said and Sydney looked at him dumbfounded,
"Are you by any chance,...my,...ex-wife?"