Nine months too late: After divorce by Baby Charlene
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Sylvie tried as much as she could to clear the fog in her mind as she left the station, but it was almost impossible.

She was disoriented, until she reached home and found someone who's presence was enough to take her mind off Westley for a a moment.

Her mood turned sourer staring at Phoebe who stood in the living room, holding her bag and looking around like she was stepping foot in the place for the first time. And Sylvie wouldn't doubt that. Neither the woman nor anyone from Kage's family had been to his house. Sylvie was beyond grateful she hadn't had to deal with any of them for four months.

A scowl crept into Phoebe's face when she turned and saw Sylvie. Sylvie hated that someone like her would end up to be her babies' grandmother. The woman didn't even like them at all. Phoebe hummed, giving her a head-to-toe stare with her eyes lingering longer on her bump.

"Hm,"

Feeling uncomfortable, Sylvie lifted her hand to her bump protectively.

"At last, we meet again." She added.

Yeah, and I wish we didn't have to - Sylvie thought angrily.

"Hi, Sylvie mumbled, then turned toward the staircase, deciding to ignore the woman.

"You must really feel so accomplished, huh? Having Kage take your side?" Phoebe's voice dripped with disdain, bringing Sylvie to a halt. "You must think you've won. Finally,

Ou to have as much as of son's as you desire."

Sometimes, you speak like I'm dead broke," Sylvie snapped, whirling around to face her. "Are you forgetting I'm from a reputable family?"

"Oh, please! Your father's company was at the edge of bankruptcy before: for him, you'd have been back on the streets a long time a

forehead creased with a frown. "Well, I wasn't the one who asked

Sylvie's in

stepped in and saved y'all a**. If it wasn't

Hawkins to include me in his will."

"Well, I'm sure you and your cu**g father had something to do with it. I knew my father-in-law-he didn't care about you or your wretched family. You all forced yourselves on my son!" For a moment, Sylvie was tempted to reveal the truth to her. What would be her reaction when she learnt that it her son that had chosen to include her in the will? She was certain the woman's shock would know was actually no bound

But, no, she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't subject Kage

to more mental torture from

his family just to get rid of their

ego

She turned to resume walking but came face-to-face with Kage who appeared at the

top

of the staircase

Phoebe visibly stiffened, tearing her gaze away from Sylvie.

Sylvie released a deep breath, replaceing comfort in his presence. At least, she knew with him around, she wouldn't have to deal with his mother.

She lowered her gaze and waited for him to get down to the last step before looking back

at him.

"Hi." She mumbled.

Kage slid his gaze between Sylvie and his mother for some seconds.

"How was your visit to Cindy?" He finally asked, but his tone carried a cold edge.

Yep. Sylvie had told him she was hanging out with Cindy and some friends.

"It was okay," she pushed some strands of hair behind her ear.

Then, she tried to walk past him, wanting to take the stairs. But just as she reached his side, he got a hold of her wrist.

"You should stay," he spoke in hushed tones, but it was audible for Phoebe to hear. The woman's frown deepened.

Sylvie's brows furrowed. She opened her mouth to say something but couldn't get the words out as Kage looked away from her, walking toward Phoebe. With his hand still holding Sylvie's, she was forced to walk with him. "Hi, mum.

"Kage." Phoebe forced a smile, trying to hide however displeased she was by Sylvie's presence. "I'm so glad I get to meet you, finally. Although, as your mother, I'd say it's a bit shameful"

Kage took a seat, pulling Sylvie to sit next to him.

"I'd like to speak to you, Kage. Alone." Phoebe demanded, her tone hard.

Kage held Sylvie's hand even more firmly "If you have anything to say to me, you'd have to do it in front of Sylvie."

Red flickered in the woman's eyes, while Sylvie was astonished. She looked at Kage seated beside her, but he had his cold gaze pinned on his mother.

Phoebe felt embarrassed. She wanted to argue, but she knew it was pointless, considering how stubborn her son could be. Sometimes, she hated that she let him grow into the arrogant man he's become, but even back then, she never had a choice. Angrily, she plonked herself into a a seat opposite them. When will you be "Well, obviously, I've been f fine," he

be coming home?" She went straight to the topic, swallowing the angry lump in her throat. "We haven't seen you in four months, Kage. Everyone is worried."

e casually shrugged. "I'm a grown man and can stay on my own if I want to."

"Yes, but i tit t doesn't t stop you from visiting home.

was to get stopped by those dumb men at the gatesides, you don't let us visit. It took us a month to know this is where you've been staying, and it took me, your mother, an extra three months to get your permission to come visit. Do you even realize how embarrassing it

gate who insisted my own son hadn't given them the approval to let me in?" She huffed, her cheeks turning red at the recollection of the memory. "Even at at the office, it was difficult seeing you because you were never in whenever I went. It's madness, Kage, that your own family has to seek permission to see you." The pain in the woman's voice was clear, Sylvie almost felt bad for her. Almost.

But Kage's face was void of any emotion as he watched her speak as though, he was seeing a movie.

"Well, I'm sure you wouldn't blame me for not letting you into my house. I mean, you and your cohorts threatened my woman and unborn kids." He held Sylvie's hand even firmer. That single act sent more than an enough heat through Sylvie's legs. With each passing day, Kage continued to prove he was! the only one deserving of her love.

It was all Phoebe could do not to growl at the visible contact between both of them. If only she could, she'd probably cut off Sylvie's hand so Kage wouldn't have to hold her like that, ever again. "When my family's threatened, it is my responsibility to protect them," he added, his tone colder and different from how

413.

warm his touch was on Sylvie.

Phoebe snorted. "Please, you act it like we actually threatened her with a weapon. We didn't-"

"You should be thankful I let you in today," Kage spoke over her. And if you'd want this to keep happening, and want me to come home, you would all have to apologize to Sylvie - every one of you."