Chapter 145
The morning started quietly, almost too quietly. The twins were playing in their room, and I had some rare time to myself. I stood in the kitchen, sipping on tea while I planned the day ahead. The warmth of the tea and the soft morning light through the window made me feel at ease, a feeling I hadn’t had in a long time.
Jake had left for his early training, and I knew the twins would be bouncing off the walls soon. They had energy to burn, and Jake suggested we spend the day outdoors—a play day, as he called it. I wasn’t sure what a "play day" entailed, but I was eager to see the twins happy and carefree.
A soft giggle floated down the hall, followed by Logan’s unmistakable attempt at a word that sounded like “doggy.” It was his new obsession.
I made my way to their room, leaning on the doorframe as I watched Lily try to climb onto Logan’s bed. She wasn’t very successful, but Logan’s laughter filled the room, encouraging her to keep trying.
“Lily, careful,” I said softly.
She paused, looking at me with wide eyes, before giving a toothy grin. “Up!” she squeaked, pointing at the bed.
I chuckled and walked over, lifting her onto the bed. “There. Happy?”
Lily clapped her hands, beaming. Logan mimicked her, his little hands clapping out of rhythm.
“Okay, you two,” I said, scooping Logan into my arms. “Let’s get ready. We’ve got a big day ahead.”
The garden was the perfect place for the twins to burn off energy. Jake carried Logan on his shoulders, while Lily waddled beside me, holding onto my hand with surprising determination.
The fresh air seemed to amplify their joy. Lily squealed every time she spotted a butterfly, and Logan was obsessed with the idea of chasing birds, even though his tiny legs barely let him keep up with the wind.
Jake set Logan down, crouching to pick a daisy and hand it to him. “For Lily,” he said, nodding toward his sister.
Logan’s face lit up as he toddled over to Lily, holding the flower out. Lily grabbed it with both hands, her lips parting as though she wanted to say something profound but couldn’t find the words. Instead, she held the flower to her chest like a treasure.
Jake glanced at me, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “Not bad for their first real day out, huh?”
“Not bad at all,” I admitted, leaning against a tree.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
We set up a picnic near the edge of the garden, spreading out a blanket under the shade of a tree. The twins were content with their snacks—little sandwiches and sliced fruit—while Jake and I sat back, enjoying the rare peace.
Until it was shattered.
Tammy strutted into the garden like she owned the place, her dress tighter than ever and her heels completely impractical for the uneven grass.
“Hello, everyone!” she chirped, waving as though she were making an entrance at a gala.
I groaned internally. Of course, she’d show up uninvited. Jake’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t say anything, probably hoping she’d get the hint and leave.
She didn’t.
“Oh, what a lovely family outing,” she cooed, lowering herself onto the blanket as if she belonged there.
“Tammy,” I said, my voice tight. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d join you,” she said sweetly, batting her lashes at Jake.
Jake didn’t respond, his attention focused on Logan, who was now trying to stick a piece of apple in his ear.
Tammy turned to the twins, her smile widening. “Hello, little ones! Aren’t you just the cutest?”
Lily stared at her, unimpressed, while Logan buried his face in Jake’s side.
“I’m great with kids, you know,” Tammy said, directing the comment at Jake.
“Is that so?” I muttered under my breath, earning a glare from Tammy.
The next hour was pure chaos. Tammy’s attempts to be helpful only caused more mess—like when she tried to "help" Logan drink his juice and spilled it all over him. Or when she handed Lily a flower with thorns.
I had to bite my tongue to keep from snapping at her. Jake, as always, stayed quiet, his face a mask of indifference.
When we finally packed up the picnic, Tammy decided to follow us back to the house, still chattering away about how much fun she’d had.
By lunchtime, my patience was wearing thin. Tammy hovered around the kitchen, offering unsolicited advice to the workers.
“You’re chopping those vegetables all wrong,” she said to one of them, who looked ready to throw the knife at her.
When I walked in, Tammy was leaning against the counter, pretending to help by stirring a pot.
“Ayla!” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “I was just helping out.”
I ignored her, grabbing a glass of water and heading to the dining room. Jake was already seated with the twins, who were happily munching on their food. Tammy followed close behind, sliding into the seat beside Jake.
“I hope I’m not intruding,” she said, flashing a smile at him.
Jake didn’t even glance at her. “Pass the bread, Ayla,” he said, his tone neutral.
I handed him the basket, ignoring Tammy’s pout.
Throughout the meal, Tammy made every effort to insert herself into the conversation.
“Alpha, did you see how well I got along with the twins today?” she asked, batting her lashes.
Jake didn’t respond, busy cutting up food for Logan.
Tammy’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. “I’ve always loved children,” she said, her voice overly bright. “They’re just so… precious.”
Lily chose that moment to fling a piece of mashed potato, which landed squarely on Tammy’s chest.
“Oh my gosh!” Tammy gasped, jumping to her feet.
“Oops,” Lily said, her voice tiny but unapologetic.
I couldn’t hold back my laughter, and even Jake’s lips twitched. Tammy, however, looked furious, though she tried to hide it.
“Kids will be kids,” I said innocently, earning a glare from her.
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The rest of the day was a blur of chaos. Tammy flitted around the house like an annoying butterfly, popping up wherever Jake was.
She tried to help in the kitchen again, but the workers shooed her out. She offered to fold laundry, only to mess up the neatly stacked piles. Every time Jake passed by, she pretended to be doing something helpful, though it was painfully obvious she was just trying to get his attention.
By the time the twins were down for their afternoon nap, I was ready to scream.
I found Jake in the living room, sitting on the couch with a book.
“Are you seriously not bothered by her?” I asked, plopping down beside him.
He looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Who?”
“Tammy!” I hissed. “She’s everywhere, Jake. And she’s so fake! How can you not see that?”
Jake sighed, closing his book. “Ayla, it’s just for a month. Let it go.”
“Let it go?” I repeated, incredulous. “She’s ruining everything!”
Jake smirked slightly, leaning back.
I groaned, resisting the urge to throw a pillow at him.
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