Mr. President: You Are The Daddy Of My Triplets - Chapter 421

Chapter 421: 421- Bracelet

Aniya slumped onto Lisa’s worn-out couch, pulling a cushion on her lap. Her apartment smelled of coffee right now and Aniya found the place a little cozy.

“So, you’re telling me that your mom ALLOWED you to come here…” Lisa asked, raising a brow as she brought two mismatched mugs of coffee.

“Allowed?” Aniya asked shrugging, “Encouraged. She Encouraged me to hang out with you more often as she wants me to spend maximum time with you. Can you believe it?” she asked her in excitement.

After placing the mugs on the coffee table, Lisa sat cross-legged on the armchair. She clearly seemed skeptical, “Since when does she care about who you hang out with?”

“Ah. Since recently,” Aniya offered her a sheepish grin. She knew Lisa was mad, but she didn’t want to mind those drilling questions. After all, she was the only one who cared for her when no one else did.

“Lisa!” Aniya leaned forward to pick up her coffee mug, “She’s trying. Ok? Really… she is…”

Lisa also picked up her cup and took a sip, her gaze was sharp, “Trying doesn’t erase years of neglect, Aniya,” she didn’t like the vibes of it.

What had gotten into Aniya’s mom? Why was she suddenly playing this good cop role?

Aniya set the cushion aside, “My mom’s been through a lot, Lisa. Alaric wasn’t a saint. I guess she just wanted some courage to kick him out,” her tone had turned defensive.

Lisa heaved a long sigh, “Suddenly she has turned into this angel, and you are suddenly defending her, dude. She is still Valerie James. Not a saint…”

“Stop it!” Aniya snapped, cutting her off and stood up abruptly, “Why are you not understanding, Lisa?” her voice turned teary, “She’s different now. Every day she is getting better and better. In fact, I was thinking about telling her…” her eyes dipped down to the floor, “about Sangua…”

The cup in Lisa’s hand stilled mid-air. Her anger melted away in an instant and it got replaced by sheer panic, “Y-you what?”

“She is so sweet, Lisa. She doesn’t even want my money now,” Aniya’s voice was quieter now, “I wanted to tell her about my plans for Sangua…” she sat back on the couch.

Lisa sat her mug down, got up, and crouched near Aniya. She grasped her hands, and Aniya could see desperation on her face, “Aniya. No! You can’t! Please don’t tell her that.”

Aniya frowned a little when she saw fear on her face, “Lisa. You’re getting worried for nothing. She is now more open to me about Alaric’s abuse. So, I think she deserves the same honesty from me.”

“Oh, God, Aniya,” Lisa’s voice broke slightly. Now she could see what that woman was doing to her friend. She was pulling her to her side by love bombing her.

After getting her mom’s love that she always desired, Aniya wanted to trust her. If Lisa let that happen then Aniya would never be able to break that cycle.

Somewhere Valerie knew that Lisa and Aniya could fight and argue because of her. She was doing it so cunningly.

But Sangua City?

It was Aniya’s last chance for independence. Her last door to the happiness she deserved.

Lisa needed to handle it sensibly.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, “I know she has changed, honey,” she told her softly, “You can tell her about it maybe after your birthday?” she then smiled, “Maybe become independent and then take her with you.”

Aniya squeezed her hands, “Nice idea.”

“Right!” Lisa pulled away her hands, “The reason I’m asking you to hide this is…because I think your father… that man shouldn’t know about your plans. He might harm your mom. Listen, Aniya. I don’t have anything against your mom. I’m your friend and I’m happy as long as you are happy. Ok? But please don’t discuss Sangua if you want to keep her safe.”

Deep in thought, Aniya nodded. It did make sense. In the future, if Alaric would try to contact Valerie, then he could easily take advantage of her.

She watched Lisa, going back to her chair. After holding her coffee mug she let out a shaky breath, “Now finish your coffee, and let’s plan an overnight stay.”

Aniya smiled at that. She was sure her mom would easily allow it.

***

It had been three to four nights, Lisa used to call her daily before going to bed. It used to be a short conversation but deep down Aniya knew why her friend was doing it.

She wanted to keep a check on her.

Aniya wished she could make Lisa believe that now she was safe.

“Busy?” Aniya turned and saw Valerie’s head peeking through the door. The locks to her bedroom door and bathroom door were fixed now.

“No, Mom,” she waved, gesturing for her to come inside.

“What are you doing?” she walked up to her and sat beside her on the edge of the bed.

“Nothing,” she shrugged, “Just talked to Lisa.”

Valerie kept sitting there, attempting to make small talk when Aniya gave her a hesitant smile.

“Mom?”

Valerie tilted her head to look at her, “Hmm?”

“Will you let me stay at Lisa’s place overnight?” Despite her fear, Valerie smiled gently and squeezed her daughter’s nose tip with affection.

“Of course, love. Enjoy your life, buddy. We already messed up your precious years,” she admitted guiltily.

“No, Mom,” without warning she hugged her, “I’m … I’m happy here… I don’t even want to go to…” she was about to say Sangua City but stopped herself in time.

“Don’t want to go to where?” Valerie asked her after pulling back.

“Lisa… I was talking about Lisa’s place.”

A smile broke on Valerie’s lips, “But you should go,” she cupped her cheek, “In fact let me know if you need me to drop you.”

Aniya wasn’t expecting the offer. She was about to say something when a glittering bracelet, slipped out from under Valerie’s long sleeve.

“Wow. This is beautiful, Mom. Where did you get it?” Valerie’s face paled when Aniya complemented the bracelet.

“N-nothing… I mean no one… uh huh. Ok… it’s from a friend…” Aniya didn’t know why she was stuttering so badly.

“I think I should go to sleep. Sweet dreams, love,” she left the room abruptly, and a faint smile appeared on Aniya’s lips.

There was only one explanation for Valerie’s odd behavior. Some man must have given it to her.

And Oh, man, she was right!