Mommy for Billionaire's Baby

Usually, Tasya didn't like snacking before bedtime. Just some warm chocolate milk she usually sipped before sleep. So that tomorrow she could wake up feeling fresh and ready to face a lot of work demands and the big boss/enemy/Raptor Torturer/sweetheart fiancé.

However, what happened at the hospital left a deep impression. Even though Nathan tried to comfort her all the way, this was really unexpected. Tasya didn't expect Nathan to do anything to make her feel better. There was something that made Tasya burst into laughter until they arrived home. Since their engagement was officially announced, Tasya limited their visits, especially overnight stays at Nathan's house. Avoiding many things that could happen. Right? "Tasya," Ronan called, causing Tasya to furrow her brow. She turned to the figure approaching her. On this cold night, Tasya deliberately took a moment for herself. She usually used the balcony on the second floor as her alone time spot. "You're not asleep yet?"

Ronan just grinned, taking a seat right beside his sister. "You're not asleep either? You have work tomorrow, right?"

His sister responded with a soft sigh. She took another sip of her warm chocolate. Enjoying the sweetness that greeted her tongue. Her eyes then enjoyed the increasingly dark sky.

"What are you hiding?" Ronan asked softly, trying not to hurt his sister's feelings. Ronan wasn't blind; he could see a hint of sadness in Tasya's eyes. Usually, her eyes reflected tiredness from a day of work, but the sparkle of enthusiasm and warmth was still there.

But this afternoon? It was completely absent. It was natural for Ronan to worry. Especially since he knew his sister had just visited their mother. Sometimes Ronan felt like their mother was unfair to Tasya. It's as if Tasya was made the scapegoat for things she didn't do.

"Nothing," Tasya smiled while gently patting Ronan's shoulder. "Mom is doing well there. Dr. Eve said she's eating regularly, taking her medicine, and doesn't need any drama, and she's willing to socialize." That's the real information, right? After all, Tasya saw for herself how their mother behaved there.

"Did Mom say anything that's bothering you?"

Why did Tasya have an inquisitive little brother like Ronan? One with a fairly high level of sharpness? If Tasya's expression changed even slightly, her brother would continue to watch and ask. What's going on? Why? Until Ronan felt like he got a satisfying answer.

"You can't hide anything from me," Ronan said with a faint smile. "I'm your little brother, right? Is it because there's Mr. Nathan now, so you're only telling him?"

"No," Tasya smirked while laughing. "I didn't tell Mr. Nathan anything."

Ronan nodded slowly. "As the middle child in this family, I'm confused myself. What really happened with our parents?"

"Did Mom ever tell you about Dad?" Tasya asked softly.

"Well, she talked about him while she was angry, right? Everything got cursed, including Robin. I don't like it every time Mom comes home from wherever. She's always emotional, throws things, and always says that Dad was like this and that. I don't understand, Tasya."

"Even if Dad had another woman?"

Without hesitation, Ronan nodded. "But I wonder, every time Dad came home, Mom would welcome him with a smile, like a proper wife. I thought it was normal, but it turns out it was all fake. From the beginning, I felt like Mom was being hypocritical with her feelings. Her dislike was always directed towards her children. The three of us. I wanted to be angry with Mom. I couldn't accept it and felt that Mom shouldn't be like that. But as I got older, Mom didn't want this either. You get what I mean, right?"

Tasya could only nod softly. The reality in front of her made her feel like their family hadn't been okay for a long time.

"Actually, back then, I wouldn't have minded if Mom didn't stay with Dad anymore. Even though Dad had a lot of money, in the end, all he left was debt, right?" Ronan said cynically. "Now Mom is like this because she held back her feelings for too long."

"I've been too busy," Tasya said quietly.

Instead, Ronan laughed. "Actually, you shouldn't have to bear it all. I admire you. You can still act like nothing happened, care about us, and willingly spend a lot of time on us, Tasya."

"You're my family, Ronan. How could I not care?"

Still with laughter, and one thing that always made Ronan cherish his sister. He leaned on his sister's fragile shoulder for a moment. "Thank you for being the best substitute. I'm sure one-day Mom will understand why you got married without her presence. Besides, there's still other time, right? When you have kids, my nephew's birthday, or things we can do when Mom gets better."

"I just didn't expect that there were parts that were overlooked all this time, Ronan," Tasya said while gently ruffling her younger brother's thick hair.

It turns out what her mother said yesterday was true. When did her father cheat? Oh God! Tasya was left speechless with frustration and disappointment in her heart towards her father, growing even larger. Even now, she still refused to greet her father even though he was buried in the ground. Especially when there were actions that made her feel even more hurt.

"Don't think too much about it," Ronan shifted his sitting position. "There's nothing we can do, right? Do you want to ask someone who left us a long time ago? It would just turn into a horror show."

Whether she liked it or not, Tasya laughed at this sarcastically toned joke.

"Let's focus on Mom's recovery, okay? I'm sure Mom will get better."

"You're right," Tasya agrees with that. "Dr. Eve said that even though it takes time, she's confident that Mom can control her heartache."

"You don't need to feel burdened by everything either. It's enough for Tasya, and you should be happy. I'm working now. Just enough to cover Robin's school fees, I can manage that."

"My little brother is all grown up now," Tasya looks at Ronan with teary eyes. "I'm so proud."

"I'm prouder to have a strong sister like you. You put your own happiness aside and try your best for all of us."

They hug each other. Tasya realizes that what she's been through in her family has been exhausting for her heart and mind. Especially since her father's death, along with all the baggage he left behind. But what can she do? Back when she was in school, there was one piece of advice that still stuck with her. God won't send trials to His people beyond their capabilities.

It means... What Tasya has been enduring for the past few years, full of tears and suffocation, she's entrusted to handle it. She can't give up and just ignore things that aren't her responsibility. She can't just leave her two younger siblings like that. And her mother, whose attitude makes Tasya feel like she's a dairy cow. In the end, she realizes that there's a wide open wound caused by her father.

Just like herself.

"Why are you hugging each other like that?" Robin asks, looking at each of his siblings. When he passed by Ronan's room, he didn't see his brother lying there. Nor his sister. It turns out there on the balcony, hugging each other with watery eyes? Were they crying?

"What's wrong with you?" Robin asks in panic. "Are you crying?"