(Make sure you read the previous chapter before reading this)
(P.S. Technical issues)

2 days later

Roman's P-O-V

It was a tiring flight. First of all, it was three hours late and then, the weather seemed to have messed up the delay. I felt annoyed.

I wanted to rush home. This is the first time, I'm leaving JoJo with someone other than my family members. Well..Rachel is technically my family now. Still, the urge to run home and make sure my baby is fine..is getting me crazy.

Besides, I still can't believe she's going to school all by her own wish.

Even the drive from the airport seemed to slow.

'Oswald! Please, take me fast.' I said to my driver.

*****

I pressed the doorbell impatiently. They must know I was going to be here. Why are they taking so much time!

The door was opened by Poly, who gave me a needless smile.

'Oh! You're late Mr. Anoa'i. It's almost evening..' she said like a fool.

'So were you to open the door..' I said and walked inside.

The living room was empty. There weren't the sound of the TV channels that my mom would go through at this time, nor the sound of pondering from the nannies trying to get JoJo have her lunch! But, then I heard it.

The innocent giggle. 'Daddy's here..!' I heard a squeal coming from my daughter's room and in a moment, she was there running to me with the brightest smile on her face.

'JoJo, my princess!' I bent down and picked her up, spinning her a little.

She giggled as I put her down. I looked at her carefully. I don't know when was the last time she greeted me so delightfully.

'You're late Daddy! Newmie said we were about to reach hours ago!' She complained.

I chuckled. 'Yeah..but my flight got late, princess. And you know, the weather over there weren't good either.' I explained.

JoJo nodded.

'Oh!'

'Now, tell me princess, did you have your lunch?' I asked sitting on the couch and taking her in my lap.

'Yes. After I came back from school. You know Newmie made me Sejan noodles.  They were so yummy!' She said in delight.

'Sej..what! Oh you mean schezwan..!' I laughed in adoration. 'Okay...so, you're enjoying your school as well as your lunch, huh?' I asked still feeling it as a dream.

'Yes, she definitely is.' I heard the third voice as I saw Rachel walking towards us.

'Hey!' I greeted her. I really cannot believe what she did for JoJo in just few days!'

'Hello!' She said with a slight smile. 'Uh..weren't you supposed to come a little early?' She asked evidently hesitating.

'Oh..yes. Actually, it's the flight issue. Late starting, late landing. It sucks!' I sighed.

Rachel nodded. 'I understand. Happened to me a lot of times. Uh..by the way, JoJo had typed a complete letter in the computer all by herself this afternoon.' She said.

I was amazed and looked at JoJo immediately. 'What? Really?'

JoJo smiled blushing a little by the praise she gained. 'Newmie showed me three letters in these two days and then, I did it without her help. It was so easy!' She said giggling.

I smiled pulling her closer and kissing her head. 'I'm so proud of you, my princess, I surely am.' I said.

'Uh..Roman..you must be hungry. Should I..uh..get your lunch in your room?' Rachel asked. In the few days, she must have seen me having my meals only in my own room. I guess that's the reason she asked so.

'No..no need actually. It's over five already.' I said looking at my wrist watch. 'Lunch time is over. I'll just have something light after getting fresh. Don't worry about it.' I said trying to keep her off this.

Rachel nodded. 'Fine. I'll get you some coffee and something else..' she said attempting to leave.

'Rachel..please don't bothered about it.' I said on a serious note putting JoJo off my lap and and making her sit beside me.

I really didn't want Tachel at my service. The only reason she's in here is because of being JoJo's mother and I want the same to be her only focus.

Rachel looked back surprised. 'Don't worry..' she smiled a little. 'I won't make you pasta this time.' She said before leaving.

What? How does she.. ? Mom, I guess.

'Daddy loves pasta!' JoJo chuckled joking beside me, making me scoff too.

****

6 hours later

JoJo was right when she told me over phone that Rachel is a good cook..way better than Poly and others at least. Poly told me Rachel has been cooking for few days now, trying various items to impress JoJo's tastebuds.

Talking about JoJo, we had a great time this evening in my room. She was so happy! We played video games and she even drew some sketches and showed it too me. It felt great.

Poly took the plates away and cleaned the mini-dining space in my room.

I opened my phone again. No, Seth hasn't replied yet. Even Dean doesn't know what's wrong with him but he too felt something was off. I wish I could help him.

I sighed laying myself on the bed. I guess I want to see JoJo off to school tomorrow. I feel like seeing things myself.

Also, JoJo spoke about certain talent hunt organized by her school for next month. I know these things really boost a kid's character but thinking about JoJo's participation had always been way beyond my thinking. She barely went to her class, let alone the extra curricular. But, today, I saw nervousness as well as excitement in those beautiful eyes. I wonder how she did that or how Rachel managed to bring out the side of JoJo I never knew existed!

I sat up thinking about the conditions of our marriage and it seemed Rachel was doing a great job in ensuring what's best for JoJo. But, I don't know if I'm doing everything I promised. I remembered about the impending surgery of Rachel's father.

I even didn't ask her for once if her father was doing okay. It wasn't that I forgot to ask but the thing is I didn't want to talk to Rachel about anything. Call me mean, but her existence in my house keeps me reminding of the unwanted wedlock. Getting my name maritally associated to someone other than Galina..makes me hate myself so much! And that's the reason I even refrain from looking at Rachel's face at once. I know it's not Rachel's fault at all but...I'm helpless too..

But, now I, after what she has done for my daughter, I guess I have to talk to her...at least for the sake of the mutually beneficial deal of our marriage.

I got out of my bed. I guess I should do it now because you never know when my mood changes again.

I tied my hair into a loose bun and put on a loose sleeveless T-shirt and made my way towards JoJo's room.

*****

I took a deep breath and knocked the door that I thought I'd never have to. After all, it was my JoJo's room. But now..it was so different with Rachel staying in the same room.

The door opened a few seconds later revealing a stunned Rachel, who quite evidently was either sleeping already or totally ready for sleep. She had  already changed into her pj's and as she saw me, she quite evidently tried adjusting the collars of her loose top with lots of hesitation.

'Uh..I'm sorry for bothering you at this time. I believe you were sleeping..' I said feeling a little odd myself.

Rachel shook her head. 'Oh no..no. I just finished my night prayers. Not a problem. Uh..come in.' She said putting on a lazy smile and moving aside to let me inside the room.

I haven't noticed before but this time my eyes fell perfectly on the little portraits of Jesus and Mother Mary on the wall near JoJo's study table.

I remembered the day I was starting for raw and Rachel seemed to have been doing something similar.

'But..you are a little late, Roman.' Rachel's voice broke my train of thoughts and I turrned to look at her standing near the bed where my beautiful princess JoJo slept peacefully holding her big pink teddy bear.
'JoJo just fell asleep. Actually, since she has started going to school, I decided to pre-pone her dinner and sleep time. So...but, I can call her if you want me to..' Rachel said sitting on the bed and looking over at the sleeping JoJo.

'Well...no, please don't call her. It's fine.' I said realizing Rachel was mistaking my purpose of visiting the room. 'I actually came to talk with you..' I stated.

Rachel was visibly surprised. 'With me? Oh! What? Anything urgent?' She asked standing up to face me, a certain tension reflected on her face.

'Everything is fine. Relax!' I scoffed ensuring her. 'I just wanted to talk to you about things, you know..' I said.

Rachel frowned but nodded. 'Oh! Here or...'

'No. Let's get outside at the garden. I don't want JoJo to wake up by our voices.' I said giving it a long thought.

For one, I really appreciate Rachel's decision to let JoJo sleep earlier than her schedule and two, garden area was my favorite place at this point of time. I guess it'd  provide me an encouraging distraction while I talk to Rachel. I hope Rachel would be comfortable there too.

She nodded. 'I'll ask Poly to stay by JoJo.' She said.

*****

Our little garden had the best of atmosphere at this time. There was a cool breeze blowing all over, making the leaves dance to its tune. The flowers perfumed all over the place with the lights falling directly on the white and yellow night queens. Rachel walked beside me, slightly lagging back, I believe.

I went near the wooden swing and took my seat, motioning Rachel to do the same. She sat beside me hesitantly. I knew she wasn't comfortable at all, just like me. As I sat there quiet, I heard the crickets singing and a little firefly lighting up the northwest part of the garden.

I always loved this. There were times, I even fell asleep in this swing. After Galina's death, I used to get  drunk every night and lay down on the swing. When I was here, I could feel her presence, running her soft fingers over my face, brushing my hairs with them. When I'd blabber her name, she'd put come and kiss my cheek and lay her soft head over mine, embracing me tightly. Mom said it was my addiction to alcohol that was causing my craziness. She even took me to the doctors but I knew, once I stopped drinking, I'll come out of the illusion and I'd lose Galina completely after that.

At that's what happened. Tina, with all her emotional arsenals reminded me of  my past Leukemia. She asked me to think about JoJo, if not her. She asked me to focus on my work. And that was it, work replaced my addiction for alcohol. I never found Galina here after that but still, this place is my solace where I could be all myself. Alas! Today, I had someone else sitting beside me on the swing that me and Galina cradled on.

My anger on myself was possessing me again and I knew, my hatred towards any association with Rachel would spark within me again. I fisted my hands and clutched my teeth. No, we are in a deal and I brought her here on a purpose. Let's just do away with it.

I looked aside through the corner of my eyes and feon the big light emitting, I saw Rachel sitting there, a couple of feet away from me, looking down at her hands and intertwining her fingers impatiently.

'So, how's your father now?' I asked breaking the most awkward silence.

Rachel picked her head up.

'He seems better. He's got a laser revascularization on Sunday.' Rachel said turning to me at the last part. 'Dr. Thomas said the open heart surgery can wait for few months.' She said softly.

I nodded looking straight at the fireflies. 'Yeah. Tina said so. You didn't have any problem, right?' I asked looking a her while performing my responsibility courtesy to the agreement of our marriage.

Rachel shook her head and then turned her head towards me. 'There was no problem. Thank you for everything, Roman. But, you didn't tell me you already paid the consultation fees!' She said softly, a little frowned.

I continued gazing at the fireflies but a little unmindfully. I didn't expect this to come up. In fact, I thought me paying the consultation fees would be a favor to Rachel since she don't have to scratch her card for that. But, the reason I paid wasn't because of Rachel at all. It was because of Dr. Thomas. The guy admires me a little too much abd every time I take appointments for Tina or Dad or even my Uncle...he asks his assistant not to take a penny from me. I really don't like using his services for free. After all, it's his job and he spends equal amount of energy and knowledge for us as he does for other patients! So, when was booking for Rachel's father, I knew his name was stil  new to the doctor and so I didn't think twice before paying it since I know he'd never receive it once Rachel discloses her relationship with me.

'Yeah. I had to pay in advance before booking the appointment.' I stated looking at Rachel, not wanting to explain further.

Rachel blinked and I wasn't sure if she was totally convinced with my answer.

'Dr. Thomas..he really seems to admire you.' She said next.

I scoffed already knowing Dr. Thomas wouldn't hesitate to make his indebtedness too evident in front of Rachel. But, to me, it wasn't anything at all. I did what anyone in my position would do. 'He is..' I just said.

Rachel didn't say anything and looked away. 'So, your father's going for the surgery on Sunday?' I asked again to confirm.

She nodded. 'Yeah. The doc said it's quite minor and there isn't anything to worry about. But, I'm still nervous, you know..' she said sighing as she hugged herself, perhaps feeling a little cold.

I understood her concern. In fact, her father's health is the main reason for her to get into this marriage while mine  being JoJo. I'm pleased to see how Rachel is dealing with JoJo and I hope I...

'...even my mom. She's more nervous than Dad. Rena said her BP went too high this evening and..' Rachel paused a little and then continued. '...I just hope Sunday comes too soon and leaves us happily.' Rachel continued.

'I understand.' I said looking down at my hands. Sunday, huh?' I muttered and then suddenly realized something.

'Raw's gonna be at MSG next week. I guess I gotta start on Sunday itself for the preparation.' I said

'Really! Wow!' Rachel actually squealed to it. 'I performed there just twice..once to be precise while being in NXT. The other was just a promo for a tag team build up. It's always so exciting, you know..' she said.

I looked at her blank. It was too evident that Rachel didn't get any hint of what I was thinking and why I said what I said.

'I agree but...the thing is, I think I won't be able to stay by your family on the day of the surgery. Uhh...you're sure you can look after things alone?' I asked quite hesitant.

I know it wasn't my position to stay by but with what she was going through and also with her being in charge of JoJo simultaneously, I was quite anxious.

Rachel's brows frowned like she wasn't expecting to hear that. 'Uh..Roman..I..I mean, thanks a lot for thinking about it but I've been handling my family quite well all by myself for quite some time now. And if you are anxious about JoJo...she won't be a factor at all. She'll and I'll make sure she's  good.' She assured me with a little smile.

I was impressed by the way she wasn't expecting anything from me.

'Well...then, don't worry! Your father is going to be fine.' I assured. 'By the way, thanks again for everything you did for JoJo. I mean, her schooling and all.' I brought my courtesy up.

Rachel looked at me blank for a split second and scoffed. 'JoJo's not an issue for me, Roman. She never was and she never will be.' She said.

I could feel her being a little offended. But, if she thanks me for what I did for her father, so should I for what she did for my daughter.

'Hmm...I get it.' I said looking away. 'So, JoJo was telling about certain contest..' I had to stop abruptly as I heard Rachel gasp and look around. Her eyes moved towards the main entrance and then back at me.

'You're okay?' I asked confused.

'Did you hear that?' She asked me in return.

'What?' I asked looking at the direction she did a moments ago.

Rachel looked there again and then shook her head. I felt a little confused by her behavior. Did she hear something?

'Rachel, is something bothering..' I was about to ask but just then my phone rang. I picked it up hoping it was Seth but it was mom instead.

Roman: Hey Tina! What's up?

Patricia: I'm good Joe. How're you doing? Didn't sleep yet? I kinda expected you to receive the call after ten rings at least but you surprised me with two (chuckles)

Roman: (chuckles) Nah..didn't sleep yet. Actually, I'm in the garden with....(paused in hesitation)

Patricia: With..

Roman: Uh...actually I was talking stuffs with Rachel. So..

Patricia: Really! (excited) Wow! I'm glad you decided to talk to her. I told you she was the best girl for both you and JoJo. Did you hear what she did for our JoJo? Joe..she changed everything..

Roman: (in frustrated annoyance) tina, she's right beside me. You may talk to her.

I was done with mom's childish fancies of me and Rachel being happy together. I held the phone to Rachel in frustration. I feel there's no point in talking to her at this moment since she has got her own topic.

Rachel smiled awkwardly and took my phone.

Rachel's P-O-V

W

e all have this moment when we really don't know what to do. This one in my life is one of them. I still didn't understand why Roman brought me here at the first place.

I really don't feel he ever wanted to talk with me alone. May be it was just to talk about JoJo or something. But, when he asked me about my father and even mentioned that he won't be able to stay for the surgery, I was quite surprised. May be he was trying to pitch on the responsibilities vested on him, as a part of the deal. May be he feared of being accused for keeping himself aloof from my problems. But, that's really not the thing. The very day, he said, I heard and understood it very well...I'm never gonna expect anything from Roman on an emotional level. Never ever.

But, that wasn't the only thing bothering me right now.

'Rachel!' Roman's deep voice broke my inner thoughts and my eyes fell on him holding his phone for me with a confused look.

Who knows for how long he's been holding the phone for me? Crap! That's embarrassing!

With an awkward smile, I took the phone from him.

Rachel: Hello!

Patricia: Hello Rachel! So, Joe told me you two were talking in the garden? (delighted)

Rachel: (awkwardly) Yeah..actually we...uhm...had something to talk. So..

Patricia: Of course, you have. With us out, you two are the pillars of this house and you have to manage everything together. You guys should talk. You know my son is a introvert but once you get to know him, you'll see how easily you can talk to him.

Rachel: (trying to change the topic) Don't worry...everyone is pretty cool. I'm not facing any problem in managing the house.

Patricia: (realizing the awkwardness) Oh yeah..I..I know but I know how lazy Poly is sometimes (chuckles). In case of any problem, just call me okay..

Rachel: Yeah..sure. Uh..you had your meal?

Patricia: Yeah...I'm having everything on time dear. It's just that I'm always worried about how casual Joe is about his routine (sighs)

Rachel: (chuckles) Oh! Don't worry..he's fine. I..I guess he had his dinner well (sparing a glance at Roman).

Patricia: (smiles) Thank god! Well..then sorry for taking your time. You two can talk now. Just make sure you don't sleep too late. I guess you have to take JoJo to school tomorrow as well..

Rachel: Yeah..that's true..

Patricia: Good night then. Bye. I'll call tomorrow again.

Rachel: Good night.

(Disconnected)

'I guess it was just Tina being Tina.' with sigh as if he wasn't expecting anything concrete from our conversation. 'She never falls asleep without calling me. Like I'm still a kid.' He said shaking his head.

I smiled knowing he was right. 'Even my parents FaceTime me every evening at 7. It's their schedule.

'I guess it's just parents being parents. We never grow up enough for them.' I scoffed making Roman scoff too.

'Yeah..right. I can already guess how I'll be feeling about JoJo.' He said.

And then I heard it again. Footsteps on the grass. For a while now, I could feel someone watching us from somewhere near the main gate.

I know I could be a paranoid some times considering the kind of dreams I'm having lately and the kind of situation I'm in suddenly. But, I don't know why something inside me was churning in fear.

'So...let's get back then. JoJo's alone too.' Roman said. I couldn't agree any lesser.

'Yeah. Got to take her to school in the morning too.' I said getting up from the swing.

Roman stood up too. 'Uh..Rachel no. I was thinking of taking JoJo school myself tomorrow. You can take rest at home. Actually, you would be relieved from this duty when I'll be home.' He said all of a sudden.

Apparently, it was delivered very sweetly but I don't know why I felt a light blow on my chest upon hearing that.

I have been taking JoJo to school all these days and we have a very happy routine. Some times we would go to the park or my house while returning and other times, I'd reach her the tactics to win a Rock-Paper-Scissor while we are heading to school. I'd sit at the lawn outside the school for five hours till her school breaks up. I felt myself adjusted into the routine.

But, the way Roman said..

You would be relieved from this duty once I'll be home ... kinda made me feel a little pathetic about myself. Relief! Duties! I know Roman is JoJo's biological father and my relation with her is nothing compared to that but I couldn't help feeling a little 'thrown out' in the process.

Of course, to Roman...JoJo is just the part of our deal for me. I lifted my blurry eyes to see Roman has walked away..quite far.

I wiped my eyes and looked around, once again making sure everything was fine.

****

I started walking towards mine and JoJo's bedroom when I realized I was still holding Roman's phone in my hand.

Shit! I forgot to return it. Suddenly, the phone beeped and I subconsciously took a look at the text popping on the screen.

Colby: I'm fine bro. Don't worry about me. Enjoy your new married life.

My breath hitched and I felt myself slowly getting paralyzed.

Why did he tell Roman not to worry? Is he okay?

Enjoy your new married life..

The statement was a big blow to my heart. How could Seth say this to the man who married the girl, who he probably loved once.

No. Seth is definitely not fine and as much as I know I shouldn't be worried about it, I can't say I'm not. Seth bothers me and he perhaps, always will. He has been the only man I ever loved with all my heart and this love can never be repeated or replaced.

I clutched onto Roman's phone tightly and turned around towards Roman's room. If I can't...may be Roman can ensure if Seth is fine. I have to hand his phone to him.

I walked to his door, that was slightly kept ajar.

I debated whether to knock or not but then I heard his voice. He was speaking to someone. My eyes couldn't help but curiously peek through..

Roman was sitting on the edge of his bed holding a photo frame in his hands and his eyes were focused entirely on the content of the frame.

'...and I'll be taking her to school myself tomorrow to see if it's really true. I..I can't wait to see our daughter happily running to her class with her bag. I can't wait to see her making friends and playing with them, Lina. I can't wait to see our JoJo happy like any other girl of her age. I know you can't too.' Roman smiled emotionally running his fingers on the frame.

Now, I knew what was in that frame and who was he talking to. I bit my lips relating to his emotions for his late wife.

'Good night Lina. I'll see you tomorrow.' I heard him say kissing the photo of his wife with a smile.

I smiled through my tears. Yes, I had tears in my eyes and I didn't know when I started stepping back.

I was not ready to face him. Not at this time when both of us had similar storms running in our heart. Now, I can understand why Roman doesn't want to see my face ever. Like me, his love for Galina too cannot be repeated or replaced.

As I walked, I saw Henry, one of the attendants closing the store room.

'Henry!' I called the guy who walked to me obediently.

'Yes, Mrs. Anoai'!'

'Uh...just knock at Rom..I mean Mr. Mr. Anoai's door and give him his phone. He left it at the garden.' I told him handing the phone and walked too fast towards mine and JoJo's room.

***

So, how are you all?

You can see that Roman and Rachel's relationship has no sign to get better yet!

But, then again...you never know what happens next..

Be prepared for more mysteries and suspense coming in the next chapters..