I don't really know why I agreed to go with Chris to pick up his kids from his ex's house. I mean, the whole situation's gonna be so awkward... she wouldn't know who I am, the kids won't either. I know that he talks with his kids on the phone everyday, but I'm not sure if he's told them about me. They'll just think I'm this crazy lady that's just hooked onto Chris! We're just friends... even though I wouldn't mind us being something else 😜... no, stop it Lucy! I don't want people getting the wrong impression.

But the other part of myself had urged me to go with him. That pleading look he gave me was enough to convince me to go. Those kind blue eyes boring into mine with that soft expression of his. But I could also detect some worry in them. The poor man had gone through so much heart break in the last year or so, and things were obviously still awkward between the both of them. I guess I didn't want to disappoint him so I agreed.

I glanced to my right to gaze at Chris, who had his eyes focused on the road in front of us. We had been in the car for about 30 mins already and he still hadn't said anything. It wasn't an awkward silence or anything, but I could tell that he was anxious. His eyebrows furrowed together and his knuckles had begun to turn white by how tight he was gripping the steering wheel. I decided to break the silence.

"Chris?" I turned in my seat to face him slightly.

"Yeah?" He flicked his gaze towards me for a few seconds before turning his attention back to the road.

"Have you told the kids about me before?" I ventured, choosing my words carefully.

"Yes I have.... we've talked about you quite a lot
actually " a said, a small smile stretching his lips. Wait... what? Suddenly I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks.

"Really?! What did you tell them?" I asked, failing to keep my voice level. He let out a chuckle at my outburst.

"Nothing bad, I promise" he said softly. "Just that you've gotten out of a bad relationship and that you're a good friend of mine so that's why you're living with me for a while". I sighed in relief, at least they wouldn't stare at me like I was an alien. Although another question prompted my lips.

"What about Gwyneth ? Did you tell her?" I asked him, watching as he winced at the thought of her.

"Well... yeah I did. I mean, I told her your story and that you were staying with me for a while- you know , so she wouldn't get sarky because of the kids coming round. She's okay about it, but she wasn't really listening though. All she does is ramble on about herself..." he said, sighing heavily. My heart really did go out to him... he was trying to be civil with her but she wasn't making it easy for him. We sat in silence, deep in thought for a few minutes before I broke the silence.

"I'm glad you told her though... at least it won't be as awkward?" I questioned, and he nodded in response.

About 10 minutes later, we pulled up in the driveway of a modern looking mansion, that was quite modest- even for an A list actress. The garden was massive and was filled with kids' swing sets, a trampoline and even a swimming pool! We got out of the car and headed up the footpath towards the front door, falling into stride with Chris by my side.

"Wow... this place is so beautiful, I love it!"I uttered dreamily, taking in the scenery as I gazed at the clear view of London in the distance. He smiled genuinely.

"It should be, I searched hard to find it many moons ago" he chuckled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. Then it dawned on me how hard it must be for him to come here, in these circumstances... This was their family home and he had lived here for 10 + years, the place where his kids have grown up,made happy memories and precious milestones.

I could feel myself getting overwhelmed by emotions and hastily swallowed the lump in my throat. I could feel bitterness and anger building up inside me. How could anyone cheat on such a kind, intelligent, (gorgeous!) man? It was obvious that now, since separating Chris clearly felt uncomfortable and out of place here. It's not fair on him, it was his home too - he's had to make so much changes in order to fit his lifestyle, while she still has everything on offer to her on a plate ! Suddenly I felt an elbow  nudge me in the ribs. I lifted my gaze to see that we now at the front door, and Chris was gazing at me questioningly.

" Are you ok? You zoned out for a bit there" He said . I guess I must've been frowning or something.

"I'm fine " I told him, smiling at him. He nodded before proceeding to knock the door. A few minutes later the door opened and there stood the one and only Gwyneth Paltrow.

"Chris!! Hey babe! How are you?!" She exclaimed, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around him. I saw his body stiffen before somewhat  embracing her politely.  I could tell that he was uncomfortable but didn't want to hurt her feelings. I rolled my eyes to myself at how forward she was... she's acting like nothing's changed at all- even though she's the one that cheated on him! He was the first one to pull away and stepped back a safe distance... by my side. That's when Gwyneth acknowledged me.

"Hey... you're Lucy right? I heard you're staying with Chris for a while " she stuck her hand out and I shook it firmly.

"Yeah, just until I sort myself out a bit ..." I said looking up and meeting her eyes. She was a tall, thin woman and is extremely pretty. She had blue eyes and dyed blonde hair... a typical looking Hollywood actress. I felt like a potato next to her, I mean after Carl , who could possibly like me? She nodded, her gaze never leaving my eyes .

"I'm sorry for what happens with your ex... no one should ever have to go through that" she stated with sorrowful eyes. I was quite taken aback at this but smiled at her nevertheless. Chris was gazing at the floor sheepishly.

"Thank you" I whispered, suddenly feeling insecure. Chris sensed this and spoke up.

"Are the kids ready to go?" He asked their mother, eager to finish this awkward conversation. She nodded.

"Yup, all their bags are packed, they're just finishing their breakfast " she said. But on that note, we heard laughter and light footsteps pounding the floor. Suddenly two blonde haired children appeared in the doorway, their faces lighting up on seeing Chris.

"DADDY!!!!!" Apple screamed, leaping up into Chris' arms. He lifted her up and hugged her him tightly before picking up Moses and doing the same. They chatted excitedly and me heart swelled at how perfect Chris was with the kids... he is such a great dad.  Gwyneth emerged with their bags and handed them to me.

"Right guys, I guess I'll see you in a few days" Gwyneth told them , hugging  both kids. Be good for Daddy" she added, before handing Chris thier car seats. We all begun to walk back to his car when the kids  turned their attention to me.

"Dad, who is that?" Little Moses asked, gazing at me curiously. Chris grinned at me .

"That's Lucy, she's daddy's friend. She'll be staying at my house for a while " he explained. I grinned as both kids came over to me , showing me their toys and asked me questions while their father sorted out the car seats and put their bags in the car.

The car journey home didn't feel long at all. The kids chatting happily and we even played a game of I Spy. I noticed that both kids had Chris' eyes and blonde hair  but their mother's dainty facial features. They were both very pretty but also well mannered and polite. They're adorable! And Chris is so lovely with them. They've seemed to accept me so far, which I'm really happy about! I can't wait to get to know them better!

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Hey guys!

So this is long (ish) 😂. I'm sorry, it's another filler chapter though haha . Thank you for all of the continued support on this fanfic and my One Shots one, really does mean a lot! ❤️

Coldplay's One Love Manchester performance was so sweet last Sunday! Ariana and everyone was so good, they raised £10 + million for the victims, that's INSANE!!!! ❤️ Just proves that there still is some good in the world ❤️

The European leg of the tour has started yay!

AND I'M GOIN TO SEE THE GUYS IN 30 DAYS OMGGGGGGGG!!!!! BUZZINGGGG!!!! 😄

See you soon x