The Ex-Wife's Vendetta

I searched the entire park, my anxiety escalating with each passing second. Tears welled up uncontrollably, and I couldn't bear the thought of them being lost. I needed to find them. Praying for divine assistance, I wiped my tears and cast another look towards the playground. They were my whole world, and now they were missing from that very spot. Where could they be? I frantically scanned the playground, tears streaming down my cheeks.

And then, I spotted them sitting at one of the tables near the playground, happily enjoying their ice cream. Relief washed over me, and I raced towards them, my heart still pounding. Sitting down beside Lindsey, I took a deep breath, wiping away my tears as I looked at them.

"Where did you two go? You almost gave me a heart attack," I exclaimed, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and relief. Both of them simply grinned at me with their innocent faces. "Who gave you the ice cream?" I inquired.

"A kind uncle," Finley responded nonchalantly, continuing to enjoy his treat.

"A kind uncle? Who is that? Finley, why didn't you tell me? What if he was a stranger with bad intentions? You could have been taken to an unknown place, and I might never have seen you again. It's not safe to follow someone you don't know, even if they offer candy or ice cream. Do you understand?" I scolded, my worry evident. They both nodded their heads, still engrossed in their ice cream. I let out a sigh, realizing my own responsibility in the situation. I should have been more attentive, not allowing them to play unattended while I was distracted by my phone.

"No, mommy, he's good. Sowwy, mommy," Lindsey pleaded, her innocent eyes melting my heart. This little one knows just how to tug at my emotions. However, it still leaves me feeling like a failure as a mother for not being able to protect them.

"Alright, this time I forgive both of you, but promise me you'll never follow a stranger again, okay? It's incredibly dangerous. Listen to mommy, it's really dangerous," I reiterated, trying to emphasize the importance of their safety. They nodded in understanding.

"After this, both of you need to take a shower," I instructed, glancing at their messy faces and stained clothes from the ice cream.

We headed home, the journey not taking too long since the park was nearby, just a 10-minute drive. As we arrived, I guided them inside the house, urging them to go to their room while I took care of some things.

Entering my own room, I placed my handbag and phone on the bed before proceeding to their room to clean them up. "Come here," I beckoned, helping them remove their clothes before filling the tub with warm water. Bath time was always a joyful experience, witnessing their laughter and excitement.

"Mommy, bubbles!" Lindsey exclaimed with delight. I allowed them a few minutes to play with the bubbles, cherishing the sight of their enjoyment. The thought of not finding them today sent shivers down my spine. I would forever carry the weight of regret and self-blame had we been separated. They were my whole world, my only family by blood. I resolved to be more vigilant when taking them out, perhaps even bringing Riley along for added assistance.

"Alright, my loves, come over and let mommy rinse you off," I gently called them, swiftly completing their bath to prevent them from catching a cold. Wrapping them in towels, we left the bathroom, making our way to their room where I quickly prepared their pajamas.

"Mommy?" Finley called out, looking up at me.

"Yes, my love?"

"Hungry," he stated, prompting a chuckle to escape my lips.

"Mommy will make dinner for you after this. Come and put on your clothes," I said, ushering them to dress up.

After changing into fresh clothes, I made my way downstairs to prepare dinner. As the meal finished cooking, I called the twins to come down. "Take a seat, and let me put on your bibs to prevent any food from falling on your pajamas," I instructed. They obediently settled into their chairs. Watching them eat, their faces adorned with food, brought a smile to my lips as I joined them for a bite.

With the clock nearing ten, I announced, "Finley, Lindsey, it's time for bed now." I switched off the television in the living room and held their little hands as we ascended the stairs together.

"You both need a good night's sleep because tomorrow we're going to New York," I informed them as I settled them onto the bed.

"Mommy, can I ask something?" Finley spoke up. "What is it, Gab?" I replied, curious about his sudden question.

"Where's daddy? Kind uncle, is he Daddy?" Finley inquired, causing my eyebrows to raise in surprise.

"Why are you suddenly asking about that?" They had never shown any curiosity about their father before, making this the first time they mentioned him.

"I want Daddy. Daddy, be kind and buy ice cream," Lindsey added.

"Well, umm, your dad is someone who used to be in our lives, and no, you won't be seeing that 'kind' uncle ever again. It's not safe. We don't know him," I carefully explained, opting for a gentle tone despite my true feelings. I wished I could express how their father had been an unfaithful, arrogant, and insensitive man, but they were still too young to understand those harsh truths.

"Now, let's not talk about it and get some sleep. Sweet dreams," I said, kissing their foreheads before quietly leaving the room.