Divorced Ex-Luna Returns With Triplets
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO: I Want You Again

Maurene'S POV

I didn't want to believe what Liam told me. There was no way in the world Nathaniel would do that. He was heartless and sometimes ruthless but I knew Nathaniel, he would never stoop so low. Then, why was he wasting his strength if he was

behind it?

Why would he try to help me if he was the one spreading the rumors?

I wanted to believe it for once but then... I gave Nathaniel the benefit of the doubt. I noticed Liam didn't take it kindly when I told him that Nathaniel would never do that.

He said nothing in response and just added, "I would look into it better when we return to NYC."

He reminded me again that we would soon be going back home. I tried to enjoy myself during the outing but the fact that anyone could recognize me and it could lead to another thing entirely scared me so I was careful. Thankfully, we finally finished and Liam led us to his car. His eyes twinkled and I knew he was planning another thing.

"What is it this time again?" I groaned out, pinching the bridge of my nose.

He smiled. "We are going to a restaurant." He informed me.

My brows etched closer, worry settling between them. "Have you forgotten about-"

"I know, Maurene. But this restaurant is different from the other one we went to. Besides, you would not be meeting Nathaniel, this time. I promise you." He offered a small assuring smile.

"No, Liam. We can go to any other place other than a restaurant. Why don't we-"

"Mom, I want to go to a restaurant with Uncle Liam." Kyle cut in from the back, I could see Kylie pouting her lips and I closed my eyes. They knew my weak point. There was nothing I would not do for them.

"Okay," I mumbled and they let out a cheer. Liam clapped with Kylie who giggled happily. Of course, it was a planned work, one that excluded their mother.

He took a turn and drove to the place. As he said, it was quite different from the one he had taken me to before. We stepped out and he led us inside. The reality that we looked like a family made me halt.

Liam noticed that I was not moving with them, he looked back and urged me to come. I forced my legs to move on their own. There was no way I would marry Liam truly. It was not advisable. I was not against best friends dating or marrying but... I felt more indebted to him.

The interior part of the restaurant didn't help at all because it looked like a family setup. That was when I understood what Liam was doing. He brought us here to make it feel like we were family. I closed my eyes, knowing I could not turn back at this point. He found a space at the corner and led us to settle there.

The waiter approached us, smiling politely. "What would you like to order, Sweet Family?" He asked. Shock masked my face as I lifted my gaze up to him.

"We are not-"

"These." Liam handed him the menu. He showed me the card before me. I glanced down at it. Sweet Family was written at the center. I almost scoffed. There was nothing sweet about a family that is not. "What did you order?" I asked him.

"You will like it, I promise." He told me. He has made lots of promises lately. Did he notice?

Some minutes later, our meal arrived. Kylie clapped her hands in excitement as they were placed gently before us. The table was carved in a way that we could turn it around. Liam was asked to sign the invoice. I tried to see the amount we were spending but the waiter moved away.

I was not okay with that. I didn't want to ask Liam because I knew he would not tell me either. Liam brought his phone and suggested that we take photos. We did that for like five minutes before we began to eat. I served the kids and placed the handkerchief around their necks before I dug into my meals. No one was allowed to speak while eating so the moment we were done, Kylie let out a satisfied noise.

"I like this place. I want us to come back here again, huh, Uncle Liam!" She told him.

He nodded. "We would, don't worry."

I suddenly felt pressed and excused myself to go to the toilet. Liam had suggested coming with me but I stopped him to look after the kids. As I made my way to the toilet, I tried not to let my instincts tell me that I would be meeting Nathaniel. I wanted to avoid him, at least from the time he found out about me being Maurene.

I let out a deep exhale as I entered the female toilet and eased myself. I rinsed my hand and moved to step out when I bumped into someone.

The person let out a curse under his breath and I gasped. "I'm sorry. I should have been careful with the door. I didn't think it would hit you. I am sorry." I apologized quickly. His cologne first registered in my head and I froze in place. I gazed up at him, shocked as hell. "B-Nathaniel," I stuttered.

"Maurene?" He called out as if he wanted to confirm that I was the one standing before him. I thought Liam said I would not be meeting him. Then why was he here? Oh, the kids!

I was dumbfounded as I stood rooted to the spot, scared that he would find out about the kids. I should try to distract him.

Panic coursed through me and my hands began to tremble. He quickly reached for me but I stepped out of his touch. "No," I stated.

Pain flashed through his features. "You are shaking, Maurene. Relax, I'm not going to hurt you." He said to me like he didn't do that in the past, leaving me with scars.

I ground my jaw. "You don't need to worry about me, Nathaniel." I bit out.

He reared back at my tone. "Maurene, I didn't know you would be here. Are you with Liam?" He asked, glancing behind me.

"It is apparently none of your business," I said, lifting my chin.

He exhaled. "See, Maurene. I really want you to come back to me and Liam, he is not who you think he is. He is-"

"What? He is what? Nathaniel?" I cut him off.

Did he think I was going to let him talk badly about Liam while I stood before him?

"At least, he didn't send me out of his house on a rainy night, did he?" I asked him, leveling him with a glare.

His eyes went wide slightly before he moved forward. "Maurene, I..."

I raised my hand, shunning him before he continued. "I don't want to hear anything from you. You have done enough damage already. Just let us pretend like we don't know each other. It is best that way." "Maurene, I knew you were pretending. You should listen. I can explain. I..."

"Explain what? Don't. Stop it. I will never ever return to you so clear every thought of that happened because it would never happen. Goodbye, Nathaniel." I walked out on him.

He looked like a lost puppy and I did not know if I should be satisfied that I told him my true identity or happy that he wanted me back. Either way, it is never going to happen.