CHAPTER 24: H-HE’S NOT THEIR FATHER!

Third POV

-----

Alpheus couldn’t help but smile as he watched the kids, still half-asleep and curled up on the sofa, completely unaware of his presence.

He couldn’t help but feel amused, seeing so much of Rome’s face in the two of them—they looked almost identical, yet their personalities couldn’t be more different.

Egypt was talkative and lively, while Paris was more reserved and observant, just like Rome. Still, they were both charming in their own ways.

A moment later, he noticed Egypt stealing a glance in his direction—only to quickly look away again. But then, she peeked once more, this time rubbing her eyes as if trying to confirm what she was seeing.

He watched as she nudged Paris, who was lazily slumped over the armrest of the sofa, still half-lost in sleep. Paris barely stirred, shifting just slightly before drifting back into her dreams.

"Uncle Alpheus... are you real?" Egypt asked in a dreamy voice.

Alpheus let out a soft chuckle.

The sight of them warmed his heart—fresh from sleep, their curly hair sticking out in every direction. That wild hair was definitely from their mother. But their faces? Every feature was Rome.

’Can you see this, Rome?’ he thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. ’I’m lucky... I get to see the little girl version of you.’

"Haha, yes, Egypt" he said gently.

Her already wide eyes grew even rounder, sparkling with joy. Then, with a delighted squeal, she jumped to her feet and dashed toward him.

"Oh my God! So it’s real—you’re really here, Uncle Alpheus! When did you get here?!"

Whatever sleepiness she had earlier vanished instantly—just like the night before, when he had dropped by unexpectedly.

------

"Is it good?"

Alpheus asked the twins with a smile, watching them eat with so much enthusiasm.

He quietly pulled out his phone and discreetly snapped a photo of the two, unable to resist capturing the moment.

"Yessss!" Egypt replied cheerfully, her voice slightly muffled by the bread she was happily munching on.

Sylvia couldn’t help but wince a little at her daughter’s loud eating.

Meanwhile, Paris sat beside her, chewing gracefully on the bread Alpheus had brought—like she was at some elegant tea party.

’There’s no doubt about it—Paris definitely takes after me’ Sylvia thought proudly, her gaze softening as she watched her quieter daughter.

"Mom, what time is it?" Paris suddenly asked, snapping Sylvia out of her thoughts.

She quickly glanced at her watch, and her eyes widened.

"Kids, finish your breakfast or you’ll be late for school!"

She stood up quickly and went to prepare their school bags, only just remembering that the twins had class today—she’d been so caught up enjoying the peaceful moment.

"I’ll take them," Alpheus offered, standing up after finishing his own breakfast.

"I brought my car today."

He moved over to help the kids get ready, already reaching for one of their bags with a gentle smile.

"No need, the twins’ school is just nearby."

"Then I’ll just come with you." Alpheus offered casually.

Sylvia turned to look at him, surprised. It was only then that she noticed what he was wearing—his clothes looked freshly pressed and clean, like he was also heading to work.

It made her suddenly conscious of their surroundings. Her home wasn’t exactly in the best shape—most of the furniture was old, and the interior was far from presentable. The contrast between him and the worn-down state of her home made her feel a bit embarrassed.

"Ah, that’s really not necessary, Alpheus. You might be late for work," she said awkwardly. "It’ll only take a few minutes to walk them."

"No, I insist. Besides, I’m the boss of my own company," he replied with a warm smile, "so I get to decide what time I go in."

With nothing more to say, she reluctantly gave in. And so, Alpheus ended up walking with them while carrying one of the girls’ pink Barbie backpacks without complaint.

As they strolled along the street, Paris gently tugged on his sleeve.

"Uncle"

Alpheus stopped mid-step and looked down at her, curious.

"Uncle, is it uncomfortable?" Paris asked, glancing at the Barbie bag he was carrying.

"What do you mean, Paris?" Alpheus asked gently.

"Our bag... and the way people are looking at you..." Paris said shyly.

Her words made both Alpheus and Sylvia glance around. As they neared the small school, it became obvious—people were indeed staring.

A few adults, probably other parents dropping off their kids, were casting curious looks their way.

Alpheus, however, didn’t seem bothered at all. If anything, he walked even more confidently, still carrying the bright pink Barbie backpack with ease, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Sylvia, on the other hand, began to feel self-conscious. She could already guess what the people were thinking.

In this neighborhood, everyone knew her as a single mother. So to suddenly show up with a handsome man beside her—one who was carrying her daughters’ bags—it was bound to raise a few eyebrows.

’They’re probably jumping to conclusions’ she thought, biting the inside of her cheek.

"Why? Are you shy that I’m the one walking you to school today?" Alpheus asked casually, flashing Paris a gentle smile.

"N-no! I mean it’s the other way a-around!" Paris blurted out, surprising even herself with how loud her voice had gotten. Alpheus chuckled at her reaction.

"There’s nothing wrong with me walking you to school, is there? So don’t mind them."

Sylvia overheard their exchange and couldn’t help but smile to herself. Maybe he was right. Maybe—for once—she didn’t have to care what people thought.

When they arrived at the classroom, the children’s teacher, Miss Amie, was already waiting by the door.

"Teacher Amie! Good morning!" Egypt called out excitedly. Then she ran up to the young teacher with a big smile on her face.

"Good morning to you too, Egypt!" Amie replied warmly, crouching slightly to meet Egypt. Then, as she stood upright, her gaze shifted to Sylvia and Paris.

"Good morning to you as well, Ms. Sylvia and Paris" she greeted politely.

"Good morning, Teacher," Sylvia replied with a nod. "Just like always, I’ll be leaving my kids in your care—especially Egypt. You know how much of a handful she can be sometimes." she added with a light chuckle.

Amie laughed softly. "Egypt isn’t difficult at all. She’s generous and always active in class. You don’t have to worry about her, Ms. Sylvia."

Sylvia smiled warmly at the teacher’s kind words. She often had to rush off to her shift at the restaurant where she worked as a waitress, and she knew how tiring it could be to handle kids all day. That’s why she was always grateful for Amie’s patience with the twins—especially with Egypt’s boundless energy.

"I’ll take good care of them, don’t worry."

Amie assured her kindly—then paused as her eyes finally landed on Alpheus, who stood out among the small crowd of parents.

"Oh! I’m so sorry, sir—I didn’t notice you right away! Good morning! And don’t worry, I promise to take good care of your daughters!" she said politely.

Sylvia’s eyes widened in alarm.

"Oh—no, no! You’re mistaken, Teacher!" she blurted out, clearly flustered. "He’s not their father!"

As the words left her mouth, she could practically feel Alpheus grinning beside her. And when she stole a glance at him, she saw it—his face lit up. He didn’t look offended at all... in fact, he seemed quite pleased.