The moment Debbie ended the call with Hailey, she packed her bags, cleared her table, and exited her office. Her office was very close to the city center, which wasn't far from Ollie and Enzo's school. She arrived quickly, parked her car, got out, and went to the twins' classroom.

The two little boys were seated in the chairs closest to the door. They already had their backpacks on, their eyes fixed on the door, anticipating their father, Cole Mathis.

"Aunt Debbie?" Enzo said, confused, when he saw his godmother instead of his father.

Enzo and Ollie reluctantly got up and went to the door where Debbie stood.

Debbie saw how grumpy the children were. She smiled sadly, crouched down to their level, and pulled her favorite little boys into a hug. She kissed them both on their cheeks. Usually, they would return the kiss, but today was an exception.

"Where's Daddy? Is he waiting in the car?" Ollie asked, standing on tiptoe, peering over Debbie's shoulders, his eyes searching for Cole.

"Yes, let him come in. I want him to meet my friends," Enzo said sadly.

Tiana, the class teacher, saw them. She smiled and approached.

"Good day, ma'am," she said to Debbie.

Debbie looked up and responded with a polite smile. Tiana crouched down to the twins' height, joining their small circle.

"They've been so excited to go home. They said their dad was coming to pick them up and couldn't wait for him to meet me."

"Yes, he was supposed to, but he had to attend to something important."

"Oh, I see," Tiana replied, then turned to the boys. "Don't be sad, sweethearts. I'm sure Daddy has a good reason why he isn't here. I know he's going to make it up to you."

Ollie and Enzo didn't react to their teacher's words.

"Thank you," Debbie said to Tiana.

"You're welcome." Tiana smiled, rose to her feet, and went to attend to other children.

Enzo had tears in his eyes. Debbie put her hand on his chubby cheek and caressed it. "We spoke to him this morning. He promised he would be here."

"Yes. He promised," Ollie added. He wasn't crying, but he looked very sad.

"Yes, he did, but something came up and he couldn't make it. That's why I'm here to pick you both up," Debbie explained, but the twins remained silent. "Are you both mad at Daddy?"

The boys nodded.

"You don't have to be. Like I said, he's going to make it up to you both."

"Is he going to come tonight?" Ollie asked hopefully.

"I don't know yet, but if you don't see him tonight, you should see him tomorrow. I promise," Debbie said, raising her right hand.

Ollie nodded slowly, but Enzo burst into tears.

"I want Daddy."

"Oh, my love. Please don't cry. You will see Daddy soon." Debbie wiped away his tears. She kissed his eyes and hugged him. They stayed like that for a while until Enzo pulled away, wiping his face.

"Don't be sad, Enzo. Daddy won't like to see you sad. I trust Aunt Debbie. Daddy will come to see us soon, okay?" Ollie reassured his brother, who nodded slowly. He then hugged Enzo. Debbie smiled as she watched the two boys. She was grateful for their brotherly bond and hoped Hailey had resolved things with Cole so they could be with their children that night. "Damn Vanessa!" Debbie muttered.

"I love you both so much." She hugged her godsons and kissed their foreheads.

"Do you want to go to the movies? The park? We can go out for a late lunch or have ice cream. We can also go to the arcade if you want?" Debbie suggested.

She saw both boys begin to smile, which brightened her day.

Jessica rushed into the police station. She showed her ID and introduced herself as Cole's lawyer. An officer responded and led her to a small room—just an empty room with three chairs and a table.

Jessica entered and hurried to Cole. He stood up, and they hugged.

The officer excused himself, quietly closing the door.

"Thank God you're here. I was getting worried," Cole said after they released each other. He looked very stressed; his hair was messy, and the top three buttons of his shirt were undone. "Sorry I took so long, but I'm here now. Did they touch you? Did they hurt you?" Jessica asked, examining him.

"No, they didn't. I feel like I don't understand myself anymore. I don't know what I did to Vanessa that she would inflict so much pain on me. I was troublesome growing up, but I never did anything that warranted arrest."

"It was insane when we got here. Paparazzi were everywhere. They had to put me in this room for peace's sake. I've been here for an hour, just thinking. I was going crazy."

"I'm so sorry about that."

"I felt helpless. Knowing I should be with my boys, having a good time with them. They must be so disappointed in me."

"No, don't say that. You didn't put yourself in this situation. Hopefully, we'll get this sorted soon, and you'll be back with your family."

"Were you able to reach out to Hailey? She must be so disappointed in me." He looked at Jessica intently.

"I spoke with her. She already knew."

"She wants nothing to do with me, right?"

"Why would you say that?"

"Because this is so embarrassing. The whole world knows about this. They think I'm a vile man, someone who beats up a pregnant woman. I can't believe Vanessa made me a monster in the eyes of the world."

"It doesn't matter what the world thinks. The woman you love most trusts you."

"What?" Cole asked, confused.

"She's very possessive about you. Aren't you one lucky man?" She smiled.

"What do you mean? Are you sure you spoke to the right person?"

Jessica nodded, smiling. "She called you sweet names that made me cry."

"I know you're tense, but Hailey isn't mad at you. She sent her best friend to pick up the kids. She'll join us soon."

"You're not making this up to make me feel better, right?"