Chapter 19 {Geniuses}

Aurora, Apollo, and Nevaeh all fought about what ice cream they wanted Sierra on the other was busy playing game on her Zeken device she looked up at her kids and she took a step forward she just ordered for them which made the kids extremely happy they knew their mama loved them so much and they would anything to protect their mama.

The triplets' faces lit up with joy as Sierra handed them each a cone with their favorite flavor of ice cream. They hugged her tightly, thanking her in unison. Sierra smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart as she hugged them back. She took a photo of them with her Zeken device, capturing the happy moment. As they walked away from the ice cream stand, Sierra noticed a few people staring at her again, but this time, she felt a sense of pride and confidence. She knew that she was a good mother, and that her children loved and appreciated her.

As they continued to enjoy their ice cream, Sierra's Zeken device beeped, indicating an incoming message. She glanced at the screen, her expression changing slightly as she read the message. It was a notification from an

unknown number, with a single sentence: You can't hide forever, Sierra.

Sierra sighed and sent a message back.

Sierra: Patriarch it's impolite to send strangers messages please do keep that in mind.

Patriarch Magnus's response came immediately: I don't think you're in a position to lecture me on etiquette, Sierra. We need to talk.

Sierra: Sir we already talked yesterday and I told you I do not wish to be surrounded by you or your damn powerful family so please respect that wish.

Patriarch Magnus's response was laced with amusement and a hint of annoyance: Oh, Sierra, you're as feisty as ever. I like that about you. But let me make one thing clear: I don't take no for an answer. We will talk, and we will do it soon. Don't bother trying to avoid me, I'll find you.

Sierra: Patriarch Magnus if you aren't careful some would think you are trying to chase me. Don't you know the rumors I am a wild woman who has slept around.

Patriarch Magnus's response was immediate and sharp: Don't play games with me, Sierra. I'm not some foolish man who believes everything he hears. I know the truth about you, and I know what I want. And what I want is you. Don't try to use your supposed'reputation' to scare me off. It won't work.

Sierra: Patriarch Magnus, you and Princess Elena have had a child together and I am not someone who breaks up families as you also might know I am a mother of three triplets so it can't happen stop annoying me and focus on your nephew Lucas wedding.

Sierra felt so annoyed she took a deep breath she should change her number.

Patriarch Magnus's response was cold and calculated: You think you're so noble, don't you? But let me tell you, Sierra, you're just a pawn in a much bigger game. And as for my family, don't pretend like you care. You're just using that as an excuse to push me away. But I'll let you in on a little secret: my relationship with Elena is... complicated. And as for Lucas's wedding, I'll make sure to send my regards. But don't think for a second that this is the last you've seen of me, Sierra. I always get what I want, and what I want is you.

Sierra's eyes narrowed as she read the message, her annoyance turning to anger. She had had enough of Patriarch Magnus's games. She quickly blocked his number and deleted the conversation, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She turned her attention back to her children, who were laughing and playing together, completely oblivious to the drama that had just unfolded. Sierra smiled, feeling grateful for their innocence and joy. She made a mental note to change her number and to be more careful about who she let into her life. She wasn't going to let anyone disrupt her peace or her family's happiness.

After a long day Sierra took her kids back home she felt so tired and exhausted she told the kids they can order whatever they wished as she went to bed. Aurora who is a lover for games put on her own pink headset and turned on her Luio pad and she sat in her room.

"Hello Taylor are you ready to ride with me!?" Aurora asked and on the other side was a guy who has been riding along side Aurora has learned a lot from her. Taylor was actually twenty-one years old he found the other party funny but also so bossy.

"No you stupid Tay! You are doing it wrong now shoot twice dodge move to the right!"

Taylor chuckled and shook his head,

"Aurora, you're such a dictator. Alright, alright, I'll do it your way... again." He followed Aurora's instructions, his fingers moving swiftly over the controls as he executed the moves.

"Whoa, nice call! That was a close one. You're a natural-born leader, Aurora. I'm just a humble sidekick." He teased, his voice laced with amusement. The two gamers didn't know each other in real life. Taylor would be shocked to find that Aurora is six year old gamer. Both don't talk about their families only about games and they have known each other for a year now.

Aurora giggled, her voice squealing with delight.

"Haha, shut up Taylor! You're just mad because I'm better than you! Okay, next level, let's go! We need to beat this boss!" She shouted, her pink headset glowing in the dim light of her room. Taylor chuckled and shook his head.

"You're something else, Aurora. Alright, let's do this. But if we die, I'm blaming you."

The two gamers continued to play, their banter and laughter filling the virtual space. They were a well-oiled machine, working together seamlessly as they navigated the game's challenges. Taylor had no idea that his gaming partner was a six-year-old girl, and Aurora had no idea that Taylor was a twenty-one-year-old man. All they knew was that they had a blast playing together, and that their partnership was unbeatable.

Aurora gaming nickname was Rory Cherry so that's what people knew as. She let out a yawn as her small fingers moved around the air keyboard.

Taylor's voice came through the headset.

"Whoa, Rory, you okay? You sound a bit sleepy. We can take a break if you need to." He paused, waiting for her response, his fingers hovering over the controls.

"We can't have our star player falling asleep on us, after all!" He teased, trying to keep the mood light.

Aurora rolled her eyes and she sighed.

"T-Bay I am logging off now keep on training," Aurora said.

Taylor chuckled.

"Alright, alright, Rory. Get some rest, kiddo. I'll keep training and try to catch up to your skills. Later, Rory Cherry!" He said, using her gaming nickname.

As the connection dropped, Taylor leaned back in his chair, a smile on his face. He couldn't believe how much he enjoyed gaming with Rory, despite not knowing anything about her real life. He shook his head, wondering what her story was, but pushed the thought aside. He had a long night of gaming ahead of him, and he was determined to finally beat that one level that had been giving him trouble.

Apollo who was doing his own thing took off his virtual reality glasses he took a deep breath while he was also gamer virtual reality games were his things and he was known as the sword god people will freak out if they find out that he was just six years old. He has four people in his party they do all kinds of quest together and also level up together. "How was your quest?"

"They…I don't want to be rude or mean but they need more training!" Apollo snapped as he sat down.

"Pffff same T-Bay needs more training if he wants to keep riding with me humph!" Aurora said the two of them sighed.

Apollo rolled his eyes.

"Aurora, you're always so bossy. Can't you just be nice for once?" He said, a hint of a smile on his face. Aurora giggled.

"Hey, someone has to keep you guys in line. Besides, I'm just trying to help you all improve." She teased, poking her brother with her elbow. Apollo playfully pushed her away.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. But sometimes you can be a bit too much, Rory." He said, using her nickname. The two siblings sat in comfortable silence for a moment, both of them lost in their own thoughts about their respective gaming experiences.