It was meant to be

10 - Unwelcome Visitors

Tessa

A few days later...

It's been a few days since Alex came back in my life. But since then, he didn't bother me. But I have to be careful because he's dangerous and I don't want to risk Hardin and Auden's lives.

Auden is feeling well, his ear infection is almost gone and he's back at his normal state: happy and energic kid.

While I'm preparing lunch for Auden, the doorbell rings. I assume it's a delivery, but when I open the door, I find a middle-aged couple standing there. They're well-dressed but their expressions are tight, as if they've been holding in something for a long time.

"Can I help you?" I ask, my heart pounding. I'm not used to unexpected visitors, especially not after everything that's happened.

"We're here to see Hardin." the woman says, her voice firm but strained. "I'm Natalie's mother, Mary, and this is my husband, Will."

I'm taken aback. "Natalie's parents? Oh, um, Hardin's not home right now. He's at work."

The woman's face softens, though only slightly. "We've come a long way. It's important that we speak with him. It's about Natalie's estate and some personal matters we need to address."

I hesitate, feeling overwhelmed. Hardin never mentioned Natalie's parents coming back into his life, and with everything else going on, this feels like the last thing we need.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you in without Hardin's permission," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"But who are you, girl?" The woman says as he scans me from head to toe.

"I'm Tessa. Auden's nanny. I can't let you in. Not without Hardin's permission."

"Lady, we're the grandparents of that kid. Don't be ridiculous. We're not strangers!"

"Please." the man says urgently. "We need to discuss this with him in person. It's important."

I look between them, unsure. "I'll let him know you're here. Could you please wait outside or in the garden?"

They nod, their expressions still tense. I close the door and immediately call Hardin. I need him to be aware of the situation before he gets back.

Phone call

"Hardin, it's Tessa," I say when he answers. "Natalie's parents are here. They're asking to see you, and they seem quite urgent about it. What should I do?"

There's a pause, and then Hardin's voice comes back, tight with strain. "I didn't expect them to show up. I'll head back right away. Please, make sure they don't upset Auden."

"Got it." I reply, hanging up and heading back to the door to let Natalie's parents know what's happening.

As I wait for Hardin to return, I can't shake the feeling that Natalie's parents showing up is yet another complication I didn't need. Balancing my own issues with Alex and now facing people from Hardin's past feels like walking a tightrope. With their presence here, I'm glad that Auden is taking his nap and I don't need to let him around these people.

After what feels like an eternity, Hardin finally arrives, his face set in a grim expression. He strides past me to where Natalie's parents are waiting in the garden.

"Mary, Will," Hardin greets them, his voice strained. "What brings you here?"

"Hardin, we need to talk." Mary says, her tone softening slightly now that Hardin is present. "It's about Auden."