Agora Hills

twenty

Chapter Twenty

November 17, 2024

Jacob had always been protective of his children, especially when it came to introducing them to new people in their lives.

After all, they had already been through so much. His seven children meant the world to him. He had always done his best to balance being a devoted father while navigating the challenges of his personal life.

Reeva, the woman he had recently begun to build something special with, had earned the approval of his ex-wife, which was no small feat. That approval opened the door for Jacob to finally introduce Reeva to his children. It was a day they had all been anticipating, and Jacob was both excited and nervous.

The morning was crisp with a light breeze flowing through the open windows of the house. It was a typical Saturday, filled with the hum of kids running through the house, scattered toys, and the faint sounds of music playing in the background.

Jacob had arranged for Reeva to come over, and he could tell that his kids were all buzzing with anticipation. They had heard a lot about her. Reeva had been a fixture in their father's conversations recently, and her music, in particular, had been a topic of excitement.

Jacob took a deep breath as he stood near the entrance, waiting for Reeva to arrive. He knew how much this moment mattered. His children weren't easily impressed, but they were incredibly warm-hearted.

Reeva, as much as he cared for her, had to win them over on her own terms. He could only hope they'd see the same qualities in her that he had—her kindness, her ability to connect with people, and the warmth that emanated from her when she was around him. 

Finally, the doorbell rang, and Jacob quickly went to answer it. Standing at the door was Reeva, as radiant as ever, wearing a smile that immediately put Jacob at ease. Her presence seemed to fill the space, and Jacob couldn't help but feel a surge of pride that she was about to meet his children. He led her inside, where the kids were already gathered, eager to see her for the first time.

Lenai, the eldest, had been counting down the days to this moment. For her, Reeva was not just another person in her father's life; she was a figure who had played a part in the soundtrack of her childhood.

Lenai was a quiet but deeply thoughtful young woman, and she had always been fascinated by Reeva's music. She had watched her performances on television and listened to her albums on repeat.

In Lenai's eyes, Reeva was a star, but not in a way that made her untouchable. Rather, Lenai admired her for her strength and grace, qualities that Lenai aspired to embody herself. As soon as Reeva entered the room, Lenai was the first to step forward, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Hi, I'm Lenai," she said, her voice a little more nervous than she had intended. "I've been listening to your music for years. It's such an honor to meet you."

Reeva smiled warmly at Lenai, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "The pleasure is all mine, Lenai. I've heard so many wonderful things about you," she replied.

The way Reeva spoke to her, with such sincerity, immediately put Lenai at ease. She felt as though Reeva saw her, not as the daughter of a famous man, but as an individual, which meant more to Lenai than she could express.

Teyana, Jacob's second-born, stood off to the side. She was a little more reserved than Lenai, and the prospect of meeting her father's new companion seemed a little overwhelming for her. Teyana wasn't one to open up easily, and she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about having another woman in her father's life. She had seen the way her father looked at Reeva, and while she didn't doubt her father's judgment, she was still adjusting to the idea.