99. ~Rowan~

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You let your treasure unguarded, then robbers are bound to set their eyes on it/

"Rowan."

I smirked at the tone of surprise in the asshole's voice at my my presence.

"Hey Derek." I gave him one of my rare saccharine smile. "You sound surprised. Don't tell me you did not expect to find me at my own daughter's half-birthday."

Derek just stared at me mutely for a moment and then blinked, shaking his head as the fakest smile appeared on his face. "No no, of course not. I am just sleep-deprived from my night shift and my brain just hit a pause button because I haven't seen you since that night at the club."

I nodded, pretending to take his bullshit.

"Come on in!" I said cheerily as I opened the door out wide for him.

He mumbled a thanks as he entered.

"Rory!" He sounded way too enthusiastic to see the love of my life.

"Hey." I liked the confused look on her face as she looked over at me and then back at him. "I thought you could not make it."

"I exchanged