If I had to describe this chapter in one word it would be Reality.

Shoutout to this story reaching 200,000+ words. A new record break for me.

OPOV

It was days like this when she couldn't believe there was ever a time that she was upset about her last pregnancy. Looking at her youngest daughter in her pink tutu and matching pink leotard with her hair in a high bun, as she did her best to follow her teacher's instructions made her heart explode with joy, all consuming joy. Just like her other two children she loved her with her whole heart. She wouldn't trade her for anything. To remember that she was upset by her unexpected arrival made her ashamed and guilty at times but she did her best to shake it off. After all, she was only human and sometimes humans err. How she felt back then was definitely not a reflection of her current feelings.

Standing there with the other parents in the observation area, she whipped out her iPhone and started recording a video of Mia twirling with another little girl as they held hands. They were both adorably trying their best to be as pliant and flexible while maintaining elegance even when they were not. Mia's twirl was less than graceful, it looked more like it belonged on the playfield than in a ballet studio but Olivia would never admit that out loud. As her mother it was her job to encourage her dreams and nurture her to the best of her abilities, even cheering her on in her less than stellar moments. In due time she'll find her knack, but in the meantime she would embrace her through all the trial and errors.

Once the class was over Mia ran towards her with lightning speed and she scooped her up in her arms, immediately planting soft kisses on her face.

"Mommy!" her sweet, childlike voice greeted affectionately.

"You did good, baby girl. And that twirly thing you did was-"

"On point," Amia sassed with a snap of her fingers and they both erupted into laughter.

"You got it."

As Olivia was getting Mia ready to leave Victoria Beckham and her daughter Harper, who was also in the ballet class, interrupted them.

"Liv, how are you, dear?" Her rich English accent prominent and it instantly made Olivia smile.

"Hey, Vicky, Harps. I'm good. How are you?" she returned while helping Mia into her black pair of UGG boots over her stockinged feet. Harper shot her a quick hello before instantly starting to talk to Mia about Frozen. Freaking Frozen, that's what it always boiled down to with kids these days.

"I'm wonderful. I need to ask you something."

"What's that?" Olivia queried, putting on Mia's brown jacket.

"What are you planning this year for the kids' Halloween?"

Olivia took a second to think about it. Halloween was a week away and they didn't have any plans. "Honestly, I haven't even thought much about it."

"Well, have no fear. We're planning a Halloween party for the children, and it would be lovely if you all come."

Olivia liking the idea of it and since they and the Beckham's were acquaintances she didn't see it as a bad idea at all. "Actually, that sounds great. Thank you for the invitation. Is it ok if my two nephews tag along?" She asked, keeping in mind of Cameron and Christian who spent major holidays with their cousins and didn't want to take away from their tradition.

"The more the merrier," Victoria replied jubilantly and with a wave of her immaculately manicured hand. "Here, let me give you my cell number."

By the time the two women exchanged phone numbers Olivia had finished getting Mia ready to head out. They continued conversing as they signed their daughters out of class and made their way out of the high-rise building. As soon as they exited the building a barrage of paparazzi with clicking camera greeted them, aggressively shouting questions.

"These bloody peasants!" Olivia heard Victoria's annoyed murmur behind her fake smile and she had to agree with her statement. Bloody peasants indeed! Since her Essence Magazine interview came out she was constantly being followed by the papz and it made her life a living hell. She wondered why the interest in her now? They were only this vicious at the beginning of her relationship with Fitz, but now they were hounding her daily; be it on her way to work, the grocery store, her Tuesday afternoon Pilates class, etc. She wasn't used to this sort of attention since her and Fitz did a damn good job of lying low and out of the media. His promise to keep their life as normal as possible was their reality, but since she got herself a little publicity somehow the camera was now upon her, much to her chagrin.

Olivia and Amia waved bye to Victoria and Harper amidst the crazy flashing when their driver pulled up to the curb to get them. Meanwhile, they continued their trek down the sidewalk to where Olivia had parked her Mercedes. As expected, the paparazzi followed them and pedestrians stopped to watch – curiosity getting the better of them. It was getting so bad that Olivia picked up Mia to increase the speed of their escape. But the papz swarmed them and kept shouting questions. She estimated that they were at least 6 of them. But with all of the noises and flash of cameras it sounded like a 3-ring circus.

"Olivia! Olivia! Is there news of Baby Grant# 4?"

"Olivia, what do you cook on a typical night for your family? Do you even cook or you leave that up to your personal chef?"

"Olivia, what is III Legend like at home? Is he a good father?"

"Olivia, can you look this way! To your right."

Olivia! Olivia!"

Oh fuck off! Her mind screamed but she dared not utter it with her 3-year-old in tow. Once she reached the perimeter of her car she unlocked it with a quick tap of the unlock button on the car key and carefully lowered Mia back onto her feet. The terrified look on her baby girl's face was alarming enough and the fact that the vicious pack of paparazzi was surrounding the car didn't help. Her heart was beating fast and her palms grew sweaty.

"Could you all back off? You got your picture now leave," Olivia hissed through clenched teeth, trying to ignore the harsh flashes the cameras emitted. More pedestrians stopped to look. But they didn't back off when she climbed into the backseat to buckle Mia into her car seat. Confident that her daughter was secure she climbed out of the car and made her way around the car to the driver's side. Two of the papz were standing in front of the car and she threatened to run them over if they didn't move out of her way and eventually they relented. Olivia was so upset and startled by their constant badgering that she pulled out of the parking spot and into the street without checking for upcoming traffic. The screeching tires were all she heard, as she slammed hard on the breaks, which harshly made her body jolt forward. A quick prayer left her lips as she waited for no doubt what would be a loud crashing sound as the two cars clashed together, but seconds later she heard nothing but quietness. It was the kind of calm that was evident after a raging storm. A quick glance to the backseat and she was able to exhale her held breath. Mia was ok, albeit staring wide eyed at her. She was ok.

"You ok, baby?"

"Yes, Mommy." But Olivia knew she wasn't. She could hear the raw tremor of emotions in her voice and wasn't surprised a few seconds later when she burst into tears.

"It's ok, baby. Mommy is sorry," Olivia placated. When the car behind her moved to the side with the window down she knew it would be some nasty words coming her way. A white middle aged looking man with salt and pepper hair was driving. She was still not fully out of the parking spot so he had to make his way completely around her.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Watch where you're going! You almost killed us both, Lady!" He yelled aggressively.

"I'm sorry," Olivia said remorsefully after cracking her window a bit. The man gave her an angry shake of his head and drove away. Through all of this the paparazzi hadn't relented their aggressiveness, which caused Olivia to feel even more frazzled, and she honestly felt like crying. How could people do that for a living? She didn't understand it and the entire thing reminded her of the Princess Diana incident. It honestly terrified her that she could've caused an accident while her daughter was in the backseat of the car. Amia was still shaken up when Olivia finally pulled out after double-checking for upcoming traffic.

So, as they made their way home Olivia spoke soothingly to her daughter to comfort her despite feeling frightened herself.

The first thing she did after greeting her eldest children with hugs who had just gotten in from school and assigning Iya with the job to get them an afternoon snack, which was an easy feat since most times they had an assorted fruit bowl or yogurt which was already pre-packaged in the refrigerator, she then made her way into the security room with Huck.

"How can I help you, Mrs. Grant?" He asked seriously, no doubt picking up on the fear reflected in her eyes. Olivia recounted her earlier episode and watched as Huck's body tensed with agitation. He wasn't pleased when they had let go of the other body guards/ drivers and neither was Fitz but Olivia thought it was fine since they were so off the radar that they would be safe and Brian was locked away and Quentin was selling his artwork on the streets in Miami, so that was another worry they didn't have. But looking back she was realizing that she was wrong. Today was an eye opener. She never wanted to put her children or her life in jeopardy and today she almost did. She much rather someone who was able to have a level head attach to their bodies at all times.

"If I'm understanding correctly, what you're requesting is that I hire extra security to chauffeur you and the kids and to also act as bodyguards?"

Olivia nodded. "You don't have to do anything now, I'll talk to my husband when he gets home but in the meantime I want you to know where we're currently at."

"Understood. And in the meantime, I'll do a mental log of some of the people I know who might be suitable for the job."

"Thanks, Huck," she smiled brightly, a weight already lifting off of her shoulders. Making her way out of the room she found her children in the kitchen still fully clothed in their school uniform and ballet outfit eating chocolate chip ice cream out of small white bowls by the breakfast nook.

"What is this?" she asked and all three curly heads popped up at the sound of her voice. Eyes wide and mouths tightlipped studied her, no one saying a word.

"Is this your definition of a healthy snack?" All three heads bopped up and down, still silence reigned. Olivia smiled and shook her head. That was all she could do at the moment. She was even relieved to see Mia back in high spirits. So if ice cream did the trick then she'd let them pass this time. Just to annoy them she took a scoop of Tommy's ice cream much to his dismay but before she could get the girls they had moved away their bowls from her spoon dipping dalliance.

"I have news." She announced, sitting on the empty white and black chair next to Tommy. Like clockwork her hand affectionately began rubbing the top of his head.

"What's that?" Iya asked, spoon hanging between her right thumb and index fingers.

Clasping her hands together and smiling, Olivia revealed, "The Beckham's has invited us to their Halloween party."

"Sweet…" Tommy chirped and Iya simply smiled her acceptance.

"Yay!" Mia squealed, ice cream covering her mouth and Olivia cringed at the sight of the sticky mess that she'll have to help her clean later.

"Good, I'm glad you're all excited. So now costumes. What do you want to go as?"

"Elsa!" the entire table sighed at the same time Amia announced who she wanted to dress as.

"Of course…" Iya trailed in an exaggerated voice.

"Hey!" Amia rebuffed with a pout before opening her mouth extra wide to swallow a small scoop of ice cream from a too big spoon.

Moving the conversation along, Olivia listed what they had so far, "Ok, so we have Elsa. What about you, Tommy?" She probed, turning to face him.

"Myself. I'm too big for playing dress up," he answered matter-of-factly.

"Child, puhlease…." Iya rolled her eyes at her little brother. "You're 9 and acting like you're 99!"

"Whatever. You're just hating because I'm cooler than you."

Iya scoffed and clutched her chest at his remark.

Meanwhile, Olivia smirked at his "serious" face. Even though he had grown out his chubby cheeks he was still that adorable little boy that called his sister Ya Ya and complained about her pinching him.

"Hate to burst your bubble, buddy, but you'll have to dress up in a costume if you're going to go to the party."

He sighed heavily in reply. "Ok, fine. I'll go as Drake." At that Olivia and Iya burst into laughter and Amia gave them an exaggerated huff at their loud laughing.

"Drake?" They chortled in unison.

"Yea. What's wrong with that?" Tommy asked nonchalantly, seeing nothing wrong with his request.

"Pray tell, brother, what this costume will entail?" Iya prodded once her laughter had receded.

Tommy started counting on his fingers as he listed each item. "Big gold chain, boots, jeans, a T-shirt, a jacket and a hat."

If he weren't so serious about it maybe it wouldn't have been so damn funny, but as it was, he was dead serious. Sobering up, Olivia reigned in her effervescent laughter and tried to be serious. "Ok, so far we have Queen Elsa and Rapper Drake." She really tried to not snicker at the end but failed to do so, but Tommy didn't care. One thing you had to have in this family and it was a thick skin. They were all used to the jabbing.

"I'll be a ballerina, like Misty Copeland."

"Ooo… I like that," Olivia cooed. It was sort of original and better than the other two in her opinion. Elsa was played out but she would never break her baby girl's heart by telling her that. And Tommy's Drake was just plain ole funny to see her sweet-hearted boy dress like a rapper. But to think of it, Drake was a big ole teddy bear himself so it wasn't too a far a reach. But before the day is out she knew he's going to change his mind.

FPOV

Fitz arrived home around 6:30 PM to the sight of his wife cooking while the kids were seated around the breakfast nook with their schoolbooks opened doing homework. Well, everyone but Mia. She was on the floor playing with her dolls.

"Good evening ladies and gentleman," he greeted with a smile, taking in the sight of his family after a long and hard day. Today he'd had a bitchy client that didn't take any of his suggestions to improve their song. He'd insisted on a certain beat and when Fitz told him it wasn't working he didn't want to hear him. So eventually Fitz relented and let him do what the hell he wanted, only to find out at the end that he didn't quite like it and much rather the beat a little faster – the same exact thing Fitz said. So after a frustrating time at the studio he was much relieved to see his family.

They all greeted him but Amia's "Daddy!" was the most excited, as she jumped up from her seat on the floor to hug him around the knees. He then lifted her and wrapped his arms around her lithe body while kissing her right cheek, then left and then her forehead. The soft cotton fabric of her housedress smelled like the fruity soap she bathed with.

"How was your day, princess?"

"Bad," she pouted, her signature thing to do. Fitz blamed it on Olivia since it was her go to thing to do whenever she was trying to garner sympathy.

"How so?" Fitz moved to the nook to ruffle Tommy's hair and plant a kiss atop his head before doing the same to Iya while balancing Mia on his hip.

"The people with cameras made me and mommy scare," she started. Olivia stopped her cutting up of vegetables and her and Fitz' eyes connected. "They won't stop taking pictures, Daddy. I don't like it!" Mia continued.

"The papz were following y'all today?" Iya looked equally horrified as she asked.

"Uh huh. And mommy was going to drive the car away but then we heard another car coming speed speed." Mia was retelling the story dramatically, her eyes widened as she recounted what happened with her hands flailing in the air.

"Livvie," Fitz called her name softly, making his way towards her.

"It was bad, Fitz. I almost caused a crash," she choked out. And just like that the floodgates were opened and she started crying. Fitz did only what he knew best and comforted her. After lowering Mia to her feet he pulled his wife into his arms and held her there while she expelled all the anxious energy.

Out of his peripheral view he saw Mia looking up at him with worried eyes, chewing on her bottom lip. Somehow still holding onto his wife he was able to bend down and pick up his baby girl again, to console them both. Fitz was angry that these unrelenting, pessimistic bastards almost cost him two of his most prized possessions. Enough was enough!

A few minutes later, Olivia was able to collect herself and resumed cooking while Fitz refrained from questioning her in front of the children as they too were shaken up. If it was up to him he would find each and every one of those fuckers and fire them, rehire them and then fire them again. He was seething mad but tried to temper it. Instead he made his way to the nook and engaged his older two children with questions about their homework while holding Mia against his chest. Since picking her up she had yet to let go of him.

Later that night after putting the kids to bed Fitz listened as Olivia recounted her horrible experience with the paparazzi down to her impairment of judgment when she pulled into traffic without looking for upcoming cars. He held her as she compared the incident to Princess Diana's death and that made him realize the depravity of the situation.

"I don't know what's there deal but they almost made me cause an accident."

"It'll never happen again," Fitz promised, already thinking of ways to prevent this reoccurrence.

"I hope so. I talked to Huck and told him that maybe we should rehire more security/drivers just to be safe." To say that he was shock was a huge understatement. He loved that she was being proactive regarding her safety and the safety of their children and not choosing to fight him on this like she had done in the past. Progress…

"I'm glad you did because that's exactly what'll happen from now on. We have to face it, baby, there's only so much normal we can be." As he sat in the single chair in the seating area of their bedroom with her in his lap he hugged her closer, inhaling her scent.

"I'm realizing that. After 13 years of being with you I finally get it," she chuckled, humorless.

"Me? I think this newfound obsession of the papz has a lot to do with you and your hotshot interview that is being quoted as revolutionary. To paraphrase Oprah, it's refreshing to see a modern day woman who takes pride in her family and her business without having to sacrifice one or the other." She blushed and he kissed her jawline. One of the most poignant quotes of the entire interview was the last question that was asked. 'How do you balance motherhood, being a wife and business owner?' Fitz was beyond impressed at her well thought out answer, especially after everything she'd been through with the interviewer who had insulted her early on. She was grace and class personified.

"Maybe only a little bit." She demonstrated with her right index and thumb fingers curved an inch apart. "But this wouldn't have happened if I wasn't married to you, though."

"Yes, it would because you'd still have your Art gallery and probably married to a man who is half as good-looking like me and loves you half as less."

She smiled, really smiled at his quip. "Maybe the love part is true but the good-looking part? Come on…"

He palmed one of her butt cheeks then and gave it a good squeeze. "What you trying to say, Mrs. Grant? Who you found more attractive than your husband? Mmm?" He bit down on her left collarbone, stood to his feet and carried her to the bed, dropping her unceremoniously onto it before pinning her body beneath his. Instantaneously she began laughing when he started tickling her when she couldn't offer up an answer.

"Fitz!" she squealed, laughter dripping from her mouth.

"Who's more handsome than your husband?" He asked again, this time moving one of his hands to tickle underneath her right arm.

"No one!" She confessed breathless. "No one! You're the handsomest of them all!" she drawled, much to his satisfaction.

"Good." Satisfied with his victory Fitz rolled off of her and onto his back, ignoring the tent he developed his in pajamas pants. Just lying on top of her soft body had him wanting her. As he was about to raise a conversation with her the sound of her cell phone interrupted his thoughts. Looking at the bedside clock he wondered who was calling his wife at 11 at night.

"Abby," she answered from across him. Their eyes connected as though they could telepathically read each other's mind, which in some ways they could.

"Ohmygawd! What?" The alarm in her voice caused Fitz to worry. "Abby, slow down slow down… What! He did what?!" Fitz couldn't wait for her to get off the phone because from the sound of the conversation it wasn't pleasant.

OPOV

She had just ended her phone call with her longtime friend. Her and Abby hadn't been as close as she would've liked throughout the years due to life and distance, mainly distance. However, she still classified her as one of her good friends. If they only spoke twice in a year their friendship would resume as though no time had passed between them. But tonight the phone call wasn't like that at all. It was heart wrenching and Olivia didn't know what to do with the information. So she lied on her back looking up at the ceiling with her husband to her right, as she replayed the words over and over, on a continuous loop inside her head.

"What's the problem?" His deep baritone voice asked, heavy with worry and a hint of agitation from her eerie silence.

Olivia took a deep breath and said, "Stephen is having an affair." The sharp breath her husband took in was like hers when she first heard it. The words didn't even feel right coming out of her mouth. But that wasn't the worst of it, so she continued. "And the woman is pregnant. She showed up to their house last night while they were having dinner with their daughter. Apparently, she's six months pregnant because her belly is very big from what Abby told me."

"Shit… that's horrible. So what is she going to do?"

"Well, that's the thing. She wants to leave him but right now she's not financially stable since she has been depending on him since Brooklyn was born and hadn't returned to work." Olivia turned to face him. "She tried kicking him out but he said that he wasn't leaving the house that he worked hard to buy. It's a clusterfuck!" Olivia sighed, a headache targeting her as she felt the pain for her friend.

Silence wrapped around them before Fitz broke it. "Maybe we can spot her some money until she got back on her feet. I wouldn't want to see her staying in that house one more second with that scum if I could help it. I fucking hate cheaters."

And this was why she married the man. His level of empathy is unparalleled and his heart very generous. However, she had to reign in his anger before memories of what Harrison did to his sister resurfaced, muddying the water that was finally translucent. Olivia had thought about giving her the money but knowing her friend she would be too prideful to receive any help.

"That's a good idea and all, but knowing Abby she will feel a way taking our money. I want to go see her. Maybe I can catch a quick flight up tomorrow and come back on Sunday." The plan was so last minute but she wanted to be there for her friend who was very much in need.

The look on her husband's showcased his complete displeasure of said plans. "I understand you want to go, but I don't think that'll work out. I have to work in the studio this weekend and I can't take the kids with me."

"Since when?" Olivia was agitated at his indirect way of shutting her down.

"Since my studio is a place of business and sometimes isn't a place for children. I have all types of artists that I work with and some of them I would rather not have around my children." In which she understood, like that creepy twenty-year-old guy that was trying to hit on Iya when she and Tommy had stopped there after school last week. Immediately, on the spot Fitz had thrown his ass out when he found out about it. He wasn't condoning that type of behavior at all and she didn't blame him. The young adult had told Iya, 'when you turn 16 holla at him'. Iya made it known to her father that he was making her uncomfortable and Fitz immediately took matters into his own hands. It was time like these she loved his protective nature but then there were times when he could be overbearing. Like right now.

"Fitz, the kids can always stay at Raye and Harrison's."

"Or, you can stay home with them," he deadpanned. Is he fa real? Olivia's neck snapped back.

"Seriously?"

"I'm serious, Olivia. I understand that she's your friend and all but you can't just up and leave like that. Tommy has a soccer game tomorrow, who's gonna take him? Iya needs to go to drama class, etc. See my point?"

"You don't have to lecture me. I know what needs to be done and I don't understand why you can't see why I would up and leave as you put it. My friend is in a crisis and she needs me right now." Her voice rose unintentionally but she was upset that he was lying there feeding her a list of her duties like she was stupid.

"That's why people have nannies!" Fitz's voice an octave or two higher than hers.

Olivia's neck snapped back even further at his outburst. "How long have you waited to spit that one out?" she asked snidely. Ever since Mama Awa retired Olivia had went back into her bubble of 'I can do it all and don't need outside help'. Call her old fashion or plain ole hands on but she'd rather they raised their children their selves than with the help of someone else. Fitz of course disagreed but after her constant refusal he eventually dropped it. But from his outburst he really didn't.

"I'm just saying if we have someone available besides my sister who could look after the kids when we're not around you won't have this issue but we don't. And that's an issue. That's been an issue for months now and I tried to say nothing but the reality is, this process you think is working is not really working. We need a nanny, Liv. It's not fair to Raye and Harrison to have to keep our children when we have to go out every time and vice versa. We can't keep doing this."

Olivia was hurt that he was saying all of this now when he could've said it months ago. "Why didn't you say something?" The hurt was evident in her tone.

Fitz sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Because when I told you I was going to let it go I truly was but reality is we need help, baby. And that's ok. That doesn't make you less of a mother if we have outside help. There's just too much on our plates and it would be smart to delegate some of the responsibilities." He cupped her face in his large palms. "You're not a bad mother if you have a nanny. Do away with that thinking, please…"

His pleading eyes beckoned to hers and although it pained her to hear him say exactly what she feared or secretly labeled herself as if she had another nanny, she allowed herself to see reason. It was all too much indeed. And despite telling herself that the kids were older and would be easier to manage was a damn lie. The older they got the more things they did, and poor Huck has sometimes falling into the job of babysitter when her or Fitz was running late. He is right; it was time for them to get extra help.

"You're right," she conceded softly, and he planted a chaste kiss on her forehead, as what she assumed was to soften the blow to her ego.

"So, we'll work on a new nanny and driver/bodyguard this weekend?"

She nodded her agreement. "And since I can't fly out to Abby, I want to fly her in. She can stay at our apartment since no one is currently there. Is that ok?"

"That sounds fantastic." Fitz wrapped his arms around her so that she was half lying on top of him.

They both sighed as they embraced each other after the hard day they had, love emanating off of their bodies and seeping into their pores even though their minds were miles apart. Olivia thought of her friend's pain while Fitz thought about how he was going to keep his family safe from bloodsucking parasites also known as paparazzi.

AN: Happy New Year to you all wonderful people. I'm just getting back into the hang of writing so this chapter was definitely a warm up. Let me know what you thought.

Checkout my blog called Kiki-Writes on Tumblr to see pictures relating to my stories.

Let 2016 be the year you leave reviews ;)

Until next time,

XOXO