Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Three

Chapter One–Hundred Thirty–Three
Valerie's POV

I forced a smile on my face. "No, honey. It's not him," my voice came out softly. "But I got you something really cool. Wanna come see it?"

I offered a hand.

Jayden didn't seem interested one bit. His eyes watered as he stomped his feet on the ground. "No! I just want my daddy." With that, he turned and ran towards the exit.

My breath hitched.

A wave of anger mixed with frustration washed over me all at once.

I slowly turned to Sophia, who had been observing our little drama. "Please help me keep an eye on the kids. I need to handle that young man," I said hurriedly.

She nodded softly. "Don't lash out at him. He's just a kid...besides, he's the celebrant."

I let out a frustrated breath. "We're just going to have a conversation. That's all."

Without wasting another second, I rushed to catch up with Jayden, who was now at a distance.

"Jayden, honey. Wait up for Mummy," I called out.

The small crowd seemed distracted with activity and loud music, but I needed to sort things out as quickly as possible before they noticed our absence.

I was quick enough to notice Jayden's form pushing through the apartment door, and I followed suit.

I stepped into the living room, eyes searching for any trace of my son. "Oh Jayden, where are you?" I said in a sing-song voice.

No response.

My eyes widened as panic threatened to erupt in my chest.

Not funny, Jayden. This is definitely not the best time to play hide and seek.

I went into different rooms, checking carefully, pushing doors and moving furniture. By now, I was worried and contemplated seeking extra help to find him. But first, I needed to empty my bladder.

I headed for the bathroom in my bedroom. The moment I pushed the door open, my eyes landed on Jayden. He sat in the bathtub, head bowed, legs pulled up to his chest and wrapped tightly in his arms as he rocked gently.

"Jayden."

My voice made him look up, his eyes tear-stricken from crying, and it broke my heart.

I walked towards him and squatted down so our faces could meet. "Why did you run off like that?" I scolded. "You scared me."

He sniffled. "I'm sorry, Mum."

I let out a small sigh. "I thought we already had a conversation about your daddy?" I rested my hands on his shoulders. "What did I tell you?"

He bent his head. "You–you said when I become a big boy we can visit him."

That was the story I told whenever I wanted to end the conversation regarding...Jake. I have no intentions of ever taking my son to him.

I rubbed his shoulders gently. "Good. That's my smart boy."

I pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back gently. "I love you, Jayden."

His head nestled on my shoulder. "I love you too, Mummy," Jayden's adorable voice affirmed.

My heart melted like butter.

I couldn't stay mad at him even if I tried. Jayden was the reason I looked forward to waking up every day. He was my gift from the universe to compensate me for the love I never had.

I released him from my hold, a wide smile forming on my lips. "Now let's clean you up and head back to your birthday party."

"Okay, Mummy," he returned my smile.

Moments later, we returned to the garden, mother and son holding hands.

Sophia rushed towards us. "Thank God–I was about to look for you guys," her voice laced with relief. "The MC wants Jayden to cut his cake."

We hurriedly trailed behind Sophia as she led us to the table where the cake sat—large and rectangular, decorated in black and red with a Spider-Man figure placed on top.

The birthday song echoed from the crowd as Jayden cut his cake, followed by endless photos with friends and well-wishers. The photographer never rested as his camera kept flashing.

The celebration wound down gradually, with guests dropping gifts and leaving.

When everyone had left, I showed Jayden the bicycle I'd gotten him. He thanked me, although I didn't find any excitement in his eyes.

"Alice," my voice echoed in the apartment as I summoned the live-in nanny.

The young woman appeared before me in a flash. "Yes, ma'am."

"Please make sure to arrange Jayden's gifts in the storeroom," I instructed. "Don't worry about tucking him to bed. I'll do that myself."

"Okay, ma'am," she bowed slightly and left.

I went up to Jayden's room to prepare him for bed, after which I read him a bedtime story until he fell asleep. I pulled the blanket over his shoulders.

My eyes rested on his small form.

No matter how much I tried to run from Jake, I would always have a piece of him—Jayden.

It was high time I reconsidered my pile of suitors. I would do it for Jayden. Maybe if he had a father figure in his life, he would finally be happy.

The weekend went by faster than I imagined. It was a Monday morning. I woke up early to prepare for work. By the time I was dressed and headed to the dining room, an excited Jayden rushed me in a hug. "Good morning, Mom," his hands wrapped around my legs.

"Morning, honey. How was your night?" I bent to brush a peck on his forehead.

"'Twas fine," his lips curved in a sweet smile.

As if on cue, Alice appeared with a tray of pancakes and juice. She greeted me politely and set the food on the table.

After our hearty breakfast, I drove him to school and then to my office.

When I opened the door, the first thing my eyes landed on was a large bouquet of red roses sitting on my desk.

My brows knitted in surprise.

I reached out and ran my fingers over the lush petals. The warm fragrance wrapped around my senses.

I pulled out a card that was neatly tucked between the petals. "I hope you like flowers. Chad."

An involuntary smile slipped my lips. I checked my drawer for his card and dialed his number; he didn't wait for it to ring.

"You don't seem to give up easily, do you?" I teased.

His soft laughter tickled my ear. "Unfortunately, no. I'm guessing you got my message?"

My eyes rested on the flowers on my desk. "Yes."

"Do you like them?" he pressed.

I hesitated. "They're...beautiful."

A beat passed.

Chad cleared his throat. "About that date...is now a good time to push my luck?"

For a fleeting second, my brain short-circuited. I didn't know what to say...