Chapter 14 14

Chapter 14 14


Vanessa’s POV

It was finally weekend and I was elated. I had waited all week for a full day with Emily. No work calls, just me and my baby girl.

We were on a date and I watched her run toward the playground in her tiny blue dungarees and pink shirt. Her curly hair bounced as she laughed, running from one swing to another.

“Push me, Mummy!” she giggled, already climbing the little slide.

I sat on the bench nearby, my eyes never leaving her. I was probably more excited than she was and even wore matching shoes with her. 

The sun was out, but not hot and the day was perfect. I took out my phone to take a picture of Em when I see her hugging a little girl near the sandpit. I squinted my eyes, confused for a moment wondering who it was. 

I looked closer when I saw the familiar curls it was Alice; Elliot’s daughter. I stood up so fast, my bag almost fell off the bench.

I looked around almost frantically. Was Bernice here? If she was, there was going to be a problem because I couldn’t stand her near my daughter. 

I moved to go pick Emily up and go when I saw Elliot. 

He was looking casual and different from his cooperate ensemble. He wore a plain white t-shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers. His arms were crossed and he looked calm and handsome. 

I immediately looked away, my jaw tight since his eyes were on me. Was he following me? There were dozens of parks in Houston why this one?

Whether he was stalking me or it was a coincidence didn’t care I needed to leave immediately.

I picked up my bag, grabbed my phone, and was just about to call Emily when I heard his voice.

"Hey, Nessa," he called out, walking toward me slowly.

I hated his fucking voice. “Hey Boss, we were just about to leave,” I said flatly, avoiding his eyes.

He smiled like he didn’t even hear me.“ You can just call me Elliot there is no need to be formal outside work. It’s a coincidence running into you here,” he said. “Didn’t think you liked this side of town.”

I was already walking away to get Emily when she turned and ran to me with Alice. “Mammy! Ice cream!” she shouted, pointing at the colorful cart nearby.

“Not now, baby,” I said quickly. “Let’s go home, okay?”

She pouted her big brown eyes looked up at me, and my heart melted.

“Please, Mammy,” she begged. “Just one please.”

Before I could say anything else, Elliot spoke, “I’ll get you girls ice cream. Let’s all go they’re having fun playing together.”

“This isn’t some group outing.” I said sharply under my breath.

“Relax, Nessa. It’s just ice cream.” He said. 

I wanted to say no but Emily was already pulling my hand and walking toward the cart, and Alice followed, skipping along.

Elliot walked beside me like we were some couple out with the kids. I didn’t like it any of it.

When we reached the cart, the woman selling smiled brightly.

“What a cute family,” she said. “Two beautiful girls! They look like sisters!”

I opened my mouth to correct her, but Elliot spoke first.

“Thanks,” he said, smiling proudly.

“We’re not…” I started to say, but he handed the woman cash smiling. “Keep the change” he said cutting me off. 

Emily held up her ice cream cone and cheered. “Yay!” She ran off with Alice who got the same flavor.

I sit down when Elliot sat next to me. “Your daughter is very pretty, how old is she now?”

“Three, she turned three in May.” I said my heart clenching.

He nodded, looking over at the girls. “Alice turned two last month.”

I blinked and tried to calculate it in my head. Emily and Alice  were one month apart which meant he had gotten Bernice pregnant right after I signed the divorce papers or maybe even before.

I clenched my fists and my throat burned. I wanted to scream but I just nodded, biting the inside of my cheek hard.

“Crazy how close in age they are,” he said casually, looking down at me. “Almost like they could be twins.”

You bastard.

“You okay?” he asked, noticing the sudden silence.

I turned to him, forcing a fake smile. “Yeah; I just remembered something I need to do.”

“Right now?” he asked. “Yes, right now I need to go home.”

“Nessa…” he began, his brows drawn. “Why are you so pale suddenly are you okay?”

My skin crawled at how he looked concerned. “Come on, Emily,” I said getting up immediately. “We’re leaving.” I said going to get her.

She dug her little feet into the ground. “No! I want to play with Alice!”

My eyes stung and I closed them for a moment.

“Don’t be mad, Mammy,” Emily whispered. “I just wanna play a little.”

I looked down at her and she was holding her icecream tightly, her bottom lip trembling.

God I hated how soft I was for her. “We’d play at home.” I tried to convince her.

“Let me drive you home if it’s urgent. It’s getting hot and the kids are already tired.”

“I don’t need you to drive…” i started. 

“Mammy, can he drive us?” Emily asked, looking up at me. “Please? I like Alice.” God, she had no idea what she was asking.

Elliot chuckled softly. “It’s not a big deal, I’ll drop you off wherever.”

I should’ve said no but the look on Emily’s face, and I was to drained to argue. 

“Fine.” I agreed.  “Great,” he said, smiling and I followed him silently to his car, clutching Emily’s hand the whole time.

He opened the back door and helped Alice into her seat first, then held the door open for Emily who squealed and climbed in next to Alice. 

Elliot opened the passenger door for me, but I walked to the other side and slid into the back seat with the girls instead staring out the window.

Except the chatter of the girls the drive was quiet. We got to my house and he pulled up beside the curb and parked smoothly.

“Can I come in?” he asked gently, his voice almost unsure.

I turned to look at him the hatred I felt for him on full display. 

“No,” I said sharply. “Thank you for the ride.” I mutter.

“Right, of course.” He said 

I opened the door and stepped out, reaching back for Emily.

“Come on, baby.”

She blinked tiredly and took my hand as I helped her down. Her little fingers curled around mine and I held her tight walking into the building without looking back.

I got a text all of a sudden.

"They have been digging to know more about you. Though our encryption is very tight, they don't seem to stop anytime soon"

I sighed. I never thought they would suspect so soon.