50

50
Chapter 50

Derek Woods

'I'm here, mom'.
I sent mom a text once I arrived at the address she sent to me. I thought she was lodged at the hotel, but it was a mansion instead. A personal one. Perhaps she purchased a house to make herself comfortable.

I waited for only two minutes before the beautiful wooden door opened, and a smile spread across my lips as I spotted mom walking toward the gate. She was still the same beautiful woman ever. Tall, slim, pale skin, lengthy brown hair, and the most beautiful body shape.

As she approached me, I noticed the beautiful smile on her oval-shaped face. Her gorgeous almond eyes pierced at me.

"My darling..." she whined, coming to throw her arms around my neck, pulling me in for a hug, and I chuckled as I hugged her back.
It felt good and warm being in her arms, and I loved it.

"I've missed you so much, darling." She pouted her lips once she pulled away from me, her eyes boring into mine.

"I've missed you too, mom." I leaned in and kissed her hair, hugging her one more time. For a moment, memories of years ago came crawling back into my head. How she would always hold me in her arms when I was a kid. How she was always there for me. Who knows, maybe our lives would've been perfect if my so-called father didn't mess everything up for us?

"Come here, son. Let's go inside." She held my hand and led me into the house through the bar gate. It was a bungalow mansion, with a pool at the other end of the house. About five expensive cars were parked at the parking lot. Does mom really own this place?

We were welcomed into the living room by the beautiful fragrance of room freshener.
The living room was quite spacious, and furnished with expensive furniture. A chandelier light was descending from the ceiling.

"Darling, have a seat while I go get you water." Mom squeezed my hand gently with a smile on her face before walking away.

I stood still, looking around and taking in the appearance of the living room when I noticed the portrait hanging on the wall. It was a picture of my mom with some strange man, both smiling and in a romantic pose as though they were couples.

My jaws clenched tightly as I stared at the portrait, trying to comprehend what it was about. Did mom get married without telling me about it?

"Son..." I heard mom's voice behind me, and I turned to find her holding a glass of water. I managed to smile at her.

"Here..." she came to serve me the water, and I took it while muttering a 'thank you'.

I tried resisting looking over at the portrait, but I found myself doing it again once I was sitting on the couch.

"That..." mom paused, coming to sit beside me.

"That is mommy's boyfriend, darling." She explained to me, and I shifted my gaze to her, my face went blank for a moment.

"I couldn't tell you over the phone because I wanted to do it in person. We only started dating a couple of months ago. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, son." She reached for my hand and squeezed it gently while having an apologetic look on her face.

"It's fine, mom." I gave her an assuring smile.

"He has been looking forward to meeting you too. He will join us shortly." Mom was almost squealing in excitement.

"Hmm." I nodded.

"Do you love him, mom?" I looked straight into her eyes, and the smile that crept up her face gave me the answer she was yet to give me.

"Yes, darling. I love Ronnie. I really do." She nodded.

"Does he feel the same way for you? Are you sure about his feelings for you?" I asked her, and she didn't hesitate before nodding her head, meaning that she was sure about it.

"Ronnie loves me, darling. He has proven that to me several times that he really does." She replied to me, and I nodded.

"I am happy for you, mom." I held her hand and smiled at her. She deserved all the happiness in life. She has been through shit in her previous marriage with dad, and I didn't want her to fall into the wrong hands again.

"I will protect you, mom." I whispered, but not to her hearing.
I wouldn't hesitate to take a life if anyone ever messes with her happiness.

Our attention was taken to the footsteps descending the staircase.

"That is Ronnie, darling." Mom whispered to me, her voice sounded all excited.

"Oh..." I mouthed, then stood up and turned in the direction the man was walking toward us. He was in his mid-forties. He was about 6'4ft tall. Tanned skin. Muscularly built body. Oval-shaped face with brown eyes and highbridge nose.

A smile spread across his lips as he halted in front of me, holding out his hand to me for a handshake.

"Hey. It's nice to meet you."

I looked at his hand for a moment before shaking it, forcing a smile. I felt a strange feeling within me that didn't settle well with me. I could perceive a bad aura around him.

"It's nice to meet you too."

"I've heard so many things about you, and I'm glad we finally got to meet." he tucked his hands inside his pockets.

"Can't say the same for myself. We are just meeting for the first time." I chuckled dryly. Somehow, I didn't like this man. I know a traitor when I see one, and a part of me was telling me that this man right here, was one.

"Honey..." he turned to mom, and she quickly went to stand beside him. I watched as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder like the loving man he didn't look a bit like.
He kissed her hair, grinning from ear to ear. He looked like he was madly in love with mom, but for some reason, I found myself doubting that.

"Darling, why don't we go to the dining room and eat, hmm? I made your favourite." Mom smiled at me, her eyes gazing into mine...