Chapter 78 SPECIAL CHAPTER 01

Chapter 78 SPECIAL CHAPTER 01
Inside an expensive hotel lounge, Samantha sat across from a client scheduled to wed next month. They were meeting at the very hotel where the wedding would take place, chosen specifically for its stunning ceremony and reception venues.
"Thank you, Ms. Camnice. I feel so much more at ease knowing our wedding will be smooth and memorable," the bride said happily. Samantha offered the couple a sweet, professional smile.
"Don't thank me yet, Ms. Reyes. I’m just doing my job as your coordinator," Samantha explained, noticing the couple’s visible relief. "Most of the preparations are complete—the venue is set, and the catering and reception designs are settled. I just have a few more suppliers to touch base with, but other than that, you have nothing to worry about."
"We’re so grateful we chose you. The rumors aren't exaggerated, Ms. Camnice—you truly are an excellent coordinator," the groom added. Even though Samantha heard such praise often, she never quite got used to the compliments.
"I also admire how you manage everything so well, even while looking after your son," the bride noted. They all turned to look at little Spade, who was currently preoccupied with his dessert.
"He didn't have classes today, so I brought him along. My friend was too busy to watch him this afternoon."
"It’s alright! You’re such a good mother. I hope that when my fiancé and I have children, I can be just like you," the bride said warmly.
"I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful mot—" Samantha’s sentence cut short as a commotion erupted at the hotel entrance. Reporters were swarming the lobby, desperate for an interview with the Prime Minister of Romania, whom Samantha had just seen on the news.
From a distance, Samantha caught a glimpse of the handsome Prime Minister, his face set in a stern, serious expression. If Vladi were here, he’d probably be running toward him right now, she thought to herself.
"I thought it was just a rumor, but it looks like the Leadership Summit is actually being held here," the groom remarked. Samantha pulled her gaze away from the press and forced her focus back onto her work.
"Let’s discuss your wedding program. I have a sample here; please review it and let me know if you’d like any changes," Samantha said, handing over an envelope.
As she delved into the details with her clients, she didn't notice Spade slipping away from his seat. Not wanting to disturb his busy mother, the young boy headed off in search of a restroom.
Spade wandered down a long hallway, but no matter where he turned, he couldn't find a sign. "Am I lost?" he muttered. Just as he turned a corner, he collided with someone and tumbled to the floor.
"T-That hurts..."
"Are you okay, kid?"
Spade looked up to see a tall, handsome man reaching out to help him up.
"Sorry, I didn't notice you. But why are you wandering around this area by yourself?" the man asked, suddenly freezing as he studied the boy’s face.
"I'm looking for the bathroom, sir, but I think I lost my way."
The man crouched down to Spade’s level, his eyes searching the boy's features.
"Is there something on my face, sir?" Spade asked innocently. The man let out a small, stunned smile.
"There’s nothing on your face, kid. It’s just... I can’t help but see my boss in you," he murmured, leaving Spade confused.
"What do you mean?"
The man simply shook his head. "Nothing. Anyway, I’m headed that way too. Let’s go toget—" His phone interrupted him. He answered immediately.
"Yes, Prime Minister. Îmi cer scuze că nu m-am întors repede, doar că am întâlnit un micuț care se rătăcise. (I apologize for not returning quickly; I encountered a little one who got lost.)" His boss was calling him back. Hanging up, he placed a hand on Spade’s shoulder. "If you turn right at the end of this hallway, you'll find the bathroom. You can find it from here, right?"
"Of course. I’m good with directions," Spade replied confidently.
"You’re a smart kid... just like him," the man said with a slight bow before walking away.
"He's not my daddy," Spade whispered to himself. "He's totally not like me."

Back in the lounge, Samantha was pacing frantically. After finishing with her clients, she had turned around only to find Spade's seat empty. She knew he never wandered off without permission.
"Sam!"
Vladi appeared at the entrance, and Samantha rushed to meet him. "Vladi, what do I do? I can't find Spade!"
"Calm down," Vladi said, gripping her shoulders. "He’s in the hotel somewhere. Have you checked the whole building?"
"N-not yet. I was afraid that if I left this spot, he’d come back and I wouldn't be here."
"Then stay here," Vladi assured her. "I’ll find Spadey. Just breathe, okay?"
Minutes felt like hours until Samantha saw Vladi walking down the hallway, holding Spade’s hand.
"Spade Cedric!" Samantha cried out, running to her son and pulling him into a tight embrace. "You're okay, thank God."
"Your godson was just coming from the restroom," Vladi teased. "He’s eight years old but already acting like he’s thirty."
Samantha pulled back, looking at her son sternly. "Why didn't you tell me? Do you know how worried I was?"
"Sorry, Mom. I just didn't want to bother you while you were working, and I really had to go."
"Next time, tell me. You might be a big boy, but you’re still my baby," she said, hugging him again.
"Let’s get lunch. My treat," Vladi announced, scooping Spade up into his arms.
"I'm big now, Ninong!" Spade protested.
"I know, but sometimes you still need to be 'babied'."
"But I don't want to be treated like a baby. I'm big!"
"You child," Samantha chided gently. "Why are you so obsessed with acting mature when you're only eight?"
"To find Daddy," Spade answered simply. "If I act mature, I know I'll be able to find my daddy." Samantha’s heart twinged as she pinched his cheeks. "Don't rush it, anak. You're still young."

"Is there a problem, Prime Minister?" Mihai Dumitrescu, Cedric’s secretary, asked.
The first session of the conference had ended, and Cedric was heading out for lunch. He wanted to avoid the other political leaders and the inevitable shop-talk that would fill the break.
Cedric had stopped dead in his tracks. He had heard a familiar voice—or perhaps it was a familiar name. He turned and watched as a woman ran toward a young boy, wrapping him in a desperate hug.
He didn't know why he couldn't look away. There was something about the woman’s voice—and the way she had called out a name that sounded exactly like his.
"Prime Minister?"
"Is it common for people in this country to share the same name?" Cedric asked, his voice low and serious as he watched the trio walk toward the exit.
"Why do you ask, Prime Minister?" Mihai inquired.
Cedric tucked his hands into his pockets. "Nothing. I just asked." By the time they reached the door, the "family" was already gone. "Let’s go."
"Where would you like to eat, Prime Minister?"
"Let’s go to Baba’s house," Cedric replied, stepping into the car. He needed the comfort of his grandmother's home.