Chapter 91 SPECIAL CHAPTER 14

Chapter 91 SPECIAL CHAPTER 14
Cedric chose the Sky Garden for their outing, picking up Spade and Vladi early that morning. Samantha had already left for work, leaving the boy in the care of her best friend.

Cedric found himself oddly unsettled by Vladi’s presence. Despite being gay, the man possessed a stature and appearance that were deceptively masculine until he spoke. Cedric couldn't quite put his finger on why Vladi’s presence bothered him, but he pushed the thought aside.

They sat on a park bench while Spade ran off to play with a group of children. To avoid being recognized, Cedric wore a cap and sunglasses, maintaining a low profile while Mihai kept a watchful eye from a distance.

Cedric sat with his legs crossed, observing the scene, but his brow furrowed when he saw a slightly older boy shove Spade, sending the small boy tumbling onto the grass.

Children fight, Cedric thought initially, staying seated to see how Spade would handle it. However, he was on his feet in an instant when the older boy followed up with a kick to Spade’s side.

"Why do you want to play with us anyway? You don't even have a father!" the bully jeered.

"You're wrong! I have a daddy and he's right here with me!" Spade cried out, his voice thick with suppressed tears. As the bully raised his foot for another kick, Cedric reached out, caught the boy's leg, and firmly pushed him away.

The other children froze, staring up at the tall, imposing figure who had suddenly appeared.

"Daddy!" Spade scrambled up and buried his face in Cedric’s side.

"Are they bullying you?" Cedric asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"H-he said I don't have a father... they didn't believe I was with you," Spade sobbed. Cedric placed a firm, comforting hand on the boy’s head.

"A man does not shed tears, especially not my son," Cedric said. He turned his chilling gaze toward the bully. "You said he has no father. So, what am I? An illusion?"

The boy shrank back, trembling.

"Next time you bully my son, I will punish you myself," Cedric warned. Terrified, the boy bolted, and the other children quickly scattered back to their parents.

Cedric led Spade back to the bench and sat him down. "Do people bully you often because I wasn't there?"

Spade nodded slowly. "But I kept it a secret from Mommy because I didn't want her to worry. My classmates said I didn't have a daddy because I wasn't lovable... but I have one now. I have you."

Cedric felt a strange tightening in his chest as he looked at his son. "If anyone ever bullies you again, you tell me."

"Does that go for Mommy, too? If someone is mean to her, should I tell you?" Spade asked innocently.

Cedric looked away. "Your mother is an adult; she can stand up for herself. She doesn't need me to protect her."

"But Mommy cries sometimes when people call her bad names," Spade whispered. "Especially Lola. When we try to visit, they're always angry. Lola even slapped Mommy once. I couldn't do anything because I’m just a kid."

Cedric went silent. Samantha had mentioned her parents' disapproval, but he hadn't realized the extent of the cruelty she had endured.

"And Daddy... there’s a woman who is always mean to Mommy at work," Spade added.

"Who is this woman?" Cedric asked, his jaw tightening.

In the expansive gardens of a luxury hotel, Samantha was focused on the wedding rehearsal for her latest client. They were waiting for the bridal party to arrive before beginning.

Everything started smoothly, but Samantha’s heart sank when she spotted Mrs. Buenavista among the guests—a woman who seemed to make it her life’s mission to humiliate Samantha.

"With so many respected wedding coordinators out there, I can't imagine why you chose her," Charice Buenavista remarked loudly to the bride. "No offense, Lauren, but your wedding should be special."

"But Ms. Camnice is highly respected," the bride replied, looking confused. "She’s handled everything perfectly."

"Mrs. Buenavista, I am performing my duties to the best of my ability," Samantha said, forcing a polite smile. "And since you aren't the bride, I don't believe I need to please you."

Charice’s face twisted. "See, Lauren? She has an attitude. And did you know she’s a disgrasyada? She got herself pregnant and the father didn't even want her."

"Charice, that’s enough!" the bride snapped.

"I don't know why you have such a grudge against me," Samantha said, finally snapping. "What is your problem?"

"You. And that son of yours who was abandoned by his father."

"Ms. Camnice, I am so sorry," the bride whispered, turning to Charice. "Apologize to her, right now."

"Why would I? Everything I said is the truth. She walks around like she’s someone important, but she’s just a woman who couldn't keep a man."

Heads began to turn throughout the garden. Despite the bride’s attempts to stop her, Charice continued her tirade. "Even your own parents kicked you out, didn't they? You’re an embarrassment. Do you even know who the father is, or was it just some random stranger?"

"Charice! That is way too much!" the bride yelled.

"So what if I am a single mother?" Samantha said, her voice trembling with rage. "I’ve never hidden that part of my life. You can try to shame me all you want for your own insecurities—"

"What?! What insecurities—"

"—But do not bring my son into this," Samantha cut her off, pointing a finger at the woman. "I may have made mistakes, but at least I know how to respect people. You, on the other hand, have the manners of someone completely uneducated."

Charice turned bright red with fury. Samantha turned to the bride. "Let’s take a one-hour break. We’ll resume the rehearsal after everyone has calmed down."

"Laurice! Why are you apologizing to that woman?!" Charice screamed as the bride walked away in disgust. "You're just acting like a victim to get sympathy! You and that brat of a son—"

"I told you," Samantha hissed, stepping into Charice’s space. "Do not mention my son."

"You think you're so brave? My husband is a congressman. I could have your son kicked out of his daycare center with one phone call."

"Don't you dare threaten me with your husband. I might be a single mother, but at least I’m not married to a corrupt womanizer like him."

"How dare you!" Charice shrieked, raising her hand to slap Samantha.

But before her hand could connect, a strong grip caught her wrist mid-air. Samantha gasped as she looked to her right. There stood Cedric, looking cold and regal, with Spade perched on his hip.

"Mommy!"

"S-Spade? Cedric? What are you doing here?"

"Let go of me!" Charice demanded. Cedric released her arm with a flick of his wrist, as if he were discarding trash.

"Daddy, she’s the bad woman who’s always mean to Mommy," Spade said, pointing at Charice.

"Daddy?" Charice let out a harsh laugh. "So you found some man to pretend to be the father? You're pathetic, Ms. Camni—"

"Pretend?" Cedric’s voice was like a blade. "Why would I pretend to be a father to my own child?"

"Don't make me laugh! You are the father?"

"I am."

By now, the entire garden had gone silent, every eye fixed on them.

"How much did she pay you?" Charice sneered. "She must be desperate to hire someone—"

"I have more than enough money of my own," Cedric interrupted smoothly. "I don't need to pretend for a paycheck. And who told you my son has no father?"

"W-what are you doing here?" Samantha whispered to Cedric.

"Our son told me I needed to be here," Cedric replied, glancing at Spade, who was beaming with pride.

"I heard your husband is a congressman," Cedric said, turning his attention back to Charice. "And you threatened to have my son removed from his school? Is that correct?"

"Y-yes! My husband has the power to—"

"Then try it," Cedric challenged, his eyes narrowing. "Let’s see if your husband actually has that kind of reach."

"Ha! Don't challenge me—"

"I am challenging you," Cedric said flatly.

"Charice, what are you doing?!" The groom came running over, looking terrified.

"Why are you yelling at me, Charlie? Look at them!"

"Are you insane? Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" the groom hissed. Charice blinked, looking back at Cedric.

"W-who is he?"

"He’s the Prime Minister of Romania! He's been all over the news!" the groom cried. "He could have the government strip your husband of his position in a heartbeat!"

Charice’s eyes went wide. "A... Prime Minister?"

"You dared to mock my son. And my wife," Cedric said, his voice echoing through the garden. Samantha’s heart skipped a beat at the word wife. "Let’s see if you’re still boasting about your husband’s power tomorrow."

"Please, Mr. Prime Minister, forgive her rudeness," the groom pleaded. "Ms. Camnice, I am so incredibly sorry."

"It’s okay—" Samantha started, but Charice interrupted, her voice shaking with disbelief.

"This is impossible! How could the father of your child be the Prime Minister of Romania?!"

"I don't owe you an explanation," Samantha said firmly. She reached out, took Cedric’s hand, and pulled him away from the stunned crowd.

Cedric looked down at their joined hands. He didn't pull away.

"Should we get married?" he asked suddenly.

Samantha stopped in her tracks, spinning around to face him. "W-what did you say?"

"Maybe we should get married," Cedric repeated, his expression unreadable. "What do you think?"