Chapter sixteen

Chapter sixteen


Ethan

I fucking loathed my life.

If someone had asked me eight years ago, I would have responded differently. I used to love my life. Captain of the football team in high school, dated the popular cheerleader and fucked half the school, went to an Ivy league, started my own security agency which skyrocketed almost instantly.

Sure, my life wasn't perfect. I didn't have a dad growing up like most people, and my mum spent half of her time getting into relationships than taking care of me.

But at least, my life wasn't as shitty as it was now. At least, I didn't have a fucking timespan of when my brain would leak out, and I wasn't chasing after a shadow hoping he would be the key to saving me.

I stepped into my mother's house, a sigh escaped my lips as I saw one of her ridiculous artworks, mounted on the wall. The place was quiet, which means Sam wasn't around. I was grateful for that. I didn't want another run-in with my stepfather.

After I figured out my target's random trail, I decided to come speak to my ko,yher directly, ask her if she noticed anything strange around her. I could have just called her, but lately, that hasn't felt like a great choice.

If I didn't succeed in my quest, I'd be dead in six months. I wanted more than anything to create more memories with the people I love. My mother and I already wasted so much time being mad at each other. I couldn't waste the time I had left.

Also, I had to find a way to ask her without sounding suspicious. I just hoped I didn't have an episode around her.

“Welcome, Mr Hart.” one of the young domestic staffs, said.

“Where is she?” I asked.

She stared at me with a wide smile on her face, her eyelashes fluttering slowly.

Just why does everyone think they can flirt with me? The t-shirt incident that had launched the fan club happened almost five years ago, for fuck's sake.

I didn't care about it at the time, but fuck, it was becoming annoying.

“She's at the garden.” the girl answered.

I nodded and trudged towards the garden. I expected to see my mother on the balcony, sipping tea while staring down at her beautiful garden, but instead, she was tending to the flowers, clad in gardening outfits. She had headset on as she hummed a song. She hadn't noticed me yet.

For a moment, I just stared at her, wondering how I’d missed this version of her. For the longest time, the only thing I saw my mother do was get married, get divorced, go shopping, repeat.

I'd spent most of my childhood with different fathers, and most of my adulthood being mad at her for not giving me a stable home. She never spoke about my father, it was like he didn't exist.

I convinced myself he'd left because of her. That she was terrible. I'd taken that belief to college and began searching for him. That decision had ended up costing me everything.

Funny how all it took was potential brain damage for me to realize everything I've been doing wrong in my life

My mother finally turned away from the flower she was trimming. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw me watching her, my arms crossed.

“Ethan?” she called. “How long have you been there?”

“Long enough to know you're a terrible singer and gardener.” I snorted.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she smiled.

“I'd like to see you try to sing Cardi B song while cutting a stubborn thorn.” she scoffed lightly.

“Why would you listen to Cardi B while gardening?” I chuckled.

“Kira recommended it to me. She claimed I would love it and that the song was relaxing. I didn't know that woman speaks so many bad words. It was anything but relaxing.” she shook her head and proceeds to remove her gardening gloves.

“She's a Gen Z rapper, mum. They all use bad words. Just listen to gospel songs instead, you'll find them more relaxing.” I said.

She strode towards me and we headed back into the main house. She kicked off the gardening boots before we proceeded inside, and changed into flipflops.

“Kira said I should be up to date on trends. I like that girl.”

“Who's Kira? Another one of your celebrity friend's daughter?” I didn't care who Kira was, I had more pressing issues in mind. But I couldn't just jump into my questions without engaging her in conversation first. It would raise suspicions.

Mum halted in her steps and whirled towards me, an eyebrow raised.

“Kira was the girl that came to your apartment the other day. How do you not know her name? I even mentioned it to you on the phone.” she frowned.

Well, shit.

I was too busy trying to get rid of the girl that I didn't hear her name, or maybe she didn't tell me. Either way, I didn't know her name. That was how uninterested I was in her.

But admitting that won't exactly win me favors right now.

“Oh, Kira! Of course, I know her name. I thought you meant, Lyra.”

Nice save, Ethan. Weldone. My mum simply shook her head and continued walking.

“Well, Kira is on the planning team of the Broadway Charity Gala and she's amazing. We clicked instantly.” Mum gushed.

“Ah!” was all I said.

“Honestly, I don't know why you'd send her away. She's amazing at literally everything.”

Yeah, she was so amazing that she was willing to drop her panties the very first time she saw me. But I didn't say that. Instead, I diverted to the reason I came.

“Talking about the gala, how's the preparation going?” I asked.

We were in the living room now. She went straight to the couch and sat on it with a heavy sigh.

“It's going well. We’ve managed to get the hall secured, though some founding members were not happy. The vote went in our favour since most of the people attending were members of the club. The decorations have started, we're finalizing the guest list. Three hundred guests, can you imagine?” she gasped.

“Wow, that's a lot. I hope it's not to late to add one more name though. I've decided to come after all.” I said.

Her eyes brightened at that.
“Really? What made you change your mind?”

Nothing, really. Just the chance of a dangerous man trailing you and using you as bait. You know, just a normal Tuesday.

I didn't say that. Instead, I racked my brain for a believable, less revealing answer.

“Uhm…there's this new program I'm currently working on. It'll potentially upgrade the security of all our clients. And since most of them would be at the gala, I figured it would be the perfect time to get them all in one place. We could avoid the whole waiting for a feedback thing. Just simple business strategy.” I shrugged.

“Oh, that does make a lot of sense.” she nodded.

“Yes, it does. Tell me more about this planning. Was Sam involved in the planning too? You know, to keep other creepy men from coming.” I dropped casually.

Her countenance changed, but she still managed to smile, a little too widely.
“No, Sam had to…work. He didn't need to accompany me everywhere, everything went smoothly.” she paused.

“I know you don't approve of Sam, but he's a good guy. I think you'll like him if you give him a chance.” she added.

I simply nodded. We've had the conversation many times in the past. She just had to accept that I was neve going to like her husband.

The man had a sketchy past. I'd pointed it out to her before they got married but it turned into a huge fight instead. I promised not to get between them again, but it didn't mean I had to like him.

“When you were out, do you notice anything strange around you? Maybe something that should be there.” I asked.

“What's with all these questions? Is everything okay?”

Well, damn! I had just blown my cover.

“Yes.” I said instantly. “Now that you're planning the biggest event of the year, I was thinking about increasing your security. Bad things happen this time of the year.”

Her eyes softened and she leaned forward.
“I promise you, nothing bad is going to happen to me. I'm fine. And if I do notice anything strange, I'll let you know right away.”

I smiled and nodded.
“I guess, I'll get going then. But just to be safe, I got you a new, more secured car. It should be delivered within this week.” I stood up from the couch. “Don't worry, I got one for Aunt too. She won't be ‘borrowing' your car.”

We both laughed at that.

“One more thing before you leave.” she said.

“I'm not asking you to date her or marry her, but will you please take Kira to the gala? Before you refuse, let me explain.” she sighed.

“The past few years, you've lived your life…’largely’. Ever since that girl you dated in college. It's like you believe you could never find love again. I know you think I don't notice thee things, but I do. This past year, it's like the life is slowly draining out of you.”

I wanted to tell her she had no idea how right she was.

“I want you to be happy. Even if that happiness isn't with Kira, I want you to at least try.” she added.

She searched my face for any confirmation that I'd understood her. I flashed her a smile and gave her what she wanted. After all, I wouldn't be able to do it in six months.

“Alright, fine. I'l go with her.” I chuckled.