Chapter 37: Chapter 37

"No, just tell Mr. Dante that you'll  pick him up. I'll drive Julian to school.." Jacob replied, looking over his watch. He has to be in a meeting in 30 minutes but it seems that his prince is taking all his time. Actually he was just taking a bath and he still has to eat breakfast.

"Okay, if that's what you want." Tatiana was on the door, about to leave. "And... what time will you come home?" She asked. For a week, she'd ask him this. Jacob often comes home late at night. After her and their son hsd their dinner. They really haven't talked about them. Or if that word exists yet to Jacob. But he was really giving her a cold shoulder.

Jacob came home at 10:00, the moment he came she immediately smelled liquor and cigarette from him.

He'd been drinking! And he's driving for christ's sake!

"Ah--- did you eat? I cooked dinner." She fidgeted with her fingers.

“I already ate. Seriously, Tatiana. You should stop leaving food for me, I don't eat here. A week here must have teached you that. or you still don't understand?" He cocked his head on the side before going upstairs, she heard him hit the shower.

And then he came back wearing some white shirt and boxers. He immediately went towards the fridge, Tatiana noticed he loved drinking some energy drink before he sleeps.

And according to her doctor brother, it's not good at all.

"Christian said drinking too much energy drink isn't good." She said. "And so is smoking and drinking. Julian waited for you. Hoping you'd join us for dinner."

Jacob set down his glass, only to look at her. "Was it only Julian anticipating me to join dinner?”

Tatiana didn't answer. Oh of course she was waiting too, but everytime the clock his nine in the evening her mind would wander.. It might have been true Jacob loves their son unconditionally but her, she's not sure anymore.

Every time he comes home late, she couldn't help but think maybe he's with another woman.  Jacob has needs and it hurts her that he had to be with someone else just to suffice it.

"I don't really like spending much time here, Tatiana. Everytime I see you..." Jacob sighed, he looked everywhere but her.

Now he can't even look at me.

"I'm sorry, Jake. I didn't...I didn't mean to hide this to you. I was just scared of what you'll do. I don't want you to take him, or get angry.

"Bullshit! My madness could have been pretended if you told me the truth! If you only told me the first time, I would have done everything to take both of you back!" She jumped at the sudden raise of his voice.  "And you even let someone else father our child? Tell me, if he didn't leave, you'd still marry him, right ? He will be the father of my son, take his name, and you even give me a chance to know my son. Right, I'm just an option, ain't I?"

"Jake, that's not true. I wouldn't make it to the wedding, even if he didn't let go I was gonna come back-"

"Then why'd you even say yes to his proposal? Tatiana, you came into my office; telling me to let you go because you're choosing him. You already chose him.” Jacob closed his eyes. "I am so angry because you lied, Tatiana. You hid that most important part of my life. You almosy took away the chance of me becoming a father. You didn't even give me a chance."

"I'm sorry, Jacob. I'm so sorry..." she wiped her tears away.

"Yeah. You tell that for the rest of your life. I don't want you looking at me and Julian without feeling guilty of what you've done. Nine years, Tatiana. You robbed nine years from me." He shook his head. "You're a pathetic excuse of a mother."

The following night Jacob came home early much to her surprise. He wasn't drunk, he didn't smell like cigarettes. But still, he did not eat dinner in there. Maybe he doesn't like the dishes she prepares.

Perhaps she'll just call Jacob's housekeeper to cook for him or better yet order take out.

She found them in the room, Julian was doing his assignment while they were laughing about something.

Each time she sees both of them together, she couldn't help but feel the guilt Jacob wanted her to feel.

She already want to sleep, but she couldn't get in the room she shares with Julian yet because Jacob is there. He made it clear he doesn't like to see her...

And yes, she's been sharing bed with her son here. Jacob said she couldn't be on the other room because it was a stock room. He still doesn't know that she knows he painted her always. Yet, she didn't know if the paintings were still there. Maybe he threw it away out of anger when she left him. she won't know because the room is now locked.

On weekend Jacob took Julian out to the mall while she stayed at home. Julian thought she'd come with them, Jacob dodged the issue though. Saying maybe she's gonna do some work.

She's hurt alright. But she gets it. She hurt him more.

She read a few cases, settled with some fruit punch and toasted bread to get her going. It was nice and peaceful and she loves it. It only meant more time for her to analyze.

Their doorbell rang, tearing her attention away from the television. It was her brother.

"Christian!"

He smiled, waving a little, his eyes looks tired though. His hair disheveled. Christian kept himself groomed, but lately he doesnt seem like himself. He must be very busy at the hospital..  "I came to check on you. My nephew texted me that he's  out with his father and you aren't with them.”  he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Come in, come in." She ushered him inside. "How'd you know we live here?”

"I... called Shaw. He gave me the address. How are you, ate?"

"You've been intouch with him?"

"I just have his number. Afterall, he will be a brother in law." Christian shrugged. “Are you okay here, Tati? Is he treating you right?”

She didn't know the answer to that, actually. She's really having a hard time but still she deserves it.

Payback's a bitch.

"No. We're okay here." Tatiana smiled for him as genuine as she could.

“So why didn't you come with them? I thought families go out together."

"I just... want them alone sometimes, so that they would get to know each other more. And... I have work to do,” she motioned the folders at the table.

"Mommy and daddy are still waiting for you, that you go there with Julian and his father. Dad mentioned it last night.  Are you afraid that they're upset about the cancellation of the wedding?"

"I just don't want to see them disappointed again..."

"They care about your happiness. And I do too. I don't like that guy for you, Tati. Knowing his reputation and all, and I really thought it's gonna be Jerome but he's Julian's father and you love him that's why I accept. Stop those negative thoughts. It will only upset you. Okay?"

She nodded slowly before she pulled him into a hug. She almost cried. Lately she's been very emotional even in the sense of small things.

"Thank you, Tian."

"Mom and Dad wants all of you to come for lunch next weekend. They want to meet your husband."

She could only hope that her and Jacob makes up before they go to her parents.

She has a week more to try her best, this time she will try to talk to him. She'd be extra caring... and she have to wear sexy clothes when he's around then she would.

Tatiana miss him so much...

The next day she was up early, she sneaked into his room, to his closet carefully to ready the clothes he needed.   She chose a black long sleeves, gray slacks,  suit and a matching tie.

She also prepared his socks and boxer briefs. She also polished his shoes then, she already prepared breakfast and Julian's lunch box.

After that she woke her son.ip. She heard the water running from Jacob's room. Maybe he already noticed the clothes she prepared.

She texted her assistant she's coming to work late.  She haven't prepared yet, maybe after Jacob and Julian leaves.  Incase they need something else while having breakfast. She wants to be hands on.

"Goodmorning momma!" Julain kissed her cheek.  He looked energetic today.

"Morning, baby. Where's papa?"

She was slighyly nervous because Jacob might not wear the clothes she prepared. Of course she'd get hurt but it's okay, understandable.

"I'm here." His baritone voice announced. "Morning."

She turned around and sucked a breath. She saw him wearing the suit she prepared, the same shoes. The same belt. She couldn't help the smile crept into her face. "Goodmorning." She tucked loose strands of her hair on her ear and looked down. She was a bit shy.

They ate breakfast silently. "So, what time are you coming home? Should I leave you food incase..."

Jacob only shook his head.

Days passed by like that. In the morning she'd prepare his clothes, breakfast and ask him if he'd come home early or late. Still she'd leave food for him. Just incase he changed his mind and decided to eat dinner with her. With them.

"Ah, by the way Tatiana," he sipped into his coffee. "I'm bringing Julian into this gala later at six."

She stopped cooking and looked at him.

“You should've informed me so I got to prepare his clothes.”

"No it's okay. My assistant got it. So he's taking half day from school, then he'll go straight to the company.

We'd be home at 10:00, max. I only need to show myself."

Tatiana absent-mindedly nodded, Jacob can take his son with him, but not her.

That hurt.

She saw how Jacob clenched his jaw.

"By the way, Jake-- Jacob. My parents are inviting us over lunch. They... want to meet you."

She saw him nod. "Okay, okay. Tell them we'll be there."

"EVERYONE, I know this is a little bit too late and belive me, I had just find out about this. But this boy right here," he throw an arm over his son's shoulder. Be needed to introduce his son to his employees here in Strike before they go to the gala.   Julian was wearing the same tux like his, they had the same brushed up hair. Earlier when Julian arrived and as they walked together, he could hear the employees talking about them. Of course, everyone could see how much they look alike.

He just need to confirm it, he would never hide his child.

"This is Julian, my son, the heir of strike bankings."

The cameras flashed before them, holding his son's hand as they walked in thr hall,  They stopped for a few photos with the reporters bombarding them questions. He was impressed how his son was cool about it. Julian walked with confidence as well.

"Mr. Shaw! Is he your child?"

"Mr. Shaw! Please can you please look here!"

"Is he the child you've been hiding all these years, Mr. Shaw?"

"Who is the mother of your child, sir?" One of the reporters asked.

"What is his name?”

He smirked for a moment. "I am not gonna answer questions, but I want to confirm that he is my son. That is all."