Chapter 44: Chapter 44

LAUREN…..

“Wow! You cook so well.” Luca moaned while having his meal.

“My pleasure. Enjoy your food.” I also started having my food.

“If you don't mind, can you pack my lunch in the morning when I leave for the office? I can pay you for the food.” He made a request, making a puppy face.

“Umm, I don't mind anyway. But you can buy food from my restaurant starting next week.” At first Luca kept staring at me confusedly then his eyes went wide in shock.

“Whoa! You are opening a restaurant in a week?” He asked me and I smiled broadly while nodding my head.

“Yeah, and I'm inviting you to come to the opening of my restaurant. I'll be honored to have you on my restaurant's opening day.” I said grinning and he smiled.

“Very well. I will definitely come to your opening day. And I will come everyday to have my meal there. I will be your permanent customer so you have to give a discount to me.” He winked at me and I laughed.

“Fine.”

“If you need anything just let me know. I will be glad to be a help for you.” I nodded at him and gave him some meat in his place.

After dinner Luca was playing with Alex while I was washing the dishes. “Do you need help?” I flinched when I heard Luca’s voice in my ear.

I turned to face him. “Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I came to fetch ice cream for Alex. He said you brought ice-cream for him and promised to give him after dinner. Now he remembered your promise and wanted to eat. So I came to get it for him. Then I saw you washing the dishes. And I felt bad seeing you washing them all alone. I should have helped you. You cooked for me and are now doing the dishes too.”

“It's fine. I'm used to it. Go and get the ice-cream from the fridge. Then have it together.” I told him then moved my head to remove the hair strands that were disturbing me.

I jumped from my place when I felt Luca’s hand brushing my neck. “Let me tie your hair for you. It's disturbing you a lot.” I didn't say anything to him. He took two bowls from the cabinet then went to the living room with the ice-cream. But I kept standing in my place still in shock. I shook my head to get rid of the feeling.

After cleaning the dishes I went back to the living room with chips. Alex wanted to watch a movie tonight.

“Movie time , Monkey.” Hearing me Alex squealed happily and took the remote to choose a movie.

“Are you joining us or want to go back?” I asked Luca. He was being too friendly in just one day. We met today and became so close, it felt like we knew each other for a long time. Alex got along with him pretty well.

“I will join.” He said, smiling at Alex. Looking at them I understood they had talked about him staying back to watch movies. So I didn't say anything about it. I thought we, mother and son, will spend some time together after a long time.

“Mamma, I want to learn Taekwondo. Luca is black belt player. He said he will train me as his friend has a training center.” I looked at Luca who was asking for permission through his eyes. It would be great help if he taught him.

I sat on my knees and cupped his face. “Alex, if you want to learn Taekwondo then I will not stop you. In fact I will support you.” I kissed his nose and he giggled then threw his arms around my neck.

“Thank you Mamma. Thank you so much.” I was happy to see him so happy after a long time. I will do anything to see him happy like this.

Alex pulled away from me then ran to his uncle Luca. “Yeah! Uncle Luca, you see Mamma agreed. Now you can teach me taekwondo. When will you start my training?” Alex asked excitedly.

“How about tomorrow? I will pick you up and drop you at your house after the training.” Alex nodded and Luca looked at me asking for my permission.

“Okay.” I was worried about Alex’s safety. Luca was a stranger to me. I just met him today. How can I entrust my son to him?

“But I will go with him.” Luca nodded his head in an understanding way.

While watching the movie Alex fell asleep on my lap then Luca helped me to put him in the bed. “Wanna grab a drink with me?” I asked him deliberately. I wanted to know more about him. He became so friendly with me and my son in just a day it felt quite strange to me. What if he has some other motive behind approaching us. He can be some serial killer too.

“Sure. But just one. I have an important meeting tomorrow.” I nodded and led him to the living room.

“Wait there. I will bring the bottle.” I went to fetch the wine bottle from the shelf then picked up two glasses and headed back to the living room.

I poured him his drink then poured one for me. “Alex’s father and I didn't get divorce. It was a one night stand. I used to work in a hotel as a room service worker. I went to a room to deliver his drinks when he forced on me.” Hearing me Luca gasped.

“Did he rape you?” He asked and I shook my head.

“At first I was reluctant but I gave in because I was heartbroken and aroused. I didn't even see his face. Because of my workload I forgot to take medicine and I got pregnant with Alex.” I told him the secret I didn't tell anyone except Myra.

“Now tell me about yourself.” I was waiting to hear his story.

“You know I have a gaming company. My father was always against my idea. He said I will fail. But I proved him wrong. My greatest inspiration was my Mother. She supported me financially. She has her own company so Dad couldn't interfere in this. Now I'm established and single, looking for a person with whom I can spend the rest of my life. I'm not looking for a girlfriend but a wife. But I wasn't able to find anyone until…..”

He paused, making me frown. “Let's not talk about this. If you get time, visit my office. My office door is always open for you. And here is my card.” He handed me his visiting card from his wallet.

“I will leave now. I have an important meeting with the investor tomorrow. The food was great by the way.” Saying that he took my hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of my palm, making me stunned.

“Good night.” Wishing me he stormed off to his apartment.

“Is he interested in me and trying to hit on me?” I thought in my mind and went to change into my pajamas to go to bed.

I kept wondering about Luca the whole night. Why would he be interested in a woman who is a mother of one child. He can find a young girl for himself. I shook my head to get rid of the thought and tried to sleep.