Chapter 21: Chapter 21

"Please tell me that I'm not dreaming, Cleo."

I chuckled. "You said it for like the tenth time already."

He pouted. "It just feels surreal. If ever this is just a dream, then I don't want to wake up anymore."

He still couldn't believe what we overheard from his father's conversation, that he ditched his work for him. I mean, the company that Garren owns is one of the major reasons why Greyson always felt neglected. He already had it etched on his mind that Garren would choose his work over him at any time of the day.

That's why after he heard the phone call that his father had with someone, he felt elated and could not believe it.

I don't want to say it, but I can't deny that the car incident that Greyson experienced was a blessing in disguise to some degree. It knocked some sense to Garren's mind.

It's just sad that this child had to be in peril just for his father to realize his mistakes and shortcomings.

I cupped Greyson's cheeks. "This is the reality. I'm beyond happy for you. You're finally getting what you deserve."

He smiled back. "Thank you, Cleo. I really hope that Dad continues to be like this. I'm afraid that once I forgive him, he will go back to what he was before. I don't want that. I don't want to feel lonely again."

The tone of perturbation in his voice broke my heart. I can't blame him for having that thought. It's really not impossible to happen.

I took a deep breath. "I understand where you're coming from, but don't overthink it too much, alright? If ever he leave you out in the cold again, I will be the one to punch him in the face."

He lifted his eyebrows. "You can't do that. Dad is stronger than you."

"I can do that just for you!"

He giggled. "Fine. I will just defend you from him if he hurts you back."

"On a serious note, stop entertaining negative thoughts. For now, enjoy the mollycoddle that your dad gives you. Let's relish his suffering."

He giggled. "You're so mean."

I winked. "Anyway, you need to go to sleep now. It's already past eight and you have classes tomorrow."

I stood up and turned the lights off, leaving the lampshade as the only source of illumination in his room.

"Goodnight."

"You too. Sweet dream, Greyson."

The mansion was already veiled in silence when I stepped out of his room. Although I'm already used to this, I kind of miss those nights in our house where it's already ten in the evening and we're still loud.

"Cleo."

I almost had a heart attack when someone spoke. I raised my gaze and saw the familiar figure of Garren.

"Good evening, sir." I stopped on the staircase and bowed my head. "May I know why you are here?"

"Where's my son?"

"He's sleeping now, sir."

He sighed. "I will just do it some other night, then."

He was about to take a step when I held his arm. It's already late before I realize the fatal mistake that I made.

The sharp glare he's giving me made my blood run cold. I hastily took my hands off of him.

"S-Sorry, sir. I just wanted to ask what you were planning. Maybe I can be of help," I clarified.

He was quiet for a while.

"I was planning to read Greyson a bedtime story. I read somewhere that it helps most kids fall asleep faster."

So that explains the book he's carrying.

"But since he's already asleep, I will just do it next time."

Greyson will surely be happy if he hears about this.

"Why are you smiling like a damn creep?"

I pursed my lips and got rid of every emotions in my face. This is the second time that he has insulted my smile. What the hell is wrong with this man?

"Nothing, sir. I'm just happy to see the improvement in your relationship with your son," I said instead of throwing a pit.

"Yeah."

Wow. That was the most enthusiastic response I've ever heard. Please note the sarcasm in my voice.

He turned his back, but suddenly stopped on his track and faced me.

"That should be the last time that you would touch me without my consent," he browbeat and left.

I didn't have any bad intentions when I held his arm. Moreover, it was just a subconscious action! Why is he threatening me as if I had committed a heinous crime?!

He's impossible.

When the sun rose over the horizon, I woke up early and went upstairs after I was done with my morning rituals.

"Cleo! You won't believe what I dreamt!"

That was the first thing that Greyson told me when I woke him up.

I sat on his bed. "What is it? Care to share?"

"I dreamt that dad had brought me on a vacation!" he squealed. "I really hope that it's true."

"Who knows if that dream of yours also happens, right?"

"I can only hope. I don't think Dad can extend his work-leave for too long to spend even a week of vacation with me. Besides, I'm already satisfied with the effort he's giving to me." He smiled.

I'm really proud of this kid. He really understands the busy nature of his father's job. Sad to say, it caused the latter to become obtuse and complacent. But at least he's trying to redress his mistakes- that's what matters now.

Just like yesterday, Garren was the one who drove us to school. He's really persistent about making amends with his son.

He also talked to his teacher. I wanted to pry into their conversation, but I would surely receive snide remarks from him, so I just bottled up my curiosity.

"You seem really exhausted."

I carried Greyson's bag and helped him step out of his dad's car.

"I got tired playing softball during our afternoon break earlier. I think even my hair is hurting. But I had so much fun, so it's worthwhile."

"After you change clothes, take a rest. I will just bring dinner to your room, so you won't need to go downstairs."

He smiled warmly. "Thanks, Cleo!"

When we headed inside the mansion, Uncle Oliver greeted us. He also opened the gate for Garren.

"Next time, don't push yourself too much, alright? Don't play as if it will be your last," I scolded him when he complained about his leg cramp.

"I'm sorry, Cleo."

My heart melted quickly with his puppy eyes. This kid really knows how to bring me to heel.

I left him in his room to sleep. While walking down the stairs, my path crossed with Garren's.

I bowed my head and greeted him. He asked about Greyson, so I told him that he's sleeping.

"He got tired of playing with his friends earlier and said he wanted to take a nap," I answered when he gave me a questioning look.

"I'll check on him later."

I nodded and walked past him. I honestly deserve an award for acting casual around that man despite the hatred I feel towards him.

Since I had nothing to do, I decided to call Archeus to check on them. He said that our mother has been doing really well and doesn't experience as much nausea and muscle cramps as she did last month. Her appetite also got better.

Just hearing that everything is going smoothly in the province is enough to keep my heart at bay.

After that call, I headed out of the room. I was supposed to go straight to the kitchen, but I stopped in the living room because something caught my attention. I heard a low-tone purr that also sounded slightly like a rumble.

My eyebrows furrowed. Where does that sound come from? I searched around, and when I looked under the table, my eyes sparkled when I saw a lavender-colored cat.

To my surprise, it walked towards me and nuzzled my feet. So I knelt down and gently pulled the cat onto my lap. When I saw its dense coat of fur, I realized that it's a Maine coon cat.

But what really made me drop to the floor was the color of its eyes, which are gold on the left and emerald green on the right. This cat has heterochromia iridis, which I find really unique and dazzling.

I kind of know a lot about cats because I freaking love them. In fact, back when I was in college, I owned one, which I named Azraq because of the color of his eyes. Azraq means "blue" in Arabic. Unfortunately, he died due to old age.

"You're so adorable."

I caressed the cat's fur and it purred, earning a smile from me. He's quite big and heavy, which is normal because maine coons can actually grow to 1 foot in height.

However, I'm quite bewildered as to who owns this, because as far as I know, there's no cat here.

"Lime! Oh my god!"

My forehead puckered when I heard the frantic voice of a woman accompanied with the noisy clatter of a stiletto.

I stood up from the floor, carrying the cat in my arms. I saw a woman in a beige-colored dress interrogating the maids.

"Has anyone seen my baby?! I swear to God, if I don't find her as soon as possible, all hell will break loose."

I squinted my eyes at her. The way she stands and talks exudes elegance and sophistication, despite the fact that she's currently freaking out.

With her fair white skin complexion, wavy brunette hair that perfectly falls down her shoulders, voluptuous body, and noble features, her beauty can rival Aphrodite's.

However, she doesn't look familiar to me. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen her.

The cat suddenly meowed, and it caught the attention of the woman.

"Where-"

Her eyes widened a fraction when she looked in my direction. She clasped her left hand against her mouth and ran towards us slowly. I was even more weirded out when I heard her silent sobs.

This woman is terrifying the shit out of me. Why is she being dramatic all of a sudden?

"Lime. My baby," she uttered as she stood in front of me.

That's when I realized that she was talking to the cat. Is this hers?!

I confirmed that when Lime, as what she called her, jumped from my arms to hers.

"Lime, you made me so worried! Don't you dare do it again or mom will get really mad at you," she scolded the cat, intentionally making her voice tinier.

I smiled watching them. That's how I used to talk to Azraq before too. I suddenly miss him.

"Where did you find her?" she asked, her eyes still fixated on her pet.

I forced a smile. "I saw your cat under the table, Ma'am."

She raised her gaze and finally looked at me. "Who are you?"

I pointed myself, an imaginary question mark is written all over my face.

"Am I talking to someone aside from you?"

A flush crept up to my cheeks in extreme embarrassment. Why did I even ask the obvious?

"Nah, I was just kidding."

The condescending expression on her face vanished and was replaced by a bright smile.

I laughed awkwardly. "I'm Cleo."

"Cleo! What a gorgeous name!"

To my surprise, she extended a hand to me.

"I'm Claudette Montreal. It's actually Claudette Eleonora, but I hate my second name, so don't you dare call me that. I'm pleased to meet you, Cleo."

My eyes widened. Montreal?! How is she related to Xavier and Garren?!

As if on cue, someone walked down the stairs. Garren's eyes went to the woman in front of me. I saw how his eyebrows snapped together.

"Eleonora?! What the hell are you doing here?!"