Chapter 20: Chapter 20

"You don't have work today, Mommy?" Erom inquired in the middle of watching cartoons.

I smiled thriftily at him then gently cupped his small face. "I took a leave," I answered.

This is the second day I haven’t gone to work. I immediately filed a sick leave to our head manager last time after I peeked at Valjerome’s record in the logbook. He has two check-in days at the hotel so I am sure he won't be there tomorrow at once.

"Mom," Erom called that caught my attention.

"Yes, my prince?"

His earlier vision that was focused on me gradually twitched. "Can I stay with you during weekends, Mom?" softeningly he said.

I was stunned and did not immediately say a word. I just stared at my son who didn’t seem to be able to look at me properly.

"Is there a problem, son? Don't you like to be in your Dad's company?" I calmly inquired and moved to sit closer to him.

He glanced at me for a while then averted his eyes again. He played with his fingers then looked at me again.

"I felt like...they are always talking about me, Mom," he murmured.

I frowned in astonishment. "Who?"

I saw Erom bit his lower lip as if he's struggling to tell me the truth. "Papa's workers," he answered then looked at me. "I feel like they're talking about me when I am with Dad in the office."

"H-How do you say so, son?" even though I was surprised, I still talked to him gently.

"Their eyes..." he trailed off. "It's like they're judging me," he added.

It was as if my heart was pounding as I saw my son's sad eyes. I felt like I want to rush out of nowhere but I also know, I understand why Chaos employees act like that.

He's single. Then he’s taking a child to the office who calls him Papa. Who wouldn't talk about that?

But I hope they don’t make it obvious to my son.

"Please, don't tell Papa, Mom. He might fire them," Erom said, pouting.

I couldn’t help but laugh a little at what he said. He really knew Chaos' behavior. I can't help but think...what if Chaos really became my son's father? Will I face the same problem?

But I knew it's impossible. What I have with Chaos was pure friendship and I treasure that.

"Hmmm. It's a good idea, isn't it? No one will look at you like that anymore," I pretended to disagree to what he wanted to happen.

"Mom!" he immediately spoke.

I just laughed and then hugged him. "Okay, you'll be with me during weekends. But you'll still stay with your Dad on weekdays since he's the one who picks you up from school.” I claimed.

He nodded and hugged me back. "Thank you, Mommy."

"Anything for you, son, ," I whispered and kissed his head.

We were in that position when the door opened. Chaos slowly entered and immediately frowned when he saw Erom and I.

"Why am I not in that hug?" pretending to act sulky.

"Papa!" Erom shouted and ran to him.

Chaos immediately picked him up and kissed him on his forehead. "How's my son?" he asked.

I just smiled as I watched the two of them. Chaos may not be the real father of my child, but I am so grateful because he took my child like his own. I can't help but wonder why he's doing all these thought he won’t get any benefit from it. Besides, it will only ruin his name.

"Already fell in love with me?"

I was shocked and realized when Chaos spoke close to my face. My face warmed from the teasing look he gave me.

"You are really crazy, Chaos!" I exclaimed.

He chuckled, Erom did the same. I just turned on and turned off the television.

"What brought you here?" I inquired as I walked towards the kitchen.

I heard his footsteps following behind me and even Erom's giggle while playing with him.

"I will be gone for a week," he uttered.

I stopped walking and faced him.

"You look so shocked, are you going to miss me?" he smiled despicably.

That’s when I straightened up again and then sneered at him. "You wish," I said sparingly then continued walking.

I went to the refrigerator and took the pitcher with cold water then went to the sink to get a glass.

He made Erom sit on the kitchen stool and then walked closer to my seat. He snatched the pitcher from me and he spontaneously poured water in his glass.

"We have a family event two days from now. Mama wants me to be there before the event," Chaos explained.

"Hmm. I understand, enjoy your family gathering," I uttered and got the glass from him.

"Do you want me to take Erom with me? I'll tell his school," he said as if he knew that what I was thinking about now is my son's condition.

I smiled sparingly and shook my head. I drank for a while from the glass I was holding and then put it down on the kitchen sink.

"You know it already..." I glanced at Erom who's innocently watching us. "Your parents don't want him," I murmured.

I heard Chaos sigh so I refocused my attention on him. "I'll take care of them," he assured.

I shrove again. "No need, Chaos. I understand them. And also, it's your family gathering. Your relatives will be surprised if you bring a child who calls you Papa," I whispered cautiously, just enough to be heard of the person I'm talking to.

"What's wrong with that? He's my son anyway," he shrugged.

I rolled my eyes and washed the glass. I heard him laugh then hugged me from. I was shocked so I didn't move immediately.

"You know what, Jazzie. I like you."

There I finally dropped the glass I was holding in the sink.

"You are shocked right?" he murmured and chuckled. "You don't need to answer me. When I come back then we'll talk again. But...I really hope you give me a chance."

I slowly pulled myself away from him and then stared at him. "A-are you sure?" I stuttered.

He raised his left eyebrow at me.

"I-I mean...I have a child," I pointed out.

"Yeah, our child," he said.

I just slapped my forehead and took a deep breath.

"Look, like I said. You don't have to answer me now. I'll give you a week to think," Chaos uttered and held my hands.

The two of us stared at each other. He smiled sparingly at me and came over to kiss my forehead.

"Let's give our son a family he deserves," he whispered.

I WAS out of myself when I go to work the next day¾still thinking about Chaos’ offer and a sudden revelation. I will admit that I was tempted to do what he wanted but I also didn’t want to rush a decision. I don’t want him to regret choosing me. What do I have? Aside from having a child to another man, I am not a woman that can be proud of.

I was walking inside the hotel when my supervisor, Stacey met my way.

"Follow me," she muttered and led the way.

I suddenly became nervous because her seriousness doubled compared to what she normally does. I could do nothing but quietly follow her.

My chest began to throb with nervousness as we made our way to the office.

Damn. What did I do?

She went inside first. I was still hesitant if I would follow her but I also acted quickly when she looked at me sharply. I bent down as I walked inside, afraid of what would happened in the room.

"I'm really sorry, Sir. Maybe one of our housekeepers left that. We meant no harm."

I heard the hotel owner said to somebody.

"How can I be so sure? Later on, you might let this issue out that I stole it."

The coldness travelled all over my body the moment I heard the baritone voice speak.

"That won't happen, Sir. Please, we'll do anything to make up for you."

Slowly, I lifted my head. It seemed like I was going to fall when we both caught sight of each other.

Valjerome...

He laughed emptily. "Then, I want the owner of this necklace to be my personal assistant while I am here," he said in dismissive tone as he played my lost necklace on his hand.