Chapter 28: Chapter 28

"Whooa!" my son was amazed as soon as we got out of the car. "It's huge," he commented next to Valjerome's mansion.

I, on the other hand, could not speak and just stared at the house.

It's been six years...

Six years have passed since I left his house...

I smiled bitterly and dismissed all the memories that entered my mind. I held Erom's hand tightly as Valjerome walked into his house.

"Mom, aren't we going yet?" Erom asked as we stayed in our seats.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. Then I slightly knelt down in front of my son to face him. I gently touched his face and gave him a small smile.

"Erom," I started speaking. "You should behave, okay? I didn't like what you did earlier in the car. Didn't I tell you before that you can't accept anything from a stranger?" I reminded.

The earlier joy in his eyes gradually faded.

"I aqm sorry, Mommy," he murmured as he looked at me apologetically.

I secretly bit my lower lip. I was a bit guilty because I knew that was normal for a child—to rejoice in the things that were given to them, but I just ignored it.

"Besides..." He muttered again and hesitated to look at me. "He's your boss, not a stranger," he continued.

I could not immediately respond to what my son said. Aside from the point he has, I also don’t know how will explain everything to him.

I just tried to smile and then stood up straight. "Let's go," I invited instead of answering him.

We started walking until we finally entered the house. Erom's previously lost energy was restored when the large space of Valjerome's mansion welcomed him.

My forehead knotted when I noticed Valjerome's men. They didn’t carry any guns, unlike before. I just secretly felt thankful because I don't want my son to see those.

"My dear," a familiar voice uttered.

I turned in the direction of her voice and smiled tearfully when I saw the only person I had leaned on all along during the time Valjerome and I were still together.

"Manang," I called with a smile.

I wasn’t expecting that for over the years, she is still here. Somehow my apprehension was alleviated a bit.

Manang walked over to me and gave me a hug. I hugged her back with one arm while my other hand remained holding my son.

"You look even more beautiful, darling," she commented.

My face automatically turned red. Manang noticed that so she smiled softly. Moments later, her eyes went to my son.

Her narrowed eyes gradually widened as she stared at Erom. After a few seconds she looked at me again.

"I-Is he the son of—" I shook my head quickly even before she finished what she was about to say.

She looked at me, confused. I looked back at her to let her know that my son knows nothing about the truth. Manang understood that immediately and sighed.

"Erom," I called to get my son's attention.

I smiled at him the moment he looked up at me. "This is Manang Fe," I introduced him to Manang. "He is my son, Erom," I said to Manang afterwards.

He stroked my son's face and smiled. "You're a very handsome boy, son. Always be kind, okay?"

My son nodded quickly in response.

"Manang," I whispered and secretly looked around the household, looking for my ex-husband's presence.

"What is it?" Manang kindly inquired.

I glanced at her softly. "Can you please watch for Erom first? I'll just talk to Valjerome," I politely asked.

Manang let out a smile and nodded. "I'll take care of him," she assured me.

I just smiled back and then faced my son.

"Son, stay with Manang Fe for a while, okay. Mommy just has something important to do. Remember my reminders, okay? Don't just go with anyone," I instructed.

"Okay, Mom. Take care please," he answered.

I just sighed deeply and then hugged him before carefully pushing him closer to Manang.

“He was probably in his office,” she informed me.

I nodded and turned my back against them. I started walking towards the stairs and started going up.

It felt like a deja vu. Six years have passed but the memories remained in every corner of this house.

After a few minutes of walking I finally reached the facade of Valjerome's office. I didn't bother to knock and just opened the door. I immediately saw him sitting on his swivel chair, seemingly really waiting for me to go to him.

I closed the door and then coldly looked at him. "Let us go," I muttered emphatically.

He just stared at me then licked his lower lip. He slowly stood up from his seat and then walked towards me.

"He is my son too," he reminded me when he got in front of me.

I scoffed and laughed sarcastically. "He's not your son, Valjerome."

I saw his jaw clenched. "He's not my son on paper, yes. But I'm his real father."

I could no longer restrain myself from approaching him and giving him a loud slap.

"You have no shame, haven’t you?" I muttered. "Where did you get the audacity to call yourself a father?!"

He glared at me. "And where did you get the audacity to keep my child from me and give him someone else's last name?!"

I slapped him again. My palm would almost heat up with the force of the slap I made.

Valjerome's eyesight deepened and I could see the veins in his neck being torn by the excessive tension in his jaw.

"Have you hit you head somewhere?" I said sarcastically and then laughed lifelessly. "You are acting as if you are being oppressed, when the truth is you're only the reason why he's named after someone else!" I shouted.

"YOU. TOLD. ME. TO. ABORT. HIM," I reminded, glaring with my emotionless eyes. "You fvcking ordered me to kill the child that you're shamelessly claiming now."

He couldn’t speak after I reproved. His sharp eyes slowly became soft as he stared at me.

"Abort it. Abort that child. I don't want to have children with you. Those are the lines you had said before, Valjerome." I looked up to hold back my forming tears.

"You should at least tell me the truth," he said hoarsely.

I shook my head in disbelief and slapped him one more time. He closed his eyes tightly and then looked at me again. He looked at me with his bloodshot eyes.

"Are you now awake? Fvck, where is your Mafia boss spirit? You are literally an idiot, aren’t you," I insulted.

"Tell him the truth," he said weakly. "Tell him that I am his real father."

I scoffed. "Why don't you tell him yourself?" I challenged.

"Isn't it enough for you to give him the last name of someone else?" he reproved back in a crack voice.

I laughed hoarsely. "You are acting as if I'm the one who have done a big mistake, Valjerome. It's all common sense. My son was looking for his father. For all the things you did before, do you really think I would consider giving him your last name?"

"I will change his surname," he said instead of answering.

I smirked. "Change it then. But that won't change the fact that for my son, Chaos is his father."

I saw the pain in his eyes. I want you to believe it but it would be stupid if I did that. Another thing is, it is useless. Whether he repents or not, it is too late for that.

"Is this how you revenge, Jazzie?"

I coldly looked at him. I moved closer to him then ran my finger over his shoulder down his arm.

"I am..." With my quick movement, I took his gun and pointed it under his jaw. "…protecting my child, Valjerome. This is not a revenge," I stated.