Chapter 34: Chapter 34

"Do you usually cook?" Erom asked as he intently watched Valjerome cooking.

Four days have passed and I could say that my son and ex-husband got closed to each other.

He looked at my son for a moment and smiled sparingly. “I don’t always cook,” he replied.

I could see Erom's eyes twinkle from the high chair he was sitting on. He was on the L-shaped center island while I, was sitting at the table.

"But you are always cooking. You always prepare the food," my son enumerated, confused.

Valjerome giggled and continued cooking. "Because you are special, that's why I am the one who cooks the food," he explained.

"Why am I special?" Erom immediately asked.

Valjerome did not answer at the moment. Slowly, he glanced at my son and forced to smile.

"Because you are..." I saw him gulped. "Cute," he continued.

I looked away when he turned his gaze to me, pretending not listening to their conversation.

"Because my mom is pretty, that's why," my son uttered.

Once again, Valjerome chuckled. "Yeah. She's gorgeous that's why everyone loves her."

I secretly balled my fist.

What is he scheming?

My son and my ex-husband continued the conversation until Jaime suddenly entered the kitchen. He bowed for a moment to pay respect.

"Ms. Briones is here," he informed.

I raised my eyebrow when a woman entered next to Jaime. She was tall, thin, and had a slender waist. She was wearing a close-fitting red dress, I could almost see half of her chest because it was that big.

Then, you are the blessed one.

"What are you doing here, Herra?" Valjerome asked.

I rolled my eyes when he glanced at me. He seemed defensive based on his facial reaction.

As if I didn't know you're a womanizer. Tss!

"I'm here to talk about the deal. Oh, you have a visitor. Who are they?" she spoke and scanned my existence. I can sense that she's trying to intimidate me.

I just sat on my chair and gracefully lifted the glass in front of me, showing how unbothered I am with her presence.

"You don't need to know. Jaime, bring her to my office," Valjerome ordered his guard then looked at the woman. "I'll wait for you there," he said without emotion.

The woman's forehead furrowed in astonishment. "I will wait for you?" she couldn't believe his words and laughed sarcastically.

Valjerome's jaw clenched. "Got a problem with that?" his cold tone was evident in his voice.

The sarcasm disappeared from the woman's face and was replaced by fear. She stood up straight and cleared her throat.

"Be fast," she said and turned her back against us.

Jaime bowed again in farewell and followed the woman as she left.

"Jazzi—"

"Are we going to eat?" I cut him off.

I don’t care about what he does. I just don't want him engaging a conversation with me.

I saw him sighed and turned off the stove. "I'll just order the maids to prepare these," he said and then looked at my son. "Your mom...is having her period."

"EXCUSE ME?!" I exclaimed as I stood up.

I feel my face heat up. I don't know why¾if it is in shame or anger. Of course, I chose the latter.

Valjerome chuckled, so did Erom.

“I was just kidding,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow at him the same time I crossed my arm in the middle of my chest. "Mr. Montevardo, are we close for you to joke around?"

He smiled sparingly at me, a painful one. "I'm just trying to get close to you," he said hoarsely.

I frowned and looked at him sharply. "You don't need to," I said emphatically.

He slowly nodded his head, defeated.

"Mom, are you fighting?" Erom interfered.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.

Calm down, Jazzie. Your child is here.

I slowly looked up and smiled at my son. "Don't mind us. We're just fooling around," I lied.

He nodded then turned to look at Valjerome. "You are not fighting with Mommy?" he was assuring.

My mouth parted in disbelief.

Doesn't my son believe me?

Valjerome looked at me again after he was surprised by my son's unexpected question. I glared at him threateningly.

I saw his side lips rose and looked back at my son. He looked at my son who was about to cry.

"She is mad at me, baby," he talked like a kid.

My jaw dropped at his statement.

What the fvck?!

"I'M gonna kill you," I hissed to my side as I scooped my food.

"What? I'm just telling the truth. It's bad to lie," Valjerome whispered next to me.

We are now eating our breakfast. And on the unlucky moment, my son made us sit next to each other so that we could get along.

"Truth my ass. Damn you, Valjerome. Don't use my son on your plans," I said indignantly and then gave him a bad look.

"Mom, water please," Erom uttered on my opposite side.

I immediately poured water into his glass and let him drink.

"I'm not using him," I heard Valjerome whisper but I didn't bother to look back at him.

Yeah, fish can walk.

I just remained eating as I was still assisting my child with his food.

"Are you okay, Mommy?" my son wondered in the middle of his meal.

"Erom, finish your meal first," I coldly ordered him.

He pouted and continued munching his food.

"Don't put your anger on me to him," the person beside me whispered again.

I closed my eyes tightly and simply took a deep breath. I tightened the grip on my utensils and glanced at Valjerome.

I coldly stare at him. "You should say it to yourself, Mr. Montevardo. Stop using my child to get my attention. It's useless. I don't know what you're doing but I just want to remind you that after a week, we're leaving."

I saw him loosening his hold on his spoon. He swallowed once more and sighed, averting his eyes.

"Yeah, I know. I am sorry," he murmured.

I silently scoffed. Now he knew how to say sorry.

I resumed my meal¾ignoring his presence next to me.

"Hurry up there. Someone is still waiting for you, in case you have forgotten," I told him out of nowhere until I realized it is too late for me to take back my words.

I cleared my throat when I felt his intense gaze then acted like what I said was nothing serious.

I was about to get some food when he suddenly spoke.

"You are coming with me."