Chapter 41: Chapter 41

"Aren't you gonna eat that?" Chaos inquired in front of me, referring to the paperbag I had been staring at on the center table.

I shyly averted my gaze and then sat up straight. We are now inside the lounge and currently sitting on the sofa.

Once again, I glanced at the paperbag. I secretly bit my lower lip as I think about various things.

Why did he send me food?

What is his plan?

What's this for?

"You know, it is okay for me to eat that if I'm the one you're worried about," said Chaos who made me turned my attention on him again.

I quickly shook my head in denial of what he said. "It's not like that," I defended. "It's a bit unusual," I whisperingly added.

He nodded slowly. For a moment he let out a soft laugh and leaned back on the sofa.

"Is he courting you?" asked Chaos.

"No, he's not!" I exclaimed, too late for me to realize what I just did.

I also saw him shocked at my reaction. I swallowed and distracted myself by touching the flowers on my lap to avoid him.

"I mean ... impossible," I said calmly after I recovered.

"Why?" he asked in astonishment.

I stopped caressing the flowers when I remembered what had happened between Valjerome and me. I immediately removed it from my mind before I got even affected and forced a smile at Chaos.

"Let's not talk about him anymore," I said. "Thank you for the flowers," I changed the topic.

He gave me a small smile and nodded. "I'm glad you liked it," he said and scratched his nape. “It’s just embarrassing because your ex-husband seems to know better what you need more,” he continued.

I winced as he brought Valjerome back into our conversation.

"Aren’t they looking for you in your work?" I inquired and laid the flower he gave me on the table, I put it beside the paperbag that Jaime handed me earlier.

"I'm coming back too. I just passed by here before I picked up Erom and then go to the office after," he explained.

I can’t help but imagine our situation. If before, it hadn’t even crossed my mind to introduce Valjerome to Erom, now I’m considering that. Not because I have forgiven him, but for my son.

Ever since Erom and I talked about his father when we returned to the condo, it never happened again. I don’t know if it’s because my son just doesn’t want to bother or he just already accepted the situation we’re facing. Even though my son tried to hide it from me, I could see the anxiety in his eyes, maybe he is still thinking about what he said and did to Valjerome when they last met.

"Thank you, Chaos," I whispered sincerely.

"Here we go again. Don’t thank me, okay? How many times do I have to tell you that I'm doing this because you're my family? Erom is my son, Jazzie."

I was speechless and just played with my fingers. "Why me?" I said softly and then looked up at him. “What did I do to make you want me like this? That you even gave up your youth just for us."

He was the one who could not answer and stared at nowhere. Yet I could see the seriousness in his eyes.

"Jazzie..." he called, still not staring at me. "Do you trust me?" he continued and slowly moved his head to my direction, waiting for my response.

I was surprised but I tried to answer his question correctly. "Of course, why should I not" I tried to laugh and then leaned back on the sofa.

As what he did earlier, I also looked at the emptiness. "The truth is you are the only one I can trust right now. Yes, I also trust my friend, Azy, but I trust you more than anyone else," I answered.

"What if...I broke your trust? Will you be able to forgive me?"

I automatically frowned at his question and then turned to look at him.

"Why are you asking like that, Chaos? Have you eaten a stale food?" I said laughing.

He just smiled and then stood up from his seat. "Don't mind it. It’s just a random question." He looked at his wristwatch. "It's time to pick up Erom,” he uttered.

I just nodded and then followed him. "Thanks again for the flower," I said.

He jokingly looked at me so badly that I laughed.

"I'm courting you, Jazzie. So it's normal for me to buy you flowers. Don't tell me you'll always thank me every day?"

My mouth parted. "W-what...every day?" I exclaimed.

He chuckled and closed our distance. He sparingly kissed me on the forehead and then walked away again.

"Be surprised more if it is your ex -husband who is sending you flowers," he warned.

My face turned sour at what he said. "What's so surprising about that?"

"Why? Is that normal just in case?" he asked again.

I was caught off guard. I could not answer nor even move. I thought Chaos would be hurt or upset but that didn’t happen. Something I am thankful for.

"Stop it, Chaos," the only thing I said and then glared at him.

He just laughed at me. "Alright, I'm going to go to Erom's school. Let's just meet later when you get home. Don't cook food. You can have your dinner at my condo."

I nodded sparingly then smiled. "Thank you for looking at Erom when I left," I said, referring to the other night.

"Anything for you Jazzie. Even if it is him you have gone to that night."

I was speechless and stunned at the fact that Chaos knew where I had been that night. I don’t know how I would feel about what he said. I wanted to be embarrassed or upset but because of his poker face when he said that, I can’t assess how I should feel. Eventually I just chose to stop thinking about it.

"Go on, then. You might be late to your work later. I know you still have a lot to do in your company," I said with a forced smile.

He just nodded and silently turned his back on me. I couldn't help but feel guilty as I watched his figure move away.

How did he know? Am I really obvious that time?

I just sighed and sat down on the sofa again. I leaned my body there as I gently massaged my forehead. Soon, the paperbag caught my eye again.

I was out of myself when I reached it and peeked what is inside. As Jaime said, it was a meal in a tupperware. Even though I can't see the whole thing, I can already smell the fragrant aroma from there.

Pork Stew.

I couldn’t help but feel hungry. I then bit my lower lip wondering if I would eat it or not. If before, I had no hesitation to play with the food he cooked, now I feel guilty for doing so.

Damn.

I finally decided to take it home for my son. Yes, I am still mad, but unlike before, I am considering his efforts now. I don’t know if he was doing it so I can forgive him but that’s all I believe. After all, that's the only reason for him to act like this.

I am planning to take a short nap when I heard a knock. I looked at the door as it slowly opened it a little. I couldn't help but frown when Jaime peeked out from there.

"I forgot to give something," he said and then slowly opened the door.

My jaw dropped when I saw him walking towards me, holding a bouquet of white roses on his other hand. Behind him, another man followed with a human size white teddy bear.

What the fvck?