3/3
<Chapter Thirty Five
Chapter Thirty Five
Ava’s POV
+ Points>
The mirror reflected a version of myself I barely recognized, a version of myself that looked bold and beautiful, that even I myself was mesmerized. My dark emerald gown shimmered under the glowy light of my room, hugging my frame before cascading in waves to the floor. It was a good thing I’d lost most of my pregnancy fat even without having to do rigorous exercise due to my C–section wound. A black mask with silvery designs covered the upper half of my face, the material cold on my skin. My fingers trembled slightly as I adjusted the mask once more, inhaling deeply to calm my nerves.
Tonight was supposed to be a night of elegance, a chance to blend into the crowd and enjoy a rare moment of leisure. The prestigious company I worked for held an annual masquerade gala, an event highly anticipated by all employees. It wasn’t something I would normally attend, but I had little choice. Attending was mandatory for all staff, and although I’m not actually their staff, I worked for the company, so that made it mandatory for me to attend.
The company was a client of mine. They contacted my company a few months ago to work with them, and they provided us with a space in their office for easy communication access. It was the perfect chance to hide from the world because my company had been doing so well, and big brands had been calling for us. I needed a getaway from the attention, so I chose to work with this particular company while Elson managed my company on the outside and me on the inside. That way, I would be able to keep my and my son’s life private from the media because, with the way my company was thriving in an accelerating manner, it wouldn’t take long before the news started to target us. I do not want in on any of that anymore.
I turned my gaze toward the tiny figure sitting on my bed, his wide, innocent eyes watching me with fascination. My son, my world, my gift, my Zareon. His chubby hands reached for my gown, a delighted squeal leaving his lips.
“You like it, baby?” I whispered, bending down to press a kiss against his soft curls.
He giggled, clapping his tiny hands. “Mama!”
A smile tugged at my lips as a warm feeling spread across my heart. I couldn’t get enough of the love, the joy of having my gift here, no matter how many times he called me that with a huge smile on his beautiful face. It felt thrilling and just so unbelievable that my boy was here, and it had been a year since he came into this world to bless me and rid me of my pains.
At first, I had been hesitant about my decision, thinking that the company wouldn’t allow the setting to bring him along, but to my surprise, they not only accommodated the idea, the company provided a caregiver service not just for Zareon, but for all employees‘ children, even though Zareon was the only baby around yet. By the time we arrived at the grand party, the atmosphere was already vibrant with music, chatter, and the clinking of glasses. The lavish décor, sparkling chandeliers, and the sea of masked figures created an almost enchanting atmosphere. I adjusted Zareon in my arms, and stepped into the grand ballroom. However, I didn’t get more than three steps before my coworkers gathered around me, or rather, around Zareon.
“Is this little Zareon?” One of my coworkers gushed as I held my son in my arms.
“Look at those cheeks!” Another giggled, reaching out to tickle him.
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<Chapter Thirty Five
Zareon, as usual, basked in the attention, flashing his tiny four teeth in a wide smile. His charm was
undeniable and contagious.
+8 Points >
“He’s such a charmer,” Autumn, an older woman I befriended whispered behind me. “I bet he’s going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up.”
I smiled politely, stroking my son’s soft curls. To my relaxation, he had my honey blonde curls but with Kyle’s Hazel–blue eyes. Pity on the ladies‘ souls. “He already has everyone wrapped around his little finger.”
After a few more affectionate remarks from my colleagues, I finally handed him over to the caregiver, whispering a soft reassurance in his ears before kissing his cheeks. “Mommy will be back soon, sweetheart.” He giggled and my heart clenched as I watched him disappear down the hallway, but I reassured myself, he would be fine. He always is. Annie is very good with him and that I’m thankful for.
“Now, must I say, you look stunning tonight, Ava,” Autumn complimented, her eyes raking me up and down. “A second to Zareon, must I add.”
“Second place?” I fake gasped. “I was hoping to at least tie with him!” Then laughed. “But I suppose I can’t argue, he’s too adorable to compete with.”
We both laugh at that.
Older as she was, Autumn was the light of the party, the kind of energy needed to survive and relax in a cold room. She makes everyone, including me, feel comfortable in her presence.
“You’re really lucky, Ava,” she whispered, her tone serious for a moment before turning to their usual playfulness. “I bet it’s hard to leave him, but hey, at least we get to unwind tonight, right? Come on, let’s grab
a drink.”
With yet another laugh, I allowed myself to be led deeper into the hall. I tried to enjoy the night, engaging in light conversation and sipping from a flute of fruit juice because, well, I’m a breastfeeding mother. However, through the layers of laughter and music, I felt an odd sense of unease settle in my chest. Something felt… off. But I couldn’t quite place it.
And then, I heard it.
A cry.
A sharp, unmistakable wail that pierced through the chatter and music.
Zareon’s cry.
However, It felt as if I was the only one who heard it.
Without thinking, I excused myself and moved toward the hallway, weaving through the elegantly dressed figures. The sound of my child’s distress grew louder the moment I reached the doorway. Hurriedly, I pushed the door open only to meet the caregiver halfway.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Ava,” the woman hurried to explain. “He woke up startled and…”
“It’s okay,” I cut in gently, already reaching for him. The moment he was in my arms, his cries softe hiccups. He buried his face into my chest, his little fingers clung to the fabric of my dress. The sound of his hiccups and sniffing sends a sharp pang of guilt through me.
into
“Shh, baby. Mama’s here.” I whispered to him, then turned to the caregiver, “I think I should take him home,”
O III
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<Chapter Thirty Five
Without waiting, I turned quickly, eager to leave, but in my haste, I stumbled into someone.
Strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me before I could stumble.
+0 Points>
“I’m so sorry,” I said breathlessly, my heart racing from the impact. I barely spared the person a glance before adjusting Zareon in my arms, then tried to move past him.
But then…..
“Dada!”
My entire body froze.
Zareon, who had been sobbing moments ago, now bounced excitedly in my arms, his little hands reaching for the masked man standing in front of me. A strange, thick silence settled between us. The man stood still, unmoving, his entire posture rigid.
Holy…..
My heart pounded against my ribs, confusion tightening around my throat.
I swallowed hard, forcing a laugh as I adjusted my grip on Zareon. “I’m so sorry,” I muttered again, not having the courage to meet the person’s eyes because, well, I was embarrassed and shocked.
“He’s just learned new words,” I added with a rushed chuckle, though I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince–myself or the man standing before me, who was strangely quiet.
Zareon wiggled again, his light squeaks turning into irritated, cute groans the longer he spent reaching for
the man in vain.
God!
With yet another awkward chuckle and a quick apology, I rushed past the man. I didn’t stop, not even with Zareon now wailing in my arms. I didn’t stop until I was outside, the cool night air biting against my skin. Zareon continued to whimper in my arms, his big eyes now huge with tears that rolled down his chubby cheeks, and guilt immediately washed over me.
“Shh, baby,” I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his temple while using the back of my hand to wipe off his tears. He eventually settled, his tiny body growing heavier as sleep took over.
By the time I reached home, I felt disoriented. My mind refused to rest as I thought about that moment all over and over again.
The moment I stepped inside, Phoenix appeared from her doorway, rubbing her eyes sleepily. “You’re home early,” she murmured through a yawn. “How was the…” She stopped mid–sentence, eyes narrowing when she noticed the look on my face. “What’s wrong Did something happen?”
I hesitated, shifting my weight. “Something… happened.”
Phoenix frowned but nodded toward the couch. “Sit.”
I carefully placed Zareon in one of his cribs before sinking into the cushions, my fingers unconscionly drumming my thighs. “At the party… Zareon called a stranger ‘Dada.”
Phoenix blinked. Then blinked again. “Wait. What?”
“I don’t know,” I murmured, shaking my head. “He’s never done that before. Ever. He doesn’t even know what that word means”
3/4
er Thirty Five
Five
45 Points
never said that word to him. I had been careful not to say something like that close to his ears. However, what made it more unsettling was that this was the second time he said that. The first time, I had thought he heard it from someone but dismissed it because he didn’t mutter it after that, but this time around was
different. It felt real.
Phoenix remained quiet for a moment, then shrugged. “It happens, Ava. Kids pick up words all the time. Maybe..he’s just experimenting. You know, new words.”
“No,” I said firmly, shaking my head while my hands trembled slightly on my thigh. “This was different. He was… reaching for him. Like he knew him.” My voice wavered. “Phoenix, what if… what if he feels like something is missing?”
My greatest fear was my son finally realizing something was missing in his life. I tried not to allow that to happen, even if he was still too young to comprehend that, but his actions tonight said otherwise. Was he growing that fast already and sensing things?
Phoenix’s gaze softened, her expression shifting from confusion to understanding. “Ava,” she said gently, placing a hand over mine. “You’re an amazing mother. Zareon is loved, cared for, and safe. That’s what
matters.”
“But what if…”
“You’re overthinking,” she cut in with a knowing look. “Zareon is a baby. He’s just learning new things. It doesn’t mean he’s searching for something he doesn’t have.”
I wanted to believe her. I really did.
But as I lay in bed that night with Zareon sleeping peacefully beside me, the memory of his tiny voice calling out for a man he had never met, then his cries when we left, refused to leave my mind.
And the worst part?
For a split second, before I had rushed away… I could have sworn the masked man had almost reached for
him too.
Maybe it was just all in my head. Maybe it was just me overthinking things again.
The oddluna
I laughed when I read the comment. Someone said they knew Phoenix would be trouble because of her name. You are right; I chose that name specifically because she is trouble. Thank you all for your love.
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