Chapter Forty–Three
Immersed in my work, I didn’t notice the time slipping away as I got lost in my thoughts and the endless stream of reports from my clients. The soft hum of my computer and the scratching of my pen against paper were the only sounds accompanying me in the quiet office. The glow from the computer screen illuminated the faint circles under my eyes, a living proof of the sleepless nights that had become all too common. The doctor said it was late postpartum symptoms, but I knew it wasn’t. It was thanks to the unwanted disruption in my life.
I find myself lying awake when I’m supposed to sleep, thinking about how my life keeps spiralling back to my past. I’ve thought of leaving the country to avoid Kyle again, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I mean, I’ve already built a life here, and it doesn’t seem fair or right to leave it all behind again just because he keeps showing up when I clearly don’t want him to. That’s exactly why I’ve hidden behind my pile of work these past few days, anything to avoid going out and running into him again, since he seems to be everywhere. I need to come up with a better plan or the right words to make him stop showing up; however, for now, I’d rather stay in here and bury my head in work until the night comes when I get to drown in my thoughts all over again.
“Ava,” Elson’s voice pierced through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I blinked, briefly disoriented, before turning to face him. His brows were knitted together, concern clear in his eyes. “Aren’t you supposed to be somewhere?”
My brows knitted. Somewhere? The word echoed in my mind before it finally clicked. Oh! The Family Day event at the learning center.
My head snapped toward the wall clock fixed right above the doorway, and my heart did a tiny flip. Time had slipped away unnoticed. “Thank you, Elson,” I murmured, hastily gathering my belongings.
As if on cue, a soft rustling came from the corner of the room. Zareon, who had been napping peacefully on his tiny bed, stirred at the sound of my voice. His eyes fluttered open, and upon seeing me, a bright smile spread across his face. Moments like these made every sacrifice worthwhile.
“Hey, sweetheart,” I cooed, lifting him into my arms. He instantly nuzzled into my neck, his tiny fingers curling around my blouse. “Ready for our adventure today?” He made a cute sound, then yawned, and I couldn’t help but smile and pinch his tiny little nose.
A nurse at the hospital had recommended this Family Day program, emphasizing how it was a great bonding experience and would help Zareon develop social skills, as well as help with my low energy. Initially, I had dismissed the idea. The thought of mingling with other families, of exposing Zareon to possible criticism, was troubling, even though that wasn’t likely, considering he was a ray of cuteness and sunshine and would make anyone fall in love with him at first glance. But the more I pondered, the more I recognized the importance of allowing him to interact, to experience joy beyond the confines of our home and the few people around him. With the park visits on hold, this seemed like the perfect alternative. And maybe, just maybe, I could get some fresh air as well.
The drive to the center was eventful. Zareon babbled happily in his baby seat attached to the passenger seat while I pretended I understood all he said, like we were having the most engaging conversations. As we approached the venue, the rich decorations and the sound of children running around the open play area, laughing, filled the air, setting a cheerful and cozy atmosphere.
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The facility was more impressive inside. It was packed with engaging setups designed to excite and engage the children. Although it was a bit noisy, I couldn’t help but applaud them for the setting. Even Zareon, who had been chatty all the way, was now quiet in my arms, his big, round eyes scanning each colourful design. It was plain he was amazed as well and couldn’t wait to get his hands on them. A smile tugged on my lips as I adjusted his weight on my waist.
A sound from the microphone pierced through the room, followed by an apology. The rest of us, including me, followed the sound, which led us to a huge hall. However, the moment my eyes scanned the stage, they landed on a familiar figure standing near it. Kyle. My breath hitched in my throat, and my heart pounded in my chest. He looked as composed as ever, oozing the same commanding and attractive presence that had once drawn me to him. His dark hair was tousled, making him look rough, yet the most admirable man ever.
My heart pounded roughly in my chest as I took him all in, drinking in his wine of gorgeousness.
But it wasn’t just him. Beside him stood Lillian, one arm draped possessively through his, while the other
wrapped around their son. The sight was a punch to the gut, but I couldn’t look away, even when all I wanted
to do was run out of the hall. Instead, I instinctively stepped back, positioning myself behind a pillar, hoping
to remain unseen.
My mind raced. They looked like the perfect family. But more importantly, what were they doing here? Why did he and his family keep showing up everywhere I am? Was this a mere coincidence, or was there more to it? And more annoyingly, why was my heart beating that fast again at the sight of him?
A hush fell over the crowd as a microphone crackled to life once again. A cheerful organiser took the stage, her voice ringing out with enthusiasm. “Ladies and gentlemen, families and friends, welcome to our annual Family Day! We’re honoured to have one of our main sponsors here today. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Kyle Banks.”
Applause erupted as Kyle took the stage. I clenched my fists, a mix of shock and anger bubbling within me. A sponsor? At the same program I was invited to? The coincidence was too glaring to ignore. The program had been introduced at the hospital, but with Kyle being a sponsor at the same program, I couldn’t help but start to doubt it all. Was this another one of his hidden schemes?
He approached the microphone, his deep voice echoing through the hall with practiced ease.
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m honored to be one of the contributors to this special day for families and their little ones. There’s nothing more important than time shared with the people we love, and we hope that today reminds you to cherish every single moment and the joy it brings to all.”
His words were met with cheers, but I couldn’t shake the unease settling in my chest. As the activities commenced, I found myself on edge, hyper–aware of Kyle’s proximity even though I had found a perfect spot behind a thick woman whose frame was big enough to hide my slimmer body from the eyes of Kyle and his family, who were seated in the first row with their faces toward mine.
However, as if fate had an unsettled score with me, the instructor beamed into the microphone:
“For our next activity, which is a group one, everyone will gather at the centre of the hall for the different games prepared, which range from the Parachute Game, Bubble Bonanza, and many more. We’ll be pairing adults with some toddlers to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate while maintaining their safety,” the instructor chirped.
My stomach clenched at the thought of a “group activity,” but I didn’t get the time to think as the people around me had already started moving.
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Chapter Forty–Theme
Quickly, I grabbed an excited Zareon, maintaining my hidden spot behind people bigger than me while the instructor called out names. This wasn’t an act of cowardice, maybe partially, but it was mainly because! feared Zareon would recognize Kyle and call him by that name again. The thought alone made my stomach
tremble.
“Ava King.”
My name was called, pulling me out of my daze. And then….
“Kyle Banks.”
I blinked, frozen to the spot as time seemed to stand still around me.
No.
No, no, no.
That can’t be possible. I must have heard wrong, but I knew I didn’t. The very thing I had hoped to avoid was now unavoidable.
My name was called again, and people were looking around for the owner. So, with a deep breath, I slid out from my hidden spot and approached the front area, with Zareon nestled securely in my arms. Kyle was already there, his hazel blue eyes on me as I stepped forward, his expression unreadable. He didn’t look surprised, nor did he look like he expected me. Just a glance at me and a longer one at Zareon, whom I had managed to shield from him before, he looked straight ahead.
From my angle, I could see the hatred oozing from Lillian’s eyes. She didn’t hide it, nor did I hide the fact that! wasn’t bothered and that I was just as pissed about everything as she was.
The game started as soon as the pairing was done. I was left alone with Kyle and some toddler much to Lillian’s distaste, while Zareon was taken from me by one of the organizers to his age group game, which was the Bubble Bonanza. He looked pretty comfortable and excited, but as much as that mattered, I didn’t want him out of my sight. Still, it was worth it if it meant keeping him away from Kyle.
The game was simple: lift the parachute to create a dome for the children to run underneath. However, that simple task became a nerve–wracking one for me. As we grasped the edges, with toddlers crowding the centre in joy, I couldn’t contain my boiling questions any longer.
“Was this your plan all along?” I whispered.
Kyle’s hazel–blue eyes met mine, his gaze cold and detached, but his brow deepened with confusion. A look that read: “What are you talking about?”
Frustration boiled inside me at his calmness, and I gritted my teeth, gesturing with my chin. “Sponsoring this event and me getting invited. Is this another one of your hidden agendas?”
His brow relaxed, but his expression remained the same, unreadable and detached. He didn’t even bother to say a word.
That calmness, that unbotheredness, ignited a spark of anger in me. “Why do you keep inserting yourself into our lives, complicating things for me and Zareon? You have a family now. Why can’t you just leave us alone and focus on them?”
That did the trick. His jaw clenched tightly, and his gaze darkened, but before he could respond, a piercing scream shattered the moment. My heart lurched as I turned toward the source. I knew the scream like I knew
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my breath, and before I could process it, I was already sprinting toward the source. As soon as I turned the corner, I saw Zareon sprawled on the floor, wailing. And not far from him stood Lillian, cradling her also
crying child.
Panic and confusion surged through me as I rushed to Zareon, scooping him into my arms. “What happened?” I demanded, my voice trembling.
Lillian remained silent, her attention focused on soothing Neo. “What happened here, Lillian? Why are the kids crying?” Kyle asked.
My eyes flew from Zareon’s teary eyes to Lillian, who shrugged, bringing her child closer to her body. The action angered me because, for one, I didn’t understand why she was in this section with my child when she wasn’t paired with them.
After a moment, she spoke. “I came to check on Neo, but I found them both screaming and tugging at a toy. When I got closer, I saw Zareon b*ting Neo’s arm.”
She extended Neo’s arm, revealing the b*te mark. My brows furrowed as I looked at Zareon’s tear–streaked face filled with pain.
Gently rocking him, I tried to soothe his sobs while feeling disturbed by what I heard. There had never been a situation where Zareon b*t someone, so why was Kyle’s other son the first victim?
Lillian continued, “I separated them. That’s all.”
I shook my head. I didn’t know what had happened, but something wasn’t right.
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