1 — Can't take my son from me

S E L E N A

As the car pulled up in front of the apartment, my heart skipped a beat. A wave of anxiety washed over me, my fingers tightening into a fist as I watched the car come to a stop. My heart was racing, my breath quickening as I prepared myself for what was to come. For what was to become my fate in the city I had been running from.

Who would have thought that I'd be back in this city, the one I had sworn never to return to, all for the sake of work?

“M-Mommy!” little Liam called out to me from the backseat, my head spun to look at my baby whose face reminded me of his father, the man who made me leave the city without looking back.

Liam's distinct features, especially his rare purple eyes, would make it obvious to anyone in the city that he was the father. The thought of him taking my baby away from me when our paths crossed sent shivers down my spine.

I imagined him snatching my baby out of my arms and running off into the distance, leaving me empty-handed and heartbroken like he once did. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my child to him. No, that can't happen to me.

I could feel my palms become slick with sweat, my anxiety reaching a breaking point. Suddenly, I felt a warm, comforting hand grasp my own, the gentle pressure soothing my frayed nerves.

I turned to see Christopher, my boss, and my supposed brother, looking at me with a reassuring smile on his face. His touch was like a lifeline, anchoring me in the moment and giving me strength.

His voice was soft and soothing as he whispered, “What's wrong? What's on your mind?” I could see the concern in his eyes, despite the smile on his face. The worry in his eyes betrayed the calmness of his voice. He was only trying to be strong for me.

I moved my gaze away from him, staring at my little boy who wouldn't stop smiling at me. “It’s nothing. I-I’m fine.” I gulped down nervously, flashing Liam a smile before returning my gaze back to Christopher who seemed to doubt that I was truly okay.

He spoke in a low, gentle voice, his eyes holding mine. “Lena, you know you can tell me anything, right?” he asked. There was an air of sincerity about him, a vulnerability that I had never seen before. It was as if he was trying to reassure me, trying to make me feel safe. But I wasn't sure if I could trust him, if I could share my secret with him. Especially when it has to do with our project partner.

How do I tell him? How do I tell him that we're in the city I ran from, the one that broke my heart? How do I tell him that our business partner was the father of the boy he has been caring for? The man who drove me away from the city and made me a wandering girl in Los Angeles until he found me.

Knowing Christopher, his protective nature would kick in if I told him the truth. He wouldn't let me stay another second in the city if he knew the situation I was in. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him, not yet. Not when our company still depend on this project.

“I'm fine,” I said, shaking my head as I forced out a smile. “Just thinking about our meeting tomorrow.” It was half a lie, half the truth. I was indeed thinking about the meeting, but not for work, but for the person we’re meeting. I was far from fine. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him the whole truth. Not yet, anyway.

“The meeting will go well,” Christopher reassured me, taking my hand in his and planting a soft kiss on my palm. He was oblivion to what was going on in my head. “I'll be there, not just as your boss, but as your friend and brother. You've got nothing to worry about.”

I managed a nod, but my anxiety wouldn't be so easily soothed. I pulled my hand away, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. I knew he was just trying to be supportive, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that Pedro will be there, and I would be nothing but be fine, knowing a part of me still yearn for him.

“Um,” I cleared my throat, “thanks for all you do.” I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper as I gripped the handle and opened the car door. I stepped down from the car, escaping Christopher's gaze.

As I watched the sunset over the rolling hills of NYC, the evening breeze gently caressed my skin. Its soft and cool, like a kiss from the wind itself. It ruffles my hair, making it dance in the gentle gusts. It's as if the whole countryside was sending me a warning.

Warning to turn around and leave the city and never come back. Warning that I might lose my son to him if he learnt about our son.

My heart sank into my stomach and my palm clammy with sweat. “No,” I whispered fiercely to myself, “I won't let him near my child. I will do whatever it takes to keep my baby safe. Away from his sight.” As I turned to stare at Liam, my expression softened at the sight before me.

Christopher was cradling my baby in his arms, and my little boy was gazing up at him with such adoration, his tiny arms wrapped around Christopher's neck as if he had found his safe place. It was a beautiful, tender moment, and it filled my heart with a love I had never known before.

That's it, we have Christopher, no one will take away my son. He's going to protect us like he had promised and I knew he won't let anyone take my son from me.