Ronan

I couldn't get the image of Lily walking away with that little boy out of my head.

I sat in the back of my car, staring through the window without really seeing anything outside. My mind ought to focus on the meeting and its outcome, especially after learning that Lily had managed to build Sinclair Logistics into a company that could compete with mine. Yet, here I was, unable to silence the questions filling my mind.

“We've arrived, sir.” My chauffeur brought the car to a stop.

As he climbed out to open its door for me, I got out, walking straight into the house where I found her, Freya. She was seated comfortably on a chocolate-brown couch in the living room, flipping through the pages of a magazine.

“Jules.” She was quick to spot me when I stepped in. “You're back.” She smiled sweetly, reaching for the glass table in front of her to place the magazine on.

She adjusted herself to near the armrest, patting the soft seat cushion,“Come. Come sit with me.”

I said nothing as I walked over, settling down next to her. And leaning toward me, she reached for the tie around my neck to loosen its knot.

Such a familiar gesture should have eased the tension in me, at least.

But it didn't.

She didn't like my silence, so she frowned slightly, realizing I wasn't being myself.

“Hey. What's wrong? You don't seem like yourself right now.”

My expression was distant, and she could tell.

I leaned back and brought a hand to my face, hoping to shake off whatever thoughts.

“It's nothing.” I simply said.

Meanwhile, her own expression showed she didn't believe me.

“You've barely said a word since you walked in through that door. So please, don't brush me off by telling me it's nothing.” She responded with an impatient look. “Was your meeting with Sinclair Logistics worse than expected?” She watched me closely, hoping to figure out what I wasn't saying.

I faced her to meet her gaze.

I'd mentioned the meeting to her earlier before heading out, not expecting to come back feeling this disturbed. The contract mattered, but that wasn't what had followed me home. The thought of Lily and that little boy had.

I took a measured breath, eventually breaking my silence, “The meeting itself wasn't the problem, but whom I found seated on the other side of the table.”

Freya furrowed her brows, clearly puzzled by my words, “Who?” She cared to know.

“Lily. She freaking owns Sinclair Logistics.” I blinked really fast, trying to steady myself.

Freya's hand dropped from my tie, her eyes widening for several few seconds before returning to normal. She stared at me, too shocked to even say a word.

She really didn't know?

I couldn't help but wonder.

“But she's your sister. How come you're just hearing about it now? That she owns a company of her own.” I gave her a curious look.

She avoided my eyes, her expression shifting into visible discomfort.

“Well..” She merely shrugged, showing little concern. “Lily has never made me feel like we're actually siblings. We haven't been close for a very long time. And besides, she keeps almost everything about her life to herself. Apparently, she never intended for me to find out.” She added.

I stayed silent, keeping my eyes fixed on her. I just didn't know what to make of such an explanation. I had always thought she would know more about Lily than I ever could, considering the fact that they're sisters. It turns out I hadn't understood their relationship at all.

“There was also a little boy in the picture.” I spoke, Freya waiting for me to continue.

While I failed to, she seized the chance to question me, “A little boy?”

I answered with a small nod.

“Could he be her son?” She followed up with another question.

“I think so.” I responded, not really sure.

“In that case, maybe she slept with some random man after you two separated, got pregnant, and…” She trailed off, considering how best to continue. “Yes. He dumped her.” She eventually came up with a version she expected me to buy.

How sure can she be?

I gave her a look that showed I wasn't convinced.

“C'mon, Jules. You've got to believe what I'm telling you.” Her tone softened into one meant to convince me. “You know how Lily can be. I mean, who knows? She probably didn't feel the need to let me know.” She added.

I stayed quiet, looking for any possibility that could prove her wrong. Yet the more I considered her words, the fewer reasons I found to doubt her.

I didn't see a ring on Lily's finger that could tell she's already married.

Not even a cheap one.

If the child's father is her husband, I see no reason why she should keep it a secret, particularly after becoming a successful business owner.

So perhaps, Freya could be right. Maybe Lily is a single mom.

Either way, it's not something I should concern myself with.

Lily is no longer my wife but ex, so why should I care about the life she had chosen for herself?

I shifted on the couch restlessly, forcing myself to let go of what I was feeling.

Freya placed her hand on my chest, clearly trying to get me to focus on her again.

“You're here. But your attention clearly isn't.” She said,

I looked at her hand on my chest, lifting my gaze to hers.

“You have my attention.” I spoke, my feelings not matching the words.

“Fine. If you say so.” She took her hand off my chest to reach for her iPad. She unlocked it to start scrolling through, “I came across some dresses that would fit my shape perfectly and make me look too good for you to resist.” She chuckled softly, looking so pleased with herself.

Was I even paying any attention to her at all?

“See.” She held the iPhone up to my face so I would see its screen clearly.

I just stared at it blankly…

“Jules…” She hit my shoulder lightly with hers. “Why are you acting like you can't hear me? Seriously, if it's about her and that bastard she calls son, you had better come of it. Get them out of your head.” She sounded genuinely upset.

“I'm…” I cut myself short to take her hand in mine. “I'm sorry.”

“You should be.” She said, trying to relax her features. “Besides, the only amazing souls you should care about are me, and our baby.” She pulled her hand away from mine to stroke her rounded belly.

Yes. She's carrying my child, and soon, we're going to have our first baby. We may not have exchanged vows yet, but before our baby arrives, I'll definitely put a ring on her finger and make her my wife.

Lily

I stepped into my mansion, so different from the cramped rented room I had lived in while still carrying Theo in my womb. Years of struggling to keep my business running had eventually paid off, giving me a life where I no longer had to worry about any expense before spending a dime.

I had finally made it to the point where I could call a grand mansion in an exclusive neighborhood my home. The mansion featured tall glass windows, polished marble floors, and more rooms, making my old room seem like a world from another life.

After the exhausting day we had, Dean took it upon himself to drive Theo and me home, determined to see us safely through the door. As he approached me carrying a stack of files in his hands, I placed another file on top.

My action caused him to shift his weight. He however, managed to clutch the files to his chest before they could hit the floor.

“Careful, boss.” He said.

I simply looked at him, too exhausted to even say a word, “You're the one carrying nearly half of the files from my office.” I made a little joke.

None of us laughed at my joke. But he gave me a faint smile. He sighed tiredly, shaking his head as he rearranged the files until they were balanced again.

“Take those upstairs and store them in the locker inside my room.” I instructed.

He had earned enough of my trust that I could rely on him for almost any errand. In other words, my trust in him had grown beyond the walls of the company. I had given him access to parts of my life that I kept closed off from almost everyone else, this house included.

He gave me another tired look, probably wondering how many more tasks I planned to give him before finally letting him leave.

And me, I couldn't help but smirk at him, “Quit giving me that look. You know what? I'm just going to fix you something to eat before you leave. I'm guessing you're really hungry.” I said.

“Yes, boss.” He lifted his hand in a lighthearted salute.

He turned toward the staircase to climb up the stairs, leaving me to deal with my own exhaustion.

One look at myself was enough to make me laugh. The day's stress had ruined my makeup so badly that I looked ridiculous.

Like a clown.

I wanted nothing more than to disappear into my room, clean myself up, and crash into bed. But someone was already waiting for my attention, whether I was tired or not.

Theo.

He walked with his little legs to follow me to the couch, where I helped him get comfortable. Then I set my handbag on the coffee table.

“Stay right here for Mama, okay?”

He looked at me innocently, his eyes fixed on me as I made my way into the kitchen to make his food.

Theo was only two years old, yet he wouldn't eat the ordinary meals other kids his age enjoy. He still preferred the soft food I made for him, choosing to remain stubborn whenever I tried introducing normal meals to him.

I put a small saucepan on the stove to prepare his warm chicken and vegetable puree. Just the way he likes it. I blended the cooked chicken, soft carrots, potatoes, and a little rice into a creamy mixture. I made sure it was smooth enough for him to be able to swallow easily.

After stirring carefully, I checked the temperature to make sure it wasn't too hot before taking it off the stove. I served the puree in a bowl to take to the dining table, pulling a chair to sit down.

“Theo. Come have your food. It's ready.” I glanced over, seeing only the back of his head since he was still well seated on the couch.

He quickly hopped down to toddle toward me. At the dining table, he tried to hop on the seat. But then, he was still too little to get himself on the high seat. He tried once more, stretching his short little legs toward the seat.

Even so, he couldn't get himself on the seat. I smiled to myself, touched by how hard he kept trying.

He really is my son.

“Mama!” He uttered.

“Come here, little man.” I stood up to settle him on the chair, taking my seat next to him.

His bowl of food was already on the table. So I reached for the small spoon in it to give to him. He scooped up a spoonful and fed himself, scooping up another to hold the spoon toward me.

“For Mama?” I blinked, leaning closer to be fed by him.

His face lit up with a delighted little grin.

“So sweet of you, Theo.” I grinned at him sweetly too.

I took the spoon from his little hand, scooping another mouthful to feed him. He opened his mouth widely, a little stain clinging to the corner of his mouth.

“Messy little boy.” I grabbed a napkin to wipe the stain off.

He giggled softly under his breath, shifting his attention back to the bowl on the table. He had eaten almost all the puree, a small portion left in the bowl. I kept feeding him, anyway, until there was just one spoonful left. I scooped up the last spoonful to bring close to his mouth, only for him to turn his face away.

“No.” He responded with a stubborn shake of his head.

“C'mon, Theo, just one more.”

He refused yet again. This time, he wasn't looking at either me, or the bowl. But the staircase. I looked toward it and saw Dean climbing down, his hands now finally free from carrying those files. I kept my expression neutral, my attention drawn to the way Theo kept staring at him.

It was off…

He stared at him like he was seeing him for the first time.

Had he somehow forgotten how Dean often entertained him at the office whenever I was busy with work?

I looked back at Theo, unable to understand what about Dean had captured his attention.

Could it have been his hair? Maybe his mouth or nose? What exactly?

Dean made his way to the table to stand close to it. Theo's eyes sparkled now that he was closer.

“Papa!” He murmured happily.

I froze when the words reached my ears.

Papa?

The shock on Dean's face mirrored mine. And just for a few seconds, neither of us could find the right words to speak.

Why would Theo call him such, when he isn't? The heck, he is not his father.