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.