At the Davison's villa, President Ethan was busy in the study room. Audrey walked into the room, but he was too focused to notice that.
“Daddy!” The little girl ran to him, and held his wrist tight.
With a faint smile, President Ethan patted her hair. “Baby, what are you doing here? Today is Saturday, and it's supposed to be your shopping day, right?”
“Uhm…. Yes! I know.”
Ethan stared at her for a few minutes in surprise. His daughter would never miss her shopping day for anything. So, that left him worried. “You know? But why aren't you ready to go shopping with your mommy?”
“Daddy, I have something to tell you.” She pouted her mouth.
Gulping hard, Ethan nodded his head. “Okay, I'm all ears.”
“You have to promise me that you'll grant my wish, daddy. Do you promise?” Audrey raised her eyebrows.
“Is there anything that you've asked of me that I've never done? You should tell me, then I can see what to do.” Ethan replied.
Audrey sniffed. “Daddy, please, I want a big happy family. Can you marry my mother legally?”
Ethan choked immediately as he coughed slightly. With shock written all over his face, he gulped hard. “W… What?”
“I just said you should marry my mother.” Audrey snapped.
“Why would you… you said you wanted your mother and I helped you find her, why would you want me to marry her?” Ethan exhaled sharply.
Audrey's countenance changed immediately. “All my friends have their families complete. Why shouldn't I have a complete family? What if someone comes to marry my mother?”
Lowering his voice, he asked anxiously. “Is someone trying to befriend your mother?”
“I think so! It's Uncle James, he called Mom the other time, and he asked her out. Do you want my mother to be married to someone else?” Audrey shook her head.
“And your mother accepted to go out with him, huh?” Ethan asked anxiously.
Audrey nodded. “Yes, she did. I know he's nice, but is this what you really want?”
“Your mom and I don't have any feelings for each other. It takes loving each other for adults to be together. This might not be what she wants.” Ethan finally replied.
Tears rolled down Audrey's face. She had always wanted her parents to be together. Does that mean that her dreams are actually crashing? She couldn't help but sulk. “Daddy, I want my mommy to be with you.”
“Audrey, it's not your decision to make, okay? Besides, you are still a child, and you shouldn't be talking about matters that concerns adults.” President Ethan kissed her forehead and held her pinky finger.
I'm still sobbing, Audrey snatched the finger from him and rushed out of the study room.
President Ethan, on the other hand, couldn't help but think of what his daughter had told him. The thought that Valerie had suitors made him so angry.
“Can't they leave a woman who already has a daughter?” He mumbled.
Taking a deep breath, he muttered to himself. “Why am I feeling bad? It's not like I have any relationship with Valerie, why then do I feel so annoyed when I think of her being with someone else?”
He couldn't concentrate on the work he was doing. Does this mean that he has feelings for his baby's mother?
**
“Oh my God! Valerie, you're looking gorgeous. I can't believe you won't be coming home frequently.” Susan cried out as they hugged each other excitedly.
Valerie chuckled. “Come on, you can always come to visit me at the mansion.”
“Really? So, how's your daughter? Why isn't she here with you? I thought you'd bring her along to see her godmother.” Susan feigned annoyance.
With that, Valerie laughed loud. “The next time I'll come visiting, I'll bring her along.”
“Oh, okay! I made some really delicious rice cakes. They are favorites, would you like some?”
Valerie gasped in excitement. “Hell yeah!”
“Alright. Give me a minute.” Susan rushed to the kitchen, and came out a few minutes later with a tray containing rice cakes.
The aroma filled the sitting room, and Valerie gulped hungrily. “Yum!” She cried out as she ate happily.
“Come on, Val, you mustn't choke while eating, okay?” Susan laughed.
Valerie stopped, and turned to Susan. “Where's Andy? My goodness. It's almost impossible to see him at home these days.”
“He stepped out a few hours ago. He might be on his way back. By the way, I think we have a lot of catching up to do. It's been so long.” Susan winked at her.
Sharing a laugh. Valerie whispered. “And you need to tell me about your new boyfriend.”
“Oh, please.”
The next morning. Sunlight crept from the balcony to the window and straight to Valerie's eyes. She yawned tiredly, and yanked the duvet off her body as she walked into the bathroom.
“Mommy. Mommy.” She heard her daughter's tiny voice.
“Baby, mommy is in the bathroom. What do you want, Audrey?” She asked loudly.
“You have a visitor, mommy.” Audrey replied.
Valerie paused and scratched her head. Visitor? What visitor was Audrey talking about? She can't remember inviting anyone except Susan over, and she was sure Susan wouldn't come to visit her out of the blues. “I'll be out soon.”
Later, she walked downstairs to the gate. Smiles escaped her lips the moment she saw her visitor. It was James.
“James?” She called out in excitement, and they hugged each other tightly.
“How have you been, Valerie? I just got back from the states and I came straight to see you.” He replied.
They hugged each other again.
Meanwhile, from the window upstairs, President Ethan opened the curtains and saw Valerie hugging James. He clenched his fist in annoyance, gritting his teeth.
He fumed. “Damn.”