6

Emma Starr 

We got to my house, only to see three paparazzi with their cameras. It seemed like they were already waiting for me. I gulped, glaring at Nicholas. 

Why did he have to be this famous? 

“Great, how do we go in now?” I wriggled my brows. 

Clenching his fists, he hit his hands on his steering wheel, “I will try to find a way, baby.” 

Nicholas drove in slowly as we studied the entire place. My neighbors were peeking to see what was happening. 

As if that wasn’t enough, Nicholas had announced me to be his bride-to-be. I wondered if it has reached publication yet... Bringing out my phone, I checked only to see my picture with today’s outfit. 

The headline read: 

[Nicholas Russell announces Emma Starr as his Bride-To-Be. Turns out they had a son all along! What could they be hiding?] 

“Look here, they already made news from it!” I exclaimed, bringing the phone forth so Nicholas could see it. “How fast can they be?” 

I mean they already settled in my neighborhood, so what were the chances? 

“Move in with me.” 

“Huh?!” I let out in an alert look. 

“In Country Club, you and my son will be protected. You will have no paparazzi issues, financial or any miscellaneous expenses.” 

“This is not necessary-“ 

“Have you seen how desperate these people are?” 

I looked out the window only to see them running after the car. One of the males slipped and fell only to dust his cloth, pursuing after us and making me sink into the chair. 

I ran my hands through my son’s brown hair, patting it softly. “For the meantime, okay?” 

“Okay, do you need some assistance in packing?” 

“There is little stuff so no. I will be fine alone.” 

“Alright, snowflake.” 

I scoffed at his words, highlighting from the car only for the reporters to gather around me once more. My movements were entirely fast this time, making me rush through opening and slamming my door shut on them. 

“My drugs...” 

I said, slipping the first necessary thing and sitting down so I didn’t strain my muscles too much. I had to figure out the family that will raise my son if I didn’t survive the surgery or never got to do it. 

The Doctor said I could die at any time. 

“Hello?” I sniffled in tears as I dialed the foster parent’s agency number. “This is Miss Emma. May I know the update on parents who intend to adopt a child?” 

“I’m sorry but there are already many people in line.” 

“Oh... I see. Is it okay if you write my number down and call me when there are more spots?” 

“Sure, I will do just that.” 

“Thanks so much!” 

“Welcome, Miss Emma. Do have a nice day!” she said. 

I hung up after replying. I was almost rounding up the packing and took just two bags, not forgetting to take my work attire. Jonathan’s clothes were more than mine so I took extra care in folding them. I was out minutes later, locking the door and walking to Nicholas’ Rolls Royce. I got in the car saying, 

“Sorry, I took time.” 

“You didn’t take long. This is the shortest time I’ve ever seen someone prepare to move.” 

Surprisingly, he sat down with Jonathan in the back seat, allowing him to place his head on his lap. Warm air was turned on, making me sigh in relief humming as I kicked off my shoes. 

He carefully transferred Jonathan’s head to my lap before coming down to enter the driver’s seat. The paparazzi sighted him running once again but he was faster than them this time. “Thank goodness! Yes!” 

I exclaimed joyously, as he reversed chuckling at this too. 

On getting to the Country Clubhouse, Nicholas took a hold of the luggage while I carried Jonathan in my hands. 

He was still fast asleep oblivious to whatever was happening around him. His uncle was the first person we saw as we entered from the main entrance. 

“Emma, what are you doing here with Jonathan? Is all well?” 

“Emma will be staying with me for time-being, uncle.” 

Nicholas put his hands around my shoulder, almost like he was claiming me and just that instant, three women passed us. 

“We heard the news.” one elderly woman said. “Congratulations on your engagement to Nicholas, Emma!” 

“Engagement? What engagement?” Mr. Henry asked, only for the other woman to reply, 

“Didn’t he tell you? He announced to the town that Miss Emma is his bride-to-be. Isn’t this a good thing?” 

“He did what?! Whoa...” His uncle stared at us with a confused gaze pointing his walk stick at us. 

“I see you’ve started keeping secrets from me.” 

“Uncle Henry, it isn’t like that-“ 

“Oh, isn’t Jonathan your son, then?” A woman out of the three stepped forward asking Nicholas. 

“He is,” he answered. 

“Then what isn’t like anything?” 

“Gosh.” Another woman said. “The town is so excited! I mean we might be having a wedding soon from the famous movie producer himself!” 

I felt embarrassed that instant, with my cheeks heating up. 

“I um, I have to go and put Jonathan to bed.” 

Bowing at them all in respect, I hurriedly paced out of there rushing to the little janitor’s room I always stayed in when I wasn’t working. 

A knock came in, “Emma?” 

I recognized that voice. Low, guttural, it was just cooling. 

“Yes, Nicholas?” 

“A staff told me you came here. What are you doing? Shouldn’t you be in my suite?” 

“Your suite? Won’t that be a barge in on your privacy?” 

He smirked, straightening his blue shirt as he stepped closer. “After all these years... I missed so much time in my son’s life and you think I’d be worried about that?” 

I patted my son’s head saying, 

“You have so many women around you and I don’t think that’s the best environment for my son. If we stay in a different suite, it will bring more advantages for you and me.” 

“My son stays with me. I need to keep an eye on him, and since everyone thinks we are engaged, I’m suggesting you come live with me too.” 

He had a point. Why didn’t he say anything about his harem though? 

Maybe he is still fascinated it. “What about the women?” 

“You mean the actresses?” 

“Yes, the ones you sleep with.” I nibbled my upper lip, with curiosity on my face hoping he told me the truth. 

“The town won’t like me sleeping with other women so I will try my best to not bring them here.” 

“It’s not about the town!” I sat saying, “I don’t want Jonathan exposed to that kind of environment, Nicholas. Please... for heaven’s sake. He’s just five!” 

“Okay.” 

“Yeah,” 

He said, staring at me with his dark orb eyes and a smirk on his features. “Are you jealous, Emma?” 

He said as I stood up to walk to his private suite, making me laugh uncontrollably in a way that sounded far too weird. “Me? Jealous?” 

Was I… 

Did I sound like I was or was I protecting my son’s best interest at heart? 

“It seems like you don’t like women around me, or am I mistaken?” 

“Of course!” I rushed to open the door. “Feel free to invite as many as you can, as long as it’s not in the suite I and my son are in.” 

Nicholas Russell connected his hands to his pockets walking outside with another dark grin at my words. 

He flipped a hand over his brown hair, which appeared entirely gorgeous and flirty making my insides melt! What was happening? 

“Wait up, baby.” 

Suddenly saying those words, he took Jonathan from me. My son woke up at the sudden movement, rubbing his eyes and staring at his dad. “Mommy?” 

“Yes, baby?” 

“Why is the red ball man carrying me?” he said. 

“He’s your father.” 

I confessed finally, not wanting to hide anything from him again. “Jonathan...” 

“You’re my daddy?” 

“Yes, my little boy,” he replied, glancing at him with a warm expression. “I’m your father.” 

I gave them some space to get to know each other, and as soon as we entered the suite arranging some clothes inside the wardrobe. It didn’t mean I prevented myself from eavesdropping though. 

I was entirely curious about what my son had to say if I was honest. 

“Mommy said you traveled all this while. I thought you’ll never come.” he sobbed, hugging his father. 

“At school, the fathers of my friends show up when they play their games but for me... none shows up.” 

“Is that so?” Nicholas lifted him in his hands that minute. “Then as of today, daddy promises to escort you to any game, Jonathan!”