THE INTRODUCTION

MIRABELLA’S POV

“Mommy!” Alfred hurried up to me and I threw my arms around him, kissing his temple and then releasing him.

“You look very handsome in your tuxedo, sweetheart.” I said to him as I adjusted his collar.

“And you look gorgeous as always, mommy. That man totally agrees with me, as he’s been staring at you for a while now.” Alfred said, his gaze shifting a bit to the left, and my gaze followed his line of sight out of curiosity.

I let out a gasp the moment my gaze met with the said man. I never thought I would see him so soon, and especially not at my welcome party. I told myself countless times that it wouldn’t matter if I saw him, that I wouldn’t care. It’s been six years and I changed in those years.

Growing up, I was raised in love and never experienced any difficulties, well except for the times I spent with Easton during our marriage but that’s all in the past. Although my heart raced as I stared into his hazel eyes, it wasn’t because I felt intimidated.

Even after six years, Easton still looked as charming as ever. In fact, he looks more attractive now than he did six years ago, or is it because I haven’t seen him for that long?

I immediately lowered my gaze to Alfred, and like me, he was also staring back at Easton. Knowing him, he’s probably studying Easton for later reference.

“We should go.” I said, trying not to sound desperate. The last thing I want is for these two to meet each other. Even though Alfred looks a lot like me, I couldn’t risk having him close to Easton for Alfred is a smart kid, and might begin to suspect Easton is his father.

“I think he wants to speak with you, mommy.” Alfred said, taking my attention back to Easton, and indeed, he was heading towards us!

“Hey… Mirabella.” Easton greeted in a rather awkward tone. He stood right next to me now, and I made sure to maintain eye contact with him to show that I’m not intimidated by him anymore.

“Hello, Mr. Grey.” I responded confidently. I could tell he was dissatisfied with the way I had addressed him from the slight furrow his brows made before returning to their normal position.

“Mr. Grey?” Easton asked, keeping a straight face. I didn’t respond however. I know he mentioned we could still be friends after the divorce, but I wasn’t comfortable with that. I didn’t work so hard back then, only to be friend zoned.

There was silence for a while before he spoke up again.

“It’s been a while, Mirabella. How have you been?” Easton asked, his voice filled with genuine concern, and I smiled slightly.

“I’ve been doing alright.” I said, and then the silence came again. This felt so awkward, and I’m sure Easton felt it too since he has never been one to be lost for words.

“How have you been, Mr. Grey? And how is your girlfriend? Are you two married now?” I asked after a while with a forced smile. Easton made a low and almost inaudible grunt before narrowing his gaze down to Alfred.

“Who do we have here?” he asked instead, a small smile on his lips as he lowered himself a bit to have a better look at Alfred. I took in my bottom lip as my body tensed up. This is the exact conversation I was trying to avoid!

“Hello to you, Mr. Grey. I’m Alfred Brookwood, and this gorgeous woman is my mother.” Alfred said boldly before I could respond, his face void of expression that I couldn’t tell his emotions at that moment. “And you are?” He asked Easton.

“I’m-”

“He’s an old friend of mine.” I responded immediately, cutting Easton off. He glanced at me with a disapproving look before returning his attention back to Alfred.

“And how old are you, Alfred?” he asked, and my eyes widened as I immediately realized where the conversation was heading. If Easton finds out Alfred’s age, he’ll know he’s the father!

“He’s four years old.” I answered immediately, and Easton raised himself up, a small frown on his face.

“Four?” He asked, and I bobbed my head immediately. I glanced down at Alfred; he didn’t show any sign of protest. He probably knows I wouldn’t lie about such things without a valid reason, which is why he kept silent, obviously waiting to ask me about it when we’re alone.

“Yes.” I replied, and Easton mumbled for a while as if not buying it.

“Bella, sweetheart!” I heard mother’s excited voice from behind. She walked up to us, a bright smile on her face which immediately vanished the moment she saw Easton.

“I’ll go to grandpa, mommy.” Alfred said, as if sensing the tension amongst us and the need to give us some privacy. I gave him a gentle nod in approval and he scurried away.

“Mrs. Brookwood –”

Easton started but mother cut him off.

“– I do not recall inviting you over, Mr. Grey!” Mother snapped, cutting Easton off and surprising us both. I’ve never seen her like this before and I snickered. I just love mum being so aggressive to someone who hurt her sweet daughter!

Easton’s gaze altered between mother and I for a while, I could tell he was waiting for me to say something in his defense but I had no intention of doing so.

“I apologize for coming uninvited. I just wanted to see Mirabella…”

“You’re the last person my daughter wants to see, Mr. Grey. Are you trying to ruin the party! ”

I gently pulled mum’s sleeve to ease the tension. A lot of business partners were also at the party, and I don’t want to embarrass my parents. Thankfully, Roman walked up to us at that very moment.

“I noticed you haven’t moved from this spot for a while now.” Roman said as he approached us, finally averting mother’s attention, and her smiles returned to her face the moment she saw Roman. “Would you like to dance?” Roman asked, stretching his right hand out to me.

“Of course she would!” Mother replied, before I could say anything.

I smiled brightly, thankful for his gesture. It’s my perfect escape from Easton! I turned to Easton with an apologetic look.

“Mr. Grey, I’d like you to meet Roman Lawrence.” I started, and Roman offered his hand to Easton for a handshake, which he accepted, his previous shocked expression leaving his face.

“Easton Grey.” He said, and Roman bobbed his head before retrieving his hand. I took in a deep breath before proceeding with my introduction.

“The father of my son.” I stated. Both Roman and Easton turned to me, shock and confusion clearly written on their faces.