Chapter 4

Emily Pov

"Gary, could you please bring me my phone?" I asked as my son dashed into the kitchen, clutching the phone tightly and handing it to me.

I smiled, ruffling his hair. 

“Mom, can I have one of your cupcakes today?” he asked eagerly. I gave him a nod, causing him to run out in delight.

It had been five years, yet the pain still felt raw. The memory of being ostracized and kicked out of my parent's home lingered like an open wound.

I remembered the shock when they suggested I blame my ex for the pregnancy.

“Take this opportunity to show him you still care,” my mom suggested, leaving me speechless.

At that moment, I struggled to see her as my mother. How could a mother ever propose such a hurtful thing?

I became sad and frustrated as everything turned against me. My whole world came crumbling at my feet. I gathered my remaining pieces and fled out of the country.  

The journey to self-discovery was a dangerous, stormy path, scattered with the broken fragments of my dreams, the bitter tears of rejection, and the deafening silence of those who should have offered support.

Each passing hour was a solitary pilgrimage through the darkness of my soul, the demons of doubt and insecurity haunting me, tormenting me with their whispers of inadequacy.  

“Mira, what is the schedule for today?” I asked, clutching my phone to my ears as I waited patiently for an answer from my assistant.

I had always been a shadow of the life I have now. Living in the shackles and pains of the past, never letting go.  

But now, I have thrown away my shackles, leaving my past behind me and giving myself the life I truly deserved— a beautiful house with my handsome 5-year-old son and the CEO of a bakery.   

Bringing out my talent could only have happened with the unwavering support of my best friend, Mikel. He’s stood by me through thick and thin, investing immense faith in me. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have him as a friend.

I strive to avoid dwelling on the past, including thoughts about Alex and his new wife. Despite the lingering pain, I've come to terms with the possibility of them building a life together.

I've vowed to steer clear of situations that lead to marriage entanglements. To me, men have been nothing but trouble, and I remained firm in that belief.

"Miss Emmie, you have a meeting with Mr. Benson today, one of our top clients," she informed me, to which I sighed. 

"What time?" I asked, taking a bite of an apple.

"10 am, Miss Emmie," she replied.

"I'll be there shortly. Any issues?" I queried, sensing hesitation in her response.

"No ma'am, but—" she hesitated before trailing off. 

"I'll be right there. Let's discuss it in person," I decided, ending the call.

Something felt off, but I trusted she would explain. 

Despite the boring routine that made up my daily life, my life holds value and excitement. 

~~~

After getting dressed into a pair of tight jeans and a blouse, I dressed up my son staring down at his deep blue eyes and his curled-up black hair. They all reminded me of  Alexander. His striking resemblance of him blew me away. Not for once had I regretted keeping him away from his father. Not telling Alexander about my pregnancy seemed like the best decision I've ever made.

I kept wondering what his reaction would have been like if he had learned about my pregnancy. He would have potentially expelled me from the house, hurled hurtful insults at me, and demanded that I vacate—leaving me in a distraught state.

 Alternatively, he might have insisted that I stay due to the baby, but that scenario could have led to a complicated situation involving him, his new partner, and me.

Surprisingly, neither his mother nor his father contacted me since my disappearance. 

As I switched off the engine of my car, I stepped out with Gary by my side and made my way into the building. My eyes darted on the name above the entrance as it read—“MILEY GARY.” A smile formed on my lips. 

I remembered the struggles of trying to come up with a name for my company. It hadn't been as easy as I anticipated, but little did I know it would turn out so successfully.

I walked into the company as my footsteps echoed along the hallway. My staff stared at me in admiration as I walked graciously towards my office. They greeted me with smiles on their faces. Staring at them, I felt they were a lot, but Mikel had insisted that I needed them.  

“Miss Emmie,” My assistant called out, walking towards me. “I'm glad you are here, just at the right time, ma'am. Mr. Benson wouldn't stop requesting his cupcakes, and wouldn't let any of us attend to him either," she said as I strolled into my office, passing Gary to her.

As I approached, Mr. Benson turned, revealing his new tinted brown hair. 

"Mr. Benson," I greeted, extending my hand for a handshake as he reciprocated. 

"I apologize for the delay; I heard you weren't happy with my lateness," I mentioned, staring at him as his lips curled for a smile.

 "A small commotion to get you here," he joked, causing me to chuckle. 

 "Let's begin with your cupcakes," I added, catching Mira's eye.

I caught a glimpse of him gazing at me in admiration, his eyes never leaving my features. His steady gaze on me made me uncomfortable, I adjusted my apron—an activity to avoid his gaze.  

“I wish for a date.” He requested. 

His request sounded like a bombshell to my ears. Why wouldn't he stop making such a request? I wondered, my saliva blocking my airway.  

“Mr. Benson,” I called out, staring indifferently at him. He seemed cool with his words.  

“What? Don't say no, please. I'm your first client, remember?” He replied as I winked my eyes feeling defeated.  I can't say no to him, not this time.  

“Why do you request a date? Mr….

“Miley, can we not talk about this? Just think this through and get back to me when you're ready.” He winked at me,  making me lose focus on the pile of work before me. 

“I will think it true, like you suggested,” I replied.  

“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.” I heard Gary's voice almost immediately yelling outside. My heart skipped a bit as a thousand thoughts ran through my head.  

Who's Gary referring to as Daddy? Has Alex come to claim my child? Did he know I was pregnant? How did Gary know he was his father?