CHAPTER 2

ELLA'S POV

"Thank you for dropping her," I murmured drenched in thoughts as I raised my head to see the stranger my daughter had brought home this time. Pulling my gaze past his body, I paused, recognition flashing past my shocked eyes.

This was Xavier McKinney, my one night stand, Ivy's father. I couldn't believe my eyes, my jaw falls slightly as the memories of our one night stand rushes into my mind. I couldn't help but feel a flash of emotions from the past years I've been left alone to bear and train Ivy ever since day one.

The first was dropping out of school, then loosing matt, my boyfriend at that time to the pregnancy I had with an unknown stranger. I remembered the sleepless night I've spent, cradling my pregnancy wondering how I'd singlehandedly mother a child.

Anger kicked in my veins as the memories sank deep. The loneliness I felt when my belly bump began showing while in college and being teased and made fun of. The loneliness still crept deep, the night I'd delivered Ivy into this world.

The harsh pain I felt, the uncertainty, it all began creeping back. I could still remember passing out and having to undergo a 6-hour surgery after loosing all my strength while pushing.

Tears gathered in my eyes followed by a seamless flow of anger and disgust. "Ivy, come in!" I yelled loudly pulling Ivy into the apartment as I turned back to him.

"Thank you for bringing her home," I prodded firmly, hiding my tears as I sniffed. Ivy, unaware of what was going on, called out to him, "Don't mind my mom, she's always like that with handsome men."

"No offense Cutey," he smiled, revealing his dentition which brought back more memories that only added tension to my anger.

I slammed the door, my heart pounding in my chest as I leaned against it, trying to steady my breathing. How could this be happening? Xavier McKinney, the man who had ruined my life, was standing on my doorstep, brought here by my own daughter.

"Mommy?" Ivy's tiny voice pulled me from my chaotic thoughts. I turned to see her standing in the hallway, her big green eyes—so much like his—filled with confusion.

"Come here, sweetheart," I said, kneeling down to her level. As Ivy pulled over to where I was sitting, she hugged me softly, mumbling besides my ears, "Can I ask you a question mummy?"

She shuffled over, her little face scrunched in curiosity. "Is he my daddy?"

My heart ached. I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay calm. "No, baby. He's just a man Mommy knew a long time ago."

"But we have the same eyes," Ivy insisted, her tone innocent and insistent. "And he's handsome and friendly. And rich. You always said my daddy would be all those things."

I forced a smile, brushing a stray curl from her face. "Ivy, a lot of people have green eyes. There are billions of people in the world. It’s just a coincidence."

"But Mama," she said, her voice small and uncertain, "I really like him. He feels… familiar."

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to cry. "I know, sweetie. But it's not that simple."

She looked down, her little shoulders slumping. "Okay, Mama. But… can we at least talk to him? Maybe he can help us."

I sighed, pulling her into a hug. "I'll think about it, Ivy. But for now, let's just focus on us, okay? I made spaghetti and meatballs. How does that sound?"

Her face lit up instantly, the previous conversation forgotten. "Yummy! Can I help?"

I smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope in her enthusiasm. "Of course, you can. Come on, let’s make the best spaghetti and meatballs ever."

As we walked to the kitchen hand in hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Xavier McKinney was back, and my world was about to be turned upside down once again. But for now, I had my daughter, and that was all that mattered.

****

(IN THE STREETS OF NEW YORK.)

XAVIER'S POV

I couldn't help but feel a wave at shock at this latest discovery. Here I am, standing at the door to my one night stand's apartment. This just had to be a coincidence, ever since our shared night stand four years ago, I couldn't still seem to get her out of my head.

Day in, day out. She was unlike any other woman I've had, she was rare, tasteful in other words. I immediately noticed the groin forming in my pants at the thought of her, she looked really sexy in that gown.

Her daughter, Ivy, yes that was her name, for a reason had run into me on my way to the office for a very important meeting. At the view of soulful green eyes, I felt a connection, she looked exactly like me. Same hair, same color, it just had to be a coincidence.

Ella was really shocked to see me, I was also. She obviously didn't want her daughter to have anything to do with me. I understand I was once a one night stand, but the tear in her eyes, it all seemed to set a puzzle.

I had a lot of crazy questions in my head but the one that stood out the most was, what if Ivy was my daughter?

We obviously shared an instant connection but there was alot more, the similarities, my genes, it all began to paint a picture. Just before I could delve deeper into thoughts, I felt a ring in my pockets.

Bringing out my phone, I read the screen and scoffed. A frown flashed across my face, it was Alex, my manager.

"What is it Alex? I thought I made it crystal clear to not call me unless it's an emergency." I rasped furiously, frustration ringing clearly in my tone.

I waited a while and I heard his fiddling voice over the line, "I understand sir but this is an emergency."

"What kind?" My tone lessened.

"It's the president, your father." He asserted, my heart clicking almost immediately. "What happened to him?" I yelled rushing towards my car.

"He had another heart attack." I heard Alex's voice wave slightly. I immediately got into my car and instantly got in. Inserting the keys into the key hole, my car's engine roared, as I kicked to the brakes causing my car to zoom off like lightning.

As I drove, I couldn't help but feel puzzled. Was ivy really my daughter? And if yes, would getting her and Ella to be with me be an easy kick?

Hell no— the answer lurked into my mind. Getting them back into my life was going to be rough but I was surely going to try.