Chapter 008

Chapter 008

Alice

I stepped out of the cab, releasing a deep sigh as I took in the picturesque school scenery. The elegant building stood before me, complemented by a beautiful fountain at its front.

The parking lot was already filled with cars, reminding me that I needed to consider getting one. The stress of constantly hailing cabs or ordering rides with my kids was taking its toll, but with numerous bills to pay and sole responsibility for their care, it remained a luxury I couldn't afford.

I walked through the quiet corridors leading to the meeting venue. The school has closed so it has made the surroundings eerily silent.

I had also left my kids in the care of my sales worker, opting not to bring them along.

Pushing open the door, I entered a room filled with parents gathered for the meeting. An air of importance filled the room as if hinting at the presence of a distinguished guest in the meeting.

As I made my way through the crowd, exchanging greetings with familiar faces, I searched for an empty seat.

Finally, I spotted one beside a man and took it, placing my bag on my lap.

"Hi, Mrs!" The man greeted me with a wave.

I internally cringed at the informal address, but politely replied, "Good day, sir."

I turned my attention to the front, focusing on the proprietor's speech.

"I trust you're here for your kids?" the man asked, initiating a conversation.

I nodded briefly, not looking at him. "Yes."

"I'm also here for my son," he continued, "as a single dad."

His revelation caught my interest, and I turned to face him.

"Wow, that's admirable," I said with a genuine smile. "Many fathers wouldn't be so involved."

The man began to respond, "You're right, but–"

Just then, my kids' teacher, Larissa, approached, interrupting our conversation.

"Hey, ma'am," she said.

I stood up, greeting her warmly with a hug and a smile.

"How have you been, Larissa? It's been a while," I said, releasing from the hug.

"I know, right? I've been doing great!" she replied with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that," I said, amused. "And I hope my kids haven't been giving you too much trouble?"

"Ma'am, I shouldn't sugarcoat it. Your kids can be quite a handful," Larissa said with a warm smile. "They give me more trouble than the rest of the class combined, but don't worry, It's nothing I can't handle. They can be incredibly sweet and mischievous at the same time."

I chuckled, understanding her sentiment.

"I'm so sorry for the trouble they've been causing you," I apologized.

Larissa waved it off, laughing. "No need to apologize, ma'am. They're just being kids. Actually, I think Liam should take up the barbering profession because he's always fascinated by hair."

"Why do you say that, Larissa?" I asked, intrigued.

"It seems Liam's passionate about barbering," Larissa said with a chuckle. "Just last week, he shaved off his classmate Jason's hair to practice a style. Jason's parents even reported it, but we’ve settled that."

I gasped, shocked. "He did it at school too? Why didn't you call to inform–"

Before I could finish the man I'd spoken to earlier, interrupted. "Sorry to cut in, Miss Larissa, but is this the woman whose son gave Jason his... unconventional haircut?"

I turned to him, jaw dropped.

Larissa nodded. "Yes, Mr. Lucas, that's her. But let's consider the matter closed."

Mr. Lucas smiled warmly. "I understand he's just a kid, and it was harmless. I simply wanted to confirm."

"I'm truly sorry about that, sir. Please accept my sincerest apologies," I said, clasping my hands together.

Mr. Lucas smiled kindly and nodded before turning his attention back to the front. I turned back to Larissa.

"Hemmm, I was actually here to ask you something, ma'am," she said. "Why are you here when someone else is already representing your kids, claiming to have been sent by you?"

My jaw dropped again.

"Who was that? You knew I've always been the only one attending these meetings, and I certainly didn't send anyone."

"Really?" Larissa asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Wow! That's strange! And it wasn't just any ordinary man, but Mario Bianchi!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "Freaking Mario Bianchi, the trillionaire! Every woman's dream crush, whether married or single."

She fanned herself dramatically with her hand, as if she had just spotted her celebrity crush.

Mario’s here? A trillionaire? I wondered. Why haven't I seen him? What brought him here? Could it be a different Mario?

"You mean Mario Bianchi - that tall, imposing figure?" I stammered, struggling to find the right words.

Larissa nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Let me show you." She pulled out her phone, displaying photos of Mario that decorated her screen. "This is the one! A trillionaire and heir to the Bianchi dynasty, a trillion-dollar empire with ties to the British monarchy and the American mafia. His brother is the infamous don."

I listened, awestruck, as she continued.

"You should have seen how people fawned over him when he arrived. Who would have thought the infamous Mario Bianchi would show up in a place like this, unguarded? He's known for traveling in his gold-encrusted private plane with hefty guards! Even the proprietor personally welcomed him. If our school security hadn't intervened, this meeting wouldn't have happened, all because of Mario Bianchi's presence."

She emphasized, "He dines with kings, ma'am - not just any kings. Even presidents aren't exempted from his social circle."

I gaped, stunned. I had wanted to research him but kept forgetting amidst my busy schedule. No wonder I sensed that extraordinary presence when I arrived.

So, that was really who Mario was? No wonder the guards and his aura.

But how did he know about the meeting? Why was he taking a personal interest in my kids' life? Who sent him? What was a man of his status doing with my kids? Does he have a hidden agenda?

Larissa's voice cut through my thoughts. "Wait…is he your babies daddy?"

She murmured to herself as if connecting a dots. "Ava, blue eyes, Mario's blue eyes, Liam's blue and white hair... this can't be a coincidence!"

I recoiled, horrified. "No, absolutely not! He's not their father. I don't even know him."

Larissa's eyes widened. "But think about it, Ma'am. Mario Bianchi, one of the wealthiest men alive, and you... it's not entirely impossible."

I shook my head, laughing but I was shaken inside as I realized I wasn't the only one who noticed their resemblance.

"Don't be ridiculous. Someone like Mario Bianchi wouldn't notice me, let alone have a child with me."

Larissa's face flushed red as she realized her mistake. "I'm so sorry, Ma'am. I didn't mean to imply..."

I waved her apology aside. "No need to apologize. Honestly, I wouldn't want someone of his status. The attention would be overwhelming."

"I do want those kind of attention though.” she murmured.

"You know I'd–" I started, but my words were cut off as the room erupted into chaos.

Suddenly, everywhere was noisy, with no one listening to the proprietor's words anymore. Camera clicks and shutter sounds filled the air as people scrambled to capture the moment I didn't know of.

"Oh my god, it's him! He's coming here!" Larissa squealed, her eyes fixed on something behind me.

I turned to follow her gaze, and my heart skipped a beat. Mario Bianchi's imposing figure strode towards me, his suit-clad frame drawing attention from all angles. People rushed to video him, shouting and clamoring for his attention.

"Look at those large hands!" someone exclaimed. "He's so handsome!"

"I can't believe I'm seeing him in person!" another person shouted, their voice trembling.

The commotion intensified, with people fainting and ambulance shouts filling the air. It was surreal and Mario wasn't even a celebrity.

As he approached me and finally in front of me, his piercing gaze locked onto mine. It was like I was the only person who'd managed to capture his attention in the room.

"I've missed you, my disobedient woman," he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down my body.

Without warning, he cradled my face and slammed his lips onto mine. I was taken aback, unable to respond as he kissed me fiercely, biting my lower lip with his teeth. His hand grasped my waist, pulling me closer.

I was still in shock and tensed as I was unable to process all the information I just learnt about, but I finally regained my senses and tried to break free, but he pinched my waist, making me gasp. Seizing the opportunity, he deepened the kiss, his tongue invading my mouth.

Then, I managed to break free and, without thinking, stood on my toes to reach his face. I slapped him hard, the impact stinging my hand.

As the sound of horrified gasps filled the air, I turned and rushed out of the room covering my face with my hands, so it wouldn't be captured.

*****

I switched off the TV in my shop, frustrated by the relentless coverage and picture of Mario kissing me and the videos of me slapping him. For three days, the news had been dominated by the same headlines:

"Unidentified Woman Slaps Trillionaire Mario Bianchi"

"Mario Bianchi Spotted Kissing Mysterious Woman at School Meeting"

"Mario Bianchi Seen Without Security for First Time"

I couldn't believe how long it took me to realize who he truly was. The guards, luxury cars, and aura of power should have been dead giveaways.

Now, the unwanted attention was focused on me, but thankfully, my face hadn't been captured clearly. Only Larissa and the man I'd sat with had recognized me.

Since the incident, I'd heard nothing from Mario, and my kids hadn't mentioned him. I was relieved.

However, one question continued to puzzle me: Why did Mario bear an uncanny resemblance to my children?

"My goodness, someone like Mario Bianchi kissed you and you slapped him?" one of my workers whispered, breaking my thoughts. "What a foolish woman!"

Lara, my other worker chimed in, "She's so foolish! If I were her, I'd finish what he started. I wouldn't wash those lips for a month!"

The other worker nodded in agreement, "Same here, the—"

I spun around as my patience wore thin. "Is that the work I assigned to you both?"

My workers jumped, startled, and apologized hastily. "Sorry, ma'am."

They quickly scattered, leaving me to seethe in frustration. I clutched my hair in exasperation.

God!

Later that day, after feeding the kids, I stepped out of my office to use the restroom. As I approached the closet in my boutique, I caught the faint sound of hushed whispers. Curious, I paused to listen.

To my surprise, it was my kids. I crouched down to eavesdrop, wondering when they had snuck into the closet. Hadn't I left them in their designated room to work on their assignments after school?

"Why would anyone dare slap Dad?" I heard Liam ask.

The word "Dad" sent a pang through my heart.

"I wish I was there to give her some uppercut," Paul said, making me smile where I was.

"I'll get revenge on his behalf because he was there because of us," Ava declared. I imagined her tiny fist likely clenched.

Unbeknownst to them, they were discussing their own mother.

"But come to think of it," Paul said, "the dress the person was wearing looked exactly like Mom's from that day."

I gasped, my heart racing. Paul had always been the most perceptive.

He's always the smartest, I thought. The others are smart too, but more mischievous. Maybe it's because he's the eldest, just like Granny said.

"I've also thought about it, the person looks so much like Mom, even with the color of her hair," Liam said.

"I agree," Ava chimed in, "what if she's the one?"

"That means we still have a lot of work to do in bringing them together," Paul added.

I stood frozen, my jaw hanging in shock, as I eavesdropped on my kids hiding in the narrow closet in my shop.

"Shh... lower your voice, someone might hear us," Liam whispered.

Their conversation left me stunned. How could my kids betray me like this for a stranger? I've always known they were mischievous but not to this level.

It seemed they were the masterminds behind Mario's sudden appearance at the meeting, but I wasn't convinced. Mario's power and influence could have easily done it too.

For now, I wouldn't confront them, but I would keep a closer eye on them.

Ava started speaking, "I don't—"

But my hand accidentally hit the closet's iron rod, and I winced silently, holding my breath.

"Wait, it seems someone is there," Paul said. "Liam, go check."

I pressed deeper into the shadows as tiny footsteps approached.

Liam's figure emerged from the closet, scanning the area. I held still, hidden from view. I could see him but he couldn't see me.

The irony wasn't lost on me that I was hiding from my own kids.

"No one's in there, I've checked everywhere," Liam reported, returning to the closet.

"I still feel someone's presence," Paul said firmly. "You know my intuition is always right. Let's stop this meeting here."

I silently agreed with Paul's instinct, having noticed his gut feelings often proved accurate.

Ava started responding, "You're right—"

But I didn't hear the rest. Still reeling from my discovery, I tiptoed back to my office.

******

"Ma'am, someone is asking for you," Lara, one of my salesgirls, said, interrupting me as I scrolled through my kid's tablet in my office.

"She claims to be a special customer and insists you attend to her personally," Lara added.

I raised an eyebrow. Who could this mysterious customer be? Definitely not Mario because he would have barged into my office by now. Moreover, he hasn't even been here since days ago.

"Did she give her name?" I asked Lara.

"No, ma'am. She just said to tell your boss she's a special customer," Lara replied.

"Alright, offer her a refreshment. I'll be right there," I instructed Lara.

She nodded and left, leaving me still perplexed. I straightened my appearance in the office mirror, tucked the tablets into my bag, and stepped out.

As I rounded the corner leading to the main boutique, why legs stuck to the floor. The woman sitting with her back to me was unmistakable.

Even without seeing her face, I recognized her instantly. She's my estranged mother, Janice.

She sat calmly, a young girl perched on her lap, gazing in my direction. The girl's resemblance to Janice was striking, and I instantly knew she's the child she had with Alec.

But what brought Janice here after all these years? I stood silently, watching her back, unsure of what to do next. How did she even find me? Has Granny or Father betrayed my trust by telling her where I live?

The little girl touched Janice's face and pointed in my direction. Janice turned, her eyes locking onto mine.

A forced smile spread across her face as she rose to her feet. Janice still exudes elegance, from her poised demeanor to her impeccably tailored clothes.

"Well…Well… well, if it isn't my runaway slut of a daughter," she spat, holding the little girl in her hand and moving closer.

I didn't flinch, my expression unchanging as I watched her.

If she thought her venomous words would get a rise out of me, she was mistaken.

"I wouldn't have known you wanted to see me, Mother," I said, the word "Mother" dripping with disdain. "What are you doing here?" I added.

She halted a few feet away, her gaze raking over me before her lips curled into a sly smile.

"I see you've changed," she observed. "You're bold now, thinking you can talk back to your mother."

I took two deliberate steps forward, folding my hands across my chest.

My eyes locked onto hers, unwavering.

"Well, I never thought I'd say this, but I assumed you were dead and gone," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm. "So, have you reincarnated? And if so, I hope you've come back with a shred of kindness and a heart, no matter how small."

Her face twisted.

"What are you even saying, Alice?" I continued, smirking. "You should know she can't have one, even if she dies and reincarnates a million times."

Her anger was palpable, but I smirked.

"Well, I didn't come for you today," she spat. "I'm here to see my grandchildren."

Her gaze shifted to the little girl beside her. "And this is your sister, my little responsible girl." The emphasis on "responsible" was unmistakable.

I smiled genuinely, patting the little girl's head before turning back to Alice, my expression fierce.

"You have no grandchildren here, Janice," I said firmly, watching as she recoiled at the mention of her name.

"Because the last time I checked, you disowned their mother for refusing to abort them, all to protect your precious reputation," I continued, my voice rising.

"So, what happened to that reputation now? What would your classy friends say if they saw you with your 'irresponsible' daughter's kids?" I demanded.

She placed her hands on her chest.

"Listen, if you've been sent to kidnap my children, tell whoever sent you that they miscalculated. You didn't find us at home. Moreover, how did you even find out where I live?"

My words spilled out in a rush, fueled by pent-up emotions.

Janice's presence had awoken memories I thought I'd long buried. I fought to regain control, refusing to let her see her words were starting to get to me.

"Hmmm... That was quite an epistle," Janice said, "but no one needs to tell me where you live. I always know my way—"

"Good! Very good! Thank goodness I met you here, you husband snatcher and slut!" a voice sneered, interrupting.