Chapter 2: The Encounter

I made the best effort that I could to draw her attention away from Cohen. Based on the direction in which Cailen's eyes were looking, I was confident that our daughter had already acknowledged Cohen as her father.

"Cailen, are you feeling alright? I always tell you to be careful. You don't pay any attention to my words. Look! What you've done. You hit a passerby and made inconvenience!"

I worked hard to mask the shaking in my voice, acting like I was yelling violently at her. Without any hesitation, I carried her even though she was heavy, and it would have been hard for me to hold her up. The only reason I did this was to get away from Cohen's attention and get him out of that spot. Even though my knees felt like they were made of jelly, I had to keep standing still and hurry away from the scene. I realized the man did not recognize me when I noticed how frequently he cast unusual and strange glances in my direction, as if trying to recall why I am familiar and when the last time he had seen me.

It's okay. This is a promising omen to ensure that nobody will get into trouble. And, well. As for me, a lot of things changed after that day. In addition to this, it only happened for one night. Only once did something happen between us. Only once did we physically interact. After that evening, we did not have the opportunity to speak in person again until today. That is why he won't even remember who I am. He probably won't recall the wild night he spent with the stranger he met in the pub, which is me five years ago.

"I want to express my gratitude for your understanding, as my daughter can be pretty naughty and playful for her age. On her behalf, I would like to offer my sincere apologies. I sincerely hope that you will be able to forgive her for what she has done." I showed him we were leaving by bowing to him as we walked away.

"Don't worry about it, Miss."

He then laughed to indicate that I didn't have to apologize for what happened. I bite my lower lip.

"There is no need for you to apologize. It was to be expected of a kid her age to behave in that manner."

Even after all those years have passed, he has maintained the same tone in his voice. I could still vividly remember how he moaned with so much pleasure while we were having intercourse. I could still remember it like it only happened yesterday.

"Wait a second, have we met before?" he inquired while raising his hand and placing it on his temple as if he were trying to remember anything from the past. "I am sure I've seen you around before, Miss. You look so much familiar."

He went as far as removing the glasses from his eyes, which allowed Cailen to have a better look at his face. When I saw his face so close and clear again, I could hardly contain my amazement resulting my mouth to be slightly open. The moment our eyes locked, it was almost as if they were conversing silently. I quickly diverted my gaze and blinked to forced myself that I was not becoming increasingly anxious. He has no reason to remember me at this point!

In addition, I was the only one who could hear Cailen sobbing quietly. I know this kid very well, and I know that unless she is in extreme pain, she will not cry easily.

"No, I am sure we haven't met before. Mr., this was the very first time that our paths crossed. I am originally from the countryside, and only yesterday, my daughter and I made the trip to the city for an important matter. You must be aware that because there are so many people living in this area, we are frequently confused with other people who we have met before."

I know, I don't need to explain my side but I have an urgency to do that.

"Oh, okay. Sorry. It's possible. I misunderstood you. Yeah, you're not the woman I recall from my past."

He put on his glasses again and turned to speak to the person walking alongside him. Judging from the way that she was dressed, I believe that she was his secretary. When he started to move away from us, I immediately turned around and began to stroll in the opposite direction. Even before we had moved a significant distance away from each other, Cailen started crying loudly that it was still audible throughout the entire area, even after I covered her mouth.

"Be quiet, Cailen. Why are you shedding those tears? You're not hurt, are you? Your knee is not in pain to the extent that it would cause you to scream like that. What are you up to?"

"Mom, does that make sense to you? Please tell me that he is my father. I looked at the picture of him multiple times and always saw him. Tell me the truth; that was him right? I can't be wrong!"

What I heard caused my eyes to widened. I immediately gave a decisive shake of my head. I had no intention of confessing anything to her right now. This should not be done so soon. In addition, this is not the appropriate venue for that.

"No, Cailen. You have him completely confused with someone else. He was not your biological father. Let's assume he only shares some angle with him, and those shared features led you to believe it was him. Hija, let me tell you something. Believe me, that man is not your father."

I hope it still works just as well for her before. I am aware that I will eventually be unable to keep this secret from her forever, but, oh God, not right now. Give me some time to be prepared for this.

"No, he was the one! I do not doubt that he was my father!"

Her insistence on stamping her feet and making me feel the weight of her body prompted me to put her down. I didn't let her get what she wanted. I held her even tighter. My stomach was in knots, and I felt ashamed that she was running toward Cohen and hugging him while crying.

"I can feel our connection, Mom. But why does he act as though he is completely unaware of my existence? Why is he behaving in such a manner, Mommy? Tell me!"

My arms around her became even more restrictive as my worry increased. Hearing her sob makes my chest feel like it's going to burst. I am at a loss for words right now regarding how to respond to her questions.

"Cailen, could you listen to me? Don't be so dogmatic as to insist on something you know to be false. Do you want me to get mad? How often do you want to be reminded that he is not your biological father? Don't push me to my limit, Cailen Yohanne!"

When I was still trying to explain something, Cailen screamed the words I was afraid to hear from her. She was still crying, which cut me off mid-explanation.

"Hey there, it's me, Cailen, your daughter!"

My world nearly collapsed with that as I hold my breath. For heavensake. This is making me insane!

"Why can't you remember me, Daddy?"