Chapter 3: Daughter's Tears

My jaw almost dropped when I heard Cailen's last declaration, which made me deaf and lifeless for a few seconds. At that moment, I felt like I just wanted to slip to the ground where I was standing to hide from all the viewers who have accusing eyes. When I looked around, the people there were looking at me and my daughter, including Cohen, as if we had committed some crime. His eyes are full of questions and suspicions, even though he is not sure if he is the one that my daughter called Daddy. I lowered my gaze to hide my face.

This is killing me. I felt more embarrassed compared to the time that I learned I was pregnant after a month of having a one-night stand with a mysterious man in the pub.

"Put me down, Mom; I want to hug him! Let me introduce myself to him. Dad, it's me, Cailen, your daughter! Can't you hear me?" she repeated her phrases, making my eyes even expand, as I felt awkward right now.

As I patted Cailen's back to make her calm, I hugged her even tighter despite her opposition and struggle, as she wanted to go down and stand to her feet. I am worried that she already bothers the customers or anyone else as she wishes in that place. And also, Cohen shouldn't have any interest in her either, because for sure, our quiet world will surely be in turmoil when that happens. I don't want to create a commotion in that place to get attention from others.

I also don't want to be the reason for the destruction of Cohen's family. We are nothing compared to them. We don't want to ruin his name either. I kept quiet for five years, which I was able to do despite my hard situation, so this should not have happened if only I had been careful.

"Cailen, I've told you he was not your dad! Why don't you listen to me? Don't create chaos in this area. I am warning you! It's not nice to call someone "dad," even though you don't even know him at all! Do you hear me? Give me an answer at this instant!"

She was still crying loudly and trying her best to get out of my arms. I'm just thankful that someone called Cohen on his mobile phone; that diverted his attention. Otherwise, I'm sure we would have interrupted his work and stopped me from leaving that vicinity. I took advantage of that opportunity. We quickly stepped out of the store. I almost ran out of breath, but it's alright as long as we are safe.

My original plan for that afternoon was that Cailen and I were going to eat in a restaurant as I had planned before going back to the hotel we were staying at; I didn't even think about it now as I wanted to escape. I hurriedly walked out of the shopping mall with huge steps without looking back, still carrying Cailen in my arms, who continued to weep loudly as if I had ruined her mood or I had not bought her requested toys. I know she was very upset at what took place.

"Taxi!"

I was able to rush inside the taxi that luckily stopped in front of us despite my daughter's loud tantrums. I felt guilty, but she must not have thought of it immediately at her young age. I haven't heard from Cohen since I went back to the province. I have erased him from my mind, even though sometimes it occurs to me to stalk him and find out his entire life. But in the end, I was able to control myself and just be content with how I lived my life. To add that, I am still married with Joseph in papers. He was one of the huge problem I had. I did not have a chance to cleared it before I left him behind few years ago.

Hailey is also right; I have Cailen beside me. And having her seemed to be like having the entire world I had dreamed of before.

"That was Dad, Mom! He is my dad; I could feel him. I could feel our connection earlier!"

I rolled my eyes in disbelief. I knew that it runs in their blood, but I won't admit it now. Never! I won't let her hurt even more.

"Stop, Cailen, it was only on your mind! He was not your dad. Don't get other people involved in our problem. Aren't you embarrassed by your actions? Stop acting like a brat, will you? Do you want to not attend your aunt Hailey's wedding tomorrow, huh? All right, make me furious now, and you will get what you don't want to happen. Do you think I can't cancel your appearance at her wedding tomorrow? Don't try me, Cailen. You know me when I am mad. I will make sure that we go back to the province today. Do you want that? Stop crying, now!"

She shut her mouth, but her tears kept flowing down her cheeks. It was proof that, in those times, she was still hurting and feeling betrayed by me. I couldn't do anything other than squeeze her tightly in my arms and stroke her damp head. I should be firm with her about my decision. She must be afraid of me.

"I'll give you an option now, Cailen. Are you going to stay here and enjoy the wedding tomorrow?" she forcefully nods her head, making her sobs stop. "Then fix your seat and stop crying, or else Mommy will cancel everything, including you being the flower girl at your aunt Hailey's wedding. Which one do you choose? Tell me now."

"I'm going to stop crying, Mom," she whispered as she tried her best to end her tears. It was loud enough to be heard.

"Very good. Look, we didn't bring the sandals we bought from the store. Next time, we won't go to the mall if you always do that. Do you understand what I mean, Cailen? Are you listening to me?"

She nods her head again as she wipes her tiny hands on her tear-stained cheeks.

"Yes, Mommy, I apologize for crying out loud earlier. I won't do that again, next time."

"Very good. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you happy now with your looks? It's disgusting!"

She glances at the sideview mirror of the car. When her gaze shifted to me, she shook her head.

"No, Mommy."

"That's why next time, don't cry like that."

She remained silent until we reached the hotel where we were going to stay. When we entered the hotel room, I just called the department store and asked them for a favor. If it was possible, they would just deliver Cailen's things to the hotel. I'll just add a fee for the trouble I caused them. Fortunately, the manager there was kind enough to immediately agree to my requests.