unexpected reunion

FIVE YEARS LATER

The bustling airport terminal was alive with the sounds of announcements, luggage rolling against the floor and the chatters of travelers. Amelia walked gracefully and majestically through the crowd, a calm yet unassuming expression on her face. She wore a pink coat, over a soft white blouse, paired with dark jeans, mini skirt and ankle boots. Her long brown hair flowed in loose waves over her shoulders, her eyes, though softer now, carried a hint of resolve. She was more beautiful, womanly and graceful.

Walking beside her, holding tightly onto her hand, was a little boy with unruly dark hair and striking ocean eyes, a perfect replica of Matteo Lior.

“Mommy, I want an ice cream, can I get one after we leave here?” the boy asked, his voice charming and cheerful, curious as he glanced around the massive terminal.

Amelia looked down at him and her gaze softened, “Yeah sure, I'll get one for you, only if you behave. First, we need to grab our bags and meet granny Celia.”

Leo grinned, flashing his tiny sparkling teeth. “Of course, I'll behave!”

Amelia chuckled softly, running her hand through his hair. Despite everything she had gone through, after being thrown out of the Harper's estate, she fled abroad to pick up her life and start anew. She took up any odd job that came her way, just to support herself and her unborn child. He was her light, her reason to keep pushing and so she did, until an opportunity arose to work with an internationally renowned organization. She'd grabbed it, knowing it was the best way to secure a good future for Leo, even though it required her to return to the city which brought back uncomfortable memories to her.

After they had grabbed their bags, and was about to leave, Leo sighted an ice cream cafe. “Hey, mommy see! an ice cream, get one for me!” he tugged at his mother, pointing in the direction.

Amelia smiled, “Yes, I see it too. Stay right here, I will go and buy it, okay?”

“Okay mommy!” Leo nodded, happy that he was going to get an ice-cream.

At a far end, a man stood near the airport exit, his expression blank as his assistant updated him on a business deal. He looked every inch the powerful tycoon he was, dressed in a custom made suit. His sharp, chiseled features bored the same stoic expression they always did, but this time mixed with curiosity.

He had recently secured a deal with a major international organization, which was one of the biggest of his career. Part of their agreement had stated that they would send one of their dedicated and trusted assistants to work directly with him, ensuring a smooth collaboration.

Asad glanced at Matteo and cleared his throat, “Sir, you should return to the office. I'd take care of her arrival and escort her to the office. You've been standing here for a long time now.”

“No need,” Matteo shook his head, his tone firm. “I'll receive her personally.”

Asad raised an eyebrow, surprised. His boss rarely bothered with such formalities.

“I want to ensure she understands the stake of this partnership.” He added calmly, though he wasn't entirely sure why he wanted to meet this assistant himself.

Amelia was done in the airport, and was heading to where she would meet with the client she was assigned to, before going to her grandmother's house. Leo was busy enjoying his ice cream, when he knocked into someone and his ice cream fell to the floor, staining the man's shoe.

“Oh my goodness, Leo? Are you okay?” Amelia asked urgently, helping her son to her side. Her gaze then traveled to the man, whose shoe was smeared with Leo's ice cream.

“I'm so sorry sir, he didn't mean to. Leo, apologize to him.”

“I'm so sorry. I'll clean your shoe right away.” He said mildly, about to lower his head, when the man grabbed him.

“It's okay, it's just a shoe.” He smiled sweetly, patting his hair.

Amelia smiled awkwardly, “Thank you sir.”

He nodded, then his gaze traveled towards the ID hung around her neck, “Oh my, You're Amelia Harper, from DZY co-operations?”

Amelia frowned slightly, surprised. “Yes I am,” she nodded.

“Nice to meet you, I'm Asad, from Lior's group. My boss is over there.” he pointed, but then, Matteo instinctively turned towards the same direction. He froze for a moment, his brows furrowing.

No way, it was unmistakable.

He allowed a faint smile, and walked to their direction, though his mind was in turmoil. It was her. The woman from that night. He could never forget her face. Pushing his thoughts aside, he shook her hand. “Pleasure to meet you, miss Harper. I'll be the one, closely working with you on this project.”

An unsettled feeling crawled into Amelia's belly, he was familiar, but she couldn't point out or place how. It could be from the news or tabloids, he was popular., she thought, shrugging off her thoughts.

“Nice meeting you Mr. Lior,” she took his hand. “I wasn't expecting…. someone like you to greet me personally.”

“I believe in making first impressions count.” Matteo said smoothly, though his voice carried a weight she couldn't decipher.

Before Amelia could respond, Leo tugged at her sleeve. “Mommy, is this the boss you're going to work for?”

Matteo's eyes flickered down to the boy and he frowned. Was she already married and had a child? He thought, a lump formed in his throat.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Amelia replied, her tone light.

“Wow, he's super handsome and cool. Uncle boss, don't we look alike?” he smiled, combing his hair with his small fingers to look like Matteo's.

“Leo!” Amelia glared at him, and smiled nervously at Matteo. “I'm sorry about that, you know kids tend to spout rubbish.”

Matteo's gaze lingered on Leo for a while, before he composed himself, “He's your child?”

Amelia nodded, a hint of defensiveness crawling into her voice, “Yes, he's my son. I hope that wouldn't be an issue with the project?”

“No, not at all.” Matteo replied calmly, though his mind was racing. She was already married, and even gave birth. He wanted to ask more, he needed to know, but he knew better than to ask so many questions.

“I've arranged a car to take you to the company's guest accommodation.” he said, gesturing towards the exit.

“What about my ice cream?” Leo voiced out, pretty unconcerned about whatever they were saying.

“I'll get an ice cream, once we return home.” Amelia patted his back and looked up at Matteo. “Thank you, but I'll be staying with my grandmother.” She replied politely.

Matteo's eyes narrowed slightly, “We can't let our guest sleep elsewhere, you can visit your grandmother any other time. Besides, it's for your safety. I'll also get ice cream for your son, since he wants one.” Matteo added, as he noticed the refusal in her eyes.

And that did it. “Yes, mommy let's go with him, we can visit grandma next time.” Leo whined, tugging his mother relentlessly.

Eventually Amelia agreed, and went with Matteo to the car.