Chapter - [ 5 ] (A)

[ Colton ]

I couldn't take my mind off my ex-wife since the night of the gala. I saw her after long five year's gap but the time did a number on her beauty, she looks more prettier than earlier with the maturity of a woman, her thin curves are now wider, her long wavy hairs are longer now. But what intrigued me more was her confidence, the way she carried herself among the top  business people of the country without any trace of fear or nervousness. I can still remember her timid self whenver she used to go public with me, I had to tag her behind me to save her from embarrassment. My world has no place for someone shy, introvert and cowards but fearless, cunning and ambitious ones.

She has changed completely except her innocent beauty. Her eyes are still the same, filled with only tenderness.

I noticed the way men eye raped her throughout the night and the fucker Dominic had his hand all over her body, it put my heart on fire but why do I feel bothered by all the attention she's getting?

Did I make a mistake by divorcing her? Will I ever be able to seek her forgiveness for abandoning her on the streets? I could provide her with a roof on her head when she was pregnant but my pride blinded me at the time that I couldn't see her miseries, her tears or heard her pleads.

A part of my soul screamed that she might forgive me but I shook my head to get rid of the hopes that were next to impossible things.

"Daddy, my ice-cream is finish."

My daughter's sweet voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I realized that I had been dwelling in Evangeline's thoughts since I entered in the ice-cream parlor with my daughter.

"Your ice-cream is melted, Daddy." She giggled pointing her tiny finger on my bowl.

Her million dollar laughter made me forget the chaos in my life. She's the only positivity and source of happiness in my life.

"Sorry, Daddy was busy thinking about a meeting. Let's go, we're getting late." I stood up from my seat and then helped her. My driver picked her school bag and carried it out the parlor while I held her hand and we walked out together. I don't trust anyone with my little princess, my only child. I and Evanca couldn't conceive another child after Mia because of her medical complications. So, she's all I have.

I mostly pick her up from her school as Evanca hardly gets time from her tight schedule to drop or pick from school. I can't blame her, it took her years to build a name for herself in the fashion world. Currently, she's running a successful modeling agency who hires fresh and beautiful faces for different product's advertisements.

I walked out of the parlor with Mia and about to sit in my car when the sight in front of me chilled my blood.

A group of kids was standing in front of a ice cream bus jumping and demanding for their ice cream while a small boy around five was busy devouring his scoop unaware of the speedy car that was about to hit him but I was quick to pull him on the side track.

He was frightened by the fatal account that might happen to him. He was trembling, clinged on me. He begun to cry hysterically. A strange sensation travelled through my body having him in my arms. He didn't feel like a stranger to me. In fact, I felt an old connection with him.

"Hey, buddy calm down you are safe now." I hesitantly strock his back but he cried more louder.

"Tha thank you so much Sir for saving him." A woman stood in front of me. Her face turned white in horror as she was looking down at the child, a relief washed over her face but anger rushed through my body.

"Who are you to him Miss?"I asked her sternly.

"I'm...his...teacher."She fumbled and tried to take the boy from me but he wrapped himself tightly on my chest.

I hugged him protectively.

"First I need to talk to the school authority and the parents who trust you enough to leave their children on your responsibility. Do you even realize what might happen to this boy?" I yelled at her who trembled badly.

"Please Sir don't tell the school or his mother or I'll loose my job.I am begging you Sir, I have to pay the medical bills of my sick father. This job is the only source of income for me and my family." She pleaded joining her hands.

I noticed the crowd gathering around us so I thought to settle the matter right there,on the same time I didn't want to be the reason of her destruction but her irresponsible act could not be neglected either.

"Hey buddy relax you are fine. Look your friends and your teacher are here." I slowly detached the little kid from me only to bore with same grey eyes as mine, same facial features except his nose.

For a second, my heart skipped.He seemed a splitting image of me, I looked just like him when I was of his age. If I would had a son, he would have looked exactly like him.

If possible but he is not mine.I can never have a child of mine.

His face was red due to continuous crying and fear. His soft black hairs messed up. He was a cute child. I felt connected to him in just five minutes.

"Thank you Sir for saving me but please don't scold my teacher. I was at fault. She forbade me to roam but I broke her rules. I was careless." He said in a low voice.

I was shocked listening to such mature words from him. He was a way wiser than other children of his age.H is parents must had taught him good values.I wish I had the same parents.

I was amused.

"Okay buddy if you say so but be careful next time."I ruffled his hairs."And please don't call me, Sir. It's Reece." I smiled at him.

I could not reveal my identity in a public place. I had been enough privileged to grab media's attention from last few years.

"Hello Mr. Reece I am Chase Parker." He forwarded his tiny hand for a shake.

"Parker!"

"Yes my last name. Do you also have a last name as Parker?" He asked me curiously blinking his big eyes at me.

"Well,no Mr. Junior Parker."I laughed.

"Chase say bye to Mr. Black. We should get back to our bus now." His teacher said to him.

My heart ached with the thought of never meeting him again.

"You're a very good man Reece. I'll tell Mommy that I met my Batman today." Chase giggled, his smile stirred something within my heart.

"Do I look like the Batman with a creepy costume?" I cocked my brows.

"Yes, he lands from anywhere and save a person from villains and troubles and you saved me just like him." He proudly explained me his reason of calling me his superhero.

"Take care of yourself. It's really nice to meet you little Chase." I patted his cheek.

"Me too." He smiled and turned back to join his friends.

I stared at him. I felt a strange pull towards him. I wanted to spend some more time with him for unknown reason, for the very first time I forgot about my chaotic life and lived a brief but blissful moment with a small child.

Then I cleared my throat and glared his teacher who stood hanging her head low.

"I am leaving you Miss not because he told me to but I do not want your family to suffer for the mistake you have done. So, take it as a warning and be more attentive and responsible around the students whose parents leave them on your trust." I warned her.

"Thank you Mr. Black. I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life." She gave me a look of gratitude and scurried to her students.

Giving a last glance to Avan who was busy talking to other kids I sat inside my car. I was about to close the window glass when I noticed him waving his hand in my direction.

"I hope we meet again very soon, little Parker." I murmured and waved back at him before driving to my destination.

"Daddy, you saved him like spiderman today." Mia said as soon as the driver sped the car on the road.

I pinched her chubby cheeks and kissed her forehead,"Yes, I am your spiderman, Mia and please don't tell your Mom about it." I told her as I didn't want Evanca to dig into the matter unnecessarily and try to portray me as a superhero.

"But why, Daddy?" She blinked her eyes at me with furrowed brows.

"Your Spiderman doesn't come out and tell people about him, right?" I asked her on which she nodded her head.

"You call me a spiderman which means it should be a secret between you and I,right?" I ruffled her hairs.

"Okay, Daddy but you have to buy me a chocolate fountain." She grinned at me.

"You're blackmailing me, princess?" I narrowed my eyes on her which made her giggled even more.

"Yes, Daddy." She crawled on my lap and rested her head on my chest.

"I can't buy you a chocolate fountain because your Mom will banish us both from the house but we can go for another ice-cream treat at night." I say hugging her closer.

"Chase is in my class, Daddy." She spoke after some time which made me look down at her.

"Then you have seen his Mommy or Daddy, right ?" I don't know why I asked her this question, it's absurd but my sixth sense is telling me to look deeper into the matter.

His resemblance with me and his last name same as Evangeline aren't just mere coincidence.

"No Daddy, he always come to school by school bus." She shook her head negatively.

I didn't ask her any further but I decided to find out if she was actually telling me the truth when I kicked her out of my house.

If it's really true then I've fucked up badly this time.