Chapter 4

Sandra’s POV

«SIX YEARS LATER.»

“Bring in my phone, Brandon.” I said as my son ran into the kitchen with the phone held tightly to his hand, handing it to me.

I smiled, patting his head. “Mom, I'm eating one of your cupcakes today.” He requested and I nodded, making him run out in joy.

It's been five years; five years and everything still feels fresh. The feeling of being humiliated and dumped out of my parent's house still held a hole in my heart.

How they had suggested I pin the pregnancy on him.

Her words always ring in my head every day, every night as I reminisce if everything could have been different if it wasn’t like this.

I didn't want to believe she was my mother at that point because why would your mother even suggest a decision like that?

Sad, devastated, and shattered, I fled away from the country, and do not ask me how I fled.

Trust me, it wasn't an easy task for me and I had several sleepless nights, hoping to find a better version of myself.

What I have learned so far about life is that it can be a mess but you should gather your mess and make it something tangible.

“Dora, what is the schedule today?” I asked, clutching my phone to my ears as I listened to my assistant, giving me information about my task for the day.

Believe me, when I say this, I have never dreamt of having this kind of life.

'A beautiful house with my handsome 5-year-old son and a work of my own.’

Bringing out that talent in me could only have happened with the help of my best friend, Justin. He's been there, through thick and thin, and Investing so much faith in me. I address this as my luck to good things.

I just never want to have thoughts about the past. Not even about Brian or his new wife but I bleached more even with the possibility of them getting married and having kids.

I have sworn never to get myself involved in shit that gets into marriage. Men were scum to me and I'm still standing on that word.

“Miss Sandra, you have a meeting with Mr. Gabriel today and he's one of our best clients.” She said and I sighed.

"What time is it?" I asked, grabbing an apple and biting on it.

“10 a.m, Miss.” She replied and I hummed okay in response.

“I will be there in a minute. Do we have any problem?” I inquired while she sighed.

“No ma'am, but…” She kept mute for a minute and continued. “It’s nothing, miss.” She said and I frowned before ending the call.

The word does sound suspicious. Anyway, she will explain things to me when I get there. My life right now might seem boring but it is worth living.

~~~

After getting dressed into tight jeans and a blouse, I dressed up my son staring up at his deep blue eyes and his curled-up black hair, packed perfectly. They all reminded me of Brian. His striking resemblance blew me away and I started to realise how good it was not to go back into that house, to tell him I was pregnant.

Who knows what he might have done? Perhaps throw me out of the house, call me a slut, and ask me to leave which I was reluctant at that time. Or perhaps, asked me to stay because of his child. Still I was glad I left.

Surprisingly neither his mother nor his father called me ever since I disappeared. Sure for a mother-in-law.

Turning off the engine of my SUV, I dropped out of the car and headed inside my company with my hand holding tightly to Brandon. My eyes settled on the signboard up the company and I smiled.

Taking up a new name for my company wasn't as easy as I thought but who knew it could turn out well.

‘'MERLIFE.”

I walked into the company and was greeted with lots of staff. I never needed most of these staffs but Justin had insisted on it. The company was grand and gave me a sort of reassurance and I always felt proud knowing I was the boss year and could make my own decisions and take care of my life in any way I saw fit.

“Miss,” my assistant acknowledged, walking over to me and my son. “I'm glad you came in at the right time. The man just kept asking for cupcakes and I had told him you would be right here in no time.” She explained as I walked my way into my office, handing Brandon to Dora.

Since the opening of the company, this is the first time I’ll be ready to make an appearance to the public. I kept my identity hidden except from my staff.

I didn’t want my family or Brian to find me because I was scared he'd come looking for Brandon. Their striking resemblance wouldn’t give him a doubt he’s his son.

My eyes settled to the back of the man and he turned his face towards me while I walked nearer. He had tinted brown hair now which made him different.

“Mr. Gabriel,” I acknowledged, holding up my hand for a handshake which he took politely. I just came back from California, and even though I had established a good stand over there, I’m more like starting from scratch over here since this is our first opening.

“I'm sorry for the delay. I heard you weren't pleased with my lateness.” I said and he smiled. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to be around him and he had this aura which gave me an unusual impression.

“Just a little ruckus to make you come in,” He replied while I chuckled at his words. I dropped the document to be signed on the table, and adjusted my seat.

“Let’s get down to business, shall we?” He nodded and after talking for a while, here and there about the conditions and the rules applied. We finally came to a conclusion and signed the contract.

I felt his gaze on me as I adjusted my cup of coffee. “Is there anything more Mr Gabriel will like us to do for him?”

Since he was acting so suspicious, I decided to ask him myself what he wanted.

“I wish for a date with you.”

I choked on my coffee at his words.

I turned it into a joke by laughing.Iit was a bit funny as to why he asked me out on a date.

“Hmm… and why should I consent to your request?”

“Simple, we are both independent and single, I feel like we’ll make up a good match.” He shrugged.

I scoffed. If he wasn’t my client, I'd have chosen to show him out.

“I’m sorry but we are both here on business. I’ll expect you to give out the same amount of attitude and respect.”

I stood up and thanked him before stepping out. As I stepped out, I noticed Brandon wasn’t with Dora.

I halted in worry. “Dora, where’s Brandon?”

Just as she was about answering, I saw a familiar figure walking into the company. I shifted my gaze, eyes squinting as I tried to confirm—tried to be sure. And then I froze when I saw the face, heart racing frantically in my rib cage.

“Why is he here?” I muttered, scared he’ll see Brandon, and at the same time having my skin tingling because I hadn’t seen him in years. “Look for Brandon, quick!”

Dora excused herself, darting to look for him.

Just as I was walking to check him at the front desk, I heard his voice,

“Daddy… dad!” My heart skipped a beat hearing Brandon called out Brian as his father.