Chapter 3. My Son

Tonight, I had just finished cooking dinner for Regan. I immediately sat beside him as he was engrossed in learning to write.

"Wow, Mother's child can already write the letter A, huh? Regan is so smart," I praised, rubbing his head.

"Yes, Mother. Mrs. Gulu said Regan is already good at writing," he said with a lisp that made me unable to resist kissing his chubby cheeks.

"Is my Prince hungry?" I asked.

"Very tired, Mother. I don't want to eat," he answered excitedly.

"Then let's fly to the dining table!" I lifted Regan’s petite body and sat him on a chair.

"Landing successfully," I announced, making him giggle.

"Mom, what did you cook?" he asked, staring at the food on the table.

"Mother cooked Regan’s favorite fried chicken," I said, taking his favorite rice and chicken thighs.

"Yay! Because at Aunt Ilen's house, Regan doesn’t get fried chicken," he said.

I smiled and handed him the food. "Eat a lot, sweetheart."

I haven’t told you who Ilen is. Ilen is Sonya’s biological sister. Sonya’s family has been so kind to me and Regan. They helped take care of him while I worked. After my family threw me away, another family embraced me. Ironic, isn’t it? Five years have passed, but I still don’t know how my family in Semarang is doing now. I hope they find me, even though it seems impossible after everything that happened.

“Mother, why don’t you eat too?” Regan’s voice snapped me back.

I smiled at him.

"Mom is happy just watching Regan eat. Want some more?" I asked. He nodded enthusiastically.

I got more rice and side dishes for him. Regan started eating again, then suddenly pushed the food toward me.

“Aaaaak, Mother!” he urged.

I opened my mouth and took a bite, and he said again, “You must eat a lot so you stay strong. Mom has to work so she can pay for Regan’s school.”

His innocence makes my eyes sting with tears. Dear God, thank You for giving me this little angel who keeps my heart strong. Please never separate us. I never imagined… I wiped away my tears.

"Mother, why are you crying? Is the food not good?" he asked.

"No, love. It’s so good. Mother is just touched by your care," I said.

“Because Regan loves Mother. Don’t cry!” He wiped my tears with his small hands. I nodded and hugged him tightly.

I can’t look weak in front of Regan. I have to be strong for my little angel.

The next day, I was busy working on several reports requested by Mr. Wildan.

“Are you busy?” Sonya was already standing outside my cubicle.

“Hm. This must be finished by this afternoon,” I said, still focused on my work.

“Eh, Ta, Mr. Dave is still single, you know! No fiancée, not married. Yesterday I talked to his secretary, and she told me everything. There’s even a Dave Lovers group in the office. I’m part of it!”

Her chatter made me sick to my stomach.

“Isn’t there anything more interesting you can tell me besides about your favorite boss?” I said, glancing at her briefly.

“Oh, come on, dear Agneta. You’re not thinking about changing your mind, are you?” she teased, making me stop typing and stare at her intensely.

“Oh, please, pretty Miss Sonya. Change the subject already. My ears will burst if you keep talking about the new boss,” I said jokingly, even though inside I was already so annoyed.

She chuckled.

“In that case, how about we talk about Mr. Aiden? How is your relationship with him now? You miss him since he’s been working outside the office, right?” she teased again, making me sigh.

“What in the world…” I muttered.

“Oh? Her cheeks are actually flushing!” she taunted, making me roll my eyes.

I gathered the report I had just printed and placed it in a blue folder.

“That’s enough. Stop chattering; I’m going to Mr. Wildan’s room,” I said and hurried away while Sonya continued teasing like a teenager.

After receiving permission to enter, I handed the completed documents to Mr. Wildan.

“Good,” he complimented while checking the files.

I smiled, proud of my work. I always try my best so I don’t disappoint anyone.

“Neta, please take this report directly to Mr. Dave’s room, okay?” he instructed, freezing me in place.

“M-me, sir?” I muttered.

“Yes. Mr. Dave wants to check it himself. Is something wrong?” he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

I shook my head quickly.

“No problem, sir. I’ll take it to Mr. Davero’s room,” I said and took the document.

“Neta,” he called just as I was leaving. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, sir. I’m fine,” I replied and hurried out.

I entered the elevator, pressed button 29, and wrung my hands nervously.

You can do it, Agnes. Be strong. You can handle this.

I repeated it over and over as I waited for the elevator.

Ting!

The doors opened, revealing a luxurious red velvet carpet. I walked along it until I reached a large office area where Rachel, Davero’s secretary, greeted me warmly.

“Here to meet Mr. Dave?” she asked. I nodded.

“Come in. He’s been waiting,” she said, making me smile sadly.

What does this man want now?

I entered once allowed. The CEO’s office was large and luxurious — my first time entering the big boss’s room in two years. Trophies and awards lined the shelves. My eyes landed on the man I hated most. He was typing something when I approached his oversized desk.

“This is the report you asked for, sir,” I said, placing the document down.

“Hm,” he replied.

“Then excuse me.” I stepped back, ready to leave.

“Agneta, wait!”

His voice froze me. He stood up and glared at me — the same stare that always made me weaken. He picked up the document and sat at the edge of the desk to read it.

Five years have passed, yet nothing has changed. He is still the handsome devil who ruined my life. His face looks even more mature now, his jawline covered in fine stubble. His eyelashes curled, his gray eyes still sharp and intimidating — as I’ve told you countless times. He is still the Dave I know.

“Good,” he said, glancing at me.

I stared back coldly.

“You really are the best employee here. No wonder your manager is proud of you. Your work deserves praise.”

“Thank you,” I replied stiffly.

He kept looking at me.

“Five years have passed. Long enough, right?”

I didn’t respond. He stood and walked toward me. I stepped back until the back of my thighs hit the sofa. He leaned over me, hands on the headrest, blocking my escape.

“Excuse me, sir. I have to go. I still have a lot of work,” I said, trying to get up, but he didn’t move.

His hand cupped my cheek, and his thumb brushed my lips.

“I missed you,” he whispered, leaning in.

He was about to kiss me, but I pushed him away with all my strength.

Plaque!

“Watch your manners, Mr. Davero!” I shouted, trying to move past him.

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer.

“I’m glad to see you again, Agneta. I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I searched all over Semarang for you!” he said intensely.

Why? What does he want from me now? Isn’t one ruined life enough?

I pulled away and hurried out of the room. Rachel looked confused, but I didn’t care. I rushed into the elevator, my body trembling.

His touch… I want to forget it. Please take him away from me, Lord.

I slid down to the elevator floor and cried uncontrollably. I remembered how he forced that kiss on me… how he ruined my future.