Chapter 3 the Governor's family

Chapter 3

I felt like I was about to have a heart attack because of what my child had done.

After running up to the Governor, my child went on to hug Damien's legs with a wide smile! The excitement and joy were clear in his sparkling eyes.

Because of what he did, not only was I shocked, but everyone else there as well. My heart doubled its pace as I nearly rushed to close the distance between my child, the Governor's family, and me. Add to that the whispers of people around us, and I could almost feel my heart lodged in my throat.

At that moment, I just wanted the ground to swallow me up out of embarrassment, but I knew I had to stop my child since we were becoming a spectacle. If only I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have let Heidi convince me to come!

But then again, I can't blame her since she had no idea what would happen. Especially since she didn't know that my child and I had already met the Governor's nephew, whom she was talking about. Even if I wanted to be upset with her, I knew it wasn't her fault.

"I-I'm so sorry..." I said, bowing my head to the Governor and his family, who were still in shock over everything that had happened.

Even now, I'm already worrying that this might affect their family's image. And I'm terrified for my child and me because what if they get angry with us for ruining the celebration they had prepared?

"Quiy... come on, dear. H-He's not your Daddy, o-okay?" I tried to take my child, but he only tightened his grip on Damien's leg.

I swallowed hard at what my child did, especially when the whispers grew louder. My anxiety spiked as thoughts of the possible outcomes raced through my mind.

I felt like any moment now, the Governor's men would suddenly grab us and throw us out of the event. If that happens, how could I ever face the people back home? Would my child and I be able to leave without being ridiculed?

In the midst of my thoughts, I hadn't noticed the gathering returning to its lively atmosphere. When the Governor's laughter echoed, amplified by the microphone, I wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or even more anxious.

"So that's why they didn't want to proceed with the introduction-because my nephew already has a family to take care of," he said, further adding to my shock.

With wide eyes, I managed to glance around at the people in front of us. Some were clapping, while others laughed at the Governor's words.

Wait a minute?! What's happening? Why is everything moving so fast? Just a moment ago, they were all whispering, but now... it's as if nothing happened, and they just accepted what the Governor said.

Before I could recover, I saw Damien bend down and offer his open hand to my child.

"I'm sorry, baby. Come here," he said with a smile to my child. My jaw dropped even further when Quiy took his hand, and Damien easily lifted him, calling him "Daddy" even though he wasn't his father.

Now I'm not sure if my child is being ambitious or just really longing for love, care, and the presence of a father. I want to believe it's the latter because ever since he was born, he hasn't known what it's like to have a father.

But hold on... Don't I get a moment to recover from the shock? It would have been nice if things happened one at a time, but why does it feel like there's no end to this?

"I apologize for mentioning earlier that my only son is still searching for a wife. It's just that he's very secretive, and we were all surprised to find out... that he already has a family," the Governor added.

He even laughed as he raised his glass before announcing that everyone should enjoy the celebration, especially the food prepared.

He then excused himself, and the guests quickly shifted their attention to the food being served at their tables.

I was about to retrieve my child, who was still in Damien's arms when I felt the Governor's men guide me into their house. I immediately looked around to ask for help from those around me, but they were all busy. I couldn't even spot Heidi among the crowd.

"W-Wait a moment," I stopped the uniformed man guiding me. I could barely form the words because of the mixed emotions I was feeling.

Are they taking us inside to scold us for ruining their party? Will they threaten us to stay away from their son? Will they offer us ten million to disappear? Will they have us sent away or...

With all the questions racing through my mind, I lost track of what was happening. I only returned to my senses when I realized we were already inside the mansion.

The Governor's family sat on the sofas, staring at us. I was so nervous that I didn't know where to look because their expressions varied.

Deafening silence reigned between all of us after the Madam said that. They were smiling, but I was still nervous that something else might follow. But minutes passed, and nothing happened except when the Governor spoke again to say he was happy for his nephew.

When Damien's mother let go of me, she approached her son, who was still holding Quiy.

"You really are handsome, Daddy, aren't you?" she said while Damien's face was cradled in her small hands. "Aunt Heidi is absolutely right because I also feel that you and my Mommy are perfect for each other," she added, making me want to sprint the distance between us.

"Hey, Quiy!" I scolded her, but my voice was drowned out by the laughter around us. I felt a strange electric shock rise from my back to my nape.

"You're right, little kid. I think my son and your Mommy are a perfect match," Damien's mother chimed in, agreeing with my child. My cheeks flushed even more.

If the Governor hadn't interrupted to call Damien for a discussion, I might have melted away from embarrassment. If the ground suddenly opened up, I would dive in to be swallowed whole.

Damien excused himself, and I was surprised that Quiy didn't even protest after being whispered to by him. When they finally left, Quiy immediately approached me and looked up at the Madam in front of us.

"Do we know her, Mommy?" Quiy asked me while holding the hem of my dress. I winced at how she asked that question.

Why does she always sound so tough?

"Uh..." I let out a fake laugh because I couldn't find the right words. "N-No, baby... but um," I couldn't even speak properly because my mind was blank. "She's Damien's Mommy, the one you call Daddy but isn't really your Daddy..."

I secretly exhaled in relief after saying that. It felt like a huge thorn had been pulled from my throat.

She probably had no idea what had happened earlier because all her attention was on Damien.

"Daddy said it's okay to call him Daddy because I'm aboradle, right, Mommy? That's what he said," she said proudly.

"Adorable," the Madam corrected her with a wide smile. I could sense how much she wanted to pinch my daughter's cheeks but was holding herself back.

"Oh... okay!" My daughter replied cheerfully. I thought she was done, but she wasn't. "Mommy," she called out to me. Before I could answer, she continued, "If she's Daddy's Mommy, what does that make her to me?"

My jaw dropped at that question. I tried to answer, but I was so shocked that no clear words came out of my mouth.

"Lola, little kid. You can call me Lola," Mrs. Salvatore answered for me, but I still didn't expect her to join in on Quiy's playful mood. "Your daughter is so cute..." the Madam said, clearly delighted. She even slightly bent down to gently pinch Quiy's cheek.

"Her hand smells nice, Mommy... like perfume and food," she said. "I'm really hungry, Mommy... is there food here?" she added while looking around, making me even more embarrassed.

Geez, child. I'm not going to deprive you of food, but...

"We actually have a lot of food here. Come on so my cute grandchild can eat," the Madam said eagerly, but I quickly declined because I was really embarrassed, especially with all the things my daughter was saying.

Maybe I had a part in why she's so open about expressing whatever she wants. I also want her to grow up being able to say whatever she wants freely so I don't have to guess.

But now, I've realized that maybe I need to remind her that it's okay to hold back sometimes.

"Oh, Ma'am... no need," I declined, but she immediately grabbed my arm as if that was her way of convincing me.

"Come on, dear, please? I just want to be with my son's friend for a bit longer. You know, when you get older, you tend to have fewer people around you because most of your friends are busy. So I really appreciate meeting-"

"Mom," Damien suddenly interrupted as he approached. His serious eyes moved back and forth between his mother and me as he finally reached us.

"What's happening here?" he asked, and since his gaze settled on me, I thought I should be the one to answer, but the Madam did it for me.

"I was just trying to invite them to eat and have, you know... a little chitchat about life. Please allow me because I'm bored of only talking to the household staff or your father. I can't even talk to you for long because you're always busy with work," she explained to her son, almost pleading.

I felt guilty, so I agreed... I guess it's okay to give in since it's not every day, and besides... she really does seem lonely and just wants someone to talk to.

"Will that be fine with you?" Damien asked me, and I quickly turned my head to him after glancing at his mother, who was still holding my arm.

I was about to answer when my little one spoke first again. "Yes, Daddy. Mommy will agree because I'm really hungry. My stomach might shrink if we don't eat soon," she said, making me close my eyes in exasperation.

Didn't I feed her before we left the house? Why does she get hungry so quickly?

I heard Damien chuckle before he crouched and gently pinched my daughter's cheek.

"Okay, little kid. You can eat anything you want, but let's ask Mommy first," he said to the child before standing up straight.

I let out a weak laugh while slowly nodding in agreement. When I did that, I heard his mom clap with glee. She almost jumped in joy.

"Let's go, baby... what do you want to eat?" she asked my daughter, who immediately let go of me when she heard that from the Madam.

I felt that if she could carry my daughter, she would, but since my child is heavy, she just held her hand.

"I'm really sorry for my child's antics, okay? Maybe she's just missing her father, but I'll talk to her," I apologized.

"It's fine, though. She's cute," she replied as if it was nothing to her. If I had to note it, I'd say she was too attentive to Quiy. When the two of them were together, it was as if they had their own world.

"Mom seems to adore her, too. It looks like she doesn't want to let her go," he said. His eyes followed the direction where my daughter and his mother were. Some of the household staff were now assisting them as they headed to the table full of food, along with some of their relatives who had left earlier.

But that can't happen, especially since I have work tomorrow. I need to work because if I don't, Quiy and I might end up in dire straits.

"Maybe it's just because she sees you... but when you're not around, she might forget," I added, but at that, I saw a flash of irritation cross his face.

"I don't want her to forget me," he said, and I wanted to think it was just my imagination, but it was confirmed now.

"H-Huh?" I asked, confused. I couldn't fully grasp his point.

"What do I have to do to be a part of your lives?" he asked, without any hint of joking.

W-Was he serious?!

To Be Continued...