Chapter 5 Unexpected Encounter

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he watched the young boy burst into their room, calling out "Mom!"

Ethan's mind raced - who was this kid, and why was he calling Lyra "Mom"?

His eyes widened in shock as the boy rushed towards her on the bed, embracing him warmly.

"Aiden, what are you doing here?" Lyra asked, her voice laced with concern.

His eyes locked onto the boy, his mind reeling with questions. Who was this Aiden, and what was his relationship with Lyra?

The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he gazed up at Lyra, and Ethan felt a pang of jealousy.As Lyra ushered Aiden into the living room, he couldn't help but notice the resemblance between them. Same piercing blue eyes, same curly brown hair... This must be Lyra's son, he realized with a start.Wait this can't be, he hit the bed.

His father didn't tell him that she has a son and she never mentioned anything about him either. His chest tightens in betrayal.

"Aiden, this is Ethan," Lyra introduced, her voice hesitant. "My...husband."Aiden's eyes widened as he took in Rowan's imposing figure.

"Wow, you're really tall!" He exclaimed "How come he never visited the house and you never told me about him?" he asked, checking Rowan out with a smirk on his face.

Ethan's expression softened, despite himself. "And you're really...energetic," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Lyra's eyes darted between them, a mix of tension and amusement on her face.

"Aiden, why are you here? You're supposed to be in your room"Aiden's face fell, and Lyra's expression turned guarded.

"I'll explain later, Ethan," she said curtly.Rowan raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his eyes never leaving Lyra's face. He sensed a story there, one that Lyra wasn't eager to share.

His mind raced with questions, but he knew he'd have to wait for answers.

Rowan's eyes narrowed, "You have a son, Lyra. A son you've been keeping from me."

Lyra's eyes widened in confusion. "What are you talking about, Ethan?"

Ethan gestured to Aiden, who was oblivious to the tension. "Him! Your son!"

Lyra's face went from confusion to shock to laughter. "Aiden is my brother, Rowan! Not my son!"

Ethan's face turned red with embarrassment. "What? No, that's impossible. He called you 'Mom'!"

Lyra shook her head, still chuckling. "He's a kid, Ethan. He calls me 'Mom' because I've been taking care of him since our mom died at birth."

Ethan expression changed from accusation to embarrassment. "Oh...I see."Aiden, sensing the tension, looked up at Lyra with concern.

"Lyra, what's going on?"Lyra smiled reassuringly.

"Nothing, Aiden. Just a misunderstanding."Ethan's eyes met Lyra's, a mix of relief and embarrassment.

"I...I apologize, Lyra. I jumped to conclusions."Lyra's expression softened.

"It's okay, Ethan. But maybe next time, ask questions before assuming the worst."

Ethan nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. "I will. I promise."

He knew he still had a lot to learn about Lyra and her family. Maybe losing their mother was a shock her father couldn't recover from, that's why he turned into a drunkard overnight.

The guilt of not being able to pay the hospital bills for Aiden's operation. The doctor had mentioned performing surgery for her mom during her early pregnancy with Aiden.He blamed himself over and over again each night pleading that she take him along with her.

Flynn was a selfish man and father, he left his responsibility to the shoulder of his young daughter.He wasn't the only one hurting then. He should have been there for her and not the other way around.Having to take care of Aiden and school was the hardest thing to do during his early years of feeding.

She was proud of those years they both survived anytime she looked at Aiden.Rowan's phone rang, he picked up the phone.

Lyra noticed the dark look on his face after speaking to the other person on the line."Who is that?" she asked, standing up from the bed.

"No one important, we have an end of the year party to attend tonight at the old man's Villa" Ethan replied avoiding eye contact with her.

"I'm not sure if I can make it, I'm working the night shift" Lyra informed him.

"He wants both of us there and no excuses" Ethan said and walked out of the room, his shoulder tense as if he's angry.

Does he not have a smooth relationship with his father, Lyra wondered.

."Mom, I'm hungry" Aiden called her attention.

"Hungry at this time, you are such a foodie" Lyra jokes."I ate only cookies last night, have you forgotten and you promised to wake me up at dinner but you lied" Aiden accused her, pouting his lips.

"Come on baby, I forgot, moreover I didn't have dinner either. Don't worry, I prepared your favorite last night. First thing first you have to brush your teeth and shower before eating" Lyra said dressing the bed.

"That's a long process mom" Aiden groaned."That's because mom wants you to stay healthy, and you have to listen to mommy if..."

"Are you not done with him, I need my wife" Ethan said, rolling his eyes at the two before walking out again.

Lyra smiles, thinking who the childish one is between Rowan and Aiden.She sat before the dressing mirror, thinking of what to tell her boss for not coming to the cafeteria tonight. She knew Mrs Rose would be happy to cut her salary if she texted her.

She thought of calling her friend who would only whine and accuse Lyra for allowing the devil to use her on her free day, she laughed at the thought of her friend.