Chapter 4 Mixed Up

Meanwhile...

Shawn had finally arrived at the hotel, his tiny backpack bouncing against his shoulders with every step. It had been a long day.

He'd gotten lost at the airport after going to the restroom, and after wandering around for what felt like forever-legs sore, panic bubbling up-he finally went to the customs lost-and-found counter for help.

They made announcements. They waited.

But his mom never came.

He figured she had already left.

Thankfully, he remembered her destination. So, with surprising maturity and a little charm, he asked the airport police to bring him to the hotel she'd mentioned.

At the front desk, the hotel receptionist greeted the airport officer with a warm smile. "Good evening, sir. How can I help you?"

Before the officer could speak, Shawn stepped forward, his grin wide and confident.

"Hi, Miss! My mommy is staying here. Her name is Hannah Young." He stood up on his tiptoes, trying to peek at the computer screen. "We got separated at the airport, and the security team helped me get here. Could you check the guest records for me?"

He added a cheerful little giggle-just enough to melt anyone's heart.

The receptionist glanced at the officer, who gave her a small nod. Then she looked back at Shawn, her expression softening immediately.

What an adorable little boy. How could a mom leave a kid like this behind? Poor thing.

"Of course, sweetie," she said kindly. "Let me take a look for you."

"Thank you, Miss!"

While she typed away, Shawn looked around the lobby, curiosity sparking in his eyes. Would Mommy be surprised? Maybe she'd even cry a little. But seriously-how could she forget her own son at the airport? That was just careless.

Good thing he knew where she was going. Otherwise, he might've ended up at the police station all night.

But right now, Shawn had more important things on his mind-like figuring out who that man from the magazine was. Paul Green. Why did he look so much like him? Almost like... they were related.

The receptionist looked back up. "Your mommy is staying here, but she's not in her room right now. She might've stepped out for a bit."

Shawn frowned slightly. "That's strange. It's really late. Where would she go?"

Then, thinking quickly, he perked up again. "Could you take me to her room anyway? I'll just wait and surprise her when she gets back."

The woman hesitated, then gave him a smile. "Alright, just give me a minute."

But before she could grab the keycard, a voice rang out across the lobby.

"Young master!"

Shawn blinked. A man in his twenties came hurrying over, eyes wide with recognition and excitement. The next thing he knew, strong hands had grabbed his shoulders.

"It's really you! What are you doing here? Did that woman do anything to you? Are you hurt?"

Shawn turned around, completely confused. The young man was beaming like he'd just found a lost treasure.

But Shawn had no idea what he was talking about.

Behind him stood several other men-well-dressed, serious, and radiating authority. Their expressions were so stern it made Shawn shrink back a little.

"Um, Mister... I think you've got the wrong person," he said cautiously.

The man didn't even hesitate. "Young master, stop playing around. We don't know everything that happened, but now that we know you're safe, you have to come home. Madam and Mr. Green are extremely worried!"

Before Shawn could react, two of the men gently but firmly took hold of his arms. One of them quickly explained the situation to the airport police. The officer listened, nodded in understanding, and left without asking more questions.

"H-Hey-wait, what are you doing?" Shawn gasped, trying to pull away.

But they were way too strong.

In no time, he was led outside and ushered into a sleek black luxury car with tinted windows and leather seats that practically screamed money.

Was this... kidnapping?

Probably not. These men didn't seem like bad guys. But this wasn't normal either.

Still stunned, Shawn looked up-only to realize he wasn't alone.

Sitting across from him was a cold, strikingly handsome man in a sharp black suit. His piercing gaze locked onto Shawn like a hawk, the air suddenly heavy with tension.

That face.

Paul Green.

The man from the magazine.

The one who looked just like him.

"Sean," the man snapped, his voice low and commanding. "Your grandmother is worried sick. I don't care what happened between you and that woman-we're going back. Now. Do you understand me?"

Shawn blinked.

Sean?

Wait a second.

These men had been calling him "young master."

This man-Paul Green-just called him Sean.

They thought he was his son?

No way...

But what if it was true?

Shawn's thoughts were spiraling. He had planned to investigate Paul... and now Paul thought he belonged to him?

This was crazy.

Still, Shawn wasn't stupid. If he played along, he might finally get the answers he was looking for.

He softened his expression, lowered his voice, and replied sweetly, "Okay."

The conversation ended.

Paul Green might actually be... my dad?

What about Mommy? What was the truth behind all this?

Sitting quietly in the car, Shawn was finally driven into a grand estate.

As soon as he stepped into the luxurious mansion, he saw a warm and elegant lady rushed forward and pulled him into a hug.

"Sean, you silly child! If you're unhappy, just tell Grandma. I promise I won't force your father to go on blind dates anymore. I'll never try to find you a stepmother. But please, don't ever run away from home like this again. You scared me so much I nearly had a heart attack!"

The embrace was warm and comforting.

Was this Sean's grandmother?

If Sean really was his twin, then... this might be his grandmother too.

Shawn obediently nodded.

"I understand, Grandma. I won't be willful anymore."

"Hmph. You always say that," Paul muttered, "but then you act recklessly anyway. Now tell me-you left with that woman, didn't you? Why were you alone at the front desk? Did she say anything strange to you?"

He couldn't hold back any longer. He had been quiet the entire ride home, biting his tongue out of fear that his son would throw a tantrum before they even made it back. But now that they were home, his patience snapped.

***