My Son's Mother

Daniel was walking through the hallway towards his cabin while the staff members were greeting him on his way. His aura, combined with his looks, made him the most eligible man for women out there and simp over him. A female employee stared at him, amazed by his beauty. "Woah, look at him! Our CEO is so hot! I wish he was my boyfriend", she said to her fellow employee.

"Don't even think about it, Mr. Daniel appreciates only professional relationships with him at work. If someone gets out of line, he doesn't even think twice before firing them. He has fired some female as well as male employees because of this. You are new here so keep that in mind if you want to stay here." The female employee gulped in fear and nodded.

He kept a straight face and entered his cabin. Then someone knocked on the door. "Come in," Daniel said. "Good morning sir," his secretary said and greeted to him "good morning sir. "Good morning John, What's my schedule today?" Daniel asked his secretary. John told him about his schedule for the day and continued with the work.

Daniel Alves, the successful CEO of Alves Enterprise, known for his utmost professionalism who doesn't want any single mistake in his work. He's just a 26 year old young man who with his talent and dedication achieved great success in just 7 years. He face and physic is enough for any woman to drool over him but is very cold by nature.

"John come in my cabin" Daniel called him via telephone. John knocked on the door "come in" Daniel said. "Schedule meeting with Lee franchise as soon as possible" Daniel ordered John. "Sir it is already scheduled for one week later" John informed "reschedule it for day after tomorrow" Daniel said while John widened his eyes in shock. "Sir I don't think it is possible he is very stubborn and I don't think he will get agree for it and his staff is also not easy to handle" John explained. "I am not asking for your suggestion I am ordering you to do it and company is not giving you salary for you to think only" Daniel sternly said making John gulped in fear. "Okay sir" John responded.

Everyone had left for home except Daniel. He was still working in his office late at night. This was an everyday story and that's what he had been doing for 7 years now. He keeps himself busy at work and sometimes overwork himself just to divert his mind to something else. It may look like his life is perfect being the rich person with success in his hands but only he knows how much emptiness is there in his life. How lonely and empty he feels whenever he comes back home and sleeps on his bed, staring at the ceiling while numerous thoughts keep running into his mind that bring nothing but sadness and tears in his eyes which only he knows.

Soon he closed his laptop and made his way to parking lot and started driving. He reached home. Daniel opened the door of his house, feeling fully exhausted and sleepy. He put his bag on the side table when suddenly he remembered something. He gasped in realization and ran towards the room. He unlocked the door and saw his son Abram sleeping peacefully. "Shit, how could I forget that again," Daniel took out his phone and saw 20 missed calls from home. Daniel face palmed and mentally cursed himself. This is because today Daniel promised his son that he would take him out to watch his favorite movie with him which he always wanted to. He promised to spend time with his son today evening but again Daniel got busy with his work and completely forgot about the promise he made to his son.

He walked slowly and sat beside his 7 year old son Abram who was sleeping peacefully, hugging his favorite plushy. Daniel looked at him with guilt in his eyes. "Dad is sorry Abby," Daniel said and caressed his hair. He kissed his forehead while his eyes became a little glossy. He got up and went to his room. And drift to sleep.

He wake up by the sound of alarm and did his morning routine. Daniel got ready and came downstairs. He saw his mother and son Abram sitting on the dining chair eating his breakfast, looking so cute in his school uniform. Daniel smiled in aww looking at his son but his smile faded when he remembered what he did yesterday. "Good morning Mom, how are you doing?" Daniel said and hugged his mother. "I am doing good son, how are you doing?" "I'm fine Mom", Daniel pulled away from the hug and said with a slight smile. "Good morning Abby." Daniel said to him in a cheerful manner. Abram looked at him for a short second and then continued eating food. He sensed that his son is angry with him about yesterday's matter. Daniel sighed and sat beside him. "I'm sorry for yesterday Abby, I got so busy last night there was so much work, I promise you this weekend is completely yours, we will go for a picnic what's say?" Daniel said, trying to cheer him up but Abram didn't say anything and continued eating his food.

"Come on Abby, say something." Abram put down his fork and looked at Daniel. "No need to make fake promises Dad, it's not that it hasn't happened before, you can clearly say you don't have time for me" "no Abby it's not-"Daniel's words cut off when a bus honked. "I am going Dad, my school bus has arrived." Abram said and carried his school bag on his back to leave for school. He was about to leave when he stopped and said, "one more thing Dad, and please don't make promises when you can't even keep them." He left for school leaving Daniel saddened and guilty.

Daniel sighed in disappointment. Daniel's mom sat beside him. She put her hand on his shoulder to console him. "Mom, what should I do? Even if I don't want to, I unintentionally hurt him every time. I want to spend time with my son, but due to work I always forget about it. I always hurt him Mom, I am not a good father." Daniel said and lowered his head in disappointment. "Don't worry son, Abby is just hurt right now, I know he will understand you after some time." Daniel's mom said.

Mrs. Alves thought about something for a moment and then finally said, "Daniel, can I say something to you?" "Sure Mom, what is it?" "I know this might sound weird to you but I think you should get married now." Daniel's mom said. Daniel raised his head and looked at her surprised. "What are you saying Mom, you know very well I don't want to marry anyone, I am okay this way." Daniel said. "I know Daniel but it's not only about you, it's about Abram. He needs a mother" his mother said looking straight into his eyes for a positive response. "I am both his mother and father, he doesn't need anyone else for mother love. Also, he has you, his grandmother, why does he need anyone else?" Daniel said.

"I understand your emotions son but think practically, you don't have enough time to give to your son even if you try to, and about me, I am mostly overseas and can't even meet you guys often then who is here to take care of him, love him? No one Daniel. Even if there are so many servants who take care of his food and other things, but no one can give him love like a family does. He wants someone who could love him, spend time with him, and make him laugh, care for him when he is sick, and all these things only a mother can do. Don't think for only yourself Daniel, think for your son. He deserves the love of a mother as well." Daniel didn't say anything and just listened to her mother. "You have no pressure. Think about it Daniel, for the happiness of your own son." After doing his breakfast Daniel went to his office.

The whole day, Daniel was thinking about what his mother said to him. It is true that Daniel loves his son more than anything. He can't trust any outsider when it comes to taking care of his son. Then how can he trust a woman who would give motherly love to his son when she is not even his real mother. He also knows the fact that Abram wants love which he most of the time fails to give. To find such a woman who will love his son unconditionally is a task in itself. Daniel sighed and dropped his head backward on the chair. He closed to relax his mind for a bit. "Umm Sir, are you okay? You seem a bit tired today" his secretary John said, sounding a little worried for him. "Uhh yes I'm fine, I am going home now, and you can manage the things here right?" "Yes Sir, no worries." Daniel nodded and left for home.

He reached to home feeling exhausted as it is already night. Daniel entered the house tired. He walked to the kitchen and drank a glass of water. Then he walked towards Abram's room expecting him to be asleep. He opened the door and found Abram playing video games. Abram looked at him for 2 seconds and continued concentrating on his game. Daniel entered his room and sat beside him on the bed. "Abby, I know you are angry with me but Dad got really busy. Please talk to me." Daniel said to Abram.

Abram put down the controller and turned to look at him and. "I am not mad at you Dad, I was but not anymore. I know that you're busy with your work. I was angry because you broke your promise and I was so sad at that time." Abram said crossing his arms to sound angry but it made look even more adorable. "I know Abby, I won't do it again, please forgive your Dad,"

Abram thought for a while and said, "okay I'll forgive you only if you won't break your promise again" "I won't, I promise" "NO! don't make promises, you always break it," Abram said immediately. Daniel chuckled at his cute reaction. "Okay okay I'll try my best not to break my promise" "that's better" Abram said and smiled at Daniel.

"Alright now it's time to sleep okay? It's late" Daniel said and put a blanket on him. He was about to leave when Abram stopped him. "Where are you going Dad?" Abram asked him, pouting slightly. "In my room to sleep Abby." Daniel said. "Please sleep beside me tonight Dad, I missed you." Abram said, looking at Daniel with puppy eyes. Daniel melted instantly and smiled. "Of course my baby, I'll sleep beside you tonight," Daniel said laid beside him. Abram giggled cutely and extended his arms to hug Daniel but his arms were too short to reach Daniel's waist completely. Daniel chuckled at his cuteness. He pulled him closer and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight Abby" "Goodnight Dad". Daniel and Abram slept in each other's arms peacefully. He is cold towards the other people but when it comes to his son he is very soft and considerate same goes for his mother he loves her mother a lot and why even he didn't they are only family he has.

Daniel got up and saw Abram sleeping peacefully in his arms. He smiled and kissed his puffy cheeks. "Wake up champ, you will be late for school" "mmm just 7 minutes more Dad", Abram said still closing his eyes. "No, just wake up already otherwise you will be late for school and miss your school bus. Come on get up", Daniel said while poking his bum playfully. "Ugh okay fine I am up now" Abram got up and pouted adorably. "Good boy, now go get ready, I'll be waiting for you outside for breakfast okay?" Abby nodded, smiling at Daniel.

In the breakfast table they were munching on their food. Daniel and Abram just finished eating when Mrs. Alves came. "Good morning boys" "Good Morrniiing" Daniel and Abram said in unison. Abram ran and hugged Mrs. Alves's legs as he could reach there only. Mrs. Alves chuckled and picked him up holding him in her arms. "How are you, my son?" Mrs. Alves asked him. "I am fine grandma, I missed you" Abram said and kissed her cheek. Suddenly they heard a bus honking outside. "OH Abby, your school bus has arrived, come on pick your bag." Abram nodded and ran with his tiny feet towards his room to pick his bag. He came carrying his backpack behind. "Bye grandma, bye Dad", Abram said, waving at Daniel and Mrs. Alves. "Wait!", Daniel said suddenly. Abram stopped and looked at him with his doe eyes. Daniel bent down to his level and said, "Where is my goodbye kiss?" Abram smiled and kissed his cheek. Daniel giggled. "Bye Dad" "Bye Abby." Daniel closed the door after Abram left for school.

"Did you think about what I said to you yesterday?" Mrs. Alves said to Daniel. Daniel turned around. "Yes Mom, I thought about it all day. And I have decided that I'll get married, but for my son only. I love my son, he is just 7 years old and deserves all the happiness in his life. Find a girl Mom who can love my son just like her own son." Mrs. Alves smiled proudly at Daniel. She held his shoulders and said," I am so happy Daniel, I knew you would make a sensible decision for your son." Mrs. Alves said feeling extremely happy. "I'll tell you whenever I find a suitable wife for you and if you find any, do let me know." "No Mom, I am not finding a wife for myself, I am just finding a mother for my son. I'll marry her but I won't be able to accept her as my wife and you know the reason. She will be Abram's mom, nothing more, nothing less." Daniel said, being all straightforward to his mom. Mrs. Alves's smile faded and nodded sadly in defeat. "We'll see Daniel, you never know when you fall in love with someone." Mrs. Alves thought.

Daniel was on his way to work in a car, still thinking about his decision. He was completely lost in his thoughts. He was contemplating whether the decision of wedding is better for his son or not. The driver was driving the car at a constant speed.

Meanwhile, a girl were walking on the pathway street for work when she saw a little kid who was picking something on the road near to the pathway which he dropped on the road. Then, her eyes went to her right where she saw a car coming at a faster speed towards the little boy. "No no no no", her eyes widened and she immediately rushed towards the little boy to save him. The car was coming closer to the boy. She came in front of him. "STOP!" she shouted from her lungs out and bent down and covered the little boy in her arms.

Suddenly the car stopped, making Daniel come forward a little due to sudden breaks. "What happened? Why did you stop the car suddenly?" "Sir, a kid and a woman came in front of the car suddenly." The driver said to him. Daniel looked through the front windscreen and saw a woman, who was covering a little kid like a shield. Daniel got out of the car and walked towards her.

"Do you have a death wish? Didn't you find any other place to die when you came in front of my car?" Daniel started yelling at her. Girl raised her head and looked at Daniel angrily. She got up and stood in front of Daniel, holding the hand of a little kid. The kid looked so scared. "Wow, I thought the driver must be blind but guess what, his boss is 10 times blinder than him. Did you even know at what speed he was driving the car? This road is crowded and there is a speed limit for it. Your driver was speeding the car and instead of saying anything to him, you are yelling at me? He was in his own world that he didn't even see a kid on the way. He could have hit this innocent kid if I hadn't come at the right time." she bursted at Daniel.

"This girl is right, the driver was driving the car at a faster speed. The boy could have gotten seriously hurt but thankfully this girl saved him." The crowd gathered and said in unison. Daniel looked down at the kid and then the girl. "The roads are made for vehicles, the kid should be careful that the roads are not for playing." girl looked at him questionably. "He is a little kid, he doesn't know what is right and what is wrong. Look at him, what would you do if your son or daughter were in his place? Would you still be arguing with me or taking some serious action against your driver?"

Daniel looked at the little kid whose innocent eyes were reminding him of Abram. He melted in his eyes but didn't want to show it to everyone.

The girl looked at him crossing her arms, expecting an apology from him, but he said something which she expected the least. He kept a straight face and said, "I'll compensate for all the inconvenience caused to you and the kid because of my driver Just send me the pay amount with the address at Alves Enterprise, I'll pay for it." With that being said, Daniel got in the car and left from there, not even giving that girl a chance to reply. "HEY YOU! Waaaahh look at him! What does he think of himself? Such a rude man. Does he think money can buy anything?" she said, astonished by his behavior.

The car stopped as Daniel reached his office. He looked at the driver and said, "It was your fault wasn't it?" the driver gulped nervously. "Sir, the kid- the kid came in front of the car suddenly, I didn't notice it", the driver said, coming with some excuse. "That's because you were in your own world that you didn't even notice the kid, he could have got severe injuries, and instead of accepting your mistake, you are constantly giving excuses to cover it!" Daniel yelled at him. The driver looked down. "l am sorry Sir, It won't happen again" "Yes, it'll not happen again because today was your last day here, you're fired". Daniel said and got out of the car, not giving any other chance to the driver, to cover up his mistake.

****

Daniel entered his cabin and sat on the chair. He was working when his phone rang. He looked at the caller id showing his mother. He picked it up. "Hi Mom, what's going on?" "Son, I have something important to tell you. I have found a perfect girl. I met her a few years ago and she is lovely. Her mother was my friend from high school so I know I can trust her" "Okay Mom, but does she know that I have a son?" "Yes, she already knows and she has no problem with it as she herself loves kids a lot. She also works in an NGO for kids, she would be a perfect mother for our Abram." Mrs. Alves said. "I have arranged a meeting with her and her mom tonight. Be free at 8 okay? I hope you'll like her." "She is your choice Mom, I have no doubt about your choice. "Daniel said to her mother. Mrs. Alves smiled. "I'll send you the address, be ready. Bye."

Daniel reached the cafe which his mother told to. He entered and looked for her mother. "Daniel! Here" Daniel looked to his left and saw his mother with a woman waving at him. He smiled and walked towards their table. "Daniel, meet Adina Kolan, Anna's mother. And Adina, he is my son, Daniel." Daniel looked at her and greeted her with a smile. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Kolan." "Nice to meet you too Daniel, woah! Your son is so handsome." Daniel smiled in a thin line shyly. "I know, he is my son after all." Mrs. Alves said playfully while everyone laughed.

Daniel looked around to see the girl. Mrs. Kolan noticed it. "Umm my daughter will be here soon, let's sit." Daniel nodded and everyone took a seat.

"I am so sorry for being late, there was so much traffic on the way." The girl said and greeted to them in apology. "No worries Anna, Daniel also has come just now." Mrs. Alves said. Daniel was back facing her so he couldn't see her. He got up and turned around to see the girl. Once he turned around, his expressions changed from smiling to the shocked one.

YOU! Both Daniel and the girl said in unison.

A girl entered the cafe and looked around. She saw her mom sitting with a woman and a man who were back facing her. She walked towards their table. "I am so sorry for being late, there was so much traffic on the way." The girl said and greeted to them in apology. "No worries Anna, Daniel also came just now." As soon as the guy turned around, girl's smile dropped. "YOU!" she and the guy said in unison. They both looked at each other in surprise. Mrs. Alves and your mom furrowed their eyebrows in confusion.

"You guys know each other?" Mrs. Alves said. Anna looked at her "uh, we just met each other this morning." she said with an awkward chuckle. "Oh is it? That's great! You guys talk then, Mrs. Alves and I are sitting there." her mom said and walked towards another table with Mrs. Alves to give you guys alone time to talk. She let out a breath and took a seat. Daniel sat on her opposite side as well.

Both of them were sitting there without uttering a word. Forget about talking, both didn't even look at each other for once. Daniel was busy drinking his coffee while she looked at the other side crossing her arms. You turned your head slowly and looked at Daniel. You sighed and started to make conversation with him. "So... Do you have any reason for getting married?" Daniel looked at her for a second and then took a sip of his coffee. "Yes, I am not getting married for myself, I just want to get married for my son." "Oh, so you have a son! Yet you were so ignorant and insensitive towards that little kid in the morning. How can you be so harsh?" she said to him.

Daniel put down his cup of coffee and looked at her. "You are at it again huh! I told you that I'll pay for the inconvenience caused because of my driver, what else do you expect me to do?" she scoffed after hearing his words. "Wow! So you think that money can compensate for anything in this world? Do you know how scared that kid was? The few words of comfort could do much more than your money. But why would you do that, for you money is the only solution for everything.

And you think I am a gold digger who would get head over heels for you after seeing how wealthy you are and marry you. But sorry to say Mr. Daniel Alves, I am not one of those. Even if you were the richest man on this earth, I'll not marry you." she said while looking straight into his eyes all this time. She got up and walked out from there. Daniel didn't say anything and clenched his jaw.

She went towards her mother and Mrs. Alves. . "Mrs. Alves, it was nice to meet you after a long time. We will get going now", she said to her politely. "Oh, already? But you just came here and didn't even talk to Daniel that much." Mrs. Alves said. "Uh we talked enough for the day Mrs. Alves, I'll see you soon, bye Mrs. Alves." You greeted to her and left with your mother. Mrs. Alves sensed something doubtful. She went to Daniel. "Daniel, why Anna left so early, you both just met" "we talked enough for the day Mom, let's go home now". Daniel said and walked out of the cafe. "Wow, have they already decided what to say to me? Even their reply is the same. They are perfect for each other" Mrs. Alves said to herself while chuckling.

Next morning Daniel got ready for work. He went downstairs. Good morning Dad", Abram greeted him with a smile. "Good morning champ!" Daniel said and kissed his cheek. "Dad, today is my competition and those students who have participated, their parents are also invited. So........ Could you please come as well to motivate me?" Abram said, hoping to hear a 'yes' from his father. "Umm... I am really sorry Abby, but I have a very important meeting today. I won't be able to come to your school, but next time I promise l'll be there okay?" "But Dad it would be nice if you could come for some time I am seriously getting late Abby, I gotta go to work. All the best for your competition. Fighting!" Daniel said and left for work in a hurry, not even giving Abram a chance to complete his sentence. Abram just looked down, saddened and sat on the dining chair. "Why did I even ask?" Abram said, feeling extremely saddened.

Daniel was at his office working on his laptop when his phone rang. He picked it up. "Good morning Mom", Daniel said. "Good morning son! You didn't tell me about yesterday yet. How was your meeting with Anna?" Mrs. Alves asked him. "She doesn't want to marry me" Mrs. Alves was surprised. "What! Why? What happened?" "We both are different people Mom, I don't think we would ever be able to agree on the same thing. It's better to not make any relationship with each other." "But" "Mom I am really sorry, I am a little busy right now, I'll call you later okay? Bye Mom" Daniel said and cut the call immediately without even waiting for her reply.

Anna was at the NGO, spending her best moments of life with the children. She was smiling ear to ear while playing with them as it gives her immense pleasure to see the smiles on those innocent faces who were once abandoned by their own families. Suddenly, a staff member called her name. "Miss Anna, someone has come to meet you, she is waiting for you outside." she nodded with a smile. She went outside and saw a familiar face.

"Mrs. Alves?" She said surprised. Mrs. Alves turned around and looked at her with a smile. "Hi Anna, how are you?" "I am good Mrs. Alves, how are you?" "I am also good". She smiled. "Umm let's sit". She said and sat on a bench with Mrs. Alves. "Umm Anna, I came here to talk to you about something. Can I ask you something?" "Sure Mrs. Alves, what is it?" "Why did you refuse to marry Daniel?" her smile faded. You sighed and said, "Mrs. Alves, I respect you a lot, but sorry to say your son is your opposite. He is a cold, insensitive and selfish person and I can't marry a guy like him. Our very first meeting was also not that pleasant. I don't think this marriage would work, we are poles apart."

"How was your first encounter with him? Can you tell me something about it?" she thought for some seconds and then nodded. "Yes Mrs. Alves". Then she told her everything. How that incident led her and Daniel into an argument making things worse between both of them. Mrs. Alves listened to your words patiently.

Once she told everything about the incident, Mrs. Alves sighed. "Look Anna, I know you must be thinking that Daniel is a rude, insensitive and cold guy. Well, I can agree with you that he is a cold person. I also know that what he said to you was so wrong and am sorry on his behalf but, I know my son Anna, he can be cold, but he is not an insensitive person. And I am not saying it as a mother but I have seen him how he secretly cares for people but never shows it." "But Mrs. Alves-" "Ok come with me" "Where?" "I want to show you something."

Meanwhile, Abram was sitting backstage of the school auditorium, waiting for the results. "And the first prize goes to... ABRAM ALVES!" Everyone started cheering for him. Abram was surprised and happy at the same time.

He came on stage to receive the prize. "Congratulations Abram for winning the first prize, where are your parents, call them onstage", the presenter said. Abram's smile faded and looked at the audience, hoping for the one last time that he could see his dad cheering for him, but sadly, there was no one. Abram looked down for a moment and said, "Uh, they are not here today" "Oh okay, no problem, Congratulations once again Abram, keep it up". The presenter said and gave him the award. "Thank you sir" Abram said, smiling and curving his lips into a thin line. He turned to face the audience.

He looked to his left side where other awardees were standing there with their parents, smiling happily, posing for pictures and there he was, standing alone with no one beside him. His eyes went glossy. He looked down to hide his tears from everyone. He couldn't control anymore so he ran away from the stage. He ran to the playground and sat under the tree, holding his award in his hand. "What should I do with this award when I have no one beside me to celebrate with "Abram said and sobbed.

Mrs. Alves and Anna were standing outside the school. They both entered the school through the entrance gate. "Why are we here Mrs. Alves?" She asked her, clueless. "I want to show you something, come on let's go". Mrs. Alves said and started walking. She followed her. Both reached the playground where no one was present. "What do you want to show here?" "Look there Anna, do you see someone?" Mrs. Alves said, pointing at something from a distance. She looked in that direction and saw a little boy under the tree sobbing. "Who is that little boy? Why is he crying?" she asked, sounding concerned for the little boy. "He is Abram, Daniel's son" she looked at her surprised. "He is Daniel's son? Why is he sitting all alone crying like this?" she asked as sorry can be evidently sensed in her voice.

"His teacher called me when I was on my way to meet you. She always tells me about Abram's whereabouts. Abram took part in the competition. He won the first prize. And now you must be wondering why he is crying. He may have won first prize but he has no one beside him to celebrate with him. Today, the parents of every child were present to motivate them, cheer for them, and celebrate with them, except Abram's. For them, every child was standing with his parents on stage, but Abram, he was standing alone. Even if he got first position, he felt like he was standing in the lowest position." Mrs. Alves said while tears were running down her cheeks. Anna just stared at Abram from a distance. Mrs. Alves continued, "Abram is a bright kid. He is good in sports, in academics basically he is good in everything just like his father. Yet he has no friends whom he can talk to or share his feelings. He is just 7 but look at him, he is so lonely. Does this little kid deserve this?" Mrs. Alves said and wiped her tears.

"You said that Daniel is selfish. Well, yes! He is selfish, for his son. He knows even if he tries his best, he is not able to spend much time with his son because of his work commitments. He mentally curses himself everyday thinking that he is not a good father. That is why he wants to get married; not for himself, but only for the happiness of his son, thinking that if his son is not getting the love of a father, at least he could get love off a mother. Every father is selfish for the happiness of his son. Daniel is no different. He just wants to see Abram smiling all his life. That is why I chose you as his wife and Abram's mother because I know very well that you will take care of him better than anyone else just like your own son." Anna just listened to her while tears were rolling down from Mrs. Alves cheeks.

Anna feel heartbroken to see how a 7 year old innocent kid is so lonely, craving for the love of a father and a mother. "Now it depends on you Anna, I am not forcing you to marry Daniel, it's completely your choice. Just think about what I told you and then make your decision. Whatever your decision would be, I will accept it happily." Mrs. Alves said, leaving her to make a final decision.