Nothing Like A Perfect Moment

I present to you Lawrence Earl Williams; the famous multimillionaire who currently heads his Father's company and also co-founded another company with his best friend, Ethan Morris.

Lawrence is a type of man every guy wants to be like, he is every Woman's dream and every parent wants their children to be like him.

At the age of 28, Lawrence already made so many impacts and has moved his businesses to a higher level. His parents, Abigail and Liam Williams feel so blessed to have someone like Lawrence as their son.

Not only is Lawrence rich and successful, but he is also a man of good character. His twin sister, Lenora Williams and his two younger siblings look up to him as their hero which sometimes makes Liam jealous and he would say to Luciana and Lucas "Heyyyy, your dad is meant to be your hero remember, and not your elder brother."

Lucas is the last born of the Williams household. He was born six years after Luciana was born. His birth brought so much joy to the family. Most especially to Lawrence who have always wanted a younger brother.

There's nothing Lawrence value more than his family. Despite his busy schedule, he makes time for every member of his family. He makes sure he checks up on his twin sister, Lenora. Who is now a preschool art teacher because of her passion for art and teaching and her love for children. Alongside her teaching profession, Lenora owns a Gallery and an art supply store. And guess what she's happily married with a kid.

Luciana, on the other hand, had just graduated from college. Her passion for modelling is second to none which earned her the crown of a beauty queen in numerous pageant she contested for. Pursuing a modelling career was hard at first because her father, Liam was against it. He wanted Lenora to do something else just because he hated the idea of his daughter being on national TV and Magazines "half-naked" as he calls it.

But with a lot of persuasion from both Luciana and his wife, Abigail, Liam gave his consent.

Lawrence ensured he sees his parents during the weekends and spend some quality time with them and also with his little brother, Lucas who was now in high school. He helps Lucas with his homework and also engage in conversations with him on how he's doing in high school or if he has a crush on anyone and stuff like that.

Argggh trust me, you wouldn't want to hear about Lawrence's love life because it sucks. Even though every girl wants to be with him, he had no interest in them. But that was until last year when he met Silvia Mahoi at a charity event.

They went on so many dates before he asked her to be his girlfriend which she gladly accepted. Everyone seemed to be okay with Lawrence dating Silvia except Luciana, Lawrence younger sister and Ethan, his best friend.

Nevertheless, Lawrence realized it's time for him to settle down and he decides to propose to Silvia.

That was until a drunken mistake decided to reveal itself and everything came crashing down......

"So is everything set for this evening?" Lawrence asked Ethan, his best friend.

"Yes, bro. Everything is set." Ethan replied as he took a seat on the stool behind the kitchen counter.

"Are you sure about this?" Ethan chipped in.

"What do you mean?" Lawrence asked as he passed Ethan a glass of water which he requested earlier on.

"I mean, are you really sure its Silvia you want to spend the rest of your life with" Ethan asked.

Lawrence gave his best friend an "I thought we've talked about this look". He knew Ethan was not fully in support of his relationship with Silvia. But he was hoping he will move on from that and respect his decisions whenever it comes to Silvia.

"Marriage is not something you have to jump into right now. Dude, you are just 28. Besides, I don't think I'm ready for uncle duties right now." Ethan said as Lawrence shook his head in disbelief with a sad smile plastered across his face.

"Ethan for heaven's sake we are not getting married today. I'm only going to propose to her. And besides, what if she refuses to marry me?" Lawrence said.

"Common. Even though I'm not a fan of Silvia. I know for a fact that she likes you and would never say no to your proposal." Ethan assured.

"Are you sure or you are just trying to make me feel less nervous." Lawrence chuckled and they both burst into laughter.

Since Lawrence and Silvia have known each other for a year now, Lawrence decided to make it official by proposing to her later on tonight. It's going to be a surprise for Silvia as she had no idea what Lawrence is planning. He had only told her to get ready by 6 pm as he would be picking her up to join his family for dinner.

Lawrence had planned the surprise along with his parents and siblings. Close family members were also invited. Lawrence parents are even more than happy that their son is taking the next step they had been anticipating. They could not ask for a better fiancee for him than Silvia.

Silvia is a very beautiful and hardworking woman. She's 27. Her father happens to be a very rich businessman so she works in her dad's company. The thing about Silvia is that Silvia is a very flashy person. She spends money on things that are way too expensive and she is a non-friendly person which is why Luciana, Lawrence's younger sister, despise her.

"So should I be expecting to be an uncle very soon, " Ethan asked with a grin. He loves frustrating Lawrence.

"Ethan." Lawrence groaned.

"I'm just asking so I will start preparing." He defended.

"Not yet Ethan. Besides, I don't think Silvia and I are ready for that now." Lawrence replied.

"If you say so" Ethan mumbled and gulped down the remaining water in the glass cup.

Before Ethan could proceed with the next conversation, they were interrupted by Lawrence phone which was ringing.

Lawrence stared at his phone strangely.

"Is anything the matter?" Ethan asked.

"A strange number, " Lawrence replied with a frown as he reluctantly answered the call.

"Hello." He said to the person on the other end. The conversation went for a while and Lawrence abruptly stood up from the stool he was sitting on. His face turned to that fear. Ethan noticed the sudden change in his friend's behaviour and got worried.

"Thank you. I will be there soon." Lawrence said and ended the call.

"I'm in trouble Ethan, " Lawrence said as he ran his hands through his hair furiously.

"What is the matter?" Ethan asked concerned.

"You remember the call I told you I received about seven months ago, concerning Ava?" Lawrence said and Ethan nodded immediately.

"One Doctor Peters called me now. She said Ava is in the hospital and she is in a very weak state. Doctor Peters said Ava had just given birth to a baby prematurely. And that Ava claims I'm the father. So my presence is required" Lawrence said with tears in his eyes.

"Bu..t........ Hhow..come?" Ethan shuttered. His eyes were as wide as saucers.

"I don't know. I really do not know Ethan. I'm as confused as you are." Lawrence said with a heartbroken voice.

About seven months ago. Lawrence and Ethan travelled to Detroit for a business deal which was a huge success. Then they decided to go celebrate in a bar and one thing led to another. Lawrence ended up sleeping with Ava, one of the bar attendant.

When he woke up beside her the next morning, he had apologized to her. Saying he shouldn't have done that as he was in a serious relationship with his girlfriend.

A month later, he received a call from her. Telling him she was pregnant. But he didn't believe her and scolded her never to call his number again.

No one knows about Lawrence encounter with Ava. Except for Ethan. Even Silvia is unaware of the whole situation. How will he now explain to everyone that he has a child?

"I have to go over there Ethan, " Lawrence said.

"Are you sick Lawrence. You have an engagement party to attend in less than 6hours." Ethan said, taking a glance at his wristwatch.

"But I really have to get to Detroit." Lawrence challenged.

"But what if everything is false Lawrence? What if this Ava girl is just playing a prank on you?" Ethan reasoned.

"And what if it's not a prank Ethan. What if it is true?" Lawrence said and Ethan went mute.

"Detroit is just a three-hour flight from here. I will try to be back before dinner starts." Lawrence said as he took his phone and dialled his pilot to get the private jet ready.

"So who will go pick Silvia up?" Ethan asked.

"I will if I make it back on time. But if I don't, I will tell Dominic to pick her up." Lawrence said referring to Dominic, his driver.

Lawrence dashed into his room and changed his outfit to a casual one. He reached for his wallet and sunshade and walked back into the living room.

"Please just cover up for me. I will try to be in touch." Lawrence said and Ethan pulled him into a brotherly hug.

"It will be fine. Stay strong." Ethan Whispered to Lawrence.

"I'm glad you made it Mr Williams." Dr Peters said as she welcomed Lawrence into her office.

Lawrence nodded as he took a seat opposite her. He looked very worried and uncomfortable. A lot of things were going through his head about the probability of what might happen. But deep down, he prayed for one thing; The strength to go through whatever might come his way.

"You can call me by my first name Dr Peters. Lawrence is fine." He said.

"Okay, Lawrence. I really need to ask you this. Are you still having doubts about the baby being yours." She asked with a serious tone.

"I don't know what to believe anymore Doctor." He said as she slowly massaged his forehead, trying to prevent a headache that was already building up.

"When I received a call from Ava seven months back and she told me she was pregnant with my baby. I didn't believe her. I thought she was lying and told her not to contact me again. But today, when you called me, I felt the need to come here." he confessed.

"So do you believe now that the baby is yours or you want proof. We can take a test to clear all doubt." She said.

"I think that will be a good idea, " Lawrence said.

"Alright then. You will have to follow me." Doctor Peters rose to her feet and they both walked out of her office. They went to the lab where Lawrence's blood sample was taken.

"While we wait for the result, would you like to see him?, I mean the baby?" She asked him and he nodded slowly and they headed to the babies ward.

"You have to put on this." Doctor Peters handed Lawrence a blue Overall that comes with a cap and a nose cover. He wasted no time in putting them on.

They finally entered the children's ward and were greeted with both cries and blabbering of babies. Some nurses were attending to some babies while the other babies were on their own in their crib.

Lawrence could not help but stare everywhere as he kept on following Dr Peters. He had never really been a person that was usually around babies. Except when his younger siblings were born and when Lenora gave birth to her child.

A possibility crossed his mind as to the baby they are about to see. What If he happens to be the biological father, will he be a good father? Will Silvia accept the fact that he has a son and will still want to be with him? What will his parents think of him?

Lawrence shook all those thoughts from his head as he and Doctor Peters entered an adjoining room where babies were placed in different incubators.

Lawrence's heart went out to them. The babies were so tiny and vulnerable. They kept on walking until they got to the second to the last baby on their right.

"Here he is." Doctor Peter said with a sad smile as she slowly turned to look at Lawrence who had tears in his eyes.

Lawrence stared at the incubator and was moved by what he saw. The baby was so tiny, frail and weak. His eyes were closed so Lawrence assumed he was sleeping. And a very small tag was placed around his wrist.

"He was born this morning. 4.15 to be precise."Dr Peter said.

"Will he be alright?" Lawrence chipped in.

Doctor Peters nodded and said "He is a fighter. I'm sure he will make it."

"He's not due to be born until next month. But due to his mom's heart disease, she had an early Labour."

"Ava has heart disease?" Lawrence asked shocked.

Doctor Peters nodded and said, "And I'm afraid she might not live for too long." She said and the tears finally fell from Lawrence's face.

"She didn't eat well and healthy enough during her pregnancy which is one of the reasons why this poor baby was born prematurely." Doctor Peters said as she glanced at Lawrence who was still in tears.

"Ava went through a lot. She's an orphan. Even with her heart condition, she worked multiple jobs so she could get enough money to keep up with her medications. That was until she became pregnant. Things were really hard for her. She was always falling sick that she even got fired from two of her jobs; the cleaning job and the bar attendant job. She was able to manage the waitress job which was during the day but the pay she got there was very low. She had to forgo buying her medicines to pay her house bill. Even though the health care for her pregnancy was free, she was still depressed because she had lots of debts to pay."

"She said she called you one time to ask for help but you shunned her. She told me all these few hours after she woke up from the delivery and requested I should give you a call you if there will be any luck. She does not have much time to live and wanted her baby boy to be in safe arms. Her other option was that if you refuse to come, I should help her find a caring family who will adopt the baby." Dr Peters whispered the last part as she wiped a tear off her face.

As soon as she finished her statement, the baby in the incubator moved his left hand and opened his eyes which made Lawrence cry more. His question has been answered. All his doubts have been erased. He did not need any DNA test to prove anything. He could see that the baby was his. He had his eyes; The same eye colour he, his dad and younger brother have. No doubt he's the father to the little one in the incubator.

Heavy tears rolled down Lawrence's cheeks.

"It's time for him to be fed." Doctor Peters said and she called a nurse over and gave her some instructions after which she dragged Lawrence who was reluctant to go, out of the room.

Immediately they got out of the children's ward, Lawrence plopped down on a chair and cried his heart out.

Doctor Peters took a seat beside him as she squeezed his shoulder, assuring him that everything will be alright.

"This is all my fault. If only I had believed Ava when she called me. If only I had listened to what she had to say. If only I had helped her, She and my child won't be going through what they are going through." Lawrence sobbed, feeling guilty as ever.

"I was enjoying life somewhere without knowing that my baby and his mother are somewhere suffering. I'm so stupid. Look at what I've done. I will never forgive myself if anything happens to both of them. I will never forgive myself." He wept bitterly.