SEND GIFT
Chapter 44
AMAYA
“What?” I squeal, staring at my best friend in shock.
Jayla plops on the bed beside me after giving Neveal a gentle kiss on the forehead.
I’m so happy and relieved that my son is finally doing better. Caesar kept his word and paid for the Fire Dragon blood immediately after our wedding. I’ll deal with the consequences of my actions later.
“I’m serious. Caesar just called me and said to tell you to get ready to fly to the Maldives tomorrow night for your honeymoon
I frown. “Honeymoon? A honeymoon was never part of the contact. What is he talking about?”
“Girl. I have no idea, but with everything that’s been going on lately, you need that honeymoon. You need that trip.”
I stare at her in shock. “Jayla? What do you mean by that? Aren’t you supposed to be on my side? Why are you so keen on sending me off with Caesar? What about my babies?”
Jayla takes my hands in hers and gives me a very solemn stare.
“Be rest assured that my little godchildren will be in good hands. Besides, I think Caesar really wants to take care of you. You should go.”
I must be hearing things. “Jayla, what?”
She lifts a finger, effectively cutting me off. “I don’t want to hear it. Your bags are already packed. Your kids are in good hands. You, baby girl, are going to the Maldives!!
TWO HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Looking at me right now, no one would believe that I was almost sexually assaulted just a few hours prior on my own wedding day.
I’m currently dressed in a short, yellow sundress that molds my still heavy postpartum breasts perfectly and accentuates my legs. My hair is piled atop my head, my makeup is light and perfect even if the nerves in my stomach threaten to make me go crazy any minute now, even if I’m most definitely still traumatized from the happenings of the previous day.
with Caesar. 1 It was very difficult but after a few more hours of endless rambling. Jayla was finally able to convince me to go kissed my babies goodbye quite reluctantly thirty minutes ago. Right now, I’m on my way to meet Caesar at the hospital Today is the day he officially introduces me to Michaela as her mommy
I’m so
nervous.
“Ma’am, we’re here.”
I look up sharply, surprised that we’re already at the hospital’s parking lot. The driver helps me out of the car and suddenly
“The boss is over there.
1 look up and sure enough, Caesar is already waiting at the hospital’s entrance. My breath gets stuck in my throat a him. This is the first time I’m seeing him in anything other than a ten thousand dollar designer suit.
tare at
I still find it hard to believe that this stunning hunk of a man is roy husband.
but the burning of my skin tells me that he’s
When I finally come within talking distance, he takes off his glasses and pins me with those emotionless black eyes.
“Hey. Are you okay?”
Jeez, why did he ask so softly? Now I don’t know how to respond.
I clear my throat and inhale sharply.
“Yes, I’m fine. Shall we go?”
I hurriedly walk past him, making my way into the hospital. Without waiting to see if he’s coming along. I hurry over to Michaela’s ward and walk inside.
I know I can’t run away forever, but I need some time to analyse and understand the fierce pounding of my heart whenever. I’m around Caesar Manchester.
“Mommyyy!!” The familiar voice of a child pierces the air.
freeze, staring at Michaela, my heart full to the point of bursting
“Sweetie…” I choke out. “What did you call me?”
Her face brightens in a wide smile. “Mommy! You’re my mommy” She turns to the nurse who was checking her vitals before I walked in; “look, that’s my new mommy. Isn’t she very pretty? I love her hair.”
The nurse beams at me. “Hello, Mrs. Manchester. Welcome.”
I slowly nod at her, completely dazed. Then I walk over to Michaela and pull her into my arms, careful not to hurt her.
“You called me m–mommy.” I whisper, my voice breaking with tears.
She leans forward and kisses my hair, Goddess, this little girl will be the end of me.
“That’s because you’re my mommy now. I’m so happy that you’re finally my mommy. Thank you for marrying daddy. I know he can be annoying at times.”
I lean back and smile at her. She’s so beautiful. Oh, goddess, please heal her. For my sake.
“Wanna know a little secret?” I ask to keep myself from bursting into tears
“Yeah!” She half–squeals.
I lean closer and kiss the shell of her ear before whispering: “I find your daddy pretty annoying, too. Sometimes
She giggles and the high–pitched sound is an instant balm on my broken heart.
“I see you’ve already switched sides, Mickey. Caesar’s smooth baritone pierces the air.
1look up to find him leaning against the doorframe, looking at his daughter with an affectionate expression. “I thought you were gonna be a daddy’s girl forever.”
2/3
on ber cheek.
ou doing today, my little princess??
feel great. You came to tell me that Amaya is my mommy now right?”
Caesar’s questioning gaze strays to mine and I frown. I thought he’d told her. How did she find out?
“Yes, I did, princess. But you know about that already, I see.
“Yup!” She confirms. “Aunt Jayla paid me a visit last night. She told me.”
Oh, Jayla.
Caesar frowns, “I see.”
I can tell from his expression that he wanted to be the one to break the happy news to his daughter by himself. I instantly feel horrible.
Sigh. Jayla.
“She didn’t tell me exactly… but I overheard her speak about it on a call with Aunt Gina. She doesn’t know that I heard her.”
Oh…
Michaela knows all the members of my family now. And both Jayla and Aunt Mira adore her, just like I do.
Michaela pulls Caesar closer for a peck. “Thank you sooo much for always making all my dreams come true, daddy. Please take good care of my new mommy…”
At that moment, I feel content. Happy, even. But that feeling won’t last for long.
Bad things are about to happen…horrible things.
SEND GIFT
