Chapter 19
1521 Words
{LIAM}
I WAS talking with Ella's Dad when a familiar buttery blonde hair that is slightly curly caught my attention. It peeked into my eyes from the small space between the people around us. It instantly made my heart race.
Could it be her? She's the only one I know who owns that kind of hair. I know it was impossible for her to attend such an event like this, but I can't ignore what I saw. I needed to make sure.
I thought you had already decided to completely walk away from her life, Liam? I know, but whatever. I can't stop my heart and mind from arguing.
"Liam, where are you going?" Mr. Louis called out to me, but I couldn't bring myself to look back at him. I'll apologize later for suddenly leaving him in the middle of our conversation. This thing is far more important than anything.
I lost sight of that hair, so I hurried to follow it. Sometimes the woman's hair would peek out, but at times it would disappear from my sight. Nonetheless, I managed to keep following it. Right now, only a 5-foot distance separates us.
Yet, I still couldn't get closer to her due to the crowd blocking the way. But I'm seeing her back completely, and now I'm sure that she is Victoria. I am very familiar with every inch of her, from head to toe, even the shape of her body. Now I realize how much I really miss her. I want to pull her into my arms right now, if only I could do it immediately.
I was so focused on her that I didn't notice the trailing hem of a woman's ball gown in my path. I lost my balance slightly, and as I was getting close to Victoria, I stumbled and fell forward towards her back. She was about to fall, but I easily caught her waist and quickly regained our balance.
I turned her around to see her face. Although I expected it to be her, I was still surprised. My heart was racing as I confirmed that it was indeed her. She looks even prettier than before. I miss seeing this face every day of my life. I miss admiring this beautiful face every time I see it.
To hold her like this again had just been a dream since then. I can't believe that I'm able to do it again right now. Her light purple gown really suits her and complements her fair skin tone. If only I could kiss her right now, in this moment.
I DON'T like how Victoria and the man in front of us are looking at each other right now. I know I shouldn't be doing this, but my hand moved on its own and wrapped around Victoria's waist, gently pulling her closer to me.
I was surprised that Victoria didn't react. I don't know what's going through her mind. She was only gazing at the man in front of us with affection in her eyes. I want to curse right now!
Who is he in Victoria's life? Heck, Liam. Isn't it obvious that there's something romantic going on between them? I thought I would be happy for Victoria. But here I am, acting like a child, feeling jealous of this guy and being possessive of Victoria. I can't help it! And if only I could take Victoria away from this man's view, I would definitely do it.
"Do you two know each other?" I asked Victoria, shifting my gaze between the two of them. As I let those words out, it felt like something was lodged in my throat.
I waited for their response, but moments passed without any answer. They just looked at each other as if I wasn't beside them.
"Jackson," Victoria called the man by that name instead of answering my question.
Jackson Bianchi? The only son of the owner and CEO of WGC in Italy. I've always heard his name. He's a constant topic in the business industry, especially his father's name. He was more famous for his looks and his millionaire status.
"Jackson Bianchi?" I broke the long silence between us three. I wanted to grab his attention because I was truly getting annoyed by their unending staring at each other.
The people around us were minding their own business, but I knew a few were observing the situation among the three of us. Yet, I didn't care what they might think about me.
Jackson successfully faced me and smiled. "Yes, I am. And you?" he asked in return.
I offered my right hand to him. "Liam Davis," I replied briefly.
"I'm Victoria's husband," I added, spilling out the information. I didn't know why I said it. It was unnecessary in this kind of situation, but I couldn't help but stake my claim on Victoria in front of Jackson, especially when I didn't know the nature of their relationship.
He didn't complete the handshake. His brow furrowed, and he looked at Victoria as if he couldn't believe what he heard.
"Your husband?" he calmly asked Victoria.
I want this night to end. I want to pull Victoria away from this man. At this moment, I've forgotten the reason why I pushed Victoria out of my life. I've forgotten why what I'm doing is wrong. Turns out, after all these years, I still can't bear to see Victoria with another man. Worst, she's loving another man.
"Have you lost the ability to speak?" he added, questioning Victoria as she remained silent.
And there they were again, in an unbroken stare. I want to punch this man in the face for looking at my wife lovingly in her eyes. But I restrain myself. I should calm down. This isn't the right place for me to vent my anger.
"We're still legally married," I broke the silence between the two of them, for the second time.
I couldn't think of a reason why I needed to say this to Jackson. But I want him to know, maybe he doesn't realize the woman he's gazing at so lovingly is still legally married to her husband. I want to make him aware of it. I want to brag about it.
Jackson nodded. They still couldn't break their gazes at each other.
"Okay, Victoria. If you have nothing to say to me, I'm leaving," he said to Victoria. Victoria didn't respond.
Jackson turned his back to us. He took slow steps walking away from us. Victoria was about to run after him, but I stopped her. Hell, what am I doing? Maybe forbidding my wife from being with another man. She had intended to pull her wrist away from my grip, but she froze when someone called her.
"Mommy!" A young girl's voice called out.
Victoria turned her head in a particular direction. A little girl started running towards the two of us. That was the girl from earlier, and now I could see her face clearly. But why does it feel like I'm looking at a younger girl version of myself? I recall Laurie in her. When she was young, she had a strong resemblance to her. Wait, could she be—
"Mommy, I've been searching for you and Daddy. I'm almost tired," the child complained, pouting, to Victoria.
She looks about 4 years old. And that's when realization hits me. Is she my daughter with Victoria? And who is the Daddy she was talking about? It wouldn't make sense if her father wasn't me. I wouldn't doubt that Victoria slept with another guy while we were together. And this child looks exactly like me.
"Baby, let's go," Victoria called to the little girl and lifted her. She was about to walk away from me when I spoke.
"Is she our daughter?" I asked her.
The child finally looked at me. As soon as our eyes met, I felt something warm in my heart. The little girl gazed at me as if examining my entire face.
"Are you my real Daddy?" She asked, seemingly amused.
Victoria remained standing one foot away from me, facing the other direction.
"Mom, is he my Daddy?" Her child repeated to her.
I saw Victoria caress the child's cheek. "Yes, baby. He's your Daddy," Victoria finally spilled the truth.
I almost cried in happiness. Without hesitation, I walked closer to Victoria. I took the child from her arms, and she didn't resist. I hugged my daughter tightly as I held her.
"What's her name?" I asked Victoria.
"Demi," she replied.
I ran my hand through my daughter's hair. "Daddy, it's so nice to finally meet you," Demi affectionately said to me.
She faced me, her two little hands cupping both of my cheeks.
"Why did you show up just now, Daddy? I've been waiting for so many years to see you," an innocent question from Demi. I don't know how to answer her.
But at this moment, I've decided that I won't let go of Victoria again. Now that we have a daughter, I want to give her the complete family she deserves.
- Writer
