Taming Demi's Mom (ONGOING)

Chapter 37

{VICTORIA}

~9 MONTHS LATER

EVERYONE is busy in the mansion. Mrs. Siobel and my father are in the kitchen, cooking various dishes and desserts for the birthday party to be held later this afternoon in the garden. Today is Demi's 4th birthday. Everyone in the mansion woke up early, except for Demi, who's still sound asleep like a cold sleeping oil. I didn't wake her up to surprise her when she saw all the preparations we're making. I didn't tell her that there would be a birthday party celebration on her birthday.

Lion and Edward, on the other hand, are busy lifting heavy boxes containing ingredients for the dishes. They also plan to help with the cooking after carrying everything needed from Lion's car compartment to the kitchen.

Lion is also with Samantha now, and she is currently in the garden with Sabel and Terrence. Sabel and Samantha are working together to arrange the chairs and put decorative cloth on the long table that will be used for our birthday meal celebration later. Samantha is skilled in skirting design for tablecloths, as she studied tourism at a culinary school. She learned it naturally by watching cooking students do it. While Terrence is busy arranging the plants in the garden and removing some big weeds,

Liam briefly left to buy birthday party balloons and decorations. I initially planned to handle the purchases myself, but I understand that Liam is avoiding my father and my two siblings to prevent conflict from happening between them. So, I let him take care of it. Earlier, when Lion and Liam met in the living room, tension quickly arose between them. Fortunately, Lion had Samantha with him, providing a calming presence for Lion.

I was about to head straight to the garden when I heard the doorbell. So, I went to the gate to see who it was. As I opened the small gate beside the large gate, Laurie's frowning face greeted me. She had a big gift bag in a pink color, and in her other hand, she held a large round cake. She looks like she's not in the mood, or maybe because I'm the first thing she sees.

I miss this woman so much. Only now did I realize that we'd lost communication with each other. I've isolated myself here inside the mansion, and I haven't been using my cellphone at all. I have no connection to anyone outside the mansion. I don't know why I'm doing this. Maybe for the peace of my mind and heart, and also for the tranquility of my family. Or maybe deep inside my heart, there's something I'm avoiding.

"Come in." I feel like our meeting today is extremely awkward.

I stepped aside to let her in. All I could do was watch Laurie's back as she entered the mansion without saying a word to me. She really looks mad at me, and I don't know how to approach her now. I feel embarrassed because of what I've done. I feel guilty.

"Hey, Victoria!" Someone called my name outside the gate, so I turned to look outside.

Only now did I notice a red car parked in front of the gate. Jake's head peeked out from the window on the driver's side.

"Can you open the gate for me?" he asked with a smile.

"Wait," I replied.

I closed the small gate and opened the two large gates to allow Jake's car to enter. Once fully open, Jake drove the car inside and headed straight to the garage. Our mansion has a spacious garage on the left side, opposite the garden on the right. It can accommodate four large cars.

As I was closing the large gate, Jake appeared by my side and pushed the other part of the gate.

"Thank you," he said with a smile after we totally closed the gate.

I just smiled back at him, but I could feel how forced my smile was. It seemed like Jake noticed my mood.

"Just bear with Laurie. She's really upset with you; that's why she acted that way earlier. Just be affectionate with her; she'll soften up. Look, I even managed to make her attend Demi's birthday even though she doesn't want to see you and Liam," Jake reassured me. I wanted to laugh at how honest he is by telling me that his wife doesn't want to see me and Liam.

"Thanks, Jake. And congratulations on your wedding. I haven't had the chance to say it to you. Sorry I couldn't attend," I said with a warm smile.

He patted my shoulder. "Thanks. I understand your reason," he replied.

I guided him inside the mansion. He mentioned he would help in the kitchen. Jake is also skilled in cooking, making Laurie fortunate to have him. I remember their love story from college. Laurie's standard for men is those who have talent for cooking, so Jake, even though he was majoring in accounting, determinedly learned how to cook. Whenever there was a cooking competition at their university, Jake participated, and Laurie always watched. Through that, he successfully won Laurie's heart.

I found Laurie in the living room, carrying Demi, who seemed freshly awake. She was sitting on one of the long couches. Jake quickly approached them and pinched both of Demi's cheeks. I'm glad Demi recognized her. This is the first time they've met in person. When Demi faced me, I could see a hint of shyness, as if she's still getting used to her auntie, but I gave her a reassuring smile.

I didn't approach them. Laurie wasn't even looking in my direction. Her treatment hurts, but it's my fault. Maybe I'll talk to her later, when her head is clearer, and I'm ready to take on all her anger. For now, I'll head to the garden to help there. The kitchen is too crowded, and with so much to cook, it's fitting for the men to handle it all.

"HAPPY birthday, Demi!" We all greeted Demi simultaneously, followed by loud applause from everyone.

Demi was seated on a high chair, wearing a cute little dress. In front of us was a round table. I sat on Demi's left side, while Liam sat on her right. The three of us were at the forefront, with everyone's eyes on us. I felt awkward and shy. I don't like being the subject of their attention.

Demi's birthday celebration is somewhat grand, but only those close to us are present. Dad, Lion, Edward, Laurie, Jake, Mrs. Siobel, Sabel, and Terrence are here. Liam's parents can't attend the birthday celebration because they were still in another country attending some political matters that need urgent attention. But for the past few months, they used to borrow Demi from us, and they took her to malls or other tourist places that would suit the taste of my daughter.

"Thank you." Demi expressed her gratitude with her adorable voice, bringing smiles to everyone.

Everyone started eating, occupying the long rectangular table where all the food was laid out. The three of us had our own table.

"Am I late?" Someone spoke, and everyone's attention shifted to the newcomer, Anderson. He was still in a formal suit because, as he told Liam and me, he might be late due to a meeting he had to attend.

"Why did you even bother to come?" Laurie sarcastically remarked, causing Anderson to furrow his brow at his youngest sister.

"Mrs. Grumpy is actually here," he joked with Laurie, and she raised her eyebrow at him.

Anderson approached us, silently took Demi from her seat, and lifted her without saying a word.

"Happy birthday, my beautiful niece." Anderson greeted Demi with a smile and then kissed her on the right cheek. Demi giggled.

Liam and I were both speechless as Anderson carried Demi to the long table, where he seated our daughter next to him and Laurie. Demi didn't protest, and from what I could see, she seemed happy to be with Anderson, even though it was their first meeting. Anderson was charming with children; that's something I noticed about him from the beginning. He easily connected with kids, even if he had just met them. He was very fond of children, which reflected in his commitment to platforms providing benefits for homeless children or educational assistance.

"How's it going with you and my sister?" Liam asked me a moment later.

I glanced at him, unable to hide the sadness I was feeling.

"I haven't talked to her yet. She always avoids me. I don't know how to approach her," I confessed. I don't want to hide it anymore. I just want someone to whom I can tell everything I am feeling right now about Laurie. And even though it's my fault, I can't help but be saddened by the silent treatment she was giving me.

Liam held my right hand, resting on the table. He gently squeezed it and then smiled at me.

"You'll be able to patch things up," he reassured me before we continued with our meal. The whole time, Liam kept holding my right hand as if afraid it would slip away the moment he let go.

The sun is currently setting. The surrounding temperature has become pleasant. The orange sky creates a beautiful scene when you look above. It's as if the sky is also celebrating with us because it has given us good weather.

I felt someone's eyes were watching us, so I glanced around. That's when I noticed Lion glaring at Liam and me holding hands. Perhaps realizing I caught him looking, he met my gaze. I clearly saw the threat in his eyes, prompting me to quickly withdraw my hand from Liam's and refocus my attention on my meal. I'm getting nervous every single second. I hope that Lion can hold himself for the whole day without asking Liam for a fight.

LIAM was still in the garden, having drinks with Anderson and Terrence. Dad, Samantha, and my two younger brothers were already asleep in Liam's designated guest room. Lion was about to join them in the drinks, but I stopped him because I knew he would just start a fight with Liam once they were drunk.

Laurie and Jake, on the other hand, were in the living room, each comfortably sleeping on one of the long couches. They would find it cozy, as the couches were spacious and soft.

As I opened the door to our room, I found it dimly lit, with only the mushroom lampshade providing light. I saw Demi sitting, covered in a blanket. I could faintly hear her sobbing, immediately causing concern.

I approached her and removed the blanket covering her. She was indeed crying. I gently wiped away her tears, seeing the sadness in her eyes. It felt like just moments ago she was so happy. I don't know what just happened.

"Baby, are you sick? Is there anything that hurts with you? Why are you crying?" I asked her continuous questions.

Her tears flowed faster as she gazed into my eyes.

"Mom?" she called me while sobbing.

"Yes, baby?" I responded, concerned.

"I'm waiting for Daddy Jackson. But he didn't come on my birthday. I miss him," she finally revealed her reason for crying.

I became stone cold in my seat, feeling like I had been drenched in icy water. Jackson. How could I forget that name?

I quickly embraced Demi, hiding my tears from her. It seemed like she had brought to the surface the things I had buried deep within my heart. Jackson's name echoed in my mind, a painful repetition that squeezed at my heart.

"Mom, where is Daddy Jackson? Why haven't I seen him?" Demi asked, tightening my hold on her.

Despite the heaviness of the situation, a sense of joy crept in, knowing that Demi hadn't forgotten him. She still recognized him as her dad. Yet, for months, I had deceived myself into thinking I had moved on and forgotten everything about him.