FRESSIA

My Heart Trust you

“Right. I forgot. You like to stay up late—just like Lily used to say. I must’ve interrupted your night. Just drop me off and go back to whatever you were doing.”

He clenched the steering wheel. He couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“You really want me to drop you off? Fine. But I guarantee you’ll call me again, begging me to come back.”

His words stung. She stared at him, hurt.

How had they gotten here?

She said nothing after that. But tears betrayed her.

She tried to stay silent, but a sob escaped.

Adam glanced at her, regret already crawling in.

“Freesia…” he muttered, then pulled over. They’d reached his building.

He got out, walked around, and opened her door. He gently pulled her out until she stood before him.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” he said.

“I had no one else to call. Kevin didn’t answer. I didn’t know who else to turn to… I wasn’t trying to ruin your night. I was just… scared.”

He cupped her hands.

“Look at me, Freesia. I’ll drop everything for you. I’ll always come when you need me. Please—don’t ever think you can’t rely on me. I meant it when I said I’d be there for you.”

She was wiping her tears like a child—and he thought she looked so fragile, so small.

“Let’s go inside. I’ll feel better knowing you’re safe tonight. And don’t worry—I won’t do anything. I’m not that bad like Lily told you.”

He was terrified she’d push him away after all she knew about him.

But what he didn’t realize was—she trusted him. Deeply.

She knew everything, yes. But something inside her told her he was different.

He carried the five years old boy in and laid him in the guest room. Freesia followed silently.

She watched as he adjusted the bedding.

She wanted to say something. And because she was Freesia—she didn’t keep it in.

“Lily never said you were bad. She told me everything you do, yes. But she said she trusted you. She loved you. She said you could be counted on.”

She didn’t see the wide smile that broke across his face as he stood facing away.

“And I’m not afraid of you, Adam. I trust you. That’s why I called you.”

He turned to face her. Her eyes had always done something to him—something he couldn’t explain.

“I’m sorry I ignored your calls. My head was… full.”

“I understand, Adam. I really do.”

He glanced at her outfit. “Wait here—I’ll get you something to change into.”

He returned with a white long-sleeved shirt and black pants.

“Here. Change into these so you can sleep comfortably. You can take my room or stay with Haru.”

“No need, really—”

“No. I know that outfit. I designed those pants—they’re tight around the waist. And that sweater? Way too itchy to sleep in. So don’t argue. Go.”

She laughed.

“Fine, fine. I’ll do it.”

She changed and came out to find him in comfy clothes, lounging on the sofa.

He looked up and couldn’t help smiling—she looked adorable in his oversized clothes.

“You’re laughing at me.”

“No, no. You just look really cute in my clothes.”

“I’m drowning in them, Adam.”

‘And that’s the best part—because I don't trust myself around you.’

She sat beside him.

“About Haru—I’ve been thinking,” Adam said seriously. “I’ll adopt him. He’ll be under my care in a shelter I trust.”

“What?”

“I know you’ve thought of it too. But it’s better this way. I already own a company. I’m in a good position to do it.”

“But your parents—?”

“They won’t object. Especially not my mom. She’ll love him—you don’t know her.”

Just then, his phone rang.

“Speak of het,” he said, answering. “Hi, Mom.”

“Where are you, Adam?”

“At my apartment.”

“Why? And with who—don’t tell me you’re—”

“Relax. It’s not what you think.”

Freesia laughed at his reaction.

“I heard a girl laughing. Don’t lie!”

“Listen, Mom…” he said, heading into his room to explain everything.

When she knew who Freesia was and what had happened, she calmed.

“As for the adoption,” she said, “I’ll handle it. I’ll be the legal one to take him—it’ll be easier. I want him to live with us. That child deserves better.”

Adam smiled. He wasn’t surprised. His mom always loved kids and had wanted another after him, but life had other plans.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I know, darling. Now let me meet this Freesia soon!”

He hung up and stepped out.

Freesia had fallen asleep on the couch.

He gently brushed her hair from her face.

It seems… I’m falling for you. And that terrifies me, Freesia.

He carried her to the room where Haru was sleeping and tucked her in.

Then he retreated to his own room, hoping for a peaceful sleep—after a night like no other.

🌺

September 28, 2022

Freesia woke up and glanced beside her to find Haru still asleep. He looked peaceful—very different from how he’d been the night before. She reached for her phone to check the time.

“9 a.m… Right, I slept on the couch last night. Wait… Oh God, he must have carried me here. I’m such an i***t—I shouldn’t have fallen asleep outside.”

She got up and looked at herself in the mirror. Her body was swallowed up by his clothes, and his scent clung to her skin.

Hearing some noise outside the room, she went to the door and opened it.

She froze when she saw a woman unpacking bags.

The woman, upon noticing her, looked up with a warm smile.

“Hello, you must be Freesia, right?”

Freesia just nodded silently.

The woman, probably in her forties, smiled wider. “Welcome, I’m Adam’s mother—Maggie.”

Freesia quickly replied, a nervous edge in her voice. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

A chuckle escaped Maggie. “Looks like I woke you up.”

“No, no—I’ve been awake for a while now” Freesia replied quickly, waving her hands.

“Is Haru still asleep?”

“Yes.”

Freesia felt uncomfortable under Maggie’s gaze, unsure of what the woman was thinking of her.

“Adam told me everything that happened. Don’t worry—I’ll take care of him.”

Freesia frowned, confused by what exactly Maggie meant.

“But ma’am—”

“Please,” Maggie interrupted.“Stop calling me ma’am. Call me Maggie, or anything else, just not that formal stuff.”

Freesia couldn’t help but smile at the woman’s relaxed demeanor.

“I told Adam I want to adopt him. I know it must’ve been a hard decision for you—especially since you're a single girl—and maybe your parents wouldn’t approve, but I’d be truly happy to have him. It’s the first time I’ve seen Adam talk seriously about something outside of work.”

“I'm really grateful” Freesia said sincerely.

“No need to thank me. Now, what would you like to eat? I’ll make something while we wait for the boys to wake up.”

“Oh no, that’s really not necessary” Freesia protested.

“Just tell me—we’ll all eat together, the four of us.”

“Alright, let me help you then” Freesia agreed after Maggie insisted.

🌺

Adam woke up at ten and stepped out of his room, drawn by the sound of laughter.

He yawned, looking toward the kitchen where Freesia and his mother were laughing together, oblivious to his presence.

Just as Freesia turned to go wake Haru, she nearly bumped into him.

“Good morning” she said, pausing for a moment, as if taking in the tall figure in front of her.

“Morning” he responded, his voice a little rough from sleep.

“Adam, can you go wake up Haru? Freesia and I will set the table,” Maggie called.

“Alright, Mom” he replied, heading to the guest room.

There, he saw the small figure huddled under the blanket. He sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed the boy’s hair.

“Haru, come on, wake up… Haru.”

The boy shot up in panic, crying out, “Don’t hit me! I’m awake! I swear I won’t be late again!”

Adam froze at the terrified reaction, a frown creasing his face.

Something twisted painfully inside him at the sight of Haru trembling and crying.

Adam let out a slow breath. “Shh, it’s okay—it’s me, Adam. No one’s going to hurt you anymore.”

The boy clung to him tightly, sobbing into his chest. Adam rubbed his back gently.

A few moments later, Freesia and Maggie entered the room.

“What happened?” Freesia asked, worried.

“He just got scared when I woke him,” Adam said, moving the boy slightly off his lap. But Haru still stayed close, sitting on his leg.

Freesia knelt on the floor in front of him and gently stroked his head.

“You’re okay now. There’s no need to be afraid, Haru. No one’s going to hurt you anymore.”

Maggie watched them both closely, her heart heavy with thought.

“God… I didn’t expect it to be this bad. His face is covered in scars. How could a five-year-old endure this?”

She sat down across from Adam, drawing Haru’s gaze.

“Hi Haru, I’m Maggie—Adam’s mom.”

“Hi,” he replied in his soft, childlike voice. Maggie’s smile widened.

“Oh my God, I’m really happy I made this decision. How about it, Haru? Would you like to live with me, Adam, and his father?”

Haru looked at Freesia, who smiled warmly. He trusted her—of course he did. She had risked everything for him.

“Didn’t Adam help us yesterday? And now you’re sitting in his lap. He won’t let anything bad happen to you… right, Adam?” Freesia said gently.

“Of course,” Adam replied. “And you’ll have your own room full of toys.”

“Wait—let me get something from my bag,” Maggie said before stepping out and returning moments later with children’s clothes.

“These were Adam’s when he was about your age. I’ve kept them—they’re special to me. I brought some for you until we buy new ones.”

“They’re so cute,” Freesia said, examining the clothes.

Without thinking, she blurted out, “Did you really wear these adorable things, Adam?”

He scowled. “Mom, you could’ve just bought new ones from a store.”

“Oh please! You think shops open this early? Besides, she’s not wrong—they are cute. You were adorable back then. You still are, despite your... habits.”

“Mom!” Adam groaned, embarrassed, while Freesia burst into laughter.

“Come on, Haru, let’s get you cleaned up and dressed. Then we’ll have breakfast” Maggie said, opening her arms.

And to her delight, Haru leapt into her embrace.

Adam watched them, smiling. He and his father knew how much his mother had always wanted another child, but her health hadn’t allowed it after he was born.

Freesia stood up, still laughing every time she glanced at Adam’s childhood clothes.

He let out a sigh and walked over to her.

“Is it really that funny?”

“I’m just picturing how you looked back then. You must’ve been so cute.”

“I’m not cute anymore?” he asked, closing the space between them.

“I know,” she replied. “But your mother said you still are.” She held his gaze.

“Do you think I’m cute?” he asked, now standing right in front of her.

And then came the unexpected answer—“Yes. I really do, Adam” she said, smiling.

He was lost in that smile.

How could she not see him as cute? Everything he did around her carried a warmth, and when he smiled, she saw a boy hiding behind that grown-up face.

“I’ll go finish setting the table” she said softly.