The Billionaire's Missing Wife

Chapter- 2

It was not my first day of school but I was getting antsy as if it was me who was going to step into this school world. Zio was relaxed and chatted animatedly all along the way. I would have taken his non-stop talking as a sign of nervousness if I did not know better. But I know that my five year old is full of energy. He could never be at a place sitting quietly for more than five minutes. His constant vibrant nature brings out joy in his surroundings and nobody could stay unaffected by it.

He is not a mischievous kid far from it as a matter of fact. He is much disciplined but this habit of his constant banter is sure infectious. He is an odd combination of completely opposite traits but I love him to bits. He is the sole reason of my existence, my only family, my whole world. That is why I named him Inizio, in Italian language that means beginning.

 I felt lost and completely out of control when I came out of my one month’s coma. When I could not remember what happened to me or who I was I had panicked and scared the nurses. Eventually in a week’s time I regained most of my memories but no matter how hard I tried I could never recall past year’s memories. It was then when I was once again terrified and was on the verge of losing control that the doctor told me I that fortunately my baby survived and I was two month pregnant.

After hearing it I was in awe and terrified to core. I did not know who was the father of my baby? But this time I did not let the fear control me. Instead I accepted this miracle and when my baby was born, a healthy son I named him Inizio. I chose this name because the meaning it carried also symbolized a new beginning in my life.

I was not prepared for him far from it but I welcomed him with both hands and opened my heart’s door to him. He was a blessing that saved me. I turned all of my concentration in nurturing him. I dedicated my days and nights and very being to make myself capable of having him. I wanted to give him a life of fulfillment. I did not want to have him the same fate as of me. I did not want the child services to take him away from me.

So I asked help from my gynecologist and that sweet old lady took me in. my delivery was the last case she took before she retired and gave the position to his grandson. The hospital was in her family from generations and her pride. I worked as a maid at her home for three months and she was generous enough to let me stay at her home for the last two months when I needed bed rest. It was then that she noticed my interest in the painting that adored her corridor. She showed me some other work of famous artist that she recently purchased. I was startled to find out that one of the paintings was a fake.

 I immediately informed her and thankfully saved her hard earned money. She had purchased that painting in a recent auction and had paid handsomely to obtain it. She was a bit skeptical but after I ensured her and told her of my degree than she cross checked and found out the truth. It was then publicized and that auction house was closed when other people also started to complain about same thing happening to him.

A case was filed and the people responsible for this misdeed refunded all of the money they had snatched from people. My name was not made known as I wanted it that way. I just wanted to do something good for her and fame meant nothing. She thanked me profusely and also asked me make a portrait for her of her late husband. In an unfortunate fire that happened last year most of their pictures had burned away and none of his remained. I had agreed happily and drew the likeness of him after hearing from her what he was like.

When it was done and she saw it for the first time, her eyes had become red with unshed tears. That my first painting after my accident. Then she helped me to gather more clientele for my artwork. It was difficult when I started. I have to look after my son and complete the paintings in time. More over no one wanted to work with a newbie. I worked hard to become independent. I never wanted others to think that I was sponging off the old lady’s generosity. It is difficult to gain steady employment for a new mother who only want to work part time and too from home. So painting was my only option. But artist especially in the beginning years of their carrier are underpaid. The work is never steady and for a single mother it was hard to keep up with the increasing baby products and expensive art supplies.

Once again Gwen came to my rescue. She had helped me in obtaining a part time job of giving three lectures in a nearby school. She also agreed to take care of zio when I went there to teach. She was like my guarding angel always there for my aid and I was blessed to have her in my life.

I was broken out of my thoughts when I felt zio tug at my arm. We have reached the school’s premises. I asked the cab driver to wait for a minute and together we got out. I once again reminded him of to be polite and treat everyone equally. He nodded his head dutifully and rushed in.

I was in awe as I watched him go. I felt nostalgic and bitter sweet. I had no knowledge of my first day in school as the memories of my childhood before I was adopted were hazy. It all felt like a blurred dream. I was getting anxious which is not good. After making sure that he went in without any mishap I slide inside the cab. I had lot to do and time was running.