The King's Heiress

6: My Baby

I arrived at Mamina's gateway, where I saw my men’s van waiting for me. As soon as I stopped in front, the guards opened the gates, and I drove through to her doorstep. I parked the car and handed my keys to the driver.

“Welcome back, Master,” he said, bowing slightly.

I gave him a small nod before hurrying inside. As soon as I stepped through the already open double doors, the familiar scent hit me.

“Hhmmm… My baby’s egg pie,” I murmured, inhaling deeply with a satisfied smile.

The people inside giggled at my reaction. I simply nodded at them before making a beeline for the kitchen, knowing exactly where to find her.

Stopping at the doorway, I leaned against the frame and watched. There she was—Mamina, busy cooking, while my egg pie baked in the oven. I smiled to myself.

Mrs. Lee², the sister of my Mrs. Lee, noticed me first. She turned her head, saw me standing there with my arms crossed, and chuckled.

Mamina followed her gaze and, upon seeing me, sneered playfully.

“What are you staring at? Come here and give Mamina a big, tight hug!” she demanded without pausing her work.

“I just love seeing you like this—doing something you enjoy,” I said as I walked toward her, wrapping her in a tight embrace and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “And somehow, I wonder if I’ll ever find a woman I’ll see in my kitchen, wearing an apron, cooking with our daughter.”

She sighed, amused. “I wish for that too, but you never know what kind of woman will make you fall head over heels. It’s hard to say, dear.”

Her words made sense. No one could predict who would be willing to marry me. Status was never an issue for me or my family. Our company didn’t need personal and business ties to thrive—it would grow just fine under my management alone.

“What’s for dinner?” I asked, shifting the conversation.

“Roast beef, vegetable salad, and, of course, your egg pie.” She turned back to her cooking. “Go take a bath and change. We’ll eat in a while.”

I nodded and willingly obeyed, heading up to my room. I loved this room—it was filled with childhood memories. I took a moment to look around before heading to the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, I stepped out wearing my Batman pajamas. Childish? Maybe. But when I was with Mamina, I didn’t care—I was still her baby.

Chuckling at myself, I made my way to the dining area, where the table was already set. I took my seat beside Mamina.

She eyed me for a moment before smirking. “What kind of girl would marry a 22-year-old grown man who still wears Batman pajamas?” she teased, laughing.

I shrugged. “Even if no one does, I still have the best woman in my life. And guess what? I’m having dinner with her tonight.” I winked at her, making her laugh.

“Such a sweet talker, aren’t we?” she said, scooping food onto my plate.

Happily taking a bite, I was caught off guard when she suddenly asked, “So, tell me—what happened at your lecture? And who’s the girl you saw?”

I choked on my food.

She raised an eyebrow. “Is it that surprising? You’re the one who said you’d talk about it.” She handed me a glass of water, which I gratefully accepted, drinking half of it in one go.

“You just asked so suddenly,” I muttered. “The lecture was good. Good enough that I met a girl who piqued my interest. But, unfortunately, I wasn’t the same for her. She was more interested in my lecture than in me.” I shrugged, continuing to eat.

Mamina burst into laughter.

“Oh, my poor baby. You’re handsome enough to hold an audition for a wife, and yet, someone actually managed to ignore you?” she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she ran a hand down my arm.

I clutched my chest dramatically. “Ouch! Must you rub salt in my wounds?”

She laughed heartily, and I smiled, taking her hand in mine.

“What?” she asked, puzzled.

“Nothing… I just feel so lucky to have you, Mamina. And to still be able to spend time with you.” I kissed the back of her hand.

Her eyes softened. “Me too, my dear. Granny loves you so much.”

We continued eating, and after dinner, I kept her company as we watched one of her favorite movies.

Later, as we made our way upstairs, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

“What time are you planning to leave?” she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Mid-morning. I still have meetings to attend,” I replied as we reached her door.

I kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, Mamina.”

She gave me a small, understanding smile before heading inside. I walked to my room, flopped onto my bed, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up at 7 to the smell of breakfast. Mamina’s cooking again.

Rushing to bathe and change into my usual formal attire, I quickly made my way downstairs. Taking my seat beside her, I kissed her forehead.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” I greeted playfully.

She smiled, once again serving me food.

We ate, chatted, and enjoyed each other’s company before I finally stood up. She walked me to the doorway, where my car was already waiting.

“I’ll see you soon, okay? Take care,” I said, turning to hug her tightly.

She hugged me back, holding on for a while before I finally let go. If I stayed any longer, she’d cry again. Though we still saw each other often, it wasn’t like before, when I still lived here.

Flashing her a reassuring smile, I got into my car and drove off.