AFTER I WAS LEFT ON THE ALTAR

CHAPTER EIGHT: THE OFFICE VISIT

(Thalia's POV)

Faint sounds of water droplets dripping from the tap, loud cricket noises coming from outside the room window, and the soft snores of Luna, who was cuddled right beside me, still kept my mind from thinking about what Mr Alexander whispered.

“Bring your child”. My stomach twisted just remembering it.

I received an email two days ago from Mr. Alexander’s secretary stating the date for the meeting I'm supposed to have with him is on Friday and guess what?

This is Thursday night, and I keep checking the time, unable to get even a wink of sleep because he seems so unpredictable and I don't know what to expect. To top things off, he asked for Luna's presence too.

My thoughts got cut off as I felt a small tug on my clothes and turned to see Luna rubbing her sleepy eyes at me. She looked so adorable half awake. Even with her hair sticking out in all directions, she could still make you soften. Well, what can I say? She gets her good looks from me.

“Momma, what's wrong? Can't you sleep? I can pat you till you sleep,” Luna said, trying to stretch her little fingers to pat my head. I felt my body relax just by watching her.

“Don't worry, baby. I'm actually okay. I just woke up now and I couldn't see, but I'm suddenly feeling really sleepy, so we can go to bed now,” I said while parting her hair gently.

“Okay, Momma. Are you sure?”

“Yes, baby, I am. Let's go to bed,” I said, wrapping my hands around her. I pressed my lips on her forehead and ran my fingers through her hair slowly.

She let out a yawn. “Goodnight, Momma,” she whispered.

“Goodnight, Lulu,” I said, drawing her even closer. I kept running my hand through her hair till her breathing finally steadied and soft snores could be heard.

I listened to her soft snores and felt some of the fear leave my chest. No matter how terrifying tomorrow became, I would still wake up as Luna's mother.

Minutes later, my eyes started closing and I finally succumbed to the abyss.

I felt a light tug on my hair alongside something trying to stretch my cheek. My eyes fluttered open and immediately shut them back because of the sunlight peeking through the curtains.

I felt another tug on my cheek that was stronger than the first. My hand quickly caught what kept disturbing my sleep to feel little fingers wrap around my index and middle fingers.

“Momma, wake up,” Luna said, using her little hands to tap my cheek.

“Whyyy? I don't have work today,” I replied, snuggling myself further into the bed.

“But Momma, you promised,” Luna whined.

“Promised what?” I said, succumbing slowly to the abyss.

“You promised I would see Smiley today,” Luna said, using her hands to tug on my hair.

All the tiredness I felt seconds ago completely left my body. I sat up in my bed and frantically searched for my phone.

I found it under the pillows and immediately checked the time. My heart dropped in split seconds, and I nearly threw my phone across the room.

The meeting was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., and here I was in bed by 9:20 a.m. I kept saying one sentence repeatedly in my mind.

I am so f****d.

I threw my legs off the bed stumbling in the process and landing face-first on my floor. I heard Luna's giggles fill the room. My hands reached out to Luna, who looked really excited that I finally stood up.

“Luna, can you please take off your clothes while I prepare the bath?” I said in one breath.

She nodded her head repeatedly. I stared at her a second longer, wondering if she considered this another of her many adventures.

I took long strides to get the bath ready. I'm so happy I at least picked out our outfit perfectly the night before.

Minutes later, we were fully dressed. I wore a cream-colored blouse with long sleeves. The soft fabric neatly covered my wrists. The blouse was tucked into a high-waisted beige skirt that stopped just above my knees. I decided to pack my hair into a low ponytail, with a few strands framing my face.

“Momma! Do I look pretty?” Luna asked, with her lips stretched into a smile.

I looked at how I dressed her up and nearly cooed at how heartwarming she looked.

Luna wore a lavender blouse with tiny embroidered daisies scattered all around, alongside a matching skirt that puffed whenever she twirled. Then her curly hair was done into two fluffy puff pigtails, each secured with yellow ribbons. I don't even want to go too deep into the stuffed rabbit she's holding.

“You're the prettiest in the whole world,” I replied with a smile.

“Yay! I can finally meet Smiley,” Luna said and my face fell immediately. I felt my stomach churn uncomfortably.

I picked her up and carried her out of the house. After locking up the apartment, I walked down the street with Luna in my arms till I finally found a cab.

I finally reached the company, and boy, was it huge. Luna stepped out of the cab and I followed suit. I grabbed her hand and walked towards the entrance while taking deep breaths.

I stepped inside the office and cool air from the air conditioner hit me hard. The room was spacious and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, dark wooden furniture, and shelves lined with awards.

Everything looked expensive, carefully arranged, and completely out of place for someone like me.

I reached out involuntarily and squeezed the old handbag that was already starting to look worn out.

I resisted the urge to turn around and leave.

I gave Luna's hand a gentle squeeze and we walked towards the counter. The receptionist sat there with her fingers moving swiftly on the keyboard.

“Ermmm, excuse me?” I asked politely.

“Yes, Mr. Alexander is single, but please help, he is not searching,” she replied to me without looking up from her computer once.

How often do these scenarios happen?

“Actually, I have an appointment. My name is Thalia De Luca,” I said firmly while subtly cleaning my sweating palms on my skirt.

She finally spared me a glance and her lips formed an O shape.

“I'm so sorry. Please use the elevator to the last floor. When you get there, walk down to the office at the very end. That's Mr. Alexander’s office.”

“Thank you,” I replied with a smile.

I walked towards the elevator at the end of the hallway, holding firmly to Luna's hand. I clicked on the button and entered.

“Wait!” I heard a feminine voice say from the hallway, followed by heavy footsteps.

Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a hand went in between, stopping them midway.