CHAPTER 29
1672 Words
Today is Thursday, and though it isn’t a special occasion, I choose to celebrate the beginning of my new life. Standing in my walk-in closet, I scan through my collection, searching for the perfect outfit. After everything I’ve been through just to have this one wish granted, I might as well dress for the moment.
I had to seek the help of an older woman who harbors a rather unsettling interest in me—Ms. Perlas. She’s the one who asked Markle’s mother, Saphire, for permission to let him accompany an ‘important’ figure from the school—which, of course, is me.
If only Saphire knew that the school belongs to my family, she would have never let Markle set foot in it. She’d go to any lengths to keep my son away from me. But luck, for once, is on my side—her ignorance is my advantage.
I continue sifting through my wardrobe, but nothing seems to fit the mood. With only fifteen minutes left before I see my brilliant son, I let out a sigh. Then, my eyes land on my Navy Jacquard Skinny Suit. A slow smirk forms on my lips. Perfect. This suit makes me look both powerful and undeniably handsome.
Once dressed, I head downstairs, where Zoren is already waiting, his usual stoic demeanor intact. The moment he spots me, he rises to his feet and promptly moves to the front door, opening it for me like the ever-efficient robot he is.
I watch him for a moment, suppressing a sigh. He’s reliable, yes, but sometimes I wish Jims were here instead. Jims always finds a way to make the air less suffocating, throwing in random jokes to break the tension. But Zoren? He’s as rigid as a fortress, impossible to crack.
A sleek limousine pulls up, and as the driver steps out to open the door, I climb in, settling into the plush leather seat. I try to steady my nerves, but a familiar unease settles in my gut. My stomach clenches—an instinct I’ve learned to trust. It only reacts this way for two reasons: either I’m walking straight into danger, or someone is messing with my money.
I roll down the window slightly, craving fresh air despite the car’s perfectly controlled climate. Both Zoren and the driver exchange glances, no doubt questioning my actions. Catching their looks, I narrow my eyes at them, silently daring them to speak. They both avert their gazes immediately.
As we approach Markle’s school, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Without hesitation, I retrieve it, and the moment I see the name flashing on the screen, my lips curve into a grin. My heart swells with warmth.
“Mom!” My voice betrays my excitement, and I know, without a doubt, that Zoren and the driver are eavesdropping. But I don’t care. I have news to share, and I already know my mother’s reaction will be priceless.
“Son! It’s been a while! I was getting worried since you haven’t called me. That’s why I reached out first.” Her voice wavers slightly, laced with concern. Guilt flickers inside me, but my smile remains.
“What have you been up to lately?” she presses.
I try to sound casual, but the grin stretching across my face refuses to fade. “Oh, you know... just spending time with my son.”
There’s a pause. Then, a sharp inhale. I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head.
“Wait... what did you just say?” Her voice is climbing with excitement.
I chuckle. “You heard me, Mom. I’ve been spending time with my son.”
Silence stretches between us, and for a second, I wonder if I should say something more. But then—
“AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
I pull the phone away from my ear as my mother squeals loud enough to shake the heavens. I knew it! I knew she’d react like this. For a second, a brief moment of panic flickers in my chest—what if she just had a heart attack? But then I hear her breathing, albeit a little erratic, and I sigh in relief.
“Mom! You scared me! I thought you had a heart attack or something,” I tease, shaking my head.
“Heart attack? Oh, please! I would fight against all odds just to live long enough to meet my grandson properly!” she declares, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“Good. I’d prefer it that way,” I say, amused.
“But where is he now? And have you finally patched things up with Saphire?” she probes eagerly.
My grin fades slightly. “Not yet. That’s the next step. Markle is still with his mother, and as of now, he only sees me as a... well, a replacement guardian. He doesn’t know that I’m actually his father. But I figured it’s better this way. I want him to grow used to my presence, to see me as a real parent first. I think, deep down, he already does.”
“What? Why don’t you just tell him the truth? Wouldn’t that make things easier?”
I appreciate her concern, but she doesn’t understand the full picture. Saphire would never let it happen so easily.
“I can’t, Mom. Not yet. I have to be smart about this. Tomorrow, I’m going to make it public—I’m going to announce to the world that Markle is my son. Once that happens, no matter how much Saphire tries to fight it, there’ll be nothing left for her to do. The truth will be out, and she won’t be able to take him away from me.”
I glance at Zoren and the driver, catching the way their faces pale at my words. They look as if they’ve just seen a ghost. I smirk to myself.
I hear my mother sigh softly on the other end of the line. She must be feeling exactly what I’m feeling right now. A mix of anticipation, worry, and hope. But I can tell she’s beginning to understand—truly understand—what I’m saying.
“All right, son. Do whatever you think is best for your situation. But make it quick, will you? I can’t wait to meet my grandson,” she says warmly. I just know she’s smiling, that reassuring smile of hers, even though I can’t see it.
“Yes, Mom… That’s exactly what I plan to do,” I reply, grinning to myself, knowing full well she won’t see it either.
“This is still the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” she continues. “I’m heading to your father’s office right now to tell him. We’ll call you later.”
“All right, Mom. Give Da my regards.”
“Oh, I will. He’s been worried sick about you all day, thinking you’ve lost track of time again. He’s already got a few new wrinkles to show for it.” Her teasing tone makes it clear she’s subtly blaming me.
I chuckle. “Tell him not to worry. I’ll win them back—I just need time to figure things out.”
“I know you will, son.” She pauses for a moment before adding, “I’m hanging up now. I can’t wait to see your father’s face when I tell him!” Her excitement spills over into a delighted squeal before the call disconnects.
I shake my head, amused. Parents will always be parents—no matter how old their children get. And for them, nothing in the world is more powerful than the joy of having grandchildren. Just look at my mother—she practically bolted out the door the moment she heard the news, eager to tell my father.
A slow smile spreads across my lips, and as much as I want to keep it to myself, I can’t. If I do, I might just explode from all the emotions surging inside me.
Time passes so quickly that I barely notice when we arrive at the school gates. It feels like I’ve just woken from a dream, only to realize that reality has caught up with me.
As we drive closer to the main entrance, my eyes instinctively search for my son. And there—standing beside Markle—is a woman. She’s speaking with the principal, her posture poised yet commanding.
At first glance, I immediately recognize Markle. But as I allow my gaze to drift toward the woman beside him, my heartbeat stutters.
She turns her head ever so slightly, her eyes locking onto my car. And in that instant, my world comes to a complete standstill.
Saphire.
She’s right there.
For a moment, I forget how to breathe.
It’s been so long since I last saw her up close, and yet, she’s just as breathtaking—no, even more so. My heart pounds heavily in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears. My throat tightens.
I swallow hard, struggling to find my voice, but before I can even process what’s happening, Zoren’s voice snaps me out of my daze.
“Young Master… we have a problem,” he says, his face etched with concern.
I blink rapidly, forcing myself to focus. But instead of panicking, I simply let out a slow exhale and smirk. “Problem? What problem? There’s no problem at all,” I say lightly, amusement lacing my tone.
The air-conditioning chills my skin, but suddenly, my eyes widen in realization.
Sh*t.
Saphire.
My gaze flies to Zoren, and he meets my eyes with the same unspoken understanding. He nods, confirming what I already know—this is bad.
I drag my hands down my face before running my fingers through my hair in frustration.
Saphire isn’t going to let this happen.
This… this is going to be a problem.
A big. Huge. Herculean problem.
What do I do now?
I murmur a silent prayer in my mind.
Help me, God.
- Writer
