Chapter Four
827 Words
OPHELIA'S POV
"Ophelia," he said, his voice soft but filled with so many unspoken emotions.
I took a step forward as I swallowed a chunk down my throat, trying to hide my neevousness. "Adonis, come here," I managed to say, holding out my hand. My son ran to me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Mama, I was just looking at the fish tank," Adonis explained, his eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of guilt. "Then this man found me."
I watch him clear his throat, taking a step closer. "I saw him wandering and thought he might be lost. I didn't know..." He trailed off, his eyes lingering on Adonis before meeting mine again. "I didn't know you were here. I am sorry you look like someone I used to know"
"Thank you," I said, my voice shaky. "For finding him."
An awkward silence hung between us, thick with unresolved tension and memories. I glanced down at Adonis, who was looking at me, "sorry I don't know who you are sorry, but thanks again for finding my son." I said then took Adonis hands and started leaving.
"Mom, who was that man?" Adonis asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Just a kind stranger," I replied, forcing a smile. "Now, let's decide what to eat. How about that burger with extra ketchup?"
Adonis nodded, still glancing back at where Maverick had stood. My heart was still racing from the shock of seeing Maverick after all these years. I knew I couldn't stay in the restaurant any longer. "Actually, how about we take our food to the room?" I suggested. "We can have a little picnic there."
"Okay, Mom!" Adonis agreed enthusiastically.
I waved over a waiter and quickly explained, "Can you please bring our food to our room instead? We're in room 1204."
"Of course, ma'am," the waiter replied, noting our room number.
I gathered Adonis's hand in mine and hurried us back to the elevator, feeling Maverick's eyes on us the entire time. Once the elevator doors closed, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"Mom, why are we going back to the room?" Adonis asked, looking up at me with a puzzled expression.
"I just thought it would be more fun to eat in our room, away from all the noise," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "We can watch a movie while we eat."
Adonis seemed satisfied with that answer and nodded eagerly. "Can we watch the superhero one?"
"Absolutely," I said, ruffling his hair as we stepped out of the elevator and made our way to our room.
Once inside, I busied myself setting up a little picnic area on the bed, arranging pillows and blankets to make it cozy. The hotel staff arrived shortly after with our food, and I thanked them before closing the door firmly behind them.
As Adonis settled in with his burger and fries, I glanced out the window, the city lights twinkling in the night. Seeing Maverick again had stirred up so many emotions, but I couldn't afford to let them overwhelm me. I had come too far to be dragged back into the past.
We ate our dinner while watching the superhero movie, Adonis laughing and cheering at all the action scenes. His joy was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite the turmoil inside me. This was what mattered—my son, our future.
After the movie, I tucked Adonis into bed. "Did you have fun today?" I asked, smoothing the blanket over him.
"Yeah," he said, yawning. "But that man... he seemed sad, Mom. Why was he sad?"
I brushed a hand over his hair, smiling sadly. "Sometimes, grown-ups have things they need to work through. Don't worry about it, okay? Just get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."
As he drifted off to sleep, I sat by the window, looking out at the city lights. The encounter with Maverick had rattled me more than I cared to admit. But I couldn't let it derail my plans. I had come so far, rebuilt my life from the ashes. I wouldn't let the past drag me down.
I pulled out my laptop and went over my project again, immersing myself in the details to keep my mind focused. The designs were solid, but I knew I had to be at my best to make a lasting impression. This was my chance to show the world—and Maverick—that I was more than the woman they had cast aside.
As I closed my laptop, a sense of fulfillment settled over me. I would not let this encounter throw me off balance. One day, I would have my revenge and seek justice for Blackwood. For now, I needed to stay focused and prove myself in this new chapter of my life.
With a deep breath, I lay down beside Adonis, trying to forget the encounter of the restaurant.
- Writer
