
Mommy, Where is Daddy?
Chapter 3
Abigaile attempted to conceal the unexpected feelings that had bothered her since she met Enzo; her hands were still trembling at the thought of Enzo discovering the secret she had been keeping for far too long. Was she selfish by keeping Tristan alone without telling Enzo that he was the father of her child?
After meeting Enzo that night, she couldn't sleep even a wink after the incident happened. Abigaile couldn't erase Enzo's expression when she gave him the cold shoulder, and after all, she never expected to meet him in the club where Tiana and the others had planned the party. How hilarious is the fate for allowing their paths to collide unexpectedly?
The next day, Abigaile was having a hard time attempting to focus on the book that she had been reading. She removed her reading glass and puffed for air as she put the book back on the bookshelf.
"You seemed not in good shape. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Abigaile turned her back, and Nico welcomed her open arms.
He was wearing his casual clothes; neat chinos with a shirt, dark-colored jeans, and a pair of leather shoes. He looks like he came from his work to pay a visit.
Nico flashed his dashing smile and caught her in his arms, "What's wrong?" he sang in worrywart.
Abigaile grimaced and then smiled a little. "I think I'm tired from reading all day, or perhaps I still have jet lag to cope with." Nico's shoulder shook as he scoffed at his girlfriend's alibi.
"Sweetheart, do you think that I just met you yesterday? Your alibi wouldn't work on me. I've known you for years, Abigaile. Come on, are you hungry? Allow me to cook to boost my girl's mood." Abigaile's lips curved into a smile as she realized she couldn't indeed hide anything from Nico. Nico is wise and has mastered all of Abigaile's emotions and moods.
"N-Nico!" Abigaile squeaked when Nico carried her like a child and put her gently on the stool of the kitchen's Island Counter.
"Stay there," Nico grumbled as he tucked the kitchen apron into his manly physique.
Abigaile couldn't help but place her elbow on the counter and observe Nico's movements. This man is completely boyfriend material and every woman's dream. Nico is the heir to a multibillion-dollar company. When he surpassed the highest position his parents had established, he was now in charge of the company's daily operations.
When she was pregnant with Tristan, she had to stop studying, and Nico was there to support and care for her. She believed she would be alone fighting the terrible struggle, but Nico never left her side and even supported her when she gave birth to Tristan. Nico was there; he never left her and even volunteered to help her raise the child with whom he had no blood relation.
"Is that—"Abigaile's words were cut off when Nico raised his eyebrow at her and grinned.
"Yeah, it is. Your favorite charcuterie, pot roast, and cured pork. How do I forget your favorite?" Nico teased. Abigaile gazed away as she felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment.
"Daddy? I thought you were at work?" Tristan drew their attention, who appeared to have just gotten up from his nap and was dozing off while going toward them.
"I missed seeing you. Therefore, I came home early to see you." Tristan sat on Abigaile's lap and smiled for a moment longer.
Tristan lifted his nose and sniffed. "Whoa, is that roast pork I smell? He asked in delight and even clasped his hands together.
Nico chuckled as he finished the plating and presented the food in front of them, "Here, dig up." Nico said and even scooped up enough food and lifted it in front of Abigaile. "Open your mouth. I'll feed you two."
"Weren't you hungry? Eat with us." Abigaile demanded. She opened her mouth and accepted the food that Nico fed. Then, later, she grabbed the spoon and let Tristan sit on the stool next to her and have his food.
She does what Nico did earlier. She scooped a portion of food and fed it to Nico, who was having a good time being pampered by her. "Say, why don't we stroll around for you to relax? Let's take a walk with Tristan. Besides, this is Tristan's first time venturing outside to
explore Los Angeles."
Tristan's face flashed a hint of excitement upon hearing Nico's sudden announcement. "Did I hear it raywt Mwammy?" The two burst into a laugh when Tristan exclaimed his excitement even though his mouth was full.
"Tristan, what did Mommy tell you before?" Abigaile warned, her brows furrowed as she glanced at her adorable son.
Tristan munched the food like there was no tomorrow, swallowed it, and pouted before responding, "Don't talk when your mouth is full. I'm sorry, Mommy, Tristan will never do it again."
Nico couldn't help but feel amused by Abigaile. Ever since he met Abigaile, the woman never failed to amaze him. She gave birth to Tristan and raised him alone. She managed to give up her studies just to take care of the child, and now, she graduated in Chicago and will pursue her Law Degree despite the hardships that Abigaile has been through.
"Why are you staring at me with that intent, Nico?" Nico blinked twice, finding himself stunned.
"Daddy found Mommy beautiful. That's why he is glancing at you!" Nico and Tristan make a high five while laughing together in their scheme. The two were loud as the cars honked outside in the morning. However, Abigaile couldn't help but express a beam while watching the two.
"Are you excited, Tristan?" Nico asked while his gaze was fixated on the road. Abigaile sat upright on the passenger seat, peeking at her son in the rearview mirror.
"Yes, Daddy!" Tristan exclaimed. Delight rang in his warm voice.
"How about you, my lady? Aren't you excited to be with me?" Nico teased while stealing glances at Abigaile, who was pouting at him.
Then, Abigaile sprang a mischievous smile on Nico, who seemed astounded as he cupped his face using his right hand. "What's with the smile?" He asked, seeming tensed.
"Who Am I to refuse the most handsome man in my eyes?" Nico tried hard to focus his attention on the road. However, he failed and murmured curses, making Abigaile sneer.
"Daddy is blushing!"
"It's your fault! You are bullying me." Nico exclaimed, frowning in
front of Abigaile. The trip was filled with laughter and joy until the three
reached their first destination.
While they were on Beverly Boulevard, Nico parked the car in the parking lot and took Tristan's hands. He opened the door for Abigaile and helped her get outside the car. When they reached the Mall, Tristan was too excited to tour around the mall and buy new toys. As soon as they passed the inspection area, Nico's phone caught their attention. Nico hissed and gave her an apologetic smile.
"Wait, I'll answer this. Excuse me." Nico distanced himself meters from them and seemed in a bad mood because his forehead could tell. Abigaile knew when Nico was annoyed, delighted, or pissed. Nico is an open man; his expressions are easy to guess, which is why she let him into their life.
"Tristan, come here. Let's wait for your Daddy," Abigaile called her son's attention when she noticed that Tristan seemed to have a good time as he walked around.
When the phone call ended, Nico's shoulder dropped as he crossed the distance between him and the two, his forehead creased. "I received an urgent call from the office. My secretary needs my approval of the proposals from our shareholders.
"Be a good boy, alright, guard your Mom," Nico glanced at his wristwatch, estimating the time so that he could catch up with the two. He glanced at Abigaile and kissed her forehead, "I'll be back after an hour so we can eat together, alright?"
Nico waved his hand and mouthed 'I love you' to Abigaile before turning his back as he walked away. Every woman who encountered Nico's way was left astounded upon seeing a handsome billionaire. The heavens must bless their eyes.
"So, what will we do first, Captain Tristan?" Abigaile asked as she held her son's little
hand. Tristan let out a grin and exclaimed, "Can we first visit the toy section, Mommy? I promised we would just go window shopping and buy it when Daddy Nico returned! Pretty, please?" A flash of excitement and bliss crossed Tristan's eyes.
Abigaile raised her hands in surrender and guided her son through the toy shop on the mall's second floor. A bunch of playthings welcomed them. The shop wasn't crowded since they came earlier than its usual opening routine.
The Sales ladies assisted them, but Abigaile explained that they were doing window shopping before buying his son's cart. "Mom, look at this! This is awesome!" Tristan exclaimed in awe as he pointed to the giant dinosaur that seemed to be the replica of Echo, the raptor from the newest movie of Jurassic World.
Abigaile told Tristan that she would get a cart so that he would put the toys on the cart and would pay for it when Nico came back.
"Stay there, okay? Mom will just get spare parts." Tristan nodded and then shifted his attention to the toy cars in front of him. Abigaile immediately made her way back to where Tristan was.
Her son is indeed diligent, she came back with a sigh of relief upon seeing Tristan unmoved, and he was standing where Abigaile left him. Tristan was just playing with the car he was holding.
Minutes passed until Tristan got tired of picking the toys that suited his taste and requested Abigaile to carry him. Abigaile gestured for one of the staff to take care of their cart, and they would purchase it once Nico came back. To be accountable for her words, Abigaile left her ID so the manager wouldn't suspect her of being a thief.
"Mommy, I needed to pee," Tristan murmured. So she accompanied her son to the restroom. She waited outside because Tristan refused her company inside the bathroom.
"No, Mommy, Daddy told me that I am old enough to take care of this kind of matter. Just wait for me outside!" Tristan chirped happily as he strode inside the bathroom.
While waiting outside the men's restroom, Abigaile's phone buzzed, and she attempted to wander about while reading the message Nico had sent, informing her that he was returning to the mall. She would respond by moving her fingers when she ran into someone.
Her phone fell on the ground, making her panic instead of minding the person she bumped into. While on the side, shock flashed in Enzo's eyes upon seeing Abigaile.
After that night, he never saw the woman again. He tries to search for her but doesn't know Abigaile's whereabouts.
"I'm sorry!" she said while picking up her phone. It was like a déjà vu for the
two because it wasn't Enzo's scheme to run into her this time.
Abigaile's face became pale upon seeing him, "Hi? How are you?" Enzo started the conversation with her, but Abigaile bit her lower lip as if she was guilty of something.
Abigaile heaved a heavy sigh and responded, "I'm fine. I'm sorry, I have matters to attend to." The woman answered. However, she stiffened when a young boy came behind her, and the next thing that Enzo knew was he was frozen in his spot.
"I'm done, Mommy!" The child chirped with a hint of joy in his tiny voice.
"Mommy? Did the child just call you Mommy?" Enzo asked, his voice low and unsteady as if he had been drenched in cold water. When did Abigaile have a child?
Enzo's eyes darted on the little boy's features. He owned those round hazelnut eyes, pointed nose, and red lips that can be compared to a cherry. But, Enzo's contemplation led to the question of why the Kid resembles him? Why did he look like the mini version of him?
His eyes glanced at Abigaile, who seemed in horror, and then shifted to the Kid, who took Abigaile's hand and asked,
"Who is he, Mommy? Why do we have the same features?"