My Sweet Seduction novel Chapter 43

I LAY CLARENCE to bed as he falls asleep. I stroked his hair, the grain of tears I had been trying to hold back had gradually formed in the corner of my eyes.

I have tried to throw him out of my head. But he keeps coming every time I looked at Clarence. Allysa was right; he looks like Lawrence.

I shook my head. Why can’t he be removed from my mind? What is wrong? I traveled far for the good of everyone, but why do I feel haunted by the past? Even those sweet good moments we had are now turned into a knife that kills my already broken heart. I smiled bitterly, trying to dig into which part it still hurts.

I shook my head again. I’d still have to live with myself, with the wretched memories swirling around in my head. I will never let myself fall like this again. I need to stand up. And I have to do it for Clarence.

Until a faint knock on my door distracts me from my thoughts. Cindy peeked slowly and walked over to the side of the bed.

She fakes a cough before saying, “I’m sorry for Allysa. You know her mouth is unmerciful,” she muttered lowly.

I shook my head and looked down at the sleeping Clarence. “That’s okay. I can’t deny the fact that he is his son.”

“What are your plans now? Will you introduce him to Lawrence?” Her voice lowered. It seems hard for her to ask that.

“I can’t help it. I’m sure it will happen soon. Especially now that the world is small for the three of us,” I answered and gently stroked Clarence’s hair.

“How about Kyzler’s upcoming baptism? Can you go? The reception will be held at the Saavedra Resort,” she said, seemingly feeling my reaction.

I let out a long sighed. I approached the CD player and played a lullaby song not to disturb Clarence’s sleep.

“I’m sorry, bestie. You know Carrick and Lawrence are cousins,” she told me.

I’m sure the news that we are here in the Philippines will reach Lawrence because of Carrick. My heart felt as if my blood had become tar as it struggled to keep a steady beat. Now I can hardly control my nervousness, thinking that we will see each other again.

“It’s up to you. After all, it looks like their engagement will happen soon, and they will have a baby too,” I said bitterly.

Cindy immediately frowned at what I said. At the same time, I was confused by her reaction.

“A child?”

I nodded.

“Holy shit!” she said louder and was followed by a pat on the forehead.

“W-why?” I furrowed my brows at her. I also started to get nervous.

“Elliesse is not pregnant!”

My two shoulders fell because of what she said.

***

“ARE ALL OF Clarence’s things okay, Doris?” I asked the babysitter that mother had taken.

“Everything is ready,” she answered.

“Have you forgotten anything?” I asked her while carrying baby Clarence.

“Nope,” she sparingly answered while carrying the big bag.

We decided to leave the room and go straight to the dining room, where we reached Mom and Dad for coffee.

“Say goodbye to your grandpa and grandma,” I said to Clarence.

“Oh. We will miss this grandson of mine,” Mom said. Then they took the child from me.

“Mommy, it’s just two days,” I said when I saw the grain of tears in her eyes.

“I’m here. Let’s just play,” Daddy joked to Mom.

“Rudolfo, it’s not funny. Your daughter is still here!” Mom exclaimed. She quickly grabbed Dad’s side and pinched him there.