Two Times the Charm (Clara and Emmett) novel Chapter 95

"Dad, when I grow up, I wanna be a designer." Aiden blurted out, rummaging through his backpack to pull out a sketchbook, "I drew all these!"

Emmett took the sketchbook and flipped through it.

The drawings were a bit kid-like and did not have a lot of depth to them. But it was pretty awesome for a kid his age to have this kind of design inspiration!

"Well, if you're into it, I'll hook you up with a world-famous designer to mentor you. Starting tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Mhm." Emmett ruffled his son's hair, "Alright, it's getting late. You should hit the sack. I've got some company stuff to deal with."

"Okay, I'm gonna take a shower!" Aiden, all smiles, grabbed his bathrobe and bolted toward the bathroom.

Emmett chuckled, about to get up and leave, when he noticed Aiden's phone lighting up on the table.

Someone was texting him.

He wasn't gonna peek, but when he saw the word "Mom", he couldn't help but tap open.

"Aiden, Mommy misses you! Your little brother has been in a funky mood lately, throwing tantrums. Once I calm him down, we'll video chat, okay?"

Emmett frowned, glancing at the bathroom door.

Little brother?

Mommy?

Those terms were quite intimate.

Clara won over Aiden's affection so easily.

But who the heck was this "little brother"?

Clara's kid?

While Emmett was mulling this over, Clara's second text came through.

"Aiden, would you accept... Mommy finding you a new dad?"

After hanging up, Emmett rubbed his forehead, feeling quite annoyed.

He thought for a moment, then dialed Clara's number.

After a few rings, Clara's voice came through.

"Mr. Melendez, what can I do for you?"

"When are you planning to come back?" Emmett didn't confront her directly but tried to feel her out.

"It might take a while! If you're in a hurry, Mr. Melendez, feel free to fire me and hire someone else!"

"Are you planning to quit?" Emmett's eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in them.

"I... um... might need some time before I can return! I'm sorry to let you down, Mr. Melendez."

"Do you not want to come back, or can you not come back?"

"I…I definitely want to come back! But I have to prioritize my child. My son doesn't want to be apart from me, and I can't bear to leave him. I can only say sorry for wasting all the training you've given me, Mr. Melendez."