REDEMPTION

EASTON’S POV

I let out a sigh as I held my head in an attempt to stop the wicked headache that was stopping me from concentrating. It’s my fault anyway for drinking so much; I just needed to clear my head after everything that happened today.

I had left the party early as I couldn't stand seeing her with that man. The way he held her, and she laughed almost every time he said something, she seemed so open and jovial around him, and for some unknown reason, it angered me.

She did say he was the father of Alfred, so what else was I expecting? But still, it was a lot to take in. I didn’t mind the embarrassment I received at the party; I wouldn’t blame Martha for acting that way.

I should be happy she’s moved on; I should be happy she’s doing alright; I should be happy seeing her happy again, but instead I feel a bit uneasy. I shouldn’t be jealous, not one bit. I was the one who asked for divorce; she loved me, but I never cared about her feelings. But then again, for someone who claimed to have loved me so much, she moved on really fast.

‘What are you talking about? You pushed her away.’ I said to myself, letting out a heavy sigh. I should accept the fact that I lost the little cutie who followed me everywhere for good.

“Sir, we’re here.” The Uber driver said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to the left and sighed upon seeing the gates of my parents’ house. I know they’ll be home by now, waiting for me so as to rant all over again about what happened at the party. I should have just gone to my house, but with my current state, I wasn’t fit to drive on my own.

“My goodness, Easton! Look at you, you’re a mess!” My mother, Lucia, exclaimed.

“Why did you go to the party?! And what is the meaning of the display you showed today?!” Lionel, my father thundered.

“I’m not in the mood for you two tonight. We’ll talk in the morning.” I responded dryly, and began walking away.

“You will hear what we have to say, and you will hear it now!” Father thundered, and I knew he was dead serious. I gritted my teeth; if anything, I’m the one who should be mad at them.

“Fine, you want to talk? Let's talk!” I said, turning towards them. “Why didn’t you tell me Mirabella was back?! For six years, all you’ve done is talk about her, about how I was a fool to let her go, about how she was the perfect daughter-in-law! Why didn’t you tell me she was back now?!” I yelled, letting out all the bottled-up anger and frustration I’ve had towards them for the past six years.

“Are you done?” Father asked in a surprisingly calm tone. When I didn’t give a response, he continued. “You are right about two things: the fact that Mirabella was the perfect daughter-in-law, and that you were a fool to let her go. You have no right to scold us about anything, as you lost that privilege the day you filed for divorce.” He said, and I clenched my fists.

“You were blinded by that snake; Nicole, and didn’t see what you had right in front of you. Mirabella has always loved you –”

“I will not tolerate you speaking ill of my fiancé.” I said, cutting my mother off.

“Fiancé? Have you lost your mind?! Mirabella’s return is a golden ticket for your redemption, your chance to make things right, and you’re still set on marrying that woman?!” Mother snapped.

“Do not mess this up, son; opportunities like this don’t come twice. That’s all I have to say.” Father said this before walking out of the living room, and Mother followed shortly.

They weren’t wrong, though; I have lost my mind. Nicole has always been my one true love, while Mirabella has been nothing more than a sister to me, and yet a part of me still doubts my relationship with Nicole. Calling her my fiance In front of my parents, it sounded a bit bizarre, but then again, Mirabella had moved on. I shouldn’t let these mixed emotions get to me. If anything, I should just try to make amends for hurting her in the past, but nothing else can change.

I went into my room, and after a quick shower, I fell heavily on the bed, ready to forget everything. Minutes passed, and my eyes refused to close up, my gaze glued to the ceiling as I kept on recalling the scene at the party.

“This is Roman Lawrence, the father of my son.” I replayed Mirabella’s words in my head.

Something doesn’t add up. Alfred's age is accurate to make Roman his father, but I remember taking a good look at the boy; he looks nothing like the man Mirabella had introduced as his father. Although I can't use that as a conclusion since Alfred looks a lot like Mirabella but I still couldn't ignore the attraction I felt towards him.

“Just let it go; it’s not important.” I muttered, trying to convince myself to stop thinking about it, but I still couldn’t. I finally got off the bed, frustrated by my thoughts. I had to confirm if it was really true. I picked up my phone and dialed a number; it connected after the third ring.

“It’s late; what do you want?” I heard the displeased voice of Kyle, my best friend, and someone who’s very good at getting personal information about people.

“I need a background check on the Brookwoods, particularly Mirabella and her son.” I stated.

“Mirabella? Have you not given up already? It’s been six years, and I told you I haven’t found anything –”

“She’s back, and with a kid.” I cut him off. There was silence for a while before Kyle spoke up.

“You think the kid is yours?”

“He’s not; at least that’s what she said. I just need to know who the actual father is.” I stated.

“The Brookwoods are high-profile and private people; they don’t leave information like this. I can’t assure you of anything.”

“I don’t care about that! Just find something!” I snapped, running a hand through my messy hair.

“I’ll see what I can do; don’t call me this late again.” Kyle said before hanging up.

I let out a heavy sigh before returning to my bed. I still couldn’t understand why this bothered me so much—was it the kid or Mirabella?

The moment I saw Alfred, I felt drawn to him, and for a moment I thought he was mine. He is a fine young man and a bright fella too. Just talking with him got me all excited for no reason.

I was about to put down my phone when I saw the missed calls and voice message from Nicole, and almost immediately, a call came in from an unknown number. I watched it ring for a while before hesitantly answering it.

“Good evening, Mr. Grey.” I heard an unfamiliar masculine voice speak through the phone.

“Who is this?” I asked bluntly.

“No need to be on alert, Mr. Grey; I come bearing good news.” The man responded, and a scowl appeared on my face.

“Who the fuck are you?!” I snapped. I wasn't in the mood for games.

“Who I am isn’t important right now, Mr. Grey. What’s more important is what I have to say.”

“Waste someone else’s time!” I said this in an attempt to hang up.

“You should at least hear me out, as what I have to say is about someone you know very well, and maybe even love.” Hearing that, I decided to wait a bit just in case it’s something serious.

“Speak.”

“It’s about your girlfriend, Nicole Freeman.”