Chapter 4

“Are you alright, Auntie?”

Sheena turned quickly. That soft voice came from a little girl about Ghani’s age. Her hair was tied into two braids, her face was sweet, her round eyes full of sympathy.

Sheena hurriedly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She gave a small smile. “I’m fine, sweetheart. Auntie is alright.”

The girl shook her head slightly, then held out a small handkerchief with a sunflower pattern. “Here, Auntie. Use this. Don’t be sad, okay?”

Sheena was stunned for a moment. That small gesture felt so warm, so different from Ghani’s attitude earlier. Her hand trembled as she accepted the handkerchief. “Thank you… you’re very kind. What’s your name?”

“Alea. Alea Muller,” the little girl answered with a wide smile.

“Alea…” Sheena repeated softly. “A beautiful name.”

Alea held Sheena’s hand for a moment, as if she wanted to give strength. “I like you, Auntie. You’re kind. If anyone makes fun of you again, don’t listen, okay?”

Sheena nodded, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. “Thank you, Alea. Your words make Auntie stronger.”

The event soon began. All parents and children were directed into the large hall. The atmosphere was festive, with colorful balloons and a stage decorated with flowers.

Sheena chose to sit in the back row so as not to disturb anyone. From there, she could clearly see the stage.

Not long after, the MC called Ghani’s family. “Next, a special performance from Ghani Dixon with his parents.”

The spotlight turned to the stage. Gevan stepped up in a neat suit. Claudia was beside him, holding Ghani’s hand, who looked very happy.

Sheena straightened her back, her heart pounding. He is my son… I should be the one standing there, she thought.

The MC continued, “Let’s welcome this little family with applause!”

Claudia took the microphone first. With a wide smile, she said, “Hello everyone, I’m Claudia Daxon, Ghani’s mother.”

Sheena froze instantly. Ghani’s mother? Those words pierced her ears.

Cheers and applause followed. Some parents even whistled in praise.

Ghani looked at Claudia with sparkling eyes. Then he shouted loudly, “Yes, that’s right! She’s my mommy! My mommy is so beautiful, isn’t she?”

The laughter and applause grew louder. Claudia lowered her head, pretending to be shy, then hugged Ghani. “Mommy’s darling…” she said sweetly.

Sheena bit her lower lip until it nearly bled. Claudia is your mommy? Then what am I to you, Ghani?

Before she could recover from the shock, it was Gevan’s turn to speak. “I want to be honest with everyone. Claudia is not just my secretary. She is my wife. For the past seven years, I have kept our relationship a secret. But today, I don’t want to hide anymore. Claudia is the Young Madam Daxon, the mother of Ghani Daxon.”

The hall was instantly filled with murmurs. Some people looked surprised, while others only smiled faintly, as if they had already suspected it.

Sheena sat stiffly. Her face turned pale, her eyes burning. She bowed her head, took a deep breath. A faint smile appeared on her lips, but this time it was full of bitterness. “So this is the reward for all my sacrifices,” she whispered softly.

From the back, Alea looked at Sheena with confusion. “Auntie, don’t cry…” she said quietly.

But Sheena didn’t answer. She only stood up, straightened her small bag, and walked out of the hall.

“Auntie! Wait!” Alea shouted, trying to chase her.

Sheena kept walking, pretending not to hear. Her steps were quick, as if she wanted to leave that place immediately.

As soon as she got outside the hall, she couldn’t hold it anymore. The tears she had been holding back finally flowed heavily. Her chest felt tight, her head was spinning.

“Why did it come to this…” her voice choked. She walked unsteadily, her vision blurry.

Her body was about to collapse to the floor when a strong hand held her shoulder.

“Careful. Are you alright?”

Sheena slowly looked up. A stranger stood before her. Tall, with sharp features, his eyes full of concern.

Sheena was silent, her tears still streaming down.

“Hey, are you okay?” the man repeated.

Sheena glanced at the stranger briefly, but quickly lowered her head. Her tears still flowed; she didn’t want anyone to see her weakness.

“I’m fine,” she said shortly, then walked away quickly without looking back.

The man only stood still, watching Sheena’s back as she walked away.

A few minutes later, a little girl ran toward him. “Daddy!” that voice made the man crouch down.

“Alea, why are you running?” he asked while patting his daughter’s head. “What if your asthma flares up?” Julio was very worried.

Alea looked around in panic. “Daddy, did you see someone? An auntie wearing glasses, a little plump. That auntie is really kind, Daddy.”

Julio Muller, Alea’s father, frowned. “That auntie? Oh, I just met her. She almost fell. But she already left, sweetheart.”

Alea puffed her cheeks, her face looking upset. “Why did you let her go, Daddy? I want to find her. She’s kind. Even when everyone made fun of her, she kept smiling. I really pity her. Actually… that auntie is pretty, not ugly at all.”

Julio gave a faint smile at his daughter’s innocence. “I see…”

Alea pulled her father’s hand. “Daddy, let’s find her! I don’t want her to be alone.”

Julio sighed, then lifted Alea into his arms. “Alright, let’s try to find her. But you promise not to run again, okay?”

Alea nodded quickly, hugging her father’s neck tightly. “Promise! Let’s go, Daddy!”

They walked around the school grounds. The event was still lively, but Julio paid close attention. Until finally he saw a woman sitting alone in the school garden. Her shoulders were shaking—it was clear she was crying.

“Alea, look… isn’t that her?” Julio pointed softly.

Alea’s eyes lit up. “Yes, that’s her!”

She immediately asked to be put down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Alea ran toward Sheena.

“Auntie…” Alea’s voice was gentle.

Sheena lifted her head, her eyes swollen, her glasses slightly foggy from tears. She tried to smile. “Alea… why are you here?”

Without answering, Alea raised her tiny hand. She wiped the tears from Sheena’s cheek with her little fingers. “Don’t cry anymore, Auntie. I don’t like seeing you sad.”

Sheena was stunned. That simple touch made her tears burst out again, this time uncontrollably. But she gave a small laugh in between her sobs. “Alea, you’re so kind… Your mommy must be proud to have a child like you.”

Alea shook her head slowly. “I don’t have a mommy. Mommy left when I was a baby. But I have Daddy. And now… I have Auntie. Auntie Sheena, will you be my friend?”

Sheena held her breath. Those words struck her deeply, yet also warmed her. “Alea…”

Julio finally stepped closer, standing beside his daughter. He glanced at Sheena, then bowed politely. “I’m sorry if my daughter is bothering you. She rarely warms up to strangers. But for some reason, she feels very comfortable with you.”

Sheena quickly wiped her face, trying to look calmer. “It’s alright. Alea is a sweet child. I should be the one thanking you… she gave me strength.”

Alea slipped her hand into Sheena’s. “Don’t go away again, Auntie. If everyone is mean to you, I’ll be your friend.”

Sheena looked down at that innocent face. Her eyes welled up again, but this time not from pain, but from being touched. She hugged Alea tightly. “Thank you, sweetheart. Auntie is really moved.”

Julio watched the scene. Something strange stirred in his chest, seeing his daughter so close to a woman they had just met. He took a deep breath, then spoke softly, “If you don’t mind… maybe we could talk for a while? Alea doesn’t seem to want to part with you.”

Sheena looked at him, a little hesitant. But seeing Alea clinging to her tightly, she finally gave a small nod.

Alea smiled with relief, tightening her hold on Sheena’s hand.

“I’m sorry, but… would you consider becoming my daughter’s nanny?”

Sheena gasped, lifting her head to look at the man. “Nanny?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes, a nanny. I’ve hired several before, but none of them worked out. Alea rejected every one of them. All this time, I’ve raised her alone because she never wanted anyone else. So, what do you think? Would you be willing to be Alea’s nanny?”