"Mommy stop crying, you're not gonna look pretty if you keep up with that." Dahlia told me for about the one millionth time. But how could you not cry when you the only man you ever truly loved and the only man who hurt you most in the whole wide world?
I nodded sadly at my little baby girl. If only she knew who the guy she bumped into at the mall is. Another tear rolled out.
"But you're still crying mommy. Please stop crying already. Pretty please." Her always cheerful voice was gone and in its place was sadness.
I hugged my baby so tight. "It huets so much Dahlia. It hurts like a stab right in my forehead."
She pulled away a little and gave me a confused look. "What hurts mommy? I was the one who fell down and got hurt yet you're the one doing the crying? "
I let out a sad laugh at her cuteness. It was very contagious. "Its nothing baby. "How about we get some ice cream?" Her face lighted up. "Sure mommy. Vanilla ice cream."
I laughed at her. "Anything you want sweetheart you're the boss afterall."I wiped my tears and cleaned my nose."Don't cry again, okay?"
I nodded knowing that I had one person who truly cared and wouldn't leave me for some stupid football dream. "Okay." She smiled and pulled me towards the kitchen.We chatted non stop while eating ice cream and chocolate cookies. One maybe wondering what a 22 year old and 4 year old talk about but seriously, its tge most relaxing thing to do. My daughter and I had the best relationship ever. I'd tell her about work and she'd tell me about her cartoons and story books. The love we shared always made me feel like stabbing myself whenever I think of the abortion I wanted to do all those years ago. Yes! When I found out I was pregnant at 18, I desperately wanted to commit abortion.
"No, no.... This can't be, I can't be pregnant. No... Oh my God." I cried out as I looked at the results stick. I didn't care how disgusting it was considering I just peed on it. We did it just once without a condom.
Oh my God, what would I tell Ian. He'd be furious.
No. This can't be.
I shook of those sad memories. It was past. Everything was past me already. I had my baby girl and that is the best thing that's ever happened to me.
"I'm gonna miss you when you go to that big work place of yours tomorrow mommy." I heard Dahlia divert from the story she was telling me.
Oh my baby girl. Always the sweetest. "I always miss you when you're not around me sweetie." I suddenly remembered I had to talk to Mrs. Galastine's daughter about baby sitting Dahlia.
"Sweetie you like Rita right?" I asked her after placing a kiss on her forehead. She nodded giving me a big smile. "I love her. She's so funny."
"Do you want her to watch over you when I'm gone? "Her smike faltered a little. "What's wring with Finn?"
I didn't see this one coming. "Its good for Finn to watch you but he's also busy. And besides I don't want you to be a burden to anyone."
She nodded. "That's alright with me. But what's a 'burden'?"
I smiled at her question and answered her question. When we were done with our supper, we walked over to Mrs. Galastine's place and thankfully, Rita was home. She was excited to do ut and we got settled. She even agreed to do it for $150 instead of $200. So I guess I'd be seeing her tomorrow morning though.
______________________I kissed Dahlia's forehead and hugged her tiny frame one more time. "Be a good girl to Riri, okay sweetie?" She smiled up at me. "I sure will mommy. Come home early too, okay?"
I nodded and stepped out with Rita for a while. "Thanks a lot Rita. I'm so glad you agreed to do this on short notice. If there's a problem or anything goes wrong, please call me. There's food in the oven for you two."
The teen beauty smiled up at me. "No problem Miss Donovan. You should run along before you get late. "
I hugged her and turned around but stopped. "By the way, call me Tori. And please be careful with my baby. She's the only one I've got."
"I promise, miss D--- Tori. Now go." She laughed at my hesitation to go away. I knew my baby was in safe hands.
I hurriedly walked to the bus station and was glad it just pulled up. I waited patiently for the one hour thirty minute ride to come to and end.
Here I am now, frying pancakes for the staffs of this prestigious company. I wonder why they had to buy it. I thought it was given to them as fringe benefit. Maria was always there to tell me everything I needed to know. She was such a big talker.
"I already love Dahlia from everything you've told me. But what about her daddy?" She asked nonchalantly .
I tensed at her question. I've been trying not to think of him because it always came with depression. Maria noticed my sadness and quickly changed the topic. "Mr. Reynold would be here anytime. I can't wait to see his sexy face." She said excitedly.
"Really Miss?" This time, Maria froze. Why did he always catch her? We turned around slowly. "Uh... No sir... "
He gave her a stern look. "Save it and get your self useful." I thought that was all and I was about to turn around too. "And you... "
Me?
"Yes you, follow me."
TORI'S POV.So I followed Zach to his office quietly. Its was so big and spacious and nice. Black leather chairs and a coffee table. Ithought he's just a chef here.'.... I heard he's even cousins with the big boss.... 'I remembered Maria's voice. No doubt. He looks rich. But why would he choose to be a chef? Its not like I had aproblem with it. He just really looked like a model."Have a seat."I re
I couldn't decline his offer even though I really wanted to because the guy displayed that one in a million smile. "Fine.We can go when I get out of this uniform. And for you're own good, I'd let you know before time that Dahlia eats a lot."He chuckled. "That's fine with me, I eat a lot too so we'd bond faster. I'd also change too, we can meet up at the front infive minutes." He said and walked out. I couldn't help but stare at his gorgeous physique. If he works out a little more,he's gonna reach Ian's level.So now you're comparing both men.No. I'm not. I rolled m
TORI'S POV"Do you have a reservation here sir?" A man asked as we stepped in. This place was the bomb. I can't remember the lasttime I stepped into a restaurant this beautiful.Uh, maybe four years ago with your family who abandoned you cause you got pregnant at 18?Great! Just great inner girl. Way to ruin the day. I was driven out of my reverie once Zach placed his palms on my backand we started moving to a table at the end of the room. At least we were going to have some privacy. I ignored thedisapproving stares I got from these rich people and continued walk
IAN'S POV.I got out of my black BMW and took my personal elevator to my office. I knew I looked tired as fuck. I mean Alyssa'sbeen throwing a bitch fit lately about how she wants me accompanying her for her show in Beverly Hills. Then there wasNonna's birthday this upcoming Sunday. And of course, I've been having sleepless night since I met Tori. Where the fuckwas she all these years. Didn't she miss me? I searched for her. Hell, I almost went crazy. When mom told me I had totravel to Barcelona for my football career, I was more than happy. I still remember how excited I was to travel with Tori.She was my girl. My everything. At eighteen, she made me feel
TORI'S POV_________________________________________I can't believe what I just put myself into. Why didn't I say no? I mean, there's so much going on in my life now. There'sno time for a man. Oh Dahlia!Are you tryna blame Dahlia for accepting to go with Zach? Don't act so innocent. You know you like Zach.No I don't. Its high time I block my inner girl. She keeps sending out the wrong information. I mean who likes their bossthat they just met barely four days ago. Its not eve
"Mommy, where are we heading to?" Dahlia asked excitedly. "Are we meeting up with Zach again?"Oh Dahlia. I looked down at her and smiled. "I'm going to introduce you to my new coworker and friend, Maria. She's sonice."Her smile faltered a little. Looks like she really was interested in meeting Zach again."You'd like her baby. She's gonna help me get ready for Zach's grandma's party." I told her.That seemed to get her attention. "Can I wear my white gown?"
The next day, after I securely packed my gown and Dahlia's, and everything else we needed, I received a text from anunknown number.~ Hey sweetheart, I'm sorry I won't be able to pick you guys up cause I'm busy over here. I'djust send my driver, Carlos to pick you guys up. Forgive me.Ps: Honestly can't wait to see you ~I immediately knew it was Zach so I sent him a quick reply.~Thanks Zach, but can you tell Carlos to pick me up from the address I'd send below?
Tori's POV._________________________________________I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't think straight. Everything happened so fast. Then there was Dahlia. I didn't want her toget caught up in the middle. I didn't want to confuse her. With the turn out of events, she was already starting to getconfused. Why did Zach not tell me. I should have been prepared, to say the least. Now Zach is also caught up in themiddle. I can't forget the hurtful look on his face when Ian spoke up. His words.