PART- 005

Tessa

“I am coming there but keep looking for him, do you understand?” I instructed her and hurriedly dialled Logan’s number which directly went to voicemail.

I tried again but it was useless. So, I dialled his office’ number which was answered by his secretory.

“Where is my husband? I need to talk to him. Please, it’s urgent.” I said anxiously.

“Ma’am, Mr. Wilferd isn’t at office. He left around three. Is there any urgent massage? I can mail it to him.” She said.

My heart sank and also it angered me because he could leave work only for one person unless it’s a family emergency.

“No, there’s no need.” I said and disconnected the call before rushing home to find my son.

My heart was sinking. I had looked everywhere, checked the CCTV footage but I could only see Lucas leaving the car. He sneaked out, it was clear but where did he go? I had no clue and it was making me more anxious and panicked with passing time.

My poor child could be in danger. He was only four years old, alone and frightened.

I tried to contact Logan but he didn’t respond, his phone was still unavailable.

“How could he be this irresponsible?” I ran my fingers through my hairs in frustration while my eyes searched around me, the sidewalk, the shops where Lucas could possibly go.

My phone rang when I was looking into shops. It was an unknown number so without wasting time, I picked the call.

“Hello, Tessa Wilferd speaking.” I said.

“Ma’am, I have a boy named Lucas with me and he gives me your number to call you. Are you his mother?” I heard a deep masculine voice from the other side.

It somewhat sounded familiar but I was too focused to know if the person could be calling to inform about Lucas.

“Yes, please, give him the phone. He’s my son who has gone missing.” I said feeling overwhelmed with mixed emotions of joy and relief.

“Hello, Mommy, it’s me. Please, come here. I miss you.” I heard Lucas’ voice from other side. He sounded scared and exhausted.

“Miss Wilferd, please, come to the community park near the subway. We’re waiting here.” The man said and I wasted no time in driving towards the park.

In no time, I was rushing inside the park once we reached there. It was late in the evening so there were very less people. My eyes frantically scanned the big area, all the swings and slides.

“Mommy!”

Lucas’ voice reached into my ears and I swiftly turned in the direction of the source. I found him running towards me with open arms. I felt relief wash over me as I knelt down and scooped him in my arms.

“Baby, are you hurt somewhere?” I checked his tiny body for any injury, tears were streaming down from my eyes.

He shook his head and hugged me again.

“Why did you run, Luke? Do you have any idea how much scared I and others were?” I scolded him softly and he looked down in guilt.

“I am sorry, Mom but-” He paused and bit his lip.

I frowned and cupped his face.

“Luke, is there anything that I need to know?” I asked him because he looked sad.

“I am sorry, Mommy but when I heard my nanny saying that you'll leave soon, I was scared. You said you won't leave us. She said that Dad's friend will live in our house. I don’t want her to live with us, Mommy, I was looking for you.” His lips quivered in the end and he again threw himself in my arms, “Mommy, I want to live with you and Dad only.”

Anger fuelled me. How could his nanny talk rubbish in front him.

"Your Nanny was lying. Don't worry. She won't be your nanny any longer and I am not going anywhere." I tried to convince him, my heart was wrenching because it was all taking a toll over innocent Lucas.

I rubbed his back to comfort him. My heart constricted in my chest to see him in a vulnerable state. Somewhere, I was the reason he could land in danger. He was worried about me so he went out to find me.

“You should take him home, he looks drained out, Tess.”

The same voice that I heard over the phone forced me to look up at the person and I was completely shocked to see a familiar figure.

“Adrian Mcnight, is that really you?” I asked no believing on my eyes.

“I guess the earth is a very small place. How are you, Tessa Vance or should I say Mrs. Tessa Wilferd?” He teased me.

“Mommy, do you know this uncle?” Lucas looked between us.

“Yes, Luke. He’s my best friend whom I am seeing after four years.” I said glancing back at the man who suddenly left the city soon after my marriage with Logan.

“My father needed me to manage his business in Utah so I had to go there and since then, I had been over the places to expand our business. In fact, I came back here today and found this young man wandering alone on the streets.” Adrian ruffled Lucas’ hairs.

“I am sorry, Adrian. He is a good kid. I don’t know how he did it but I’ll talk to him once he calms down. But thank you so much for taking care of him. I am really grateful.” I expressed my attitude.

“You can treat me with a meal someday if you want to thank me properly, Tess.” Adrian mused.

“Sure, once I’ll be free, I can definitely offer you a nice lunch.” I replied.

He had changed a lot in these years. He was a couple of years older than me but we our friendship grew because he always protected me from Raelynn and her evil friends both during school and college.

“How are you, Tess? I really mean it. It has been a very long time.” He asked me in a serious tone which reflected concern for a friend.

Was my stress too obvious?

"I am good." I forced a smile.

"You're still a bad lier but I won't force you if you aren't comfrotable to share it with me." He said and there was a momentary silence between us.

"What about your job? Everyone admired your designing skills, you always obtained A grade in your subject. There was no doubt that one day you'll become a famous designer." He said.

He brought the subject of my career which I abandoned for the sake of an oblivious dream.

"So, you're a housewife now, I guess?" Adrian's question made me lower my gaze.

"It was challenging to balance both work and home. So, I quit my job." I partially lied.

"Do you want to start over? My company is starting a clothing line and we're hiring talented designer. I don't see any other suitable candidate than you, Tessa. Tell me if you're interested." Adrian offered me a job.

We met after four long years and still my best friend was supportive.

"I'll think about it, Adrian but thank you very much for saving Lucas." I gave him a genuine smile.

“Mommy, look over there. It’s Dad with the bad auntie.” Lucas suddenly yelled and my pupils dilated when I caught the sight of Logan and Raelynn entering in the park with entwined hands.

They looked so much in love, walking hand in hand. He was with Raelynn that’s why he switched off his phone so no one could disturb his private time with his lover.

He didn’t even care that an emergency might happen, he just ignored everything just to be with her.

My eyes met with Logan and he also looked surprised to find me there until his eyes travelled on Adrian and I couldn’t miss how Logan’s eyes darkened seeing him.