3: Irresponsible mother

Over a table filled with a strong black coffee, a glass of margarita and a plate of pasta, I stare outside the glass window, relishing in the view of the city gleaming with lights.

Opposite me is sitting Rosa, typing on her phone while her other hand is holding a file she is going through.

“Yes, I just saw it. That picture frame was definitely moved, there's a millimeter distance from its earlier spot. Look briefly” She asserts before finally hanging up.

A sigh leaves her lips as she reaches for her margarita.

“You don't seem very free as you claimed,” I remark.

“Apologies, babe. It's just a case I got last night. You must know him, Dale Viscot. He is Asher's business partner” Her words stun me.

“Dale Viscot? He was at the event last night with us. What happened?” I ask, curiosity mixed with dread spikes my nerves.

“His house was on fire with him in it. He got severe burns and was admitted to the hospital. His father insists that we investigate thoroughly,” She answers, knocking the air from my lungs.

Ariel's words repeat in my head, sending tremors down my body.

‘Maybe I set him on fire’

It can't possibly be. I shake my head, grabbing the cup of coffee to refresh my mind.

“He is in critical condition. I don't think he will survive. Anyway, let's talk about your issue. What exactly happened? Don't leave out any details,” She says.

I tell her everything without missing anything.

“The kidnapping wasn't to harm you or demand ransom. Their motive was to tell you about the possible affair between Asher and Ariel,” She points, sipping her drink.

“Here's my theory. Ariel did it just so you can divorce Asher but I hardly believe Asher would cheat on you. Second, someone else, maybe any rival who wants to ruin Asher is starting from his marriage”

I look down, recalling Asher's behavior towards me.

“Maybe he has fallen out of love,” I murmur weakly.

“Do you hear yourself? That's impossible,” Rosa retorts.

“He has been acting distant and different. I don't know what to believe, Rosa. I'm stuck. Part of me wants to shrug it off and wait for it to play out but a part of me screams to dig deeper. To top it all, there's fear clawing its way at the back of my mind,” I express.

“I don't want to lose this family I've made. I don't want to be alone again,” I murmur, biting back the tears.

I was dropped at an orphanage by my biological parents or whoever then I watched helplessly as other kids got adopted. I grew up, going from one foster family to another. None ever felt at home. Once I turned fifteen, I ran away and continued school through a scholarship. Lived on different streets.

Until I met Asher in high school. Quiet kid. Smart but alone. We clicked, fell in love and he sneaked me into his grandmother's home to prevent me from sleeping on the street. During college, he rented an apartment, made me move in.

Our relationship only ever grew strong even when his grandmother didn't like me. He never left my side.

And now, it's becoming hard to believe this man would betray me. Yet he isn't giving any hint to prove it wrong.

“Blue, talk to Asher. I understand your doubts must be coming from somewhere but talk to him about it. Asher falling out of love with you just doesn't make sense. He has rejected countless women, gone against his family just to marry you. For someone this devoted to you, I just can't wrap my mind around the possibility of an affair,” Rosa shares her opinion.

I nod, bringing the cup of coffee to my mouth. The bitter taste is what I've grown to like now. Helps me divert my mind from things.

“I will talk when he is back from his business trip but do look into the kidnapping issue,” I state.

“Sure. That's what I'm good at,” She winks, sipping her drink. After our little brunch, I order my driver to take me to daycare.

In moments like this, my only sunshine is Alex. At least he would never intentionally hurt me.

I take him to a park, play with him for a while then let him play with other kids.

“Is that your son?” A lady holding a stroller asks.

“Yes, the one in blue”

“He is a sweet kid,” she says. I turn to her with a suspicious gaze.

She laughs, “Oh, don't take me wrong. My daughter goes to the same daycare. They're friends. His nanny, Mary, knows me,” She explains.

“Mary picks him usually,” I murmur.

“It's tough to do a job and actively look after children. It's no shame to hire a nanny,” She says, maybe because I sound sad.

“I'm a stay-at-home mom but I send him to daycare to enhance his social skills”

“Oh, well he seems to be doing a great job at it,” She compliments. I nod.

“Your husband is in the picture?” She asks and I nod, wondering why that is even a question.

“Good because it gets even harder when the husband decides to cut ties and bang another woman,” She murmurs, bitterly but still laughs.

A painful one.

My heart aches. My mind instantly goes to Asher and Ariel, sending an uncomfortable tension in my stomach.

“I should get going now. It was nice talking to you” I stand up and glance towards Alex who is on top of the slide, waiting for his turn.

Just as I move to approach him, he trips right off the deck. My heart drops.

“Alex!” I shout as his small body falls off the slide and lands straight on the harsh ground. Worried, I approach him as his loud cries fill the air.

“Oh, baby, are you hurt?” I ask, taking him carefully in my arms. Tears roll down his cheek and I grimace at his outstretched arm.

“Mommy!” He cries. I quickly rush him to the car.

“Louis, to the hospital now,” I ordered, buckling myself inside and keeping Alex in my arms. My heart hammers inside my chest. I should have paid full attention not wasting my time talking to anyone. Now he is hurt because of my carelessness.

..

He got a small forearm fracture and I can't be more disappointed in myself. Sighing heavily, I dial Asher's number to inform him about it.

After two call attempts, he finally answers.

“Blue,” His voice full of exhaustion greets me.

“Asher, I'm at the hospital with Alex. He fell from a slide and got a small fracture”

“What?? Is he okay and what the fuck was Mary doing?” He asks, voice edging with anger and a mix of concern.

“I took him to the park–

“How can you be so irresponsible to leave him by himself on the slide? What was so important to leave him unattended? I'm here doing everything in my power to keep my family safe and you can't even take care of Alex!” He yells from the other side of the call.

“I'm sorry, Asher,” I whisper thickly, biting down the cracked voice as a knot forms in my throat.

He goes quiet then comes a faint noise, nothing like a man.

A feminine giggle.

My brows come together. The line ends instantly and negative thoughts swirl in my head, pressing down on my chest.