Chapter Four

Nicole.

I spent the rest of my afternoon picking Jackson’s mother's orders. There were many flowers and by the way they were decorated, I could tell they were meant for a party.

I kept on checking my phone while doing that to know if Jackson had called back or even texted but I was always met with nothing.

The flowers were arranged in the car and we left after getting everything she ordered.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the picture even when I tried to, seeing how good they were together again was like seeing them years back.

Laura was his first love…..and maybe last. He doesn’t love her as much as he did years ago—or maybe I don’t know much about him. Is his lack of reaction anytime her name is brought up a sign that he’s over her?

They were the perfect couple in everyone's eyes and then I came in, my family—father's business -- was in dire need of help and to get that Jackson and my father decided to place the two of us in an arranged marriage—I know it isn’t that common these days but it happened.

Jackson was pretty cool with the idea, same with me and Laura, his ex-girlfriend. They agreed to be friends while he agreed not to cheat on me.

I have always had this suspicion of him going to see her but anytime I brought that up he always has his way of making me stop talking about it—sex.

He always shuts me up with sex when I try to talk about his ex-girlfriend.

This wouldn’t be the first time they have been photographed together but this one is way too intimate. They are way too close for my liking.

I let out a tired sigh and stared at the driver. I don’t think I want to return home so quickly, suddenly the thought of going back to the house where the elder and younger demons were didn’t sound appealing to me.

“Please take me to the nearest park.” I politely requested.

I would rather stay out where I can get some peace of mind than go home and feel useless. The one thing that also made me feel useless was not being able to speak to my father for some weeks now. His phone wasn’t always with him, it’s either he was too busy to answer or he was swarmed with work.

Times like this were when I wished I had friends, Jack wouldn’t let me have any claiming they were going to change who I am if I did.

Five minutes later I was sitting on a bench while watching children play around with their parents following closely behind them.

Very soon this will be me and Jackson, I can’t wait for our little one to come.

Instinctively I rubbed my stomach with a broad smile on my face.

“Does your stomach hurt?” A little voice asked beside me.

I looked down and was shocked to see a little boy of about four to five years staring at me with concern. He was a cute boy with round eyes and a curly mass of hair on his head. He was dressed nicely too.

“Are you okay?” He asked again.

I smiled and nodded my head, “I’m fine, handsome. What are you doing here?” I looked around for any sign of his parents but I couldn’t see anyone.

“Where are your parents?” I asked as I patted the space beside me so he could sit.

Maybe his parents will look for him this way, I won’t let him go until they come to find him.

He shook his head, “Mommy and Daddy are not here. I’m with my uncle.” He answered.

Smart.

“But why can’t I see your uncle anywhere?” That caused him to smile mischievously.

“That’s because I ran away from him.” He replied and giggled as soon as he was done.

And a naughty boy too.

“You can’t do that…….”

“William, get your ass over here right now!” Someone yelled from the crowd and the little handsome boy beside me giggled louder.

“oh no, Uncle has found me.” He covered his face with his hands as the voice became near.

The first thing I saw was a pair of a fancy shoe and as I slowly raised my head I saw a man standing in front of us with a suit on. Who on earth wears suits to a park?

“William Patterson, how many times do I tell you to stop running from me in the park? You know what I think this will be the last time I bring you out again.” While he was speaking the little boy whose name is William had his hands over his face but as soon as he was done he took them down and gave a small pout.

“Please uncle, I won’t do it again.” He pleaded, making those cute pleading eyes anyone would fall for.

Anyone but his uncle.

“You know that won’t work on me, right?” His uncle asked and William turned to me.

“Please tell him I have been a good boy.” He begged.

I became speechless as I didn’t know what to say, he’s wrong for leaving his uncle behind. What if he got lost?

“Your uncle is right, it’s bad to walk away from adults, especially in a crowded area like this,” I said with a soft smile.

He didn’t seem angry at my words but rather felt somber.

“You can apologize to your uncle for doing that,” I said as I stared at him looking defeated.

“I’m sorry uncle. I won’t do that again.”

His uncle sighed, “You better not.” I looked up this time and for the first time since he started scolding his nephew, I saw his face.

He was handsome with almost the same eyes and hair as his nephew but he wasn’t as handsome as my Jack.

“Thank you…..”

“Nicole.”

“Thank you for watching him.” He said and I shook my head.

“It’s no problem.”

“I’m Rowan,” he brought his hand out for a handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Rowan,” I said as we both shook hands.

“Alright, let’s go champ.” He picked his nephew from the bench and looked at me again.

“Goodbye Aunt Nicole, see you soon.” William waved at me and I waved back.

“Goodbye William.” I don’t think we will see each other again. I thought as I watched them walk away. I guess it’s time to return home.