Chapter 7

Chapter 7.

I knew Gwyneth wasn’t the same elevated character from the novel, but at least Ajax didn’t seem irritated by my fussing. That meant my antics were still within the bounds of his patience.

'My tone might have softened,’ I thought as I relayed my idea. "If I can’t get used to staying here, that’s fine. But can’t you see that Dylan is just as uncomfortable? Let’s head back tomorrow. Home is definitely better than staying in a hotel." I continue to persuade.

I considered my next words carefully. “Assistant Jean, you don’t need to change the plane ticket. I’ll handle it myself. You can go do your own thing. No need to worry about us.” I explained, trying to lessen the burden caused by my fussing.

Looking at Assistant Jean, he was visibly taken aback by my attitude. 

My thoughts raced ahead; for the readers, this was merely fiction, but for me, it was now my reality. If Assistant Jean wasn’t with Ajax, the chances of an accident would be significantly lower.

And I’m willing to gamble that small probability.

“Oh, and Assistant Jean, I saw the weather forecast. Heavy rain is expected starting tomorrow evening. If you want to leave, it’s best to do so now; otherwise, the flight might get delayed.” I added it as a careful reminder.

He nodded, looking me sideways, though I could tell he found my behavior a bit odd. Still, he seemed like a decent person.

Even though Ajax was unsure about my intentions, he didn’t want to embarrass me in front of others. He told Assistant Jean, “You don’t need to worry. Take the rest of the week off and go back when you like.” A simple command coming from him.

Assistant Jean agreed, feeling overjoyed and delighted for having an unexpected paid holiday vacation. After all, his girlfriend was in Charcot City, and this trip was a chance to spend more time together.

Neither Ajax nor the little kid had any issues with returning tomorrow, so I took it upon myself to book the tickets. It was a relief when Ajax didn’t question my decision, assuming I was capable of handling the task.

***

Later that night, sprawled on the big bed, I lost interest in the view outside.

Just moments earlier, after giving the little kid a bath, Ajax brought him to me. The child was only in his underwear as he bounced over to the bed, acting as if it was a trampoline.

“Mom, look! I could fly high!” The little child exclaimed excitedly, looking at me with those innocent doe eyes.

He looks pretty cute and adorable doing that, my heart could not help but warm up.

I looked at the kid warmingly yet also worried that he might fall from the bed.

“Make sure he puts on a top before bed,” Ajax cautioned. “He shouldn’t catch a cold, and keep the AC at a reasonable temperature.” He was indeed cold and distant but at least I know he really loves and cares for his son.

I sighed. It was the most he’d said to me so far. He seems indifferent to the original Gwyneth so it's a surprise, their only connection was their son.

As he turned to leave, I felt compelled to call after him. “Ajax, even if you doubt me, that dream felt so real. Do you know why I brought our son here? I dreamt you had an accident on the way to the airport. You may think my brain is messed up, but I really feel uneasy about this.”

I tried explaining myself. I’m afraid that he was just half-heartedly following and will change his mind later on! Only complying for now because his son is here.

His calm expression didn’t falter, obviously doubtful that I truly cared about his safety. 

Of course I care for your safety, young man! How will I and your son live a comfortable life free of financial worries if you're dead!? There’s nothing more scary than being poor and in debt! That’s where all evil originates!

But if that’s what motivated my actions, at least it made sense to him. Yet, would I really track him down and bring our child just because of a dream?

Of course not! If possible I won’t even bother or show my face to him.

He seemed skeptical of my emotional state. “What do you want me to do about it?”

My eyes widen in delight and disappointment. 

Hah…

I knew he was just playing along but truly in his mind he didn’t think of it seriously. But I couldn’t blame him anyway, even if the role was reversed I won’t also believe the words of my husband who tricked me into a marriage. And especially nonsense like a dream.

What am I a seer? A witch?

I pondered this. In the novel, his death had indeed seemed like an accident, so I replied, “Just follow my plan. Once we’re home, everything will be fine.”

He nodded, and after he returned to his room, I closed my door. The little cub was already sinking into the bed in a silly pose. “Mom, come sleep with me.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his antics. 

“Come up first, put your pajamas on.” He immediately followed by putting his hands up waiting for me to dress him up. I couldn’t help but pinch his chubby cheeks because of his cuteness and good temperament.

Looking at this little cub, I could not help but pray that he won’t change and will not walk the path of evil, the villainous role.

As we lay there together, he chatted about nursery school and I listened to him earnestly, he was full of energy even at night until sleep overtook him. Once he was finally asleep, I tucked him in and then stood barefoot on the carpet, staring out at the floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Knowing the plot of the novel felt like a cheat, but I had come to realize: the story couldn't be deviated so much.

I desperately wanted to alter things, but I feared my interventions might lead to even worse outcomes.

Until now, I had viewed Ajax as a fictional character, but when he stood before me, speaking in that calm, detached way, I realized how wrong I had been. He was a real person, not just words on a page.

And especially the little cub, his joy, innocence and warmth is much dimensional, not character but a real person.

A real child.

At that moment, I searched my own heart. I wasn’t someone who thought of herself as particularly kind, and my morals had their flaws, but my upbringing taught me that I couldn’t sit idly by if I knew he was destined to die and a little kid’s life would be destroyed.

Knowing his fate, I couldn’t just ignore it. As a responsible adult, I could let a child lose his father and walk the path of villainy! 

And so, despite the risks to my life and the little cub, I didn’t immediately make my escape.

I hoped that since fate had brought me here to become this novel’s Gwyneth, it would also provide a way for us to survive this predicament and continue living.

To live a healthy-wealthy life!