Chapter 3

Ava's POV

Keeping my eyes trained on the man who has come to destroy my life, I unknowingly hold my breath.

Ignoring me, he tries to take Leo away from me but Leo wraps his hands tightly around my neck which snaps me away from the trance I was in.

Like I said, rich people barge into your life with zero respect.

“You're literally drooling.” Maya whispers, chuckling.

“Shut up!” I whisper, already annoyed at my friend who is completely ignorant of the situation at hand.

“That's my son.” These words ring continuously in my head so I decide to question it.

“Who the heck are you anyway?” I ask, finally standing upright.

“His father.” He says pointing at Leo.

“How exactly do you know that?” I ask, trying to implant some doubt.

“His eyes. He has my eyes.” He explains and as if remembering something, he assesses me quietly.

“You must be her twin sister.” He says.

“I don't think I know what you are talking about” I deny, testing his patience.

I heard from Maureen that he controls his emotions a little too well.

“You don't need to know. I can see her face staring back at me; just different eyes.” He says looking directly in my eyes.

I can hear my heartbeat because why is this handsome man looking at me like that and more importantly I know if I'm not careful, I might lose Leo.

“I think we have a very important thing to talk about.” He says.

“As you can see it's still working hours.” I say hoping he would get a hint.

“You can ask for a two hour break. Excuse yourself or something.” He says still relaxed.

“For your information, I'm paid to actually work, not excuse myself as I please.” I counter. Passing Leo to Maya, I move to clear the plates on the table.

He looks at me dismissively and walking to the Manager, he tells her God knows what and when he is done, a big smile lights her face.

“Ava, I hear you both have a lot to talk about; you can take the rest of the day off.” she says, that big smile still on her face.

“Huh?” I am shocked. I mean, she is the same woman who denied Ariel’s request for a day off to celebrate her mom's birthday.

“Wait ma'am are you serious?” Christabel asks, as shocked as I am.

“Sure; she has been working hard non-stop for days. Besides, the discussion between them is definitely important. Ava change your dress and go with this young man.” She instructs me.

“Yes ma'am.” I answer walking slowly to the dressing room.

“I think your cover is busted.” Maya teases me, laughing hard.

“You know sometimes I wonder whose side you're on; me or my enemies?” I ask.

“I'm on your side of course.” She reassures me.

“It doesn't seem so.” I say to her, giving her my worst death glare.

“Mummy.” Leo calls, tapping my leg.

“Yes baby.” I answer looking down.

“I want park” He says with a broken sentence.

“You want to go to the park?” I ask and he nods his head.

“Will you go with Aunt Maya?” I ask.

“Mm mmm.” He nods again.

Looking at Maya, she nods and I smile and look back at Leo.

“Okay, You will go to the park with Aunt Maya.” I say.

“Yay!” He exclaims, jumping up and down.

Mouthing a thanks to her I stand to take my leave.

“Ava, good luck.” She hugs me.

“Thanks bae.” I smile, hugging her back.

Releasing me, I hug Leo telling him not to give her a hard time to which he says okay.

I walk out of the diner to see the bulk of a man leaning on his car. I scowl on seeing him and walk towards him.

“Where is my son?” He asks, concerned.

“He's with my best friend.” I answer, entering the passenger's seat without his invite.

“I won't let a stranger take care of my child.” He states turning around to go back into the restaurant.

“Your son knows Maya as his second mother but he doesn't even know who you are; you are the stranger here young man.” I say bringing him to a halt.

Turning back around, he heads to the driver's seat.

“Do you even know your son's name?” I ask.

He remains silent as the engine roars to life. I guess he really doesn't know his son's name.

According to the GPS, we are headed to a fancy restaurant in Manhattan.

Fancy car, lunch at a Manhattan restaurant and attitude. A typical rich boy.

Arriving at the restaurant, I am in awe of how big it is but of course I keep a straight face having been taught by my mom not to act too impressed by a man.

“Welcome Sir; I'll take you to your room.” The male waiter says, directing us inside.

Wait, did I just hear room? I look at the man beside me asking for an explanation but he ignores me following the waiter.

We pass tables and moving to the second floor we pass boots. At this point, I am suspicious of this place already and we finally get to the third floor where there is a hallway with doors.

The waiter opens the first door in the hallway ushering us in. I get a good view of the place where there is a table, three chairs and unique decorations. WOW!!!

We sit in an uncomfortable silence till he breaks it.

“What is his name?” he asks.

“Who?” I ask feigning ignorance.

He takes a deep breath which I notice is shaky. He is battling with his emotions… not my problem though.

“My Son.” He answers.

“His name is Leonard.” I answer, deciding to spare him a little.

I've noticed there is no menu so I'm guessing he has placed an order before coming here; you know there is almost nothing a rich man cannot do.

“Who named him?” He asks, slicing through my thoughts.

“Eva said I should name him; she liked the name though.” I say, smiling when I remembered the smile on her face when I told her her son's name.

Soon, three waiters arrive rolling in long trays of food. Geez can we finish that? I know I'm a foodie so I'm not complaining.

“How old is he?” He asks.

Ugh! All he does is ask questions.

Rolling my eyes, I take my time chewing my food and watching anticipation eat him from inside.

“Two years and 6 months.” I answer, digging into my food slowly.

“My son has been with you for two years, I think you should return him to me; he needs fatherly care from his biological father.” and he was done blabbing. His eyes shone with what I guess is confidence.

Unfortunately for him I'm about to step on that big ego of his.

Remember what I said? They always get straight to what they want.

“What's even your name?” I ask him, squinting my eyes like I was interested.

“You don't know my name?” Wide eyes stare back at me and I can hear the shock in his voice.

“I think my sister mentioned it but I didn't pay attention to it.” I say nonchalantly picking a strawberry from the fruit tray and popping it in my mouth

“Damon Ashford.” He answers.

“Damon are you done?” I ask, noticing that I'm almost full.

“What?” He asks in shock.

“The only thing I have to tell you is that you cannot give Leo the love and care he receives everyday. No amount of money, toys or attention you give him will surpass the love he has been receiving for the two years of his life. So I suggest you slash out the thought of taking him from me.” I am done talking and looking at his face is worth the energy I put into saying all that.

“ I will be on my way now Damon, thanks for the meal.” I say, rising to my feet. Thankfully I have ordered a ride back home.

Hopping in the vehicle I breathe out in relief. And a wide smile lights my face in victory.