Chapter 5: Five Years Later

Brielle's POV

I had left, just as I promised myself I would. Five years was long enough to build a new life, but not to forget the night I walked away. I had built a life of my own.

I stood beside Ellis's bed before dawn, watching him sleep with one arm thrown over his stuffed dinosaur.

Even at four, he had the same stubborn set to his mouth as another man I had spent years trying to forget.

I told myself keeping the secret was the best way to protect us. Some mornings, I believed it...others, it felt like a burden I couldn't put down.

I got ready quietly and headed to work.

Warren was already at the main table, tapping a fabric sample on my design board.

“This drape is too soft, why did you choose it?”

“The structure is in the cut, not the fabric. This weight gives the client movement without losing shape.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You tested it?”

“The samples are in the back room.”

“Show me the notes.”

I slid the folder across. “The stiffer option restricts the shoulders, so this fabric gives the movement the client requested while the seams keep the shape.”

Warren studied the pages before closing the folder. “And the cost?”

“Still within budget. I adjusted the lining instead of compromising the design.”

“Fine. Keep it, but if it fails during next week's fittings, the revision is on you.”

“I understand.”

“Good. I don't need people who just agree with me, I need someone who can back up her decisions and own them."

“I wouldn't expect anything less.”

He checked his watch. “The industry event is tonight. You'll be presenting the new collection with the team, so don't be late.”

“I won't.”

He paused at the door. “Your last client presentation was solid work, Brielle. Keep it up.”

After he left, I gathered my things and headed out to pick up Ellis. The moment he spotted me, he ran towards me, his backpack bouncing against his shoulders.

“Mama! Look what I made!” He held up a crooked paper airplane. “It flies farther than Jason's, watch!”

He threw it, but the plane wobbled before landing in a nearby bush. “Okay, maybe not farther, but almost,” he admitted with a laugh.

I crouched beside him. “It's good, baby. Did you finish your drawing?”

“Yeah. It's a rocket, and a dinosaur is driving it.”

“Why is the dinosaur driving?”

“Because he knows where we're going.”

“And the person who built the rocket doesn't?”

“Nope. He's a bad driver.”

I laughed and helped him adjust his backpack. “Come on. Mrs. Patel is waiting, and I have an event tonight.”

He grabbed my hand. “Can I stay up until you get back?”

“No. Bedtime is eight because you have school tomorrow.”

“But, Mama...”

“Eight, Ellis.”

He huffed. “Fine, but you have to tell me about the dresses when you come home.”

“I will, but I can't promise there'll be cake.”

“Why do grown-ups always have cake at parties?”

“Because grown-ups like cake too.”

“Then bring me some.”

I chuckled. “If there's any left, I'll bring you some.”

Mrs. Patel was already in the living room when we got home. Ellis hurried over to show her his airplane while I checked his pyjamas and snacks.

“Be good for Mrs. Patel,” I reminded him, kissing his forehead.

“I'm always good. Mama, fly it one more time!”

I tossed the airplane across the room, and it glided before landing softly on the rug.

“See? It flies!”

“Of course it does.” I picked up my bag. “I'll see you later, sweetheart.”

“Don't forget the cake!”

“I heard you the first time.”

His laughter followed me out.

The hotel ballroom was already filling up when I arrived. Aureline House had a prominent section near the front, where our designs were displayed. Warren waved me over.

“Brielle, these are the notes for the private viewing. Stay close to the display and handle questions about the fall collection.”

“Got it.”

A buyer approached and examined one of the gowns. “You're the one who redesigned the evening piece last season, aren't you?”

“Yes. We adjusted the neckline and fabric weight to give it more movement.”

“I remember that collection, it did quite well.”

“Thank you. We wanted something elegant without making the wearer feel restricted.”

Warren nodded. “She'll walk you through the new samples after the presentation.”

The buyers moved on, and I settled beside the display, answering questions about the fabrics and designs. For a while, everything went smoothly.

Then my phone buzzed.

I stepped aside and answered. “Mrs. Patel? Is everything okay?”

“Miss Brielle, I'm so sorry, but something urgent has come up, and I can't stay with Ellis tonight. I'll have to bring him to the hotel because I don't want to leave him with anyone else.”

My stomach dropped. “Bring him here? The event is still going on.”

“I know, but I really have to leave. I'll be there in twenty minutes.”

I pressed my fingers against my clutch. Five years of keeping my distance, and everything could unravel because of one evening.

“Alright. Bring him, but please text me when you arrive.”

“I'm sorry for the trouble.”

“It's fine... Just get him here safely.”

Twenty minutes later, Mrs. Patel appeared with Ellis. The moment he spotted me, he let go of her hand and ran towards me.

“Mummy!”

I bent down and caught him, smoothing his hair as he smiled up at me. I smiled back, but my eyes were already scanning the ballroom.

Please, not tonight. Not like this.

---

Gideon's POV

I entered the ballroom with Miles beside me. Aureline House had secured a prominent position near the front.

Miles glanced around. “You actually showed up. Lucy's going to be surprised you left the office this early.”

“She knows I'm here for business contacts, not clothes. Keep an eye out for the West Coast investors, I want to speak with them before the night is over.”

“Already on it.” He accepted a glass from a passing waiter. “You're quieter than usual.”

“I'm focused.”

We exchanged greetings with a few familiar faces before Miles pointed towards the Aureline display.

“There's one of the representatives you wanted to meet.”

I followed his gaze but stopped when I noticed the woman standing beside the boards.

Brielle...

Her hair was shorter, and she wore a simple dark dress, but there was no mistaking her. I recognised her immediately.

“What is it?” Miles asked.

I didn't answer. I had never expected to see her again after everything that happened between us.

A woman in a plain coat approached the display with a small boy. Brielle turned towards them, and the boy immediately let go of the woman's hand and ran to her.

“Mummy!”

I watched Brielle catch him and smooth his hair before pulling him closer. The boy looked completely at ease with her, and she smiled at him in a way I had never seen before.

I couldn't look away.

Something about the child caught my attention. The shape of his mouth and the way his brows pulled together as he looked up at her stirred an uncomfortable familiarity.

Miles followed my gaze. “You know her? And the boy?”

“Get my assistant.”

He stepped away, and when the assistant approached, I lowered my voice.

“The woman at the Aureline display and the child with her. Find out their full names, his date of birth and everything else you can. Do it quietly.”

The assistant nodded and disappeared.

I remained where I was, watching Brielle hold the boy's hand. She looked calm, but I could see the tension in her shoulders.

Five years... She had built an entire life in that time, and it included a son I had never known about.

The resemblance wouldn't leave me alone. I had questions, but before I could make sense of them, Brielle suddenly looked up.

Our eyes met across the ballroom.

The colour drained from her face, and her fingers tightened around the boy's hand.

I set my untouched glass on a nearby table.

“Sir, the investors are waiting,” Miles reminded me.

“Let them wait.”

I started walking towards her, but she didn't move. She simply stood there, staring at me as though she had seen a ghost.

“Brielle.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

Then the little boy tugged at her hand, looked up at me and asked, “Mummy, who is that man?”

I stopped a few feet away, unable to take my eyes off the child.

Gideon’s gaze moved from Ellis to me. “Brielle, tell me the truth. Who is that boy?”