His words hitting hard, Alethea's eyes involuntarily closed in heartbreak. She had wished he viewed her differently from other women, even though she still regretted ever being in bed with him.
By the time she opened her eyes back, she found him staring vividly at her with an expression devoid of any emotion. "Adjust your dress while I also get fully dressed," he instructed, and turned toward his closet.
A few minutes later, they both stepped out, and entered one of his jeeps. Shortly, his chauffeur drove them to her aunt's place.
During the drive, Alethea couldn't help but feel restless, as her mind raced with thoughts of what happened earlier in the room and also the task ahead.
Eventually, the car pulled up in front of an enclosed middle class apartment building.
"I think it's high time I let my aunt know the truth about the contract. I can't go in there and lie to her face," Alethea suddenly said, her words hooking Axel back into his seat.
Axel gazed into her eyes for a moment before responding bluntly. "You can tell her the necessary truth, as long as it's safe."
Unsure how her aunt would react to the truth, Alethea couldn't help but worry too much about the consequences.
"You need to come in with me. I can't do the big father-lie part alone," she added.
"Sure," Axel replied swiftly.
After getting out of the car, they both approached the building entrance together.
Upon reaching the big living room door, she knocked lightly. Shortly, a woman in her late 50s came out.
The woman's face lit up with a warm smile upon sighting her. "Hi, Aunt," Alethea greeted, hugging her.
"Oh my dear," Lexi happily returned the hug with her eyes sparkling in curiosity, as she took in Axel's presence.
Axel could feel her gaze on him, so he greeted her with a swift bow.
"Uhmm...meet my boss, Aunt," Alethea introduced the moment they disengaged from the hug.
Just as they were about to exchange pleasantries, a 3-foot-tall girl with bright blue eyes and a mop of red hair rushed out and came jumping onto Alethea's leg, her tiny arms wrapping firmly around her waist.
"Mommy!" Elora screamed, her voice full of excitement, as she hugged her mom's leg tightly.
Without hesitation, Alethea immediately bent down to carry her up in her arms. "Hey, baby," she said, hugging her tightly, her eyes closing in bliss.
As Axel witnessed the bond between them, his face sobered for a moment, and he felt guilty for giving the little girl's mother such a great task that separated her from her child for so long.
"I've really missed you, Mommy," Elora muttered while still hugging her mama tight.
"I've really missed you too, baby," Alethea murmured, placing soft kisses all over her face. "Henceforth, I won't stay away from you, mi amor," she added, still holding her.
"Oh, mommy's girl. Can we all go in now?" Lexi muttered excitedly.
Alethea let out a low laugh. "Yeah, we should," she gladly said, and they all went in, with her girl still in her arms.
"Who is he, Mommy? Why does he have my rare blue eyes?" Elora suddenly asked, looking in Axel's direction as her mother dropped her on the couch.
Taken aback by her sudden inquiry, Alethea wasn't sure how to respond. As if seeking help, her eyes darted to Axel, who instantly noticed the 'help me out' look on her face.
"I have your eyes because I'm your father, pretty face," Axel chimed in calmly, his gaze shifting between both of her, and her mother's faces.
Upon hearing the unbelievable claim, Elora and Lexi's gazes instantly looked to Alethea, as if waiting for her confirmation.
Alethea's eyes blinked erratically as she struggled to find the right words to say.
Elora's eyes, wide with wonder, showed Axel the wheels turning in them as her gaze now darted between him and her mother.
"Yes, baby. He's your daddy. He's back to start working here and living with us," Alethea finally managed to say in a calm voice.
Elora's eyes bulged, as she now completely focused on Axel with keen interest.
"You know what? Stay right here while I go attend to something with Aunt Lexi," Alethea added, her gaze shifting to her aunt.
Elora slowly nodded her head in response, and Lexi understood the call.
With the two of them gone to discuss privately in a separate room, Elora's gentle breathing became the only sound in the living room. As she sat beside Axel on the sofa, she continued staring at him with wide curious eyes.
Even though Axel knew she was just a dazed little girl, he somehow felt a little uncomfortable under her scrutiny. Thoughtfully, he decided to smile at her to put her at ease.
But shortly after the smile, Elora suddenly got down from the sofa and came standing right in front of him.
