14

Chapter 14

"Mommy!"

France jumped off the chair and ran towards me. I immediately picked him up as he wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Are we going home?" Fabian asked, holding my slim bag and looking at France and me. I just nodded and held Fabian's arm.

Suddenly, all my energy seemed to vanish after seeing the two of them. I was no longer in the mood.

When we left the restaurant, we headed straight to the parking lot. I was holding France—Fabian opened the backseat first to let France in, who immediately climbed inside.

After Fabian closed the door, he opened the passenger seat for me. Just as I was about to get in, someone grabbed my arm, making me turn around.

"What does this mean, Sonia? Is that man your fiancé? We're not even divorced yet!"

I quickly pulled my arm away and stopped Fabian, who looked annoyed and ready to attack Victor, who took a step back. Coward.

"You're hilarious, Victor. Are you complaining because I got engaged after I decided to agree to the divorce?" I asked, crossing my arms and looking directly at Victor.

"Stop wasting your energy, Victor. You have no right to defend yourself or justify my actions since you were the first to offer me the divorce papers, kicked me out of my own mansion, and flaunted your relationship with Themarie even before I could sign our divorce papers."

Victor clamped his mouth shut. I didn't know what had gotten into him to storm in here. Did he expect me to apologize or what?

"Didn't you think about Vladimir?" Victor asked. I slapped him immediately because of that. Victor's eyes widened as he turned to me, now holding his cheek.

I smiled bitterly and clenched my fists.

"I'm disgusted," I said full of anger. My chest felt like it was about to explode because of it.

"The idea that your blood and the Valencias' run through my child's veins disgusts me, Victor," I said pointedly. I couldn't believe I almost wasted half my life on someone like this.

Play victim? After the cheating he did with Themarie? I'm the one who didn't think of our child?

"Remember that you were the one who destroyed our family, Victor, not me. I'm disgusted with you," I said, turning my back. I got into the car, and Fabian immediately closed the door. I leaned back against the seat.

I tried not to let it affect me and showed Fabian that I was okay. I even prepared a cupcake for France, and that night we took a walk inside the subdivision.

After dinner and cleaning France up, I put him to bed. I sat at the edge of the bed, patting France's back as he hugged his favorite stuffed toy.

When France fell asleep, I stood up, went to my room, and exhaustedly sat at the foot of my bed. I hugged my knees, and then all my tears flowed out.

"Why does it still hurt no matter what I do?" I whispered. My chest felt tight every time I saw Victor. Disappointment, pain, anger, hatred, and at the same time, expectation.

I wanted to stay away from him and at the same time confront him. How could he do that to me? What did I do wrong? When did it start?

I cried and cried until something slightly heavy landed on my head.

I looked up and turned around. I saw Fabian sitting next to me, his jacket now on my head.

"Do you know why the people we love or who are important to us hurt us? Their actions have a more painful impact on us."

Fabian looked at me and wiped my cheeks, smiling.

"Because we deny them. Stop justifying their actions based on how you know them. You loved Victor; accept the fact that you knew nothing about him even after all those years together. Stop expecting him to apologize to you or explain himself because it will only hurt you more, Sonia," Fabian said. His words hit me hard, making me cry even more.

I loved Victor with all my heart. I could do everything for him. I entered the entertainment industry because of him.

"I loved Victor so much, and it hurts because of that. I hate him, but I'm angrier at myself because despite everything he did, I still expect him to apologize, explain himself, and fight for me."

I hadn't given up hope that we could return everything to how it was—even though it's as clear as day that his cheating makes it impossible.

Then I felt Fabian hugging me. I couldn't do anything that night but cry in Fabian's arms. I didn't even know how I fell asleep.

The next thing I knew, I was lying in bed with a broad chest close to my face.

I covered my mouth, nearly screaming. I slowly moved and tried to pull away when an arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer.

Our bodies pressed together, and I looked up. I was right—it was Fabian, and he was asleep. He was lying on his side, and I was lying in his arms.

"Five minutes, you kept me up last night."

My throat dried up. Was that Fabian's bedroom voice? It was so sexy—I almost slapped myself because of that.

"Sir Fabian—"

"If you don't call me Fabian today and in the days to come, I'll kiss you until you can't breathe."

My eyes widened at Fabian's threat. He opened his eyes and looked at me now. Was that a threat?

"I'm not that generous, Sonia. How can I stay calm if my fiancée is still crying over another guy?"

He reached for my cheek and lowered his hand to my neck. My throat dried up as Fabian's face got closer to mine.

"Fa—Fabian? Was that a threat about the kiss?" I shyly asked. Fabian smirked and suddenly kissed me on the lips. I didn't bother resisting and immediately opened my lips.

I felt Fabian get on top of me. When our lips parted, our foreheads were pressed together, and his blue eyes stared deeply into mine.

I didn't know what I was thinking because I lifted one hand and held the back of Fabian's head.

After catching enough breath, I kissed Fabian again, and he immediately kissed me back.

I didn't want to listen to my heart anymore. This guy is the one—I can cry, and then tomorrow everything will be okay because Fabian is here.

The guy who can take my soul in one snap and see everything in me. I closed my eyes and lowered one hand to Fabian's nape.

---

"Mommy! Good morning!"

France greeted me as he came down the stairs. I heard Fabian's footsteps too; it seemed he dressed France before coming out of my room and France's.

"Good morning, baby, have your breakfast."

France exclaimed in delight after seeing his breakfast. All his favorite foods were there.

Fabian helped him into his high chair, and I immediately placed a glass of milk in front of France.

Fabian approached the sink, and I quickly stopped him. He looked like he was about to get some toasted bread.

"I'll do it. You might get dirty. You're already dressed," I said, pulling Fabian to sit down. Fabian just laughed and handed him the newspaper that was on the table.

"Oh, by the way, I have something to give you," Fabian said after I grabbed his coffee cup and the prepared toasted bread.

Fabian doesn't eat hard food for breakfast often, so in the morning, I usually just prepare coffee and bread for him.

"Give me?" I repeated. He took out a small paper bag and placed it on the table. I wiped my hands on my apron before taking it.

I pulled out a box from it and saw that it was a phone.

"My number is already there, the driver's number, and France's phone number. It's also connected to the wifi here, so you won't get bored. In your room, there's also a new laptop for you."

My face brightened up because of that, and I thanked him even though I didn't know what to do with those, but at least I could contact Fabian.

I stopped when Fabian placed something else on the table. It was a black card with his name on it.

"If you need to buy anything, you can use this, but if you go out, it's better to have a driver with you since taxis don't accept cards," Fabian said. I couldn't believe he gave me his card. I looked at Fabian.

I'm not materialistic, but for some reason, I was happy. Even Fabian's private accounts, he shared with me. Instead of giving me an allowance, he gave me his card.

"This is your card. What about you? You could've given me another card with my allowance on it," I said, taking it.

"You're my wife? Why would we have separate accounts? Besides, it's okay. I have my own card. I had that one made for you."

I smiled because of that. I said I didn't need anything else; I'd probably just keep it in my bag.

Fabian just laughed and said it was up to me, but he'd be more satisfied if I used the card to spoil myself like those dramas where someone marries a rich person.

I laughed because of that and sat down. I said I'd go to the spa to get ready before the wedding.

"Mommy! I want to come," France said, raising his hand. I looked at him.

"Of course, you can come. I can't leave you here alone. After school, we'll have a date," I said to France, pinching his cheek. I winked at him, making him giggle. How cute.

"You even invited another man on a date. How cruel," Fabian said, making me turn to him. He even pretended to be hurt, making me laugh more.

"Mr. Martinez, you're too jealous. You're even jealous of your own child," I teased while laughing. I saw Fabian grin—he took my hand and brought it close to his lips.

"Heh, there's no one else to be jealous of. Only our child can match my handsomeness and has a high chance of getting your attention."

I coughed because of that and then looked at him and then at France. Fabian had a point since they looked alike and the idea that they were different people but—I kept a poker face. France is his child.

I took my hand and told Fabian to eat.

"Stop fooling around and eat, both of you. You'll be late for work and school."

---

As usual, I stayed inside the car when dropping France off. I just waved from inside after France got out of the car and waved back at me.

"Bye mommy!"

I smiled and waved back. I saw France running towards the students who seemed to be waiting for France at the gate.

I completely closed the van after seeing France enter the gate.

"Let's go, sir."

The car started moving. I paused and took my phone from my bag after hearing it ring.

I saw Fabian's name so I immediately answered it.

"Honey, I'll be late coming home later. There's a small problem on set."

My ears immediately got hot after hearing Fabian call me and tease on the other line.

"You need something?" I asked. It was okay, but I was pleased because he didn't forget to inform me.

"Nothing. Talk to you later," Fabian said. His voice sounded a bit disappointed. I just laughed.

"I'll wait for you to get home. Tell me what happened when you get back," I said. Before he could answer, I ended the call. Embarrassing.

I heard the driver laugh and say how sweet Fabian and I were.

"I've been working for Mr. Martinez for years, but it's only now that I've seen him show concern for someone other than Mr. France. It's nice because it looks like he's found his soulmate," the old man said. I was a bit puzzled because it seemed like Fabian's ex-wife didn't exist.

"Sir, how many years have you been working for Fabian?" I asked. Didn't he know Fabian's ex-wife?

"Since Mr. Fabian was in high school. It's been years, I've lost count," the old man said and laughed. I paused.

Is there something I don't know? What kind of relationship did Fabian have with his ex-wife if that's the case?

I also noticed that there wasn't a single picture or wedding picture in Fabian's mansion. There was a picture of Fabian's ex-wife, but it was in France's room. Just France and his mom.