Cursed

It's been a month since the party, and still, no news from Chairman Ashford. Andrea wondered if this was his way of rejecting her as a member of the Ashford family.

Andrea looked down at her child, who was sucking her breast, and whispered, "You only remember how to stop crying when you need food."

Kai's eyes remained closed as he continued feeding, ignoring his mother's scolding.

Andrea smiled as she watched him; it still amazes her to this day that such a beautiful creature came out of her.

After feeding, Andrea carried him up and burped him.

The sound of a car engine told her that Gael was back from work.

It has been a month that she has been living with Gael, and yet, it felt like they were worse than housemates because she was sure that people who lived in the same house do talk, but Gael only spoke to her when he had a message to pass across about their plan.

The man spends most of his time in his room when he is at home and only comes downstairs to eat dinner, and even when they are eating dinner together, he still keeps to himself.

Another thing she has noticed about Gael was the way he watches Kai.

Whenever she sees him looking at Kai, she always wonders what is going through his mind because not once has he held him, and whenever she offers, he instantly refuses.

To her, Gael was a very strange man, and she was sure that if not for this contract marriage, then that man would never have gotten married in his lifetime.

She wondered if Gael is the way he is because he saw his mother's body floating in the pool.

Aunty Hannah had said he never remained the same after that incident.

A knock on the door jolted her out of her thoughts, and Andrea's gaze moved to her baby, who was still awake.

"Aren't you feeling sleepy?" She asked the baby as she opened the door to see Gael.

Andrea stood still when she saw him. Another thing she cannot deny was how handsome he was. She may be grieving Henrick, but her eyes were definitely not blind.

Unlike Henrick, who had a charming look, Gael's appearance was more majestic. His presence alone demanded respect.

"Come in," Andrea said, opening the door wide for him to enter.

The moment Gael walked in, his gaze landed on Kai, who had his eyes open.

"Why is he still awake? Haven't you fed him?"

"I have, but for some reason this little guy has refused to follow his normal routine of sleeping immediately after eating."

Gael frowned and reached out to touch the baby's forehead, but his hand stopped just inches away.

He cleared his throat as he dropped his hand down and asked, "When is his vaccination appointment?"

"Tomorrow. Do you think something is wrong with him?" Andrea asked in concern, ignoring his earlier action.

"I'm sure it's fine. Babies change their routine all the time, so it's ok."

She nodded. "Do you want to hold him?"

Gael frowned as he replied, "You have been asking that question a lot lately."

"I just find it strange that you have not held him even once. Look at him, he is adorable." Andrea said, bringing her baby forward to Gael.

Gael immediately looked away from the child. "I'm here because Grandfather called."

"He did?" Andrea asked in surprise, bringing Kai to rest on her shoulder.

"He is hosting a party, and he wants you to come with Kai."

"What is he celebrating that he wants Kai to be there?"

"No one knows. From what I have heard, only a few people have gotten an invite."

"When is this party?"

"Tonight," Gael replied.

"What?"

"Grandfather has organized this event at the Ashford Mansion, and that means everyone will be sleeping at the house tonight, including us."

"That means once again we have to act like a couple who is in love in front of the family for a whole night." Andrea said, feeling uncomfortable at the thought.

"It also means Grandfather is willing to accept Kai. Let's hope your adorable son will be able to melt that old man's heart," Gael said, already walking to the door.

He stopped at the doorway and looked back at her. "Be ready by 7pm."

"I will," Andrea replied and sighed after Gael left.

Don't people usually invite a person to an event a few days before it? Why was the Ashford family so different, or does that old man plan to catch her off guard?

Andrea noticed her baby steadily breathing and slowly walked to his crib. She gently placed him in it and said, "You don't have to worry; your mommy won't be caught off guard. I am prepared for whatever your grandfather plans to throw at me."

Gael, on the other hand, immediately removed his tie when he got to his room. He sat on his bed, and after a few seconds his gaze moved to the hand that had almost touched Kai.

If life had taught him anything, it was that getting attached to people was a risk. In the end, they always left—just like his mother, just like his brother.

Sometimes, he wondered if he was cursed. If Henrick hadn't been his brother, would he still be alive? And what about Kai? What if his presence brought misfortune to the baby too? If anything ever happened to that little boy because of him… he wasn't sure he'd be able to live with himself.

Gael clenched his fists tightly and let out a low, bitter chuckle. It was almost funny—he had saved so many lives, yet he remained unsaved. Each day felt harder to live through. If only he could end it all.

As that thought crossed his mind, Kai's small face appeared—his bright, curious eyes always looking at him whenever he was near.

Gael let out a deep sigh and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. At this moment, no one could tell what was going on in his head.