Three.
Three.
My father made faces at Angelo, eliciting delighted giggles from the little boy. It was a familiar, comforting scene. When I’d told my parents I was pregnant two years ago, they’d been overjoyed, though saddened by the absence of Angelo’s father. "Don’t worry, my child," my father had said then, "we’ll always be by your side." Now, watching them play together, I felt a familiar warmth settle over me.
“Where is my baby boy?” my mother asked, entering with a plate of cookies.
“Look what Nana got for you,” she said, holding out a cookie. Angelo, as usual, moved slowly toward her, leaving my father playfully pouting.
Angelo beamed as he accepted the treat. “Mama looook!” he exclaimed, showing me.
I smiled, gathering his toy cars for him.
“Stay here for the night, please,” my father asked, giving me puppy-dog eyes.
“Dad, stop,” I laughed.
“Please. I want to spend some more time with Angelo.”
I sighed and nodded. “Okay.”
“Yay!” He scooped Angelo up and headed towards his room. My parents’ adoration for Angelo was constant, a joyful current that flowed through our family. I was grateful for their unwavering support.
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“Tell Mr. D’Cruz that I’ve accepted the deal,” I instructed my PA, typing on my laptop.
“Okay, Ms. Silver,” she replied.
As expected, my phone buzzed with a call from Mr. D’Cruz. “Good day, Mr. D’Cruz,” I answered. He greeted me warmly, then informed me he was celebrating the finalized deal with a party on Saturday.
“Alright, I’ll be there,” I said.
“Good! See you then on Saturday,” he replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
I ended the call and summoned my assistant. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Put my designer, Trisha, on the phone,” I instructed.
After a few rings, Trisha picked up. “Hey Mia! What’s up?” she laughed. We’d known each other long enough that she felt comfortable using my first name.
“I need a dress – a long, sexy dress,” I said.
“How sexy?” she asked, already brainstorming.
“I don’t know… something striking. I need it for Saturday.” I hung up, leaving her to her creativity.
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“Good work,” I said, satisfied with the new presentation. I stood up and walked out, my PA trailing behind me.
My phone rang as I walked. I glanced at the screen and saw Dixon’s name. I rolled my eyes. “What do you want, Dixon?”
“Can you grab some food on the way back?”
“Go get it yourself,” I snapped, hanging up. It was already five o’clock.
“Angelo? Baby?” I called out in my parents’ house. My father came down the stairs with Angelo on his shoulders.
“Mama!” Angelo cried, reaching for me.
“Slow down, little man. You don’t want to fall,” my father chuckled.
I took Angelo from his shoulders, and he smiled.
“Awe, baby, Mama missed you,” I said, kissing his chubby face.
“Mama nooo,” he pouted, wriggling in my arms.
“Look at his little attitude,” I said, putting a hand over my heart.
My father only laughed and kissed me on the forehead. “Do visit soon. I already miss my little man,” he said softly.
“I will, Dad,” I laughed.
I walked outside, and Gino, my driver, opened the door.
“Thank you, Gino,” I said, smiling.
He looked surprised, then smiled back.
“You’re welcome, Miss.”
On the way home, Angelo fell asleep in my arms. I stroked his cheek and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “My world,” I whispered quietly.