The Royal Contract

It was fast becoming a nightmare.

She stood by the door early that morning, answering the buzzing bell. She could only think of a few people who would be up this time. One was Sasha or Lourdes, coming to take Edison for a walk in the park nearby. And the other was Zach.

Although he did not say he was coming, she could not help but expect him to show up on her doorstep with flowers and chocolates. What could she do? She was a romantic at heart.

However, none of those people she mentioned were in front of her at that very moment. Instead, a person she did not want to see stood before her with flowers, chocolate, and a big box wrapped up with a bow.

“Ryan!” She called his name in her shock. But her reflex kicked in as she tried to shut the door in his face.

However, he was faster than her, stopping the door with his foot before she could completely shut it closed. Then, he pushed the door forward, tossing her aside and moving inside without much effort.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, looking at the man with apprehension, afraid that he might do something to her and her child. She still could remember what she did to him at the resort.

Was he here to exact his revenge against her?

.....

She hoped not, but that was like wishing for the stars to fall at her feet. It was impossible with a man like him. He was a vengeful man. Something she had learned too late.

“I came to visit the mother of my child.” Ryan extended the flowers to her. “And to see my son.” He looked beyond her as if spying if he could see her son around.

Quickly, she blocked the path to the other side of her house from his view. She never wanted him near her and especially her son. Edison did not need Ryan’s toxicity in his life.

That was what he was, a poison that would destroy her and her child. His mere presence was already polluting the air they breathed. She did not want him in their lives now or ever.

“That is not happening. You are not welcome in my house or our lives.” She told him as she stood her ground. “There is the door. Leave before I call the police.”

She knew her rights. And this man was trespassing in her house. She would not let him mess with their lives, not now that she was happy and finally building a life with her son and, hopefully, with Zach.

“And you think you can throw me out just like that.” Ryan stood threateningly before her, throwing the flowers and his gifts on the floor. “Where is my son? I want to see him.” He again looked at her shoulder.

She could feel her body shaking in fear, but she still did not budge from her position. She would not let this man intimidate her. She would defend herself and her son from him.

“No. You have no son. You gave up your right when you signed those papers.” She told him, reminding him of their agreement. “I kept my end of the bargain and kept my mouth shut. Now, it is your turn to leave and never come back.”

She could also feel her anger rising at the audacity of her ex to expect that he still had a right to call Edison their son. He did not even know their son’s name.

“I can turn over those papers with a snap of a finger. Those meant nothing. You were a slut back then. I can easily prove that you are still one now. And you are unfit to care for our son.” He stood before her, looking down at her like she was nothing.

“And you know I can do it.” This time, he arrogantly smiled at her, knowing he was finally getting to her.

“No, that is not true. You are the only man I slept with, no one else. You are the bastard who denied our son is yours.” She shouted, feeling her heart about to burst out of her chest.

She knew his family had the power to do that. She might have gotten away the first time with a threat of exposure, but now that he was willing to acknowledge his son as his, what else could she hold against him?

His family had the power and the money, being the son of a powerful Senator. What could she do against them if he decided to get Edison from her?

“Let us not fight about the past.” He suddenly held her by her arms. He was quick, and she lost her focus. “I did not come here just for my son. I also want you. If you marry me, then we can be a family.”

No. No. No.

She kept shouting.

She did not want to marry him. She did not want to build a family with a despicable man like him. That would never happen.

“But you will because if you don’t...” But the words died away.

“Mommy...” A small voice interrupted her thoughts.

“I want water...” Her son said as his little fingers tugged on her shirt.

Then, she opened her eyes to see her son standing before her in the living room, with a curious expression on his adorable face.

She quickly scanned the living room, realizing that she might have fallen asleep. Then, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was not real. The call she received from Tabby, was that real too?

“Mommy...” Edison called again to her, trying to catch her attention.

“Yeah, water.” She finally acknowledged her son as she moved out of the sofa and walked to the kitchen to get him something to drink.

But her mind still replayed what she could remember of her dream. It might be a dream now, but it was a possibility. After what happened at the resort, it was not farfetched to conclude that Ryan must have hired those investigators to track her down.

Of course, she should prepare for whatever he had planned. She doubted he would come to her home with a friendly and peaceful visit.