Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 506

I paused, caught off guard by his earnest gaze - he was trying to soothe me. A strange ache bubbled up in my heart; perhaps this was the real me through his eyes.

"Go to bed. From now on, forget about the bad guys," I whispered to him gently. "Sleep, baby. Mommy's not going anywhere. I'll stay with you."

He waved his little hand dismissively, "I don't want Zora anymore! Bad!"

"Okay, then sleep," I urged, as he scrutinized my face with his eyes.

I felt a twinge of regret; a single gesture of leaving had filled him with such fear. What if I really abandoned him? What would become of him?

I rocked him in my arms and soon his eyelids began to droop. But in my heart, I imagined my son, somewhere out there. Was he asleep? Was someone holding him just like this?

The next day.

Monique and Fidelia were punctual as ever at the breakfast table. Monique was a chatterbox, going on and on, while Fidelia ate in silence, listening to Monique's prattle.

Hannah slid into a seat and asked Monique, "Hey, kiddo, what's the plan for today? Mind if I tag along? I'm getting bored here, and I could use a little adventure with you guys!"

Monique eyed Hannah, asked like an adult, "Are you sure you want to hang with us?"

Hannah nodded, "Sure, why not? Your mom's not going out, and you've got nothing planned! I might as well join you. Can I be your assistant?"

After hearing this, Monique glanced at me, "Mom, you're not going out today? Just staying in?"

I nodded nonchalantly, "Yeah, I'm staying in. I'll keep Grandma company. Besides, your little brother's been so clingy since his injury. Where could I possibly go?"

Probert piped up at my words, "Mom, can I stay home with you too? I'll take care of Carl!"

Monique immediately objected, "No way, you can't slack off. School's about to start, and we've finished all our homework. We need to measure more houses. Don't you always talk about Wood Manor? Let's measure Wood Manor today!"

At the mention of Wood Manor, I nodded vigorously, "Right, son, Wood Manor is the crown jewel of our street, a legacy of our family. You need to measure it well; it was your grandfather's favorite."

Hannah turned to me, "Oh, Allie, didn't you say you needed someone to clean up the backyard? When is that happening? Just not today, please!"

I caught her drift and replied casually, "Definitely not today. I'll go check it out later and plan the cleanup."

I noticed Fidelia's expression freeze for a moment as she listened intently to our conversation. Hannah and I exchanged glances. It seemed this child knew something about the backyard.

Seeing that she was tight-lipped, I didn't press further, instead changing the subject, "No worries, I'll take you. Your mom is busy; let me spare her the trouble."

She looked at me, hesitating, until I encouraged her, "Speak up if you have something to say."

That's when she looked up and asked, "Auntie, is Grandma really gone?"

Monique immediately turned to Fidelia, "Fidelia, who told you that? Why don't I know anything about it?"

I studied Fidelia carefully; she was quite reserved. She spent every day with Monique, but it was clear she didn't share everything. Yet my Monique might not be so discreet.

I glanced at Monique and nodded solemnly, "Yes, your grandmother has passed away. It was very sudden."

Monique's eyes reddened instantly, and with a hint of displeasure, she asked me, "Then why didn't you tell us?"

Before I could respond, Probert interjected meaningfully, "You think you're that important?"

Monique stiffened; she had always been a bit self-important, and Probert's comment hit her where it hurt.