Chapter 93: Iker's Son
Cheyenne reappeared in Iker's sight after many days. The weather was pleasantly warm. She wore a white, off-the-shoulder chiffon top with ruffled edges and a blue, irregular denim skirt that fell just below her thighs. Delicate collarbones and slender legs were visible beneath the outfit, complemented by white shoes. On another, the outfit might have seemed simply pure and fashionable; on Cheyenne, it evoked only one word: goddess.
Her legs, smoother and more perfect than any model's he'd ever seen, captivated him. Straight, slender, and delicately ankled, they held his gaze. He couldn't help but stare. While he might not find her face particularly beautiful, her legs were stunning.
"Master Iker! It's been so long," she greeted him, her face radiant with a charming smile.
He cleared his throat, quickly averting his gaze. "It's only been three days," he said coldly.
Tsk tsk How heartless! She was his attending physician, yet he hadn't missed her.
"I can see you're well, Master Iker," Cheyenne replied. Layne's acupuncture and Tanner's massage had significantly improved his leg pain.
"Come in," Iker said, looking down at her.
"Good timing. I need to discuss something with you, Master Iker," Cheyenne said, entering the lobby of Iker's estate.
Inside, a handsome toddler sat on the sofa. He had a round face, shining obsidian eyes, slightly parted lips tinted red, and was dressed in blue jeans. He appeared to be one or two years old. Cheyenne was stunned by his resemblance to Iker.
"Master Iker's son is already this big!" she teased, her curiosity piqued.
His lips twitched, and he glared at her icily. "What nonsense? Don't speak without thinking."
"But he looks just like you! It's normal for someone your age to have a two-year-old," she retorted playfully. "I wonder what his mother looks like to have produced such a beautiful child."
Iker, who rarely concerned himself with his appearance, was shocked to be called "old." His face darkened. "Kelvin, your ex-husband, and I are the same age," he retorted sarcastically.
"He couldn't satisfy you because of his age, so you divorced him?"
Expecting anger, Iker was surprised by her laughter. "Master Iker is wise. There are plenty of young, handsome men out there," she said, her smile unwavering.
Yet, Iker sensed a forced cheerfulness, a fleeting sadness beneath the surface. Though he'd known her less than a month, he recognized the pain she quickly masked.
"Brother, is she your girlfriend?" the child asked, his voice adorable.
Cheyenne's heart melted. "How old are you? Do you know what a girlfriend is?" she asked sweetly, crouching down.
Lewis nodded, gazing at her. "I… I am one year and ten months old. Mommy says I'll be two soon." He added, "Sister, you are so pretty," extending both chubby hands.
His cuteness was undeniable.
Cheyenne, married to Kelvin at eighteen, had envisioned having a child with him, spurred on by her grandfather-in-law. She'd fantasized about marriage at eighteen, pregnancy at nineteen, and a baby by twenty-one. Reality, however, was harsh. Kelvin had flown overseas on their wedding night to see his childhood sweetheart. Their long-distance tension lasted a year until Mr. Foley intervened. Their subsequent intimacy was strained and filled with Kelvin’s anger and resentment. Cheyenne's attempts to discuss having children were met with ridicule and suspicion. Kelvin was guarded, always using protection. When questioned about their lack of children, Cheyenne took the blame, claiming health issues—only to be met with Kelvin's suspicion. He even disappeared for a month, ignoring her contact. His eventual return was for Abbie's sake.
The repeated disappointments and hurts plunged her into despair. She considered giving up, but a voice urged her to persevere, believing that Kelvin would eventually recognize her goodness. She clung to the memory of a cold winter night when he offered her warmth.
(The final sentence, and the advertising material, has been removed as it was out of place and inappropriate within the context of the cleaned-up passage.)