Chapter 47: Just a Kid
Cecilia had no wish to antagonize the man, incapable of discerning right from wrong and repaying kindness with hostility. "Apologies," she said, "I fell ill years ago and lost memory of many people and events." Turning, she returned to Ninth Ville.
Zachary, his imposing figure frozen, watched her go. She doesn’t remember? He found it difficult to tear his gaze away. His bodyguards, witnessing this unprecedented distraction, remained at a respectful distance.
Upon returning to the mansion, Cecilia collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. Unbeknownst to her, at Erihal Airport, Vivian, her best friend, had already arrived in Tudela, having purchased a plane ticket earlier. Jonathan, too, was on the same flight, discreetly blending in with the other passengers.
At seven o'clock, Vivian called Cecilia immediately after disembarking. Unseen, a small boy, barely taller than a suitcase, trailed behind her, his sportswear and cap concealing his face. He struggled with luggage far exceeding his size.
The curious stares of onlookers were lost on Vivian. Criticism filled the air: "How could a mother let her child drag such a large suitcase?" "The post-nineties generation is truly unbelievable!" "This kind of person doesn't deserve to be a mother!"
Vivian, puzzled by the disapproving glances, only realized the gravity of the situation when Jonathan's voice, earnest yet tender, reached her ears. "Mommy," he cautioned, "you shouldn't be on your phone while walking. It's important to stay safe."
What? Vivian was stunned. Since when did she have a son?
She turned to see Jonathan, his masked face and hat partially concealing bright, obsidian eyes radiating an almost infuriating innocence. The urge to curse was strong, but she couldn't. Cecilia would be furious if she discovered her son had secretly followed her.
The airport crowd, initially critical, softened upon hearing the boy's words, their expressions shifting to a mixture of fondness and concern. "What a darling and sensible child," one murmured. "If only he were my son," sighed another. "It's a shame to have such an irresponsible mother," a third commented.
Vivian was speechless, tears unshed. Jonathan, ever considerate, spoke up for her: "Don't blame my mom. She's been working hard to provide for our family all by herself."
Sympathy replaced judgment in the crowd's gazes. "She's a single mother; how unfortunate," they whispered.
Vivian's face fell. She hoisted Jonathan into one arm, the other dragging his suitcase, swiftly navigating the crowd. He remained nestled in her embrace, expressing his concern. "Ms. Kennedy, aren't you tired? I can walk by myself."
Reaching a less crowded area, she finally set him down, breathless. "W-When did you start following me? Does Ceci know you came?"
Jonathan, in contrast to Vivian's panic, remained remarkably composed. His large eyes met hers. "Ms. Kennedy," he said, "girls need to be careful when they're out and about. I've been following you, and you didn't even notice me. It shows your safety awareness needs improvement."
Vivian pinched Jonathan's chubby cheeks through his mask with her slender fingers. "My darling, answer my question," she demanded.
His eyes crinkled in amusement. "What do you think?"
Vivian knew then that this young man was no gentleman, but a wolf in sheep's clothing. "What do we do now?" she asked.
Jonathan, his sparkling eyes fixed on hers, replied, "Are you asking me? Keep in mind, I'm just a three-year-old who hasn't even turned four yet."