The Royal Contract

“I did not call them,” Zach answered her question. He could see the confusion on her face as her brows knitted together. “I went to visit them while you were out cold.” He admitted.

“You went there?” She blurted out in surprise. It was more a question than a statement.

He moved closer to her again and grabbed her hands. “I have to get you some change of clothes, and I also wanted to check on Edison.” That explained why he was tired.

He had been running around, doing errands for her, without her knowing. Truthfully, he did mind doing it for her. Although, he was also surprised at his actions. He never thought he would be doing this for a woman at all.

“You did not have to do that.” Ria suddenly looked shy and uncomfortable, not knowing how to react to the situation. “I don’t know what to say.” As her head looked down, not wanting to see his face.

“You don’t have to say anything. I am happy to do it. Besides, I finally met Edison.” He said, with a genuine smile, showing her that he had truly enjoyed meeting her son.

Technically, he had seen her son before. But he had rushed out of her place the first time they met. Therefore, she never had the chance to introduce the two of them formally.

“You did.” He could sense that a tear was threatening to fall from her eyes. “How is he?” As she continued to ask her questions.

.....

He did not exactly know what she was asking him. Was she asking if Edison was well? Or if he liked meeting him or if he found him annoying? He could see the fear in her eyes as he gently forced her face to look at him and stared at them.

Initially, he could honestly say that he was scared to death. Never in his life did he feel more afraid of meeting a person in his life. And Edison was just a toddler who could not even say his full name.

But Zach honestly liked him. At least with their first meeting. But even if things get tough in this complicated situation, he promised he was not going away just like that.

This time, it would take more than a child to scare him away, even if he could see that Edison would be an additional challenge he had to face in this relationship. It might take him some time to adjust, but he would find a way because he believed he did not want to lose her.

“He is doing ok. He doesn’t seem to have the virus.” He assured her instead. He believed this was not the time to talk about what he thought of her son.

Ria seemed relieved to hear that. It only confirmed how much she loved her son and cared for him. Something he failed to experience from his parents.

He had grown up with people serving all his needs but not a mother who would dote on him. Or a father who would be there by his side unless there was a photo op that required them to show off their kids.

Maybe Edison was luckier than him, even if he only had a mother by his side. At least he was getting all the attention he needed compared to him, who had both parents growing up but never showed up when he needed them.

“Do you mind if I use your phone? I want to talk to him.” She pleaded with him.

He could still see the desperation in her eyes to be with her son, even in her weak physical state. Most women he knew would only think of themselves, crying dramatically for attention if put in her situation. He could already cite his mother as an example.

He had never seen a woman who was so selfless. Or maybe he had been hanging out with the wrong crowd. But he was baffled by this woman before him, who could only think of her son more than herself.

“Ok. Make your call while I buy us something to eat.” He took his phone out of his pocket and handed it to her. “But you are finishing your food when I get back.” That was his deal.

She nodded in agreement before looking at the screen, pressing the button to turn it on, but it had a security lock. “Can you unlock it first?” She asked, pushing the phone back to him.

“All you need to do is use your fingerprint.” He teased her. “Then, it will open.”

He had programmed the phone to turn on fingerprint recognition but used her fingers instead of his. He had nothing to do earlier and found himself playing with his phone.

“Stop joking.” Ria did not seem to believe him.

“Go on, try it.” He urged her, seeing that she was hesitant to do it. Then, she placed her fingers on the pad, which automatically opened the screen. “You see. I was not joking.”

“Why did you do that?” She asked, looking dumbfounded by his action.

“Because I want to. Besides, I know you will use it.” Then, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Now, go make your call. I will be back in a jiff.”

Then, he turned around and walked out of the door, feeling happy and lucky. He had never felt anything like this before. Like his life was complete and had a purpose.

Quickly, he ran toward the elevator, wanting to catch it before it closed. He did not want to wait for another cycle. He wanted to be fast so he could return as soon as possible.

But it seemed he was not the only one who had the same idea as he accidentally bumped into someone. Then, he had to catch the other person before she fell to the ground.

“I am sorry.” He said to her, holding her until she was back on her feet. But when he saw who it was. He immediately let go of her arms.

She was the last person in the world he would like to see. She was the biggest mistake in his life that he wished to forget.