THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

CHAPTER 71 – Zara’s POV

That very day, we joyfully brought our daughter out of the orphanage, relieved to discover that she harbored no resentment. She expressed his happiness at having her wish fulfilled and being reunited with us.

The overwhelming joy I felt was impossible to contain. Lucas, Enrique, and I had a delightful time together, showering our daughter with love and affection. Enrique, being the older brother, embraced him warmly, forming an instant bond.

As we sat in the van, she curiously asked, “Where are we going?”

It was late, and darkness had enveloped the surroundings. But we were nearing our grand mansion. The anticipation among everyone to meet our son, the long-lost member of the Blackwood family, was palpable. Gratitude filled the hearts of our relatives, thankful that we had finally found our daughter, our missing piece. It was as if a void in my heart had been miraculously filled. Lucas and I couldn’t help but smile, radiating pure joy.

“We’re going home, sweetie. To our grand house…” Lucas replied, sitting beside him, while Enrique embraced me, hugging me tightly.

“Really? We’ll all sleep next to each other? Yay! I’ll be beside Mom, Dad, and Brother!” she exclaimed, his voice brimming with joy.

We all chuckled in unison, sharing her excitement.

“If that’s what you want, little one,” Enrique replied.

“What does our house look like, Mom? Dad? Even if it’s simple, as long as we’re all together,” she asked.

I was grateful to see that our child had grown content with what she had. However, we also wanted to provide her with everything he deserved.

“Our house is grand, my dear. But first, we’ll go to your grandparents’ house. Your cousins, grandparents, and extended family are eagerly waiting to see you!” I assured her enthusiastically.

A hint of sadness crept into our son’s smile. “I wish I could see, you know? I wish I could see the faces of my father, mother, and older brother. Even though my world is always dark, I know I’m not alone. Thank you so much! Thank you for bringing me back. I thought you didn’t want me anymore, so you gave me away,” she expressed with gratitude.

Her words pierced our hearts, reminding us of the depth of his emotions. I couldn’t bear the thought.

“Don’t say that, my child. Your disability is never a reason for us not to love you. We would never want to part with you if not for circumstances beyond our control. And Mom and Dad promise to do everything possible to give you the best. Okay?”

“Really? Thank you so much! I love you all!” she exclaimed, and we showered her with kisses on his forehead.

“We love you too, little one!”

Soon enough, we arrived at the grand mansion, where our grandparents eagerly greeted us, brimming with excitement to meet their beloved granddaughter. She radiated pure happiness, relishing in the love that surrounded her.

The entire family celebrated that night, rejoicing in the miracle of her return. We also began preparations for a grand party next week to honor her, as it truly felt like a miracle to have him back in our lives. We wanted to commemorate this joyous occasion.

“How do you feel now that you have a little sister, son?” I asked, curious about his thoughts on the matter.

“I’m thrilled, Mom. Didn’t I tell you before? I’m so happy that we finally get to meet her. I’ll be a protective brother to her,” my son replied, his enthusiasm shining through.

I couldn’t help but feel immense pride. It amazed me how my young child had such a capacity for understanding and compassion.

“Ken, I want you to understand something important. Your sister is a bit different, and she requires special attention. Are you okay with that? I don’t want you to feel jealous or resentful. You and your dad will always be our first treasures, and we love you just as much as your sister. Can you promise not to be jealous?” I explained, making sure he understood.

“Mom, I already know that. I won’t be jealous or hold a grudge. I understand the situation. As the older brother, it’s my duty to take care of Ava. I promise,” he reassured me, and my heart swelled with love and pride.

“That’s our boy,” I beamed with delight.

The following day, we went to the mall as a family to meet with our extended family. We planned to shop for our daughter’s essentials while also taking Ava for a checkup. It turned out that our daughter was malnourished and needed to gain weight before her potential eye surgery.

Lucas and I were determined to ensure that our son’s life didn’t lose its vibrancy forever. We wanted to show her the beauty of the world and do everything in our power to ensure our daughter’s happiness.

After the doctor’s appointment, we headed to the mall and purchased a multitude of items, arranging for the mall to have them delivered. As we strolled through the mall, I caught sight of a familiar face I hadn’t seen in years.

“Antoinette!” I called out, filled with excitement.

It had been such a long time since we last met, around four or three years ago.

“Zara! I finally see you! We have so much to catch up on. Oh, is that Enrique? My, he’s grown into a young man, hasn’t he? And who is this beautiful young lady here?” Antoinette exclaimed, appearing to be alone.

“Hello, my name is Ava,” she introduced himself.

“Bless you, godmother,” Enrique said.

“Bless you, my dear. Lucas, may I borrow your wife for a little while?” Antoinette requested, glancing at my husband.

He let out a sigh. “Of course, but please make it just an hour. The children need their rest too,” Lucas agreed, displaying his understanding nature.

Lucas took our kids to a toy store first, while Antoinette and I decided to find a nearby coffee shop. We stumbled upon a delightful little spot with chocolate brown walls, cozy tables, and friendly customer service. The aroma of the place was enchanting, a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet chocolate scents.

As we settled in, we both ordered our preferred coffees. I chose a rich and indulgent dark chocolate brew, while Antoinette opted for a creamy latte. To accompany our drinks, we treated ourselves to a slice of mouthwatering blueberry cheesecake. The combination felt wonderfully nostalgic, evoking cherished memories. Lost in the moment, I couldn’t help but reflect and yearn for what once was.

“What do you miss, Antoinette? If only we could turn back time,” I mused, casting a wistful gaze at my ring finger.

She responded with a tinge of sadness in her eyes, “It’s heartbreaking to think how everything unfolded. It feels more tragic than the tale of Romeo and Juliet. If only I had known sooner… If only we had the chance to correct it all.”

Regret filled my voice as I pondered the possibilities. If only I had known earlier, perhaps I could have rejected Nick properly, allowing him to find someone else. Antoinette let out a heavy sigh, taking a sip of her coffee before settling down to talk.

“On the other hand, Zara, I must admit it’s partly my fault too. I knew that Nick had feelings for you since our college days, but I didn’t intervene because I enjoyed his pursuit. That’s why, during our college years, I tried to ship both of you… Your grandfather was quite the matchmaker.”

I interjected, contemplating the undeniable truth that some things, no matter how we fight against them, simply aren’t meant to be.

“It’s not like we were destined to be together, Antoinette. There are circumstances that we can’t change, no matter how hard we try. If something else is meant for us, we cannot escape it.”

At the end of the day, destiny is merely another way of referring to our path-the choices that lead to our happiness or lack thereof. It becomes a matter of weighing the opportunity cost and seeking our own happiness.

Antoinette admitted, “I stopped shipping the two of you because, first and foremost, you were already married. I hoped that Nick would give up and move on! But who could have predicted that blind love would drive him to such lengths?”

The fact was undeniable, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of sympathy and lingering anger towards Nick.

“There is still a scar in my heart, Antoinette. It’s not easy to forgive the weight of his transgressions, both for me and for us. It will take time to heal those wounds. Forgiveness is not something that can be rushed,” I confessed, acknowledging the profound impact his actions had on us.

The wounds he inflicted cannot be easily mended.

“I agree, Zara. Forgiveness is a complex process, and as mere humans, we have the right to take our time. Life isn’t easy, and forgiveness even less so. I can’t say for certain how I would handle such a situation,” Antoinette sighed, recognizing the immense challenge that forgiveness poses.

“That’s why, as soon as I discovered everything, I did my best to return to the Claybourne. I had been working in Italy for two years on a business contract and expansion. I never suspected that the letter we received wasn’t yours. In that note, you had clearly expressed your unwillingness to marry. I overlooked the fact that Nick could mimic your handwriting. All the signs and answers were right in front of us, yet we failed to notice,” I lamented, realizing how oblivious we had been.

“This serves as a lesson for both of us, Antoinette. A scar that will remain etched in our minds for a long time. Nick has taught me a valuable lesson-that trust can be tarnished and love has the power to build or destroy someone,” I said, picking up my phone as I noticed my husband looking for me.

Our children were tired and in need of a nap.

“Let’s pray that someday Nick will soon realize his error,” I said before excusing myself.

But before totally leaving, I informed her about my daughter Ava’s upcoming welcome party, which would take place the following week. Thankfully, her schedule remained clear, and she would bring her son, who was only a few years younger than Lucas, to join in the celebration.

Reluctantly, we said our goodbyes, exchanging contact information once again. We parted ways, with a lingering feeling of missing each other. True friendships are meant to last, even if we don’t see each other frequently.

I made my way to the parking lot, where my husband was already waiting. Our two kids were asleep inside the van, exhausted from their day of play. They had a fantastic time, and I was grateful for that.

In my own childhood, I had limited opportunities for play, as there was no one to watch over me. My grandfather was busy as a captain, and my mother, a school principal, carried many responsibilities at the time. I had to behave within the confines of our home.

Now, I yearned to provide my children with a life filled with experiences I never had. It wasn’t because my own childhood was lacking, but because I wanted them to encounter the joys I had missed.

As we sat inside the van, Lucas and I held hands, content with the blessings we had. I felt incredibly fortunate to have him by my side. Our journey together had been long and arduous, but we knew there would be more moments of both joy and pain.

Three days later, we visited my mom and grandfather’s house. Mom was brimming with excitement and joy, adoring our youngest Ava. She couldn’t help but mention how much he resembled me as a child, in terms of cuteness. Meanwhile, Grandfather had enlisted the help of our eldest, Enrique, in tending to the small urban garden at the back of the house.

“Kids, do you want some cookies?” Mom asked Ken and Ava.

“Yes, Granny!” they replied.

I smiled as they followed Mom to the kitchen where freshly baked cookies were waiting to be eaten. Then, I took a deep breath because at the moment, I’ve been missing my husband.

It’s a pity that he was able to come with us. He had works to do, and being the CEO of Blackwood’s Holding Company means he had immense responsibilities.

“Mom, do I really look like you?” Ava asked when she came back, and I nodded before kissing her forehead.

“Yes, dear. You are as beautiful as your Mom,” I told her and there was a smile on her lips. While watching her smile, I felt like crying because she couldn’t see me yet.

Then, Enrique joined us, and he saw me teary-eyed while staring at his sister. He understood how I felt at the moment, and after holding Ava’s hands, he took her outside.

Soon enough, my blessed little boy would grow into a fine young man. And by chance, he has inherited his Dad’s features and charisma. Few years later, he would be a grown up and he would probably become a heartbreaker like Lucas but of course, I wouldn’t let him.

When Ava would become a young lady soon, I suspected that Enrique would become protective of her. Like his Dad, he could be possessive and protective. While daydreaming about the time they would become adults, Ava returned with a question.

“Mom, how do I look?” she asked and I was compelled to describe herself.

. “Mmm, you are incredibly beautiful and adorable. Your complexion is fair, you got a button nose and red lips, and of course, your face is lovely to look at,” I told her.

“Really, Mom? I hope I can see all those things too. I want to see the colors of flowers, rainbows, dogs, and even my brother’s drawings. I hope darkness doesn’t overshadow everything,” my daughter replies, her innocent hope shining through her words.

It broke my heart to know that she yearned for something she hadn’t experienced fully. Indeed, it’s heart-wrenching to think that my daughter has to endure such hardships.

She should be shielded from the difficulties and trials that should be ours alone. If it were possible, I would willingly give my eyes to her, just so she could see the world in all its beauty.

As a mother, it pained me to see Ava like this. Her smile held a glimmer of happiness, but deep down, I knew that something was missing. There’s an underlying sadness that lurked beneath her daily existence. It’s a darkness that casts its shadow upon her.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Let it be, my child. The day will come when you will see everything, I promise. Just trust Mom and Dad. We will find a way for you to see the world, my love. That’s my promise to you, our little princess.”

I reassured her, vowing to do everything in my power to make it happen. We would leave no stone unturned to restore her vision.