Chapter 10%
I stood there, frozen in shock, as Russo’s words hung in the air. The reporters were eating it up, snapping pictures and asking more questions. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no way out.
But then I looked down at Ethan, who was gazing up at me with a mischievous grin. I remembered his whispered words, “Just act for some time. That arrogant girl and her father are watching us.“>
I took a deep breath and put a smile on my face. I wrapped my arms around Russo’s waist, playing along with the charade. “Yes, we’re a happy family,” I cooed, trying to sound convincing.“]
Russo’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and he pulled me closer, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered in a low voice,“If you agree, we can be.“}]
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I pulled back, trying to maintain some distance. But Russo just chuckled and kept his arm around me, holding me close.
The reporters continued to ask questions, and Russo fielded them with ease, spinning a tale of our supposed relationship. I listened, amazed, as he wove a web of deceit, making it sound like we were a loving couple.”
But I knew the truth. I had just met this man, and I had no idea what his motives were. Was he just trying to help me out of an awkward situation, or was there something more to it?!
As the reporters finally began to disperse, Russo turned and bent down.
“Naughty boy,” he pinched Ethan’s cheeks, saying, “You can’t call Daddy anybody. Next time don’t do this to anyone or your mother would be in trouble.”
I smiled apologetically and said in a soft voice, “Mr. Russo, I’m really sorry for Ethan’s behaviour, and thanks for not letting him down.“)
“Don’t be sorry, Doctor Darcy, Let’s just say, I enjoyed the show,” he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I pulled back, trying to create some distance between us. I wondered how he knew my name and profession, but I didn’t want to extend our conversation. So, I chose not to ask. Instead, I held Ethan’s hands and said, “Let’s go home, Ethan.”
“Wait…” Russo held Ethan’s other hand and stopped us. He again bent down to face Ethan, and put his card in the pocket of Ethan’s shirt before saying, “Next time when you need Daddy just call me. I’ll be there. Good boys don’t change their Daddy every time they are in trouble, okay?“!
Ethan narrowed his eyes as he asked, “But, you said I can’t call Daddy anybody?“}
“I’m not anybody, am I?” Russo immediately replied, making Ethan smile in joy.
After Russo got up, I asked, “Why are you doing this, Russo? You shouldn’t encounter him to call you Daddy.”}
“Or you want him to call Daddy every other man he sees?”
Russo’s remark left me in a daze. I didn’t say anything on this, took my son and left.”
While returning home in my car, I said to Ethan, “Ethan, that was not cool at all. I get that you wanted to show off before that little girl, but you just can’t call ‘Daddy‘ to anybody.“}
“But Mommy,” he said, “He is not just anybody. He said that, didn’t he?”
I shot him a dark glance before we two burst into laughter.}
My laughter came to an abrupt halt when Ethan suddenly asked, “Mommy, Is Harris Salvador my father?“}
I immediately pressed on the break and turned left to look at my son as I asked in a stunning voice, “Why are you saying that? Did anyone tell you something?“%
“No,” he said, “Reporters were addressing you as his ex wife, and you were hiding me from him. I just joined the clues.“}
I knew my son was smart. But oftentimes, he left me speechless by showing he was smarter than I expected.
“Hmm…” I hunned, “Do you like him?”
“No,” he replied instantly, “You did it right, divorcing him.”
My eyes welled up with tears. Many people have told me this, but hearing this from my son who desperately wanted a Daddy means a lot to me.”
“I don’t want a Daddy like him,” he added. I smiled, and before I could thank my son for understanding me he said, “I want Uncle Russo as my Daddy.”
“Why do you want him as your Daddy?” I asked.
“Because he is more handsome and successful than Harris Salvador.” He replied.
“And how do you know that?” I asked,}
“All the reporters and cameraman stopped covering Harris Salvador as soon as they saw Uncle Russo, and went to click him. It proves that Uncle Russo is more popular than him.”
“Is it the only reason that you want him as your Daddy?” I asked. “No,” He replied, saying, “He is a nice person too. That little girl was so arrogant yet Harris didn’t scold her. It means he is not a nice person and he was there donating only to show off to the media. Meanwhile, I called Uncle Russo ‘Daddy‘ in front of many cameras. If he was arrogant and rude, he would have shunned me off. But, he didn’t. Instead, he carried on with me, not caring about his image at all. It proves that he is a nice person.“}
“So, what you did was a test for Mr. Russo, not just a show off act?” I asked in surprise.
