Lu City Airport, Brooke’s POV:-

I’ve just returned to Lu City after 5 years. I was brutally kicked out from the Lee family as I brought disgrace upon them with a premarital pregnancy. If only my mom were here. She wouldn’t have had let me get kicked out. But unfortunately, she disappeared when I was 10, leaving my dad to go crazy to find her and me in a emotional rollercoaster. My dad didn’t last for too long in that state of trauma. He gave up his business to my aunt- my dad’s step sister and left to become a monk. Leaving me to be mistreated everyday. But this won’t happen again Aunt Rose, for I am back. And I will take what belongs to me. 5 years ago, you had an excuse that I was too young to control a business, but now that I have completed my MBA, no one can stop me.

Lu City Airport, Zane’s POV

We just landed in Lu City. Being brought up and raised abroad, I was very curious about the city where my mom lived. I looked over at mom. She had just stopped in the middle of the page with tears in her eyes. I said, ‘Don’t worry mom. I am here with you now, no one would dare do anything to you.’ But she just wiped her tears and started walking with taking my hand. I know that my mom has gone through a lot and my father abondoned me too. But I won’t let that make mom sad. I will do my best to make her happy.

The New House, Zane’s POV:-

We walked into our new house in Lu City for we were going to stay here for a long time. As we took our luggage and settled in, mom called the local elementary school for my admission. They said that I could take the entrance test tomorrow. We had dinner and went to bed. As I hugged my mom and said good night, she gave me a kiss on the cheek with a look that showed her protectiveness towards her child like a mama bear and her cub. That made me feel warm and I snuggled with mom.

The Next Day, Brooke’s POV

I had completed my MBA now. But I still needed to start working at the bottom of the tier so that I could become strong and take back Lee’s group. For that, the most powerful group was the Harris group. They were not only ruling in Finance, Merging and Acquisitions, Real Estate but they were also the most respected. The only available position at Harris group was the President’s secretary. I was called for an interview.

At the Interview:-

Mr. Harris- So you decided to be my secretary. Haven’t you heard the rumours how I am so scary and don’t allow any mistakes?

Me- I did. But I won’t allow myself to make any mistakes and I have heard that Mr.Harris is scary but not seen it for myself, how could I trust their words over my own judgement.

Mr.Harris- Very well! You are hired. What’s your name?

Me- Brooke Lee, sir. And I will do my best. Thank you for hiring me.

So, that’s how I succeeded in my first step towards taking Lee’s Group back. I will show them that they can’t just underestimate Brooke Lee for being an unmarried mother.

Brooke’s pov

I was with a man. In bed. Making love to him. I was drunk so I didn’t bother asking his name. But as I saw his face, I was surprised. The young man looked very much like Mr. Harris- who was going to be my boss! As we made love to each other, yelling out on top of our lungs, giving no care to the world…. I suddenly woke up with a cold sweat…. What the hell!!! Thank god for that was just a dream. But wait a second, the only man I have ever had s** with is Zane’s father. Did that mean Mr. Harris was Zane’s birth father? I would have to investigate this thoroughly. Zane is my lifeline so even if he is Mr. Harris’s son; I need to have the power to keep him with me.

Morning…

I kissed Zane on the cheek as I dropped him off to school. The only hope I had was that he should not be bullied for not having a father. But I guess it would be inevitable. If only we would have stayed out of the country, but Zane mustn’t forget his culture.

At the office…

I knocked and went into the CEO’s office. When I saw Mr.Harris there, I could see a tiny bit of resemblance between him and Zane. Zane inherited my blonde hair, but he had Harris’s eyes. Mr. Harris gave me some work to do and I left. I started my investigation on Mr. Harris and got to know that he was a person who liked to maintain his distance from women. Then how could he be the one from that night? But then\~ I found out about his younger brother, a well known womaniser in the city. His younger brother got an actress pregnant, resulting in an estranged relationship with the Harris family. The older brother, my boss, was Ivan Harris and the younger was known as Jacob. Ivan Harris died 2 years ago. Jacob looked more like Zane but I still had by doubts about the father. Well, who cared, as long as my baby was safe\~\~

After office

I picked up Zane from school who was smiling. He told me that his classmates were very nice to him, especially a young guy called Leo Harris. My eyes widened but I composed myself. As I told Zane that we had to meet a friend of mine, he became happier cuz he would be pampered.

At the restaurant

I can’t believe that guy invited me to such an expensive restaurant. Now, I certainly can’t go Dutch. Kyle Wood walked in. He was called a cold person by other people but only I knew his true nature. Kyle was a doctor and my childhood friend. We used to be neighbours so we always played together and were very close. Kyle was the one who supported me in my times of need- when I was pregnant with Zane and he was the one who was present there when I gave birth. He was truly a dear friend. As Kyle saw Zane, he rushed forward and hugged him. ‘Is this my nephew? Aww he’s so cute!! Just like me.’ I said, ‘yes this is your nephew but he takes after me not you.’

I introduced Kyle to Zane, who was happy to have a paternal figure in his life. He was mature for his age and covered up his emotions well. As we bid farewell to each other, Sane gave Kyle a kiss on the cheek like he did to me and Kyle turned red immediately. He turned around as said bye to us facing us with his back. I had a hearty laugh.

Brooke’s pov

After we came back from the restaurant, Zane looked sad. He then asked me, ‘Mom, why don’t I have a father?’ I realised that I thought that I could raise him on my own but Zane still needs paternal love, a male figure in his life. As a woman, I may not understand him at times.

Zane’s POV

I asked mom about my father. I controlled myself very hard and did not let any tears fall from my eyes.

Flashback- that day at school

Bullies- Hey! I heard that you are the new guy in our school. But i never knew that our school’s standards dropped so much. Taking in an illegitimate child? Tsk-tsk. We are telling you now, transfer schools as quickly as you can or you’ll never get relief from us. Suddenly, a kid approached me. He was my age. He said that his name was Leo Harris. Being from the infamous Harris family, all the bullies got scared of him and ran away. Leo helped me get on my feet and we became friends immediately. I would have been sad, if not for Leo.

Flashback ends

As I faced my mom, who seemed shaken by my question, she just hugged me and said nothing. A few tears rolled down her eyes as she apologised to me for not giving me a father. I wanted to know my dad but I never wanted to make my mom cry. As I wiped my mom’s tears and consoled her, I said, ‘It’s okay mom. I am fine without a dad. Just stop crying please.’ Mom stopped crying and hugged me as she said sorry once again. It saddened me to see her like that. She tucked me in and left my room.

Brooke’s POV

I knew this day would come, but I never thought that it would be this soon. I think that for Zane’s sake, I have to find a potential match for marriage so that he will have a father.

Zane’s POV the next day

I met Leo in the hallway. He asked me if I was still sad because of yesterday’s incident. I said no but he didn’t believe me. So he said that he would tell me a story. Leo was born out of wedlock like me. When he was born, his dad married his mom. His dad married his mom, but he was disowned from his own family. As his parents struggled to support him, most days ended in violence. They fought and 3 years, his dad died in an accident. His mother took up many jobs, but then they were approached by the Harris family and took him in as his grandchild. I felt sad for Leo. A kid had to go through all that at such a young age while I was just looking for my dad. I have my sweet mother with me.

Brooke’s pov

After work, I met Kyle again and told him about what Zane said to me. Kyle was taken aback. Then he slowly took my hand in his and said, ‘Brooke, I know that you son is not mine biologically, but I would like to be his legal father. I want to take care of both of you. In this age and time, you will face a lot of troubles being a single mom. How about giving me a chance?’ He took out the engagement ring from his pocket. Wait, he had this planned all along? Then I suddenly realised something. Oh how stupid I was! All those signs, the warmth I felt with him. He liked me! More than a friend. And I was too stupid to realise it before. I wore the ring on my left hand’s finger. ‘Thank you so much Kyle, for giving me a family. I don’t know who is Zane’s biological father is, yet. But I am sure if I tell him that he would have a step dad, he would be happy.’