Secret Mission

My name is Leandro Santilla. I'm ten years old, and for months now I've been consumed by a single purpose: finding a husband for my mom.

Since the day I was born, it's been just the two of us against the rest of the world. Mom always says Dad left long before I came along. I can't stand watching her work day and night anymore, her shoulders hunched under the weight of our lives. I don't want her to be the only one who takes care of me, who teaches me how to play soccer, who cheers me up when things get rough. She needs someone to support her too — someone worthy of filling the place that should never have been left empty.

Today isn't just any day. We've arrived at our new home, in the city where Mom was born — the city she swore she'd never return to. But here, in this neighborhood of cobblestone streets and houses with flowers in the windows, I feel like I can find the extraordinary man she deserves. He won't be just anyone. He'll need to be at least six feet tall, have a stable job so he's not living paycheck to paycheck, be noble in character, and above all else, love my mommy with a passion unrivaled in this world.

"What are you doing over there, sweetheart?"Her voice drifted softly from behind me as she crossed through the door with her arms full of boxes.

"Nothing, Mom... I'm making a list to organize our new place."I lied, my voice trembling, quickly hiding the paper where I'd written down all the required qualities.

"Oh, look at you!"Her face lit up with a tired smile. "A furniture list? Or maybe you're picking the color for your room, my little Leo?"

I turned slowly toward her, studying her face — her brown eyes, so deep, her lips curving into that smile she only ever gives me. I decided to go for the question I'd been preparing for days.

"Mommy... what kind of men do you like?"

She froze in the doorway. Her eyes went wide, and an intense blush painted her cheeks all the way to her ears. She swallowed hard, as if the air had been sucked out of the room.

"Well... I like good ones,"she whispered, walking over to touch my cheek gently with her index finger. "Just like my prince... You're the best man I've ever known in my life."

"Okay... but what else? Do you like them tall? Light hair or dark?"I pressed, feeling my heart race.

"Leo..."Her voice turned serious, and her brows furrowed with concern. "What are you up to, son? Why these strange questions?"

"Nothing, Mommy, just curious. What was my dad like? Was he tall, handsome, good-natured like you always say?"

That question always moves us both. For me, it's a mystery I want to unravel. For her, it's a wound that never fully healed.

"Well... you look so much like him, so yes," "she said, her voice breaking, pulling me tight against her chest."You were just as small, just as sweet... but you, my prince, are so much better than he ever was.

"Don't you really want a husband, Mommy? Don't you think the three of us would be happier?"

"I don't think I need anyone else in my life, sweetheart,"she whispered, pressing a kiss into my hair. "Because I have the whole world right here in my hands. I have you."

"Really?" "I asked, my voice cracking."

"Really, my love. Come on, let's go brush our teeth. Tomorrow's your first day at the new school, and I don't want you showing up tired."

Mom won't admit it yet, but I can't give up. This mission is more important than anything else in my life. I will find her a husband, whatever it takes.

***

The next morning, we got ready together like always. She combed my hair patiently, untangling each curl with care so it wouldn't hurt. She put me in the blue plaid shirt I love, adjusting the cuffs just right. I helped her fasten the top button of her white blouse — the one that always slips above the collar. When we were done, she took my hand and we headed to school.

While she handled the paperwork in the principal's office, I stayed in the hallway, scanning every corner with wide-open eyes. I searched every face, every tall figure that passed by. I needed to find someone who met all the requirements.

"Hey, buddy! Are you new here?"

I whipped my head around and saw a man approaching with a warm smile. He was tall — over six feet, I was sure — with short brown hair and eyes that sparkled with kindness.

"Good morning, sir. Yes, I'm a new student at this school,"I answered, extending my hand with the manners Mom taught me.

"Wow, what great manners this little guy has!"he exclaimed, shaking my hand with just the right amount of grip. "I'm Nahuel, the math teacher. But for you, just Nahuel."

"My name is Leandro Santilla. It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor,"I insisted on the respectful address, because Mom says good manners open every door.

"This is the first time I've met a ten-year-old this polished and well-mannered," "he said with admiration, placing a hand on my shoulder."I really like that.

Right then, I heard Mom's voice echoing down the hallway with a note of anger.

"Leo! Why did you wander off? Didn't I tell you to stay close to me?"

She strode over with firm steps, her brows furrowed, that little crease between them that appears whenever she's upset or worried. But then she turned her head and met Nahuel's gaze.

"Good morning, Professor," "she said, extending her hand with an elegance only she possesses."

"Now I see where this little guy gets his good manners," "Nahuel replied, shaking her hand warmly, his eyes never leaving her for a single second."It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.

Mom shot me an accusatory look that said more than a thousand words. She already knew I was up to something. But I just smiled innocently.

"Mommy, can I go to my new classroom now? The principal said she'd take me herself," "I said, hurrying to give them a little time alone."

"Yes, sweetheart. Behave on your first day, make lots of friends, and don't forget to eat all of your snack."She kissed my forehead, then turned back to Nahuel. "Nice to meet you, Professor. See you soon."

I watched her walk away with that confident stride of hers, while the professor followed her with his eyes until she disappeared through the hallway door. When he finally lost sight of her, he turned to me, and his face was as red as a ripe tomato.

"My mom's really pretty, don't you think, Professor?" "I said with a mischievous grin."

"Excuse me?... Yes, of course,"he whispered, running a hand through his hair nervously. "You have a very... lovely mother. Come on, Leandro, let me walk you to your classroom before class starts."

***

I rushed through the streets, trying to straighten my skirt and hold my bag with one hand while checking the time on my old wristwatch with the other. I had to make it to the job interview on time — this was the opportunity I needed to give Leo a stable life. But first, I'd need to have a serious talk with that little devil. Does he really see me as that lonely or sad that he's out looking for a partner for me? I couldn't believe it...

At the entrance to the luxurious Rose Garden Hotel, I spotted Rafael waiting for me. His tall, lean figure stood out among the crowd coming and going. His brown eyes glinted with impatience when he saw me approaching.

"Girl, I told you to be on time! You're going to let the opportunity of a lifetime slip away!"he shouted from the sidewalk, drawing stares from passersby.

"But there are still five minutes until nine," "I replied, showing him my watch with confidence."

"Get rid of that watch, it's obsolete, Briella! It's already past nine-ten!"He grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the entrance. "Come on, run, before they close registration."

Damn... he was right. My watch had fallen behind again. Inside, I saw a long line of people waiting for the same receptionist position. Having so many competitors was a disadvantage, but it was also a sign that the job was good — excellent pay, and the schedule would let me take care of Leo without any problems.

This hotel had been one of the most exclusive in the city when I fled eleven years ago. I never imagined I'd have to come back to this place, where I'd lived some of the happiest moments — and the most painful ones — of my life. But here I was, ready to face the past and move forward with my son.

One by one, people went in for their interviews, until I finally heard my name: "Briella Santilla, please." I smoothed the wrinkles on my black skirt with trembling hands, took a deep breath, and walked in determined to get that position.

The interview was brief but intense. They examined my resume carefully, reviewing every page. In the end, they told me the results would be sent via email within the next few hours. I walked out of the room on shaking legs. Hopefully luck would be on my side this time.

"How did it go, Briella?" "Rafael asked when I came out, his brow creased with worry."

"I think it went well... there were a lot of people, so all I can do now is wait and see what fate has in store for us," "I replied, sitting down on a bench near the entrance."

"I really hope so, girl! You have no idea how much I missed you and Leo all these years."He hugged me tight, and I felt the weight of the years lighten just a little. "I'm so glad you decided to come back."

"I'm happy to be here too, Rafa,"I whispered, hugging him back. "I missed this city. I missed your nonsense. I missed having someone I could trust."

"And... will you be okay here?" "he asked, leaning closer with a serious expression."Are you sure you want to come back to the place where... where it all happened?

"Of course,"I answered firmly. "It's been eleven years, Rafa. Those people probably don't even remember me. I'm sure they're perfectly happy now, enjoying their lives... just like I'm happy with my Leo. He's the man of my life, and with him, I'm the luckiest woman in the world."

"Those bastards don't deserve a shred of happiness,"Rafael growled, clenching his fists. "Especially Octavio... that coward who left you like that..."

"Please, Rafa, I don't want to talk about that on the first day we're seeing each other again," "I said, my voice strained, then laughed loudly to change the subject."Tell me what you've been up to all these years instead. Have you found the woman of your life? Do you have a girlfriend?

"I did, until three months ago,"he answered, shrugging with a sad smile. "But I don't think I'm made for commitment, Briella. I'm a disaster at that stuff."

"Don't say that, Rafa."I gave him a gentle punch on the arm. "You're an excellent man, don't ever forget it. And you'll see" you'll find someone who values everything good about you.

After a short silence, I kept talking, feeling how the laughter soothed my soul.

"But let me tell you about your godson's antics. Can you believe he's running a secret campaign to find me a husband? He even made a list of requirements!"

"Ha ha ha! What a little rascal!"He burst out laughing, slapping his knee. "Well, honestly, it took him long enough to get on that. You need to start living again, Briella. You have the right to be happy too."

I ignored his last words and kept telling him about Leo's mischief — our moves, his schoolwork, our plans for the future. There was no point discussing my personal life. He knew perfectly well why I'd locked my heart away for good.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***