Chapter 128
Braver, Bolder
Kelly's POV
"Mommy, why is daddy Pierce not visiting?"
It's the 6th time Snow asked that question today. She doesn't seem to notice it for the past few days but now she's starting to think about it. Pierce is calling everyday, but he's not visiting.
I know I can't stop her from wanting to be with her dad. Her heart knows but for now, I need to focus on her and not on anyone else.
I still love Pierce. I fell in love with him for the second time, but I won't trade my daughter's safety for a man's love. I'd live but unhappy without Pierce, but I don't think I could ever survive a day if I lose my daughter. "Daddy Pierce is busy, pumpkin."
"I saw him on the news, mommy. Why are the people following him? They are asking him about you. Does daddy Pierce love you, mommy?"
I bit my bottom lip. "I don't know, sweetie."
"On my birthday next year, can I invite daddy Pierce and my friends, mommy?""
I finally smiled at her while chopping ingredients. "Of course, sweetheart. Who are your friends?"
She giggled and started counting on her fingers. "Aunt Ana, Aunt Yara, Uncle Luke, Aunt Phoebe and my secret friend."
My forehead creased. "Secret friend?"
"Yes, mommy. I can't tell you about him because he said we're secret friends."
My heart skipped a beat because of what she said.
I dropped the knife on the chopping board and stared into her eyes. "Please, tell mommy about your secret friend, sweetie.".
She shook her head, still smiling. "No, mommy. I promised him. You said breaking your own promise is painful. I can't tell you." My lips trembled. "Sweetie."
"I invited him on my birthday next year, mommy. He said he'll give me the best gift ever."
I gasped, I have a bad feeling about this. This can't be!
"And he told me I can call him daddy too! I have two daddies, mommy
1 cupped my mouth. No! No!
I squatted on the floor in front of Snow. "Baby, is your secret friend calling you using mommy's phone?"
She gasped and cupped her mouth while her eyes were widening. "You know him, mommy?"
"Sweetie, I thought you're only talking to daddy Pierce?
"He called first, mommy and he's very kind."
I was breathing raggedly as I kneeled on the floor in front of her. Snow looked at me with innocent eyes that were starting to water. Briver Bolder
"A-Are you angry, mommy?"
I immediately shook my head and caressed her cheek. No. No, sweetle. Of course not. Mommy will never get angry at you." "Really?"
"But you have to tell me everything you talk about with your secret friend and promise me that you'll let me talk to him if he calls again, okay?" "Why, mommy? Are you gonna scold him?"
I shook my head. "I'm just curious about your secret friend, sweetie. I wanna meet him too."
She looked very happy because of what I said. "I will introduce you to him once he calls again, mommy.
I nodded and pulled her closer to me. I hugged her so tight as I squeezed my eyes closed. I felt Snow gently caressing my hair, soothing me.
"I don't have friends before, mommy. But now I have many friends. I also have a daddy
A lone tear escaped my eyes. If only I'm courageous enough to take the risk. If only I can fight for both my daughter and her father simultaneously.
I pulled away from the hug and cupped her cheeks. "You will gain so many friends now, sweetheart. Mommy promised that I will introduce you to many friends."
"Really? Thank you, mommy! I love you."
"I love you too, pumpkin..."
We spent the day together again. It was Ana who's going out whenever we need to buy something or what. I don't wanna go out because I might reveal the truth in no time. I don't like it when people are gossiping about me. Reason why I chose a simple life. But the simple and peaceful life I always wanted is impossible now. I need to get stronger. I need to broaden and strengthen my connection and I can only do that if I'm on the line-up of the most influential people in the country. Even when I hate attention, I need the public. I need them on my side.
Walking along the hallway of the event hall where the party for the Foster Empire was being held. Attorney Lee hired someone to organize the event. Tonight, I will be introduced as the new CEO and President of Foster Empire. This will be a big scoop so I expected a lot of people from the media.
The two people guarding the huge double door opened it for me. The crowd immediately turned their heads to my direction while I walked straight towards Attorney Lee, who's standing in front. At the mini stage was the event host.
"And now, please give a round of applause to the new CEO and President of Foster Empire. Miss Kelly Monroe."
I smiled proudly as I slowly climbed on to the mini stage. The people clapping are looking at me with smiles on their faces. Meanwhile, I can see my mom's siblings at the round table in front of me, looking so disgusted.
I accepted the microphone and the bouquet of flowers that Uncle Connor handed to me. He doesn't have a choice but to act that everything's okay and he's happy for me or else this will be chaotic.
This is very overwhelming," I started as I caressed my chest. It's genuine. I'm really happy but there's a huge part of me that keeps on denying the truth that I just discovered today before I came here.
Braver Folder
I read the reports and all the documents that Attorney Lee gave to me. Written very clearly and detailed was everything that happened before and after my mom got abducted. Even the background of the kidnappers and the people who might be behind the incident was stated in there and I can see a lot of familiar faces from the crowd. Faces...that I saw included in my mom's abduction case.
"Thank you, everyone. For attending this important night. I'm giving you word that I will do my very best to help the company grow more. That's all. Cheers to the bright future of the Foster Empire."
I accepted the wine that the host handed to me and lifted it to the air.
I sipped on my wine and turned to Attorney Lee. He was clapping his hands while watching me with a serious face. I'm officially part of the Foster family now. They have a lot of resources and a broad connection. I will also use this opportunity to investigate my father's death. I'm not content with Amanda being in prison. I want her to lose everything. I want her to pay. I want her to suffer. Same with Klay.