"Zheen, I'm here again. I'm sending you a copy of Chloe's evaluation report. I wish we could chat later. "
Ajie closed his phone right away after sending the message. Jane had excused herself as a call was coming through, so he hurriedly forwarded the copy, which she also sent to his email.
He wondered why he felt drawn to this Zheena, who didn't even show a single photo of her. All her uploaded photos were all scenic views such as the sea, tea gardens, especially the Pierre Loti and different designs of superyachts. He was so excited to send her updates about Chloe and his plan to accept her offer.
"Daddy, water..."
"Say, please. "
"Please. " Chloe's face was streaked with white cream as she carelessly stuffed each spoonful of cake into her mouth.
Ajie pulled out a pack of wet wipes from her bag as well as her water canister. He then gently wiped her mouth with the wipes then helped her with the water.
Jane's voice interrupted his train of thoughts as she approached them.
"Jie, I'd like to point out an example. Since her difficulties are the language, you need to tell everything you do for her. For example, 'I'm going to clean your mouth with wet wipes. Or, I'm going to open your water bottle so that you can drink. "
"In that way, she will be familiarized with the things around her. "
"I see. Did my parents do it when I was a child? "
"No, of course. But my parents did. I also grow up with an occupational therapist because of my speech problem. "
"So do you mean, Chloe's case is not hopeless? "
"With patience and strong family support, she could also improve like me. "
"This is where Chloe needs a mother. " He said sadly, tearing Jane's heart.
"I also did not grow up with a mother. But dad's love was enough for me, and so is Louise. "
Speaking of Louise, his name hit his heart like a thorn. "How much do you know him? "
"We are childhood friends because our daddies are best friends. "
Ajie suddenly felt a surge of hope. Why was he not able to think about it before? "Are you still communicating? "
"It has been a very long while. We both got busy. Ever since his dad was arrested, I no longer heard about him. "
"Isn't it the right time to reach out to him instead? He loses a father so you could have lightened up his grief."
Chloe slid down from the chair, so their conversation was halted. "Where are you going? "
"Play! " She yelled as she went back to the table with the boxes of blocks.
Ajie turned to Jane again after he had followed Chloe with his eyes.
"Jane, can you do me a favor? Can you, please, find out indirectly the status of his hunting for Allie? "
"Sure. Why have I not thought about it before? " She felt triumphant but then sank back when she realized that she would be helping them to reconcile.
"Thank you, Jane. I wish I could somehow return all the favors you have given me. "
Jane looked up and smiled. "I'm not asking for any return. "
Having overwhelmed with the thought that Chloe needed a mother, he reached out for her hand under the table and looked straight into her eyes.
"Jane, if Allie wouldn't show up after the annulment process, will you marry me? "
"Adrian..." She stared at the big hand that covered hers, finding it difficult to look up. "But you don't love me. "
A marriage annulment process can last up to one to two years, so did it mean that her greatest desire, greater than the luxury she had enjoyed, would finally be realized? Besides, she couldn't understand why Allie had to hide from Ajie. She could always send him a message.
"It can be learned, and besides, all these years there's no other woman linked to me except you. "
Jane almost wept out with that very slight glimmer of hope. She couldn't care less if this man wouldn't love her in return as long as he would cherish no other woman than his wife.
"With one condition, Adrian. " She spoke, still being unable to take his melting gaze.
"Tell me. " Ajie lifted up her chin to let her look at him.
"Let Chloe call me 'mom'. "
Ajie smiled at the very selfless condition she had asked. And that was the very reason why he considered marrying her. "Does it mean that you are willing to marry me? "
"I will. " Jane closed her eyes as she looked down, feeling hurt by the fact that Ajie could not kiss her the way any man does whenever a woman accepts a marriage proposal. She felt a sense of self - pity, but her love for him covered all her insecurities.
Ajie pulled her close to him in a tight hug, being moved greatly by her selfless love.
"Thank you, Jane. "
But Jane only replied to him with her tears.
____
Two hours after lunch with Jane and Chloe, Ajie found himself sitting in front of Atty. Manloza, a legal adviser who was recommended to him by Mr. Lopez.
"So, you are Adrian James Gonzaga? " The scrutinizing eyes of the lawyer bore into his heart with guilt.
"Mr. Lopez called me up that you are on your way. "Atty. Manloza added as he gave him a pursed smile though he was not convinced of her kindness.
"So the marriage really doesn't work?" She lifted a brow with a sardonic smile. "It has been more than five years. "
Ajie was surprised. She seemed to know something about them. She must have read his reaction because she then chuckled out softly.
"What do you mean, Atty.? "He asked, his head remained lowered down.
Atty. Manloza suddenly seemed hesitant, but seeing his questioning reaction, she went ahead.
"Five years ago, Miss Allyza came over here. She said that the main reason for her decision to break free from you was because you were cheating on her. So, am I right that your reason for coming here is because of that woman? "
"What? There is no woman involved, and I am honest with that. "
"What happened then? " She asked, as she slightly turned her swivel chair.
"It has been five years since she disappeared..."
Atty. Manloza nodded silently as her eyes remained plastered at him.
"Well, I should believe you because that is what Mr. Lopez told me. But I would be honest with you. I am bothered by the pain I saw on your wife's eyes. I have ignored her, though, and told her, instead, to talk it out to you sincerely. "
"Atty., are you sure you are referring to my wife? "
"How could I forget? It was you who rescued Mr. Lopez. I even agreed that Dr. Jane would find you as a good husband, only to learn that you are about to get married to Miss Allyza. "