Unbeknownst to Alynah, as she left, Tulip tiptoed out of the office and ran off. She hid behind the wall and watched Alynah approach Emily, she giggled and followed her. As the duo entered the elevator, Tulip sneaked in without them noticing. She stayed behind them and made sure not to make any movements until the elevator reached the 64th floor. She sneaked out and ran off before they noticed her.
Kayden was busy with his laptop when he heard the door clicked open and Tulip entered. Her steps were slow and steady as her curious grey eyes darted around the large office before suddenly landing on a pair of identical grey eyes.
Kayden stiffened as Tulip stood there, staring innocently at him. He was like 'what is a child doing here?'. He melted when he heard Tulip's soft tiny voice.
"Good day uncle"
Kayden stared at her and suddenly smiled. "How're you?" He asked, shooting her a welcoming gaze.
"I'm fine, Uncle" Tulip smiled back.
"Come here" Kayden gestured. Tulip hesitated for a while before walking further. Kayden picked her up and placed her on his laps.
"Who are you with?" He asked, staring down at her.
"Mu.. Aunty Aly brought me here after school" Tulip replied. She wanted to say 'mummy' at first but then remembered the strict warnings from Alynah.
"What's your name?" Kayden asked again.
"Tulip" she replied, popping her cute little pink lips.
"Tulip" Kayden echoed, fiddling her soft black curls between his fingers.
Kayden didn't normally like kids. He sees them as nuisance, that's why he rarely visits his family house. Tulip here is an exception, he suddenly felt like she's some kind of special child.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door and Kayden urged her to come in. Alynah walked in, in steady steps. Her eyes widened at the sight of Tulip. Her heart suddenly jumped into her mouth that she suddenly felt like fainting.
"Tulip! What are you doing here?!" She yelled. Not caring Kayden's presence.
"Mummy, this place is beautiful, isn't it handsome uncle?" Tulip asked.
Alynah froze while Kayden stiffened.
"Right mummy?" Tulip asked again, staring up at Alynah.
"Mummy I'm talking to you!" Tulip whined.
Both parties were still frozen. Alynah's head was in a fuzz. This little brat!
"MUMMY?!"
Tulip pouted but then realization hit her.
"Oh mummy, you told me not to call you mummy at work"
Alynah shut her eyes tightly, she felt like smacking Tulip's butts.
"That's enough Tulip!" She whisper-yelled frustratedly.
"Sorry mummy" Tulip pouted while Alynah glared at her.
"Wait for me outside" she urged. The frozen statue whose name is Kayden, suddenly moved and helped Tulip hop down his laps. Fiddling her fingers, Tulip left the office.
Kayden was still dazed as he tried to process what exactly is going on. He thought he was hallucinating but hell! He'll never hallucinate something like this. At least, not yet.
"Sit Alynah" his voice was barely audible due to how soft it is. It was more like a whisper. Alynah sat down opposite him, her head lowered.
Kayden's Adam apple bobbed up and down as he gulped. "Is she your daughter?" Was the first question he asked.
Alynah shut her eyes not wanting to answer. She can't even deny it because Tulip has already spat it out. No one will believe her even is she denied because a little four year old girl cannot lie. At least, not with stuffs like that.
Kayden gulped again. This is the first time he's becoming nervous of asking questions. He gently rubbed his palms together and met her gaze.
"Are you married?"
Alynah felt her heart and soul breaking into pieces. That question left a sting in her heart, she knows it's not proper to have a child outside marriage. That's why she wanted to keep it a secret but here is she, Tulip burst her bubble. Well, it's not her fault, is it? Tulip is just a child.
Those painful memories of her past started flowing in her brain. The pain of being rejected by her family, being betrayed by Valarie, lack of support and loneliness when raising Tulip without a father, the pain of Tulip getting bullied in school. And now, the thought of Kayden finding out about her secret terrified her to the bone. She's scared of his reaction.
'Don't cry Aly! Not in front of him!' her subconscious mind comforted.
But when Kayden asked what's wrong, she lost it because a sob escaped her lips and tears rolled down her cheeks. Kayden was taken aback by her sudden change of expression. He suddenly remembered what she told him that day
"I have done things I'm not proud of"
Kayden's gaze transformed into worry and concern as he slowly stood up. Alynah sprang her feet up and made to leave but Kayden was fast to grab her wrist and pull her closer to himself.
"Let me go please" she struggled but Kayden's grip tightened around her waist.
"I can't, not when I'm seeing you like this" Kayden replied, his soft deep voice lingering in her hair.
Alynah stopped struggling and cried in his chest. She hugged his back tightly and cried out for a while.
"I won't force you to tell me but... Whenever you feel like telling me, I'll gladly hear it out. Just know that you can always trust me" Kayden stated, patting her back soothingly.
"I can't... I'm not who you think I am. I'm not a woman anymore..."
"Shhhh" Kayden cut her off and coaxed her.
"I don't care what happened in your past. I still see you for who you are not for what you've done before. It may not be your fault, do do not blame yourself for whatever that happened" he added. His voice sounded like a symphony that calmed her nerves instantly.
Kayden shut his eyes inhaling her warmness and closeness. Her natural scent mixed with the scent of her perfume have her s heart soothing scent. They stayed like that just calming down until the door clicked open behind them.