As Kaius and his assistant Aaron continued their search for a new investor, the front desk interrupted with a call.
" Sir, your mother is here to see you," the receptionist announced. Before Kaius could even process the news, the door swung open, and his mother's familiar face appeared in the doorway.
As their eyes met, Kaius felt a surge of emotions - surprise, happiness, and a hint of guilt for not seeing her sooner. It had only been a few weeks, but it felt like forever.
Heaven knows, Kaius loves his mother and not being able hug her was painful, he could see the sadness in her eyes before she could blink them away.
" Leave us" he said his voice almost a whisper. Aaron bowed his head and left, the silence was consuming.
" Mama" he called.
" Please seat" bringing a more comfortable chair for her to sit.
" How are you doing mi hijo" She asked, staring lovingly at her son.
"I'm fine mama, how are you and how is father doing ?" He asked.
" I'm fine " she smiled " And so is your father"
Sighing she continued, " Apart from wanting to know how you're faring, I also wanted to ask you about something else, something... important." Her expression turning serious.
Standing up, Ximena Blackwood walked gracefully to the coffee machine.
She took her time, brewing the coffee to her taste.
" I heard you slept with a girl, Is it possible that she ...that she cured you" her hands visibly shaking as she clung to the mug like her life depended on it.
" Is it true kaius?" She asked cautiously.
" And where did you hear that from mama?" Kaius questioned.
" Your ... someone" she said.
" Haa, so it's true" Her beautiful emerald eyes widening in surprise. The change in his expression told her how true it was, she had never seen her son act like that since that day.
Kaius sighed knowing thousands of questions were ging to follow. But before she could even begin, he replied.
" I don't know her, We met at the bar for my business meeting , I don't know her name and lastly we didn't sleep together, we only kissed "
******
I should have known that this incident would get to my mother. Her expressions kept changing, I wondered what was running through her mind.
There were times she acted like a kid.
" But you spent the whole night with her." She asked her voice laced with concern.
" Why didn't you do a background check?"
" I couldn't, but I will" I reassured her.
" Maybe when you find out about her , you could marry her and maybe she could heal you " she said smiling in pain
"Mom..." I said, my voice low and cautionary, a warning to tread carefully. The dim light in the room seemed to amplify the weight of my words. "You know it's impossible," I continued, frustration etched on my face. "I can't marry her just because I...I could touch her. What if I can't be cured, what if, mom?"
My mother's gaze dropped, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her disappointment. Her slender frame seemed to shrink into the couch, the cushions swallowing her whole. I yearned to comfort her, but I felt helpless, trapped in my own limitations. The distance between us seemed to grow, a chasm I couldn't bridge.
Few minutes passed as I left her to calm down before breaking the news to her.
" Ryker came to the office." I began.
" I had a deal that needed my signature and i was suppoesd to have a meeting" I said knowing the mention of Ryker's name would stir up unpleasant memories.
" I met him unexpectedly, I didn't know he was the owner of the company."
My mother's eyes seemed to cloud over, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of fear. 'Kaius, I need to tell you something,' she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 'Something about Ryker and his company... something I should have told you a long time ago.'"
I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "What is it, Mother?"
She hesitated, as if unsure how to proceed. "Ryker's company... it's connected to your grandfather's past. To the reason he left us years ago."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. My grandfather's past was a sensitive topic, and I'd always avoided discussing it. Now, my mother's words had opened a floodgate of emotions.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
My mother's eyes filled with tears. "I was trying to protect you, Kaius. I didn't want you to get hurt."
I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. My mind was racing with questions, but I knew I needed to calm down before I could think clearly.
"I need some time to think," I said, standing up. My mother nodded, understanding. "I'll be here when you're ready to talk."
As she walked out of the office, her farewell echoed through the room, leaving me alone with my turbulent thoughts.
The familiar surroundings now felt alien, as if my whole world had been turned upside down. The foundations I thought I knew were crumbling, and I was struggling to find my footing.