Chapter 20%
“Mom, look!” He held up his right hand, wiggling his fingers flexibly. “The doctor said my fingers are recovering really well, I can write
now!”
My eyes welled up. I knelt down to help him adjust his collar. “That’s wonderful. Are you nervous about going to your new school today?“% Scott shook his head, his eyes sparkling. “Not nervous at all! Uncle Sebastian said there are lots of fun things at school and classmates who speak English.”
I ruffled his hair, a wave of warmth spreading through my heart.”
Since coming to this foreign country, Sebastian has helped my son and me with numerous problems, including finding a house, contacting doctors and even arranging for Scott to attend this international school.}
And I’ve also successfully found a suitable job.
I still remember standing in the bright conference room of an office building two weeks ago, my palms slightly sweaty.
The HR director opposite me was looking through my resume, then suddenly looked up. “Ms. Wallace, you were a project director at Lockwood Corp for seven years?“}
“Yes,” I said calmly. “Mainly responsible for overseas market expansion.“}
That was true. Although I got into Lockwood Corp because of Kai, I genuinely achieved a lot there through my own efforts during those seven years.
“Excellent!” The person opposite closed the folder. “We truly need someone with your transnational experience. Can you start next Monday?”
I was overjoyed. Now I’m already familiar with the work and have successfully settled into the office.} Since Scott started school, the smiles on his face have become more frequent, too.
He had no longer been putting on a brave face, which was a massive relief for me.”
His eighth birthday is coming up soon and I plan to give him a perfect birthday party.}
The night before his birthday, Scott was lying on the carpet, earnestly drawing and writing on invitation cards. I leaned closer and saw that he had drawn three small figures on each card, two adults holding hands with a child.
“Who is this?“}
“This is Mom, this is Uncle Sebastian and this is me!” Scott pointed at the drawing excitedly. “I’m going to invite my classmates to the birthday party!”
My heart skipped a beat. I subconsciously looked towards the kitchen, where Sebastian was cutting fruit, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his well–defined forearms.
As if sensing my gaze, he turned and smiled at me.}
I quickly turned my face away, but then heard Scott innocently ask, “Mom, why are your ears so red?“}
I lightly coughed, explaining, “I’m just hot, you must be mistaken.“>
I thought I heard Sebastian’s faint chuckle from not far away. My body stiffened and I felt my face grow even hotter.}
I pretended not to notice and continued to decorate the living room.}
The next morning, the living room was filled with colorful balloons and Scott’s new classmates chattered excitedly around the cake.
Sebastian was squatting on the floor, helping the children assemble a toy train, a ‘small patch on the back of his white shirt soaked with
sweat
“Sebastian.” I handed him a glass of lemonade. “Don’t spoil them too much.“>
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he tilted his head to drink, a few drops sliding down his chin. “It’s Scott’s first birthday with his classmates, of course, he should have a blast.“”
The candlelight reflected on Scott’s cream–smeared face. My nose tingled as I watched him close his eyes to make a wish.}
The child who had shrunk in the hospital room just half a month ago, afraid to speak, was now loudly declaring, “I want to give the first piece of cake to Uncle Sebastian!“}
The children cheered, “Why?”
“Because Uncle Sebastian is the best!” Scott suddenly blurted out something shocking. “I wish he could be my dad!“}
“Pfft! Sebastian choked.”
My face instantly burned and I clumsily tried to wipe away non–existent cake stains.”
Amidst the room full of laughter, Sebastian suddenly gently took my wrist.”
His palm was warm and dry. His voice was so low that only I could hear it. “I’ll work hard for that.”
10:10 AM
