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Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on November 10, 2024

Chapter Thirty Four

Later that evening, Tasha went to Ethan’s room. The light in the hallway cast a soft glow into the space, revealing Ethan sitting cross–legged on his bed, his small face etched with confusion. Tasha could see he was still bothered by what had happened earlier with Venessa. She tried to steady herself as she

approached him, determined to offer comfort and clarity.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she said softly, sitting on the edge of his bed. “You doing okay?”

Ethan looked up at her, his eyes big and filled with questions. “Mom, why did that lady call me that? What’s a ‘basta…?“”

Before he could finish, Tasha cut him off gently, “Don’t say that word, honey. It’s not a good word, and you don’t ever need to repeat it.”

“But why did she say it?” Ethan pressed, his voice filled with the innocent curiosity only a child could have. “Is it because I don’t have a real dad?”

Tasha’s heart clenched at his words. She hadn’t anticipated this moment–having to explain such harsh realities to him. She stroked his hair, trying to find the right words. “Sweetheart, you do have a real dad. Just because he isn’t with us doesn’t make him any less your dad.”

Ethan fiddled with the blanket, his voice soft. “Then why isn’t he here? That lady said my dad couldn’t even afford her phone. Is my real dad poor?”

Tasha took a deep breath, feeling the sting of Venessa’s cruel words all over again. She wished she could shield Ethan from all of this, from the confusion and the hurt. But at the same time, she knew he deserved some kind of explanation. The truth, at least as much of it as he could understand at his age.

“Honey, people can say mean things sometimes, and it’s not because they’re true. It’s just because they want to hurt others.” She paused, her eyes locking with his. “Your dad… he’s not poor. And whether he has money or not doesn’t matter. What matters is that he loved you, and that’s something you should never

doubt.” 1

Ethan furrowed his brow, still struggling to understand. “But if he loved me, why isn’t he here with us?”

Tasha swallowed hard, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “Sometimes, adults make decisions that don’t always make sense to kids. Your dad… well, we had to go our separate ways. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t care about you, okay? You were just a baby then, and you’re growing up into such a strong, smart boy now.”

Ethan was quiet for a moment, digesting her words. “Do you think I’ll ever get to meet him?”

Tasha’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected this. The truth was, she had kept Ethan away from Daniel, out of fear and uncertainty, not knowing what was right. But now… after today’s events, everything felt like

it was slowly unraveling, and the thought of Ethan one day finding out the truth terrified her.

don’t know, sweetheart,” she answered honestly, brushing a hand through his hair again. “Maybe one day. But for now, I just want you to know that I’m here for you, always. And you are perfect just the way

you are.”

Ethan nodded, though he still seemed deep in thought. “Okay, Mom. But… I still wish I had a dad who was around. Like my friends do.”

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Tasha’s heart ached at his words, but she smiled at him gently, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “I know, baby. I know.”

***

Days later.

It’s weekend and Tasha was nearly finished getting ready when the doorbell rang. She glanced at her reflection one last time in the mirror, smoothing down the elegant, silver gown that hugged her figure perfectly. The shimmer of the fabric caught the soft light of the room, accentuating her every movement. Tonight was crucial, and she needed everything to be just right. Her hair was swept up into a sophisticated bun, and her makeup was subtle but flawless just enough to make an impression without overpowering her natural beauty.

The door creaked open, and Robbin walked in, carrying a small velvet box in his hand. He had been working late all week, barely having time to meet with her or Ethan as she prepared for the Gala, but here he was, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, his dark eyes glowing with admiration as he took in the sight of her.

“Tasha,” he murmured, stepping forward and presenting the box to her. “I got something that I thought might go perfectly with your gown.”

Tasha raised an eyebrow, curious, as she took the box from him and opened it. Inside lay a delicate diamond necklace, glimmering with understated elegance. It was the perfect piece, not too extravagant, but just enough to elevate her look.

“Robbin, it’s beautiful,” she said, touched by the gesture. “You didn’t have to do this.”

He smiled softly, stepping behind her as he took the necklace and gently fastened it around her neck. His fingers brushed her skin, sending a brief chill down her spine. Tasha looked at her reflection again, this time with the necklace. It was perfect just like he said.

“You’re going to be the star of the evening,” Robbin said, placing his hands on her shoulders and leaning down to kiss the top of her head. “And you’ll knock them dead.”

Tasha smiled, her nerves calming as she turned around to face him. “Thank you, Robbin. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Before he could respond, Claire came into the room, already dressed in her evening attire, a stunning emerald green dress that matched her eyes. Her hair was down in loose waves, a rare sight since she usually kept it tied back for work.

“Wow, look at you,” Claire said, her face lighting up with a grin as she looked at Tasha. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”

Tasha laughed, feeling a little more at ease with both of them there. “I could say the same about you. That dress is stunning.”

“Well, you know, we can’t let you be the only one making heads turn tonight,” Claire teased as she adjusted her earring, giving Tasha a wink.

The babysitter had already arrived earlier, and Ethan had been tucked into bed, sleeping soundly. Claire had made sure the sitter knew the evening’s plan before they left. “Ethan’s all set. You ready to do this?” Claire asked, glancing between Tasha and Robbin.

Chapter Thirty Four

Tasha took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation building in her chest. Tonight would be a turning point, for better or worse. She looked at Robbin, then at Claire, and nodded.

“Let’s go,” she said.

The ballroom was filled with the elite of New York, everyone dressed in their finest attire as the shimmering chandeliers reflected off the polished marble floors. Investors, fashion moguls, and socialites mingled as soft classical music filled the air. This gala was not just any event, it was the prelude to the highly anticipated fashion contest, where alliances would be made, deals brokered, and careers shaped.

Tasha walked through the crowd with Robbin and Claire by her side, greeting some of the attendees she recognized. She could feel the weight of the night pressing on her, but it was nothing she wasn’t prepared for. Tonight wasn’t just about making an appearance; it was about cementing her place in the industry once again. After everything she had been through, this was her moment to shine.

“Excuse me,” a voice interrupted, drawing her attention. It was Mr. Belvoir, the man behind Belvoir Couture, who had flown in from London specifically for this event. His sharp, distinguished features softened as he approached her with a welcoming smile.

“Tasha, my dear,” Mr. Belvoir greeted her warmly, kissing her cheek in that familiar European fashion.” You’re looking stunning tonight, as always. I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Belvoir wasn’t expecting to you,” Tasha responded, her own smile bright. “It’s wonderful to see you again.”

As they exchanged pleasantries, Tasha couldn’t help but notice the weight of eyes on her. Something felt different. She casually scanned the room and froze. Her breath caught in her throat.

At the entrance of the ballroom stood Daniel. And next to him, Venessa, looking like she owned the place, her short gown shimmering under the lights as she made her entrance with an air of arrogance. Venessa held onto Daniel’s arm possessively, her eyes scanning the crowd as though it were beneath her. Tasha’s heart pounded in her chest, but she quickly composed herself, unwilling to let the sight of them rattle her.

Daniel’s eyes, however, immediately found hers. They locked gazes across the sea of people. Time seemed to slow as recognition, surprise, and something else entirely passed between them. It was the first time they had seen each other face to face in years, and it felt like a collision of their past and present all at once. Tasha could see the shock in his eyes, but she couldn’t decipher if it was from seeing her. She swallowed hard, fighting the wave of emotions that threatened to surface. *

Before either of them could react, Mr. Belvoir turned to Daniel and began making introductions.

“Ah, Daniel, there you are,” Mr. Belvoir called out, waving Daniel and Venessa over. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Tasha stiffened as Daniel and Venessa approached. Venessa’s smile was calculated, her eyes glimmering with mischief as she glanced from Mr. Belvoir to Tasha.

“Tasha, I’d like to introduce you to one of our most important investors in this project,” Mr. Belvoir said, turning to Daniel with a smile. “Daniel Sterling. He’s been instrumental in getting us the resources we need for the upcoming contest.”