A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN

THEME: Mother and son

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA.

Rowan stared at his mother as she picked on her food. She hadn’t been eating much for days now. He had asked her countless of times if she was sick but she always responded otherwise. When he had been in the room with her, she must have thought he was asleep as she spoke to Tiana and informed her of the pregnancy saying it is the reason behind her constant early morning sickness.

Rowan didn’t understand most of the conversation, but one thing was clear to him-his mother was pregnant. His father Jacob had been away for a few days and Rowan had began missing him already. He had grown accustomed to his presence within a short period of time.

“Why won’t you and Dad get married?” He questioned out of the blue.

Raven stared at him with an open eye. “What are you talking about Rowan?” She had been too lost in her thought that she wasn’t paying much mind to him.

Rowan pierced his fork into the sausage. “Why are you and dad not together yet?”

“We aren’t together because we have been apart for a while.” Raven responded.

“But he is back now so we should stay under the same roof. Why does he have to live far from us?” He whined.

Raven inhaled. “Rowan baby.” She held his hand. “I and your father have been apart for a very long period of time. And I don’t love him anymore.”

“Why aren’t you in love with him anymore?” Rowan asked. He seemed confused. His little mind couldn’t comprehend the situation.

“I’m in love with someone else.” Raven answered.

“Who?”

Raven got stuck, finding it hard to respond but she had to say something or else Rowan won’t let her off. She sniffed. “I am in love with Christopher. I love him so much there is no way I can accommodate your daddy. I am so sorry baby.”

“Is that why you cry every night? Because you miss him?” His question shocked Raven, she had been so discreet with her daily dose of tears every night in the bathroom when she thought he was deep in sleep. It had never occurred to her that he was aware.

“Talk to me mom.” Rowan said.

Raven bowed her head in shame. “Yes, I cry because I miss him so much.” She admitted.

“And you are also carrying his baby?” Rowan asked again, his eyes seeming so innocent.

“How did you know?” The impact of his shocking questions were wild on Raven’s heart.

“I heard you telling aunt on phone.”

“Tiana?”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Yes.”

“When was that?”

“Few nights ago.”

“I’m so sorry for not sharing all this with you baby. I just didn’t think you were old enough to understand how everything is.” She caressed his cheek.

“Why don’t you call him mom? I miss him too and the rest of the family.” Rowan admitted.

“I can’t call anyone baby.” She told him.

“But I miss them and grandma too. Why won’t you let me contact them?”Rowan insisted.

Raven got pissed at his excess questions. “That’s enough, you hear me. Enough of your childishness! We are better off without him! And you won’t talk about any of them again is that understood?” Raven glared, standing up in annoyance.

Despite the facade, Rowan could see through his mother’s sadness and loneliness. He knew something had to be done.

*******************

Jacob dialed Raven’s phone. He had been expecting her to say something about his proposal but she was yet to give him any response. The Raven that he knew seven years back wouldn’t hesitate to respond to him. It was true people did change with time and he couldn’t refute his own faults in it. But he was determined to be patient till she was ready. He had meant it when he said he would take care of her, Rowan and the unborn child. Having them in his life was all that mattered. For years he had lived recklessly enjoying the fame and freedom that came with his successful career. But there was an emptiness inside of his soul that he couldn’t explain. None of the ladies he had met loved him truly, they only wanted him for what he was.

It occurred to him that he had been stupid to let his only true love down all for his career. He could have involved her in his future plans; instead he had let her down when she needed him the most and missed seven years out of his son’s life. He had missed the moment he was born, when he took his first step and when he said his first words. His selfishness had cost him a whole lot. However, it was different this time. He would do all it takes to bring his little family together. Raven was the only woman he loves and ever loved and nothing could change that.

Still trying her line, he knew certainly that she was avoiding his call. Not wanting to be a pest he dialed Rowan’s line instead.

‘Daddy!’ His little voice beamed with excitement from the other line.

‘My boy!’ Jacob called out with pride. ‘How are you doing son?’

‘I am fine daddy. Guess what I have been up to?’

‘Oh no, you tell me.’

Rowan giggled. ‘I added some new characters to my cartoon and it’s awesome. You would be blown away when you see it.’

Jacob laughed at his innocence. ‘You are so damn sweet son. I really can’t wait to see them, why not send a picture of it to me and let me have a quick glimpse of it.’

‘That’s right, give me a minute.’ Rowan said. The line went still for a minute. ‘I just sent it to you dad.’

Jacob checked through his WhatsApp messages. ‘Oh! My son! This is awesome!’

‘I told you, you would be awed.’

‘I am so proud of you my little buddy!’

‘Thank you daddy.’

‘What should I get you when I return?’

‘Hmmm…’ Rowan mused thinking hard. ‘I want your jersey.’

‘Oh wow. That’s a unique request. I will get it for you.’

‘Yaaayyyyy!’ He cheered in excitement.

“Mom did you hear that, dad says he would get me his jersey.”

Jacob heart skipped as he heard Raven mutter something in the background. ‘Can you give your mom the phone Rowan?’

“Okay. Mom, dad wants to speak to you.” Rowan said, handing the phone to his mother.

‘Hey Raven.’ Jacob breathed into the receiver.

‘Hi.’ Raven replied, sounding bored.

‘I called you but you weren’t picking.’ He said.

‘My phone is in the room. I am helping Rowan out with his drawings.’

‘Oh, that’s nice.’ Jacob paused, trying to choose his words wisely. ‘Erm, how about what we discussed Raven?’

‘I am still not changing my decision Jacob. I am not interested in your offer. Have a nice day.’ She replied.

“Here you go Rowan.” Raven handed the phone back to Rowan.

Jacob bit on his lips. He was feeling very heartbroken. ‘Ok son, talk to you later.’

‘Bye dad!’ Rowan responded as the line went dead.

Jacob patted his heart trying to stay positive as he laid on his back and slipped into a reverie.