I Fell For The Boy His Daddy Was A Bonus

Chapter 34: Samantha’s What Ifs

“Here you go, Liam,” Scarlett said, after preparing his meal for him. She pushed the plate in front of him. “Eat to be big.” “But, I’m already big. I don’t really like broccoli,” Liam complained, his lips twitching at the end of his words. “But Broccoli is good for you. It’s packed with fiber and protein that will help you grow taller and give you nutrients to protect your body from getting sick,” Scarlett explained. She pointed to the sauce which she had requested from the kitchen and said, “This creamy cheese sauce will add flavor to the broccoli. It’s going to be yummy.” Liam looked up at Scarlett with a pout and pleaded, “If you promise to attend my recital on Wednesday night and you’ll sleep next to me tonight.” The boy hugged Scarlett from the side and revealed, “I missed you, Scarlett.” Scarlett turned tomato red. She smiled while embracing Liam, but she could not help but steal a glance at Samantha Wright, Kaleb’s mother. Clearing her throat, Scarlett replied to the boy,” Okay. I could use a good rest, anyway. I’ll stay with you tonight. And about your recital, I remember it well and I promise to be there.” The very elegant-looking lady was observing her and Liam with a smile from across the table. Scarlett could not help but be in awe of Kaleb’s mother. He was right. The woman had exquisite eyes, and they were the same as Kaleb’s. She had a slender figure, very fair skin, and she had golden hair. The best part was how she looked younger than her actual age. Apparently, the reason Kaleb’s mother came to see them was that Liam bragged about Scarlett. Kyle Wright fetched Samantha and Ethan Wright at the airport and Liam happen to come along Kaleb’s father, Ethan Wright, went straight home, but Samantha decided to bring Liam home, with every intention of meeting Scarlett. “So, Scarlett, is it? It’s not Beauty?” Samantha sought. Kaleb and Liam chuckled, and Scarlett’s flush became deeper. “Um. No, it’s Scarlett. Scarlett Barnes,” she faintly replied.

“What is it you do, Scarlett?” Samantha inquired. “Um. I’ve had it tough over the year, but I think I have my life back on track now.” Scarlett began. “IContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

finished law school a year ago but had bumps on the road. I will be returning to practice in the same field tomorrow.” Then she sped, revealing her new job. “I’ll be working with the Longhills and Hogans Associates as a paralegal tomorrow.” “Very nice,” Samantha remarked. “This year, I’m going to take the bar exams, and hopefully, I’ll officially be a lawyer,” Scarlett added with a proud smile. “Tell me, Scarlett. Why did you want to become a lawyer?” Samantha asked. “Well, primarily because I was exposed to lawyers growing up,” she admitted. Having lived with the James made her admire the work of attorneys. “Then, there’s my like for reading books. I love to discover things and learn them through books. The thickness of learning materials does not scare me at all.” “Then, finally, when I got to practice it in little ways – even as I was young, I used to help with the previous family who aided in my education and employed my… my mother, Analisa. The exposure to their field of work convinced me more that it was the career I wanted to have.” Scarlett was very reluctant about telling her past with the James. After all, in the end, Luca James cut all ties with her, and Luca’s parents sided with him. Still, she could not deny how growing up with Luca had determined her decisions in life. “Of course, the biggest influence in my decision was after studying law itself and working in a law firm,” she added before sucking in a deep breath. “You know, finally getting your hands dirty, holding on to cases, it molded me and my dreams. In my first year in law school, I was two hundred percent sure that I wanted to be a lawyer.” “I have to say, Scarlett.” Samantha beamed at her son, Kaleb. “You are quite different. Refreshing.” Samantha pursed her lips at her son and repeated, “A lawyer.” “I hope.” Scarlett pursed her lips before asking, “I hope that it’s good. Different in a good way? Misses Wright?” “So far. Different in a good way,” Samantha admitted. “Scarlett, I’m done with my broccoli. It’s good with the cream. I like it!” Liam said, interrupting the exchange between Scarlett and Samantha. “Good Liam, but you still have some meat on your plate -” Scarlett’s words were cut off when Liam pulled her arm. He whispered in her ear, “I need to go to the restroom.” “Oh.” Scarlett immediately put her table napkin on the side, saying, “Excuse me, I need to

take Liam to the bathroom.” Samantha’s eyes wandered to Kaleb. She was stunned that her son did not offer to take Liam. She easily understood that Scarlett had taken this role in dealing with the boy. Recognizing this, Samantha turned to Kaleb and asked, “Son, why don’t you take Liam?” : “Hmm?” Kaleb asked, surprised. “Scarlett and I could use some girl time,” Samantha revealed before her smile reached her ears. She winked at Kaleb and urged, “Go. Take Liam.” Seeing Kaleb and Liam go, Samantha began, “So… Wednesday happens to be our anniversary party, my husband and I. We are celebrating it with a ballroom party. You and Kaleb should go.” “A ballroom dance party?” Scarlett clarified, her eyes widening at the idea of dancing. “Yes. And it would be a perfect time for you to get acquainted with our business partners, other family members, and potential clients should you become officially a lawyer,” Samantha described with a wink. “That – that seems nice, Misses Wright, but… but what about Liam?” Scarlett asked with a frown. “Liam can follow after his recital. In fact, most of the kids will follow after their class. The party starts at four in the afternoon,” Samantha revealed. “And don’t worry about Liam, he is used to being with Boris.” All the more, Scarlett’s brows met. She thought, ‘Will Kaleb not even attend his son’s recital?’ “I don’ know Misses Wright, but in the few days I’ve spent with Liam, I’ve come to learn that he does not cope well with rejection, especially from someone he cares about. And… Liam and I have been spending so much time, he really looks up to me. I don’t want to let him down.” Sighing, she concluded, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the party, but happy anniversary. I wish you and your husband more years together.” “Scarlett, are you understanding what you are saying?” Samantha inquired. Her voice was calm, but her choice of words was starting to discourage Scarlett. “This is your opportunity to be recognized as Kaleb’s girlfriend, to mingle with the rich and famous. You realize that successful lawyers milk from wealthy people’s legal cases. Why miss out on this chance?”

Shaking her head, Samantha added, “I expected more from you.” “I. Will. Have… another opportunity, Misses Wright. There is a time for everything. I must insist. I will not let Liam down,” Scarlett said. She will definitely not let the boy down. Not after understanding the boy’s yearning for a mother’s affection. “Misses Wright? When Kaleb was young? Did you make the same decision? Did you rather boost your social circle than be with your son?” Scarlett did not know what pushed her buttons, but she did not feel like their exchange was going in the right direction, so she threw the same question at Samantha. “Why are you asking me like Liam is your son, Scarlett?” Samantha asked back. Her voice seemed louder than the last. “I don’t know what it feels like to be real a mother, but with Liam, I am willing to find out,” Scarlett began. “I love the boy, and that’s what I know. Even if I have known him for such a short amount of time, I care for him and I repeat, I don’t… Want. To. Hurt him.” There was an awkward silence between them before Samantha asked out of nowhere, “Really? What if the school called you, informing you that Liam is sick? At the same time, Kaleb called you, asking you to go to his office. What choice would you make?” Scarlett was taken aback, but very quickly she replied, “Of course, I will go to Liam. Kaleb can wait.” “What if you are out in the open and some bad guy had a gun? He was deciding on shooting Liam or Kaleb. You happen to be there. Who will you protect first?” Samantha asked, shocking Scarlett altogether. Scarlett leaned back in her seat and sucked in a breath. Belatedly, she replied, “I’ll protect Liam.” She pouted and suggested, “Kaleb showed me some of his bulletproof suits. I’ll be sure to remind him to wear them every day.” Scratching her head, she added, “And I’m pretty sure he told me he knew self-defense.” At that very moment, Samantha laughed hysterically. She was at it so hard, her eyes were thinning and her hand warped around her stomach. She pointed a finger at Scarlett, saying,” You!”