Chapter 4 She Touched Me

"You little imp," Selene teased, her fingers tapping lightly against Arthur's head. "Your mom doesn't even know who your father is, and here you are, chasing after the idea of a dad? A ready-made godmother, though—that's something, right?" She grinned, watching for any flicker of emotion on his face. Was he truly rejecting her affection? Arthur's lips formed a stubborn pout, defiance radiating from his small frame. "I don't care. Mom said we're here to find Dad!" His voice, though small, held firm resolve. Unable to resist, Selene leaned forward, pressing a swift kiss to his cheek. "Those cheeks of yours—how do they have so much bounce?" she laughed, her voice full with affection. Arthur's eyes widened in shock, his face turning to one of mock horror. "Mommy, she—she's touching me!" He clutched his chest dramatically, as if her kiss had struck a mortal blow. Jessica, having raised her son with minimal outside contact, understood his fearful reaction.. He was fiercely loyal to her, and strangers were, at best, a source of distrust. "One kiss and you call it assault?" Selene chuckled, finding his exaggerated reaction endearing. Jessica couldn't help but laugh as well, gently prying Arthur from Selene's arms. "He's a little shy with new people. Give it a few days, and he'll warm up to you." Selene raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smile."Alright then. I'll give you one whole day to get him to like me!" she declared, her tone playful. Arthur huffed, wrapping his tiny arms around Jessica's waist. His face, though stubborn, was undeniably cute, his small pride shining through. The two women exchanged an amused glance, the air between them light and easy. "He's a handful, that one," Selene murmured with a smile. Before long, they arrived at Selene's apartment—a modest two-bedroom unit she typically kept to herself. It wasn't large, but it was cozy, just the right size for a single occupant. With Jessica and Arthur staying, the space felt even more like a home. "I knew you were coming, so I stocked up on ingredients," Selene said, flashing them both a playful grin as she began unloading their bags."I'm cooking a feast tonight—a proper welcome-home dinner!" Arthur tugged insistently at Jessica's sleeve, his voice tinged with hunger. "Mommy, I'm starving!" Jessica chuckled softly, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Alright, alright, sit here and play while your godmom and I get things ready." Arthur's eyes lit up at the mention of food, and before Jessica could stop him, he planted a quick kiss on her cheek. "Go ahead," he said, his voice tinged with mischief. "I'll be fine." As Arthur settled down with his toys, Selene couldn't help but observe him.There was something about him—sharp, clever beyond his years. He was careful, cautious, interacting only with those he knew well. Strangers were ignored, as if he could see through their facades. Was it simply a way of keeping distance, or was he more guarded than his age suggested? She wondered. His behavior seemed too deliberate to be just a product of his upbringing. Could it be that he had inherited this sense of reserve from his father—whoever he was? Arthur played quietly, stacking his blocks with focused precision while Jessica and Selene slipped into the kitchen, ready to prepare the meal. Selene's eyes flicked toward the living room before her elbow nudged Jessica gently. Her voice lowered to a near whisper, filled with teasing warmth. "Your son doesn't look much like you," she said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I'd wager he takes after his father. From the looks of him, his dad's probably quite the handsome fellow." The words struck Jessica like a sudden storm. Her mind flashed to the man she'd encountered at the airport. The man exuded an air of untouchable elegance, wrapped in an icy distance that made him seem as if he had no place among common folk. "Jessica? Earth to Jessica?" Selene waved a hand in front of her face, pulling her from her reverie. Jessica blinked, momentarily lost in thought."Sorry, what were you saying?" "I said your son must take after his dad. That guy's probably a real looker." Selene grinned, her tone light and playful. Jessica scoffed, her lips curling in amusement. "That's ridiculous. He clearly takes after me!" "Come on," Selene pressed, her voice a touch more insistent. "Wouldn't you want his dad to be handsome? Maybe even better-looking than Hugh—then you wouldn't regret anything, right?" The words lingered, and as soon as they were out, Selene regretted them. She turned to find Jessica's expression had shifted, her smile waning into something quieter, more distant. "You still thinking about Hugh?" Selene's voice softened, concern lacing her words. Jessica shook her head slowly, her smile fading. "No, not at all." "Good," Selene said, her tone taking on something firmer. "He's just a blind fool. Trust me, he's not worth your time." Before Jessica could respond, Selene's expression turned sly, a glimmer of mischief sparkling in her eyes."But hey, I've got some good news. I sent your resume over, and tomorrow, you're starting your new job." "Wait, really?" Jessica's eyes widened, a spark of surprise lighting up her features. "That quickly?" "Of course! You're a designer with a name, Jessica. Finding a new place? Piece of cake." Selene's grin widened as she gave her friend a playful wink. The next morning, Jessica approached her new workplace, the gleaming building of Vertex Group towering before her. Five years had passed since she left Eldoria, in pursuit of a new life in Mecria. After giving birth, she'd thrown herself into her studies, refining her skills as an interior designer. Now, standing at the threshold of a fresh chapter, her heart raced with anticipation. She approached the front desk, ready to ask where HR was located, when a sudden shift in the air caught her attention. In an instant, the employees snapped into formation, lining up in two neat rows as though preparing for a royal procession. The tension in the air thickened, heavy with expectancy. The sound of glass doors sliding open filled the space, and a figure stepped through—tall, commanding, dressed in black. His presence alone seemed to bend the very atmosphere, radiating power and authority. His features, sharp and unyielding, gave him the air of a man carved from marble, his face set in an expression of cold dignity. The way he moved, with a calm precision, made the surrounding staff shift uncomfortably, their gazes lowered in respect—or perhaps fear. Jessica turned just as he entered, his entourage in tow. Her breath hitched in her throat as her eyes met his. No … it couldn't be. It was him.