Her Precious Baby

He glanced down, picked up a piece from the pile of blocks, and attached it to the tiny window ledge. It was a neat little addition.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a mother, Floretta. I love you all the same.”

Evander’s tone was solemn, but Floretta was thrilled by the addition to the window frame. He wondered if she had heard him.

Meanwhile, Angeline headed home after leaving Floretta and eased herself into a bath. She even set her tablet on a portable desk to watch “The Journey.”

She had been too busy shooting of late to have even seen her own show.

The highly anticipated series by the major media companies attracted heavy investment in the setting and costumes, making it a pleasure to watch.

In addition, the sequence was particularly aesthetic, with superb editing.

Just when she was getting into it, Angeline was alerted by a WhatsApp notification bell across her homepage.

Frowning, she opened the app and saw that it was Jonathan, who she had not contacted for a long time. He had sent several images.

Angeline suddenly froze when she loaded the file. She grew pale with fright.

It was a boy, of about five, with the most exquisite features she had ever seen. He was dressed in clothes adorned by patches that revealed scars of various sizes all over him.

Some of them were fresh wounds, and others were old. The sight of his skeletal figure looked especially forlorn.

Her heart raced when she realized what was happening. After struggling to regain her composure, she dialed his number.

As if awaiting her call, Jonathan picked up almost immediately.

on the success of your ventures of late, Ms. Sorelle. You’re doing well, I

for sending me

days. Have you forgotten what your child looks like?” Jonathan’s voice dripped with mockery as

Angeline

I had lost all those years ago, I have neglected the child I engaged Jonathan to

“Speak your mind.”

this child must lead. His alcoholic father would take things out on him whenever he

grew deeply uneasy

the police,” she said desperately as

child is not the one I seek, child abuse is against the law. Furthermore, the wounds on the child

those commercials, Angeline? The matter is still not yet known to be a conspiracy. Besides, who knows what the good-for-nothing father would do to you in his panic if you insist on taking

calm at Jonathan’s words. Her

eye out

with a hearty grunt. Several moments

to ask in return. Consider yourself warned. I will come knocking

“What—”

she could ask further,

conflicted, and doubt surfaced in her eyes. Though she was unclear about Jonathan’s motive, she knew

have not confirmed that Floretta is my daughter, any

the little boy, she felt a boulder weighing down on her chest, making it difficult for her

all it takes to learn who

down the side of the bath

struck down by wave after wave of hardship quicker than I can

and a cap, Joseline held the club firm and took careful aim. With a resounding thud, she sent the ball flawlessly into the hole on the

“Sublime golfing, Mrs. Yiurk.”