Night of Destiny Novel by Vanessa K

Chapter 3 Refusing Their Favor

“Of course! I’ll go anywhere you go, Mommy!” the little guy beamed, his large eyes looking like glistening onyxes as they curved into crescent moons.

Anastasia couldn’t help musing over how beautiful the child was. Every time she looked at his little face, she felt a surge of comfort and gratitude, as though constantly in awe of how she had managed to birth such an adorable little one.

“Well, then, we best pack our things now. We’re leaving for the airport tomorrow afternoon.”

“Okay!” The little one gave one firm nod, then dashed into his room to pack his things for the trip.

Anastasia heaved a sigh. She had been living abroad since her father threw her out of the house five years ago. It wasn’t so much that she didn’t want to go home as it was that she had no place in it.

She didn’t even tell her father after she had delivered her child while abroad, and now that she was going back to her homeland for her work and career, she had made up her mind to see the old man. He was still her father, after all.

Three days later, it was evening time at the international airport when Anastasia wheeled the baggage cart forward. Her son was seated on top of the large suitcase on the cart, and he gazed around in wonder. Everything about Anastasia’s homeland seemed to pique his interest, and there was a curious gleam in his sparkly eyes.

Presently, Anastasia had only just stepped out of the arrival hall when two men in suits walked up to her, thereafter greeting politely, “Miss Tillman, we have been sent here by Old Madam Presgrave, who has prepared a ride for you just outside the entrance. If you please—”

She blinked at them and said very courteously, “I appreciate the Presgraves’ kind gesture, but I have no need for a ride, thank you.”

“Miss Presgrave, the old madam truly wishes to see you,” the middle-aged man said respectfully.

that Old Madam Presgrave bore no ill will, but she really had no plans on accepting the old madam’s kind favor. “Please tell Old Madam Presgrave that it was my mother’s duty to save others, and that there is no need to repay

the men took out his phone and informed dutifully, “Young Master Elliot,

by the airport entrance. There was a man seated in the backseat of the Rolls-Royce in the middle of the fleet who kept his gaze on the airport doors, and he saw a

and pretty face. Her skin was alabaster, and

of age, and he wore a gray sweater

straighten his clothes; there was no mistaking

that in mind, Elliot watched as the taxi Anastasia and her supposed child got into pulled away. Not

had barely covered any distance when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID

see me? I’ve missed

soon as I’m free,” he answered, the bass in his voice

“Promise?” Hayley asked coquettishly.

replied with

she heard her subordinates’ latest findings. She looked up in shock

to our investigation, the child’s father never showed up, so we’re

such a young age…” Harriet Presgrave, otherwise more widely known as Old Madam Presgrave, sighed. Guilt surged through her as she thought about the brave female police officer who had died after sustaining eighteen fatal stabs from the ruffian who

was

to hers and began to say,

is a single mother who had a child out of wedlock. You must take care of the poor mother

speechlessly, stunned by her suggestion. He had thought that she would have given

her. We could always use some other way to repay her mother’s kind deeds and make it up to her,” he countered

said, “No, that won’t do. You must marry Anastasia and protect her and take care

reject his grandmother’s suggestion because

amount of blood… The gruesome nature of the crime…”Harriet’s eyes were sad as she said this. Then, she looked up and cast her grandson a hard look, pointing out, “Taking care of her daughter is the least you could do. You won’t ever be able to repay the officer’s selfless