Five years Later
Five years of exhibitions across major cities made Valerie a decent name in the European art scene. Her canvas sculptures were praised for their emotion and depth.
Before her uncle and aunt could hint at wanting to adopt Roe, she decided to leave for Europe. She knew even Victor didn't hate the baby. He was worried about her reputation, but that unsettled her.
It was cruel if her son had to feel unwanted just for existing.
And Roe was so well-mannered and adorable that once he could walk and talk, Valerie began bringing him along everywhere.
"Are you happy we are finally going back to Mom's country?" Valerie asked as she helped Little Roe into his shoes.
He wore a navy blue suit and stood patiently while admiring his mother. Valerie was dressed in a matching navy silk gown that flowed along her figure, catching the light with every movement.
Four-year-old Roe quickly bobbed his little head. "Mmm-Hmm. Really happy!"
The banquet was hosted by tycoons from around the world, perfect for her final public appearance before flying home.
Unaware, Valerie drew attention the moment she entered. Even the gaze of a certain man paused on her.
Little Roe escorted his mother with a serious pout, his hair gelled back. His ballroom manners were cutely on point. The way he tried to copy men escorting ladies made it hard for Valerie to hold in her laughter.
Several guests approached them, mostly to ruffle the head of the pouty gentleman beside her. Giggling, Valerie guided the grumpy Roe to the buffet.
She sliced his steak into small pieces so he could eat neatly. Roe stabbed the meat with his fork, adorably like a little squirrel. Valerie nearly pinched his cheek.
Raising him alone had been difficult, but every sacrifice felt worth it when she looked at him.
"Good evening, Ms. Sinclair."
Valerie turned her head in surprise at the familiar voice.
Her eyes widened at the handsome man in white.
"No way!" She brightened and hugged him. "It's really you, Mark! How long has it been?"
"Almost five." Marco couldn't help smiling, too.
He was her childhood friend and first love. Valerie and Marco had been inseparable for nearly seven years. Their families had lived close by, and they grew up together so everyone believed they would eventually marry.
When they were in college, they promised to wait for each other. But Marco and his family moved abroad a week after their graduation, and Life had other plans for her.
Marco took a good look at her. "I'm so happy to see you here."
Two years ago, he had seen Valerie in an interview. He could hardly believe the woman on screen was his childhood friend.
When he saw her enter earlier that evening, he couldn't help but think she had been worth the waiting.
"Mama, who's he?" Just then, a small, sweet voice doused him in cold water.
Valerie stepped back and proudly grinned. "Baby, meet your Uncle Marco, he is Mommy's best friend. Marc, this is my son, Little Roe!"
'Mama...?' The forced smile on Marco's face faltered. Earlier, he had assumed the child was her nephew. He offered Little Roe a faint smile.
"I… didn't get an invitation to the wedding." He cleared his throat, "Where's your… husband?"
"Ah, he's..." Valerie glanced at Little Roe and whispered. "He's in God's embrace."
Marco frowned slightly. He knew she avoided eye contact when she lied—but the fact that the man was not present gave him quiet hope. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"It's okay, Marc." She smiled softly.
Seeing his mother smiling at the tall, handsome man, a small pout formed on Little Roe's lips. He raised his arms toward her.
"Mama!"
Valerie laughed softly, lifting him up. Little Roe immediately wrapped his arms possessively around her neck. "Mama is Roe's Mama! No sharing!" he declared, adorably glaring at Marco with a pout.
'Since Papa is gone, Mama is Roe's!' he often told her whenever a man approached her.
Valerie laughed out loud. "And what about Roe? Is Roe only Mama's?"
Little Roe frowned. "Mama! This is serious! You are only Roe's!"
She kissed his puffed cheeks. "But baby, he is Mommy's friend, like Andy is your friend."
Marco cleared his throat, barely hiding a grin. "Yes, I am just a friend, and she's only Roe's mama."
He silently acknowledged that winning over Valerie's son would be his greatest challenge.
Little Roe studied him carefully. "Uncle Marc won't steal Mama?"
Marco nodded with a chuckle. "Pinky promise."
Little Roe held out his tiny finger. "Those who break promises will grow a monkey's tail!"
Marco glanced at Valerie, who was grinning.
Whenever she made a promise with Little Roe, she always warned him that those who broke promises would grow a monkey's tail. Why else would humans have tailbones?