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And while we never had a father-and-son relationship, I learned from Elijah how to adapt to the world. I discovered that the predators on top of the food chain survived and I chose to become one of them. He also made sure to keep himself updated on my life and now, instead of being intimidated by him like I was as a child—now that I am a man wielding considerable power of my own—I feel a wariness about him.
It was years later that I learned that Elijah had made the whole mess vanish, as if my mother never lived there, as if there were nothing and no one in that apartment. I never cared enough to ask about my mother but what I asked him was whether I needed to look over my shoulder for her.
And he gave me a smile that hinted at secrets and said, ‘No.’
I let out a small sigh and tilting my head back, stare at the ceiling.
I never knew Elijah to express interest in my personal life like this.
He always was aware of my friends, where I spent my summer holidays. He also told me that upon my graduation that I had complete access to funds if I needed them but I wanted to build myself from scratch, and I told him so.
There was an approving look in his eyes as he gave a small nod.
Elijah never tried to build a relationship with me till now. He was a benefactor, funding my studies under the guise of a scholarship. But a few years ago, he started taking something akin to a fatherly interest in me.
And I find it annoying.
Henrietta fondly blames it on his age, but even in his sixties, Elijah looks as young as ever, except his few health issues.
I know that Elijah has both feet planted firmly in the dark and he prefers it that way, but his businesses are so well disguised that no one is the wiser.
A past shrouded in darkness, the monster that gave birth the day I took a life. I tried hard not to walk down that path. I know my past makes me who I am and I try to find a balance between the light and the dark, not wanting to tip the scales.
I, unconsciously, squeeze Eve’s ankle as if to assure myself she is still here.
Now, I have my child to protect, and Elijah taking an interest in her, it worries me.
Picking up Mila from Ian’s place, my daughter launches herself at her mother, suddenly realizing that she missed her. However, she has become quite attached to Agatha.
Once my friends realized the situation, everybody pitched in, letting my daughter get to know them, surrounding her with affection and distractions to keep her from getting homesick.
I can’t help the warmth in my chest on seeing how they all reached out and circled the wagons without a second thought.
Agatha watches Eve, who is crouching in front of Mila, carefully listening to everything she has to say. Finally, when Mila is all talked out, Eve lets her cling to her legs and studies Agatha and Ian.
“Thank you. I really appreciate you letting Mila stay with you.”
Agatha looks a little stiff, and I wonder at that before she says, “Zayn’s a good man.”
Eve raises a brow and inclines her head. “Okay.”
“And he’s a good father,” Agatha continues, stubbornly and I see her fingers flexing in agitation.
Eve lifts her chin, her eyes clear. “I know he’s a good father. I wouldn’t trust him with Mila if he weren’t.”
Agatha looks uncomfortable, but she still plows on. “Then, don’t treat him as if he’s not worth crap.”
“Agatha.” There is a warning in my tone as Eve flinches at her harsh words.
My friend raises her head, her eyes flashing with anger before she crosses her arms over her chest. “Shut up, Zayn. I’m not talking to you.”
Eve stares at her, her face smoothed out before she nods. “I understand.” Then she looks between both Ian and Agatha, and I see something akin to envy move in her eyes before she says, “It was nice seeing you two again.”
And that is it.
We leave, and I feel uncertain as she cuddles Mila in the car, talking to her in a loving tone.
Agatha shouldn’t have said anything, I think furiously.
