CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 32 A shadow of himself

ROBIN MOTORS COMPANY, LOS ANGELES.

Leo’s eyes kept darting back at his phone completely distracting him from the Kingston’s presentation. Even though he knows Darby doesn’t have his contact, for some unknown reason he hopes an unknown number will miraculously call him and introduce themself as Darby. It has been almost a week since he met up with her and she still hasn’t thought to get back to him. To avoid looking desperate he didn’t go to her fashion house in order to avoid bumping into Chloe or Desire. It would be hard to explain himself.

With the week coming to an end he intends to go to her and seek an answer to his request. At the same time, it would be wrong for him to show up without prior notice, but it still worries him that she might be finding it hard to contact him. Leo huffed in frustration, he has never been this confused in his entire adult life.

“Are you still listening, sir?” Kingston tapped on the table wondering what got his boss’s mind so preoccupied.

Leo blinked slowly like someone who just recovered from hypnosis. “You were saying something?”

Kingston groaned inwardly as he held a gloomy expression. “Sir, I have been repeating the same thing for over thirty minutes. Do you need me to come back?”

“Yes, I think you should.” He replied, looking unbothered.

“Yes sir.”

The reluctance in Kingston voice was obvious, but Leo lacks the ability to concentrate at the moment. Leo leaned into the chair the moment Kingston stepped out, hoping to disappear into the soft fabric embedded in the chair. The past few days has been like a nightmare, just like Aaron had explained him seeing Darby’s face in place of Chloe was just a one time thing. He hasn’t mistaken Chloe for her, but the guilt still hasn’t left him. Leo likes to put himself in other people’s shoes before acting. Chloe would obviously feel less if she learns that he has been fantasizing over another woman in her place. He couldn’t tell what had him worked up exactly, probably it’s the guilt he feels or the wedding being so near or the fact that he has a son whom he is yet to gain access to. His life feels complicated.

A knock on the other side of the door distracted him from drowning in the pool of his thought. Leo held a smile when the door opened and his sister walked in.

“Wow, if it isn’t the youngest designer in our midst.” Leo hailed as he sat up.

Scarlett smiled shyly as she pulled out a chair to sit in. “Stop teasing me.”

Leo laughed lightly. “Why are you suddenly acting shy? I don’t know you to not have a response. What’s up with you?”

She exhaled, staring dreamily at the city through the transparent glass. “I have never felt so glad to be somewhere like I am here, Leo. It feels like a dream come through, seeing the metals and how they are all formed into something so beautiful. It’s an amazing creation. And guess what? I made my first car design today and the head designer was so impressed.”

“I guess that is what you came to show me.” He mumbled.

Giggling, she brought out her phone and handed it to him. “Check it out.”

Leo’s mouth was wide agape as he stared at the delicate drawing, Scarlett did take her time to carve out the most beautifully shaped car he has ever seen. “You did this?” He inquired with his eyes still glued to the phone screen.

“Yes, bro. I did it all on my own.” She admitted.

“Damn, sis! This is a masterpiece. We are going to explore this design for sure, have it sent to Kingston for review in the next meeting. It’s such an amazing idea to have you here.”

“Really?”

Glancing up at her, Leo huffed. “Are you still doubting it? You did really well, girl. And I am proud of you. Just keep doing your thing. You might head the product design team in few years to come.”

“Dad was right when he said you would be an amazing mentor. Thank you, Leo.”

“Anything for you, sis.”

“Would you like to have lunch with me?”

“I’m sorry, Scarlett. I think I will pass up on it.”

Scarlett looked deflated, she had hoped he would say yes. Ever since he got engaged, she watched her only brother grow more depressed each passing day. She had intentionally sacrificed a year just to be next to him since they hardly get to see each other. He seem to have changed so much within five years.

“Is it the wedding fever? I heard mom saying to be married couples get a cold feet few weeks to their wedding.” She said.

Leo chuckled. “I am a man after all, why would I need that?”

She folded her arms against her chest while pouting her lips. “I’m your sister you know? There is no need for you to pretend to me? It’s obvious you are not happy with this marriage. Why do you intend to continue with it?”

He exhaled, still staring at her. It has been a while since Leo had Scarlett breathe down his neck over something she feels isn’t right. The both of them haven’t been able to talk more often like they used to before he took over the company.

“Why would you think I am not happy with my coming marriage to Chloe? I’m fine, Scarlett. You are just being too sensitive.”

Scarlett snorted. “Have you checked yourself in the mirror lately? You look like a shadow of yourself. Everyone can see it that Chloe isn’t your soulmate.”

“No, not everyone. It’s just you and Aaron thinking otherwise. Have you been talking to him lately?”

“But you know the both of us are right. Why won’t you just call this whole thing off and enjoy your life.”

“And what would that make me? Won’t that be cruel and selfish on my part? Wasting two years of Chloe’s life like it doesn’t matter?”

“She did know what she was getting herself into.” Scarlett scoffed.

“Are you being all sassy because I didn’t agree to lunch?”

“It’s not just about lunch, bro. When was the last time you took me out on our weekend dates? You hardly even reply to my text messages. I know we are step-siblings and our mothers aren’t the best of friends, but all of that stereotype has never applied to the both of us. You are the best brother anyone can have. I miss my brother. I miss the one who is always out to protect me and love me unconditionally. I miss seeing you laugh hard at my silly jokes. It feels like your color wanes every passing day. Everyone of us at home are worried about you.”

Leo inhaled deeply, trying hard to keep the tears pricking the back of his eyes from falling. He hardly recognizes himself anymore, it’s almost like there is always something to burden him whenever he wakes up.

“Forgive me for the distance I created between us, Scar. It’s all me, just leave Chloe out of it. It’s not her fault that she loves an asshole like myself who can’t own up to his feelings. And I am sorry that I am not the exact role model you would have wished for.”

“Don’t say that. You would always be the best brother ever and I will never love you less.” She suddenly flapped her long lashes. “So, will you still eat lunch with me?”

He chuckled. “I can’t believe it took you so long to admit it. Alright then, let’s go. The bill is on you.”

“I have got you, sir.” Scarlett said, making a dramatic bow to him. The both of them laughed in unison as they headed out of the office.

**************************

DS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.

Darby chewed hard on her nail as she tried Zac’s line one more time. It’s unlike him to not pick up her call immediately and it feels like he is trying to avoid her intentionally. Even though she knows she deserves whatever cold treatment she gets from him. Zac didn’t get swayed by the little disagreement they had and constantly calls to check up on her, Isabella and Sinclair. However, she never responds to the call. Not because she was angry at him or anything like that, Darby was just having a hard time curating the right words to say to him. Part of the old attitudes that have stuck to her overtime is being unable to align her thoughts properly and express herself. She feels it’s a cowardly act and hopes Sinclair doesn’t favor that part of her. It would be better if he is more like his father, Leo. The number of times they had met after such a long time, Darby could tell that he is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t hesitate to express himself.

The line making a beep jolted her back to the present.

‘Sorry for keeping you, Darby. I went to the restroom real quick and had dropped my phone in the office. How are you doing?’ Zac said from the other end.

Darby tried to analyze his response to her quickly in her head. He didn’t sound cold, so they are good to go. She cleared her throat. ‘I am sorry for not responding properly to you for a few days now.’

There was a range of movement in the background. ‘I understand you better than you think, Darby. It’s why I can’t get angry at you. I know you aren’t being spiteful towards me, it’s just your own way of sorting things out…and it’s fine. I crossed the line first and it’s only proper for me to respect your decision.’

Letting out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding, a small smile played on Darby’s lips. ‘I’m sorry for my awful manners. I am really trying to work on it. How are you doing?’

Zac smacked his lips into the receiver. ‘I am doing just great. How is Bella and Sinclair?’

‘They are both fine. Are you less busy?’

‘Yes.’ He said sharply.

‘Zac?’ Darby drawled.

‘Fine, I am a little busy. But I don’t mind sparing you some time.’

‘Okay, thank you very much. Actually it’s about Sinclair’s father.’

There was a strangled groan on the other side. ‘What…about him?’ Zac was almost stuttering.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

‘I keep forgetting that Leo is no fool and like you said the boy favors his father so much. I would be foolish to keep denying Sinclair isn’t his. He came to me and asked or should I say begged for me to let him be involved in Sinclair’s life.’

‘So, what did you say?’

‘I haven’t responded to him yet. Isabella thinks the best thing I can do for my son is to let him know his father who is obviously willing to be in his life.’

‘But he denied your pregnancy.’

‘Which he has apologized for.’ Darby bit on her lip at the stiffness in her tone. ‘Pardon me, Zac. Don’t get me wrong, I am not being gullible. But one thing I know for sure after connecting the dots as to what happened five years ago, it’s no doubt that my sister had something to do with it. I am still not going to forget how humiliated I felt and the days I fought hard to keep myself and my baby alive. But, Leo practically came running to me the very first day we saw each other. I think he wants to make things right.’

‘So, why aren’t you giving him a go ahead?’ Zac inquired.

Darby exhaled. ‘I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do. I don’t know if my reluctance would be problematic in the end. I don’t think I will be able to stand Sinclair’s hate if he learns later in the future that I deprived him of his father’s affection.’

‘I understand your plight, Darby. If I had the right to, I would have said to not respond to him or let him into your son’s life. But he is the father after all and if he is ready to take responsibility for him, it would be wrong of you to deprive him of that chance. Every child needs both of their parents, unless the other is dead or a deadbeat. Which obviously you both aren’t, if he is trying to amend for his mistakes in the past, I guess it’s just right to let him be with his child. You would just have to set the rules.’

‘What rules?’ She asked perplexed.

‘Rules like how and when he can meet your son. The things you both need to take note of as coparents. And I wouldn’t want you to put yourself in a fix by becoming Chloe’s enemy. If you know what I mean.’

‘I know what you mean perfectly. You are right, Leo shouldn’t be deprived of his right. He wronged me, not the child. Whatever he does now would determine if I can consider him a reasonable father or not. I guess I won’t know until I give it a chance. Thank you so much for always coming to my rescue, Zac. I don’t take it for granted.’

Zac chuckled. ‘You mean so much to me, Darby. And I promise to do everything in my capacity to stand by you till the end of time. I’m only one call away.’

Darby giggled. ‘I will keep that in mind. So, when will you be coming down to LA finally?’

‘I should be around next week. There are samples of designs I need to sign off for the dresses to get started on. How about you? Are you done with Chloe’s dress?’

‘Yes, she had the final fitting yesterday. It will be set for delivery this weekend.’

‘I am so proud of your consistency, hard work and brilliance. I am sure she would love the dress and so would everyone who sets their eyes on it.’

‘Amen to that. Thanks for your support, Zac. I am so sorry for taking much of your time. Let me leave you to it, we would talk later.’

‘Alright then. Bye.’ He muttered.

Darby hung up, looking around the office she sighed. Growing up without knowing what it feels like to be loved by everyone around her made Darby quite possessive of her son. But if she would be sincere with herself, Isabella and Zac are both right. Sinclair deserves both parents love and since the two of them are willing to give it. Why not?

Tapping her phone, Darby scrolled through her contact. She kissed her teeth when she realized that she doesn’t have Leo’s contact. The both of them had only gotten to meet privately twice because he came down to the fashion house. Thinking quickly on how to reach him, she typed his name into the search box and gasped at his profile. It didn’t occur to her just how much Leo is worth. Darby knew him to be the son of one of the wealthiest man in the country, what she didn’t know was their line of business. Robin Motors has the highest grossing car purchase in America. Her son would definitely live like a prince for the rest of his life.

Shaking the fancy thoughts from her head, she checked the address of his company. It’s the only information put in place to reach him. He doesn’t seem to like the public much as none of his social media handles were put out. Copying the address into her GPS, it turns out the company is just a twenty minutes drive from hers.

Standing up with a determined stance, Darby grabbed her keys and headed out. She needs to sort this out once and for all before it becomes too much of a burden.