*He has feeings for you, Lani*
The words from Hannah echoing in Leilani's mind as she returned to the mansion. Sitting on the bed, she struggled to make sense of Nelson's actions at Hannah's place.
With a hopeful expression, Leilani pondered, "Does he truly have feelings for me?"
Standing up, she couldn't help but wonder if he was simply unsure how to express his love for her.
"Should I take charge and tell him how I feel when he gets back from work?" Leilani gleefully twirled at the thought before hurrying to the dressing room to change.
Suddenly, the sound of the door opening interrupted her.
Initially, she thought it was Susan, as a maid would never enter without knocking. However, upon stepping out, she was taken aback to see Nelson.
Everything seemed to freeze as her heart skipped a beat. She wasn't prepared to see him so soon. "Why are you back so early?" Leilani stuttered, mustering the courage to meet his gaze.
"I went to collect the results from the hospital," Nelson replied, entering the room fully.
An uncomfortable silence fell between them, thick with tension.
Leilani's throat felt tight as she gazed at Nelson, awaiting his next words.
He stepped closer, his eyes intense as they locked with hers. His expression betrayed his nerves as he hesitated.
"It's positive, Lani. The child is mine," Nelson finally revealed, causing Leilani's heart to sink. Her body trembled uncontrollably, on the verge of collapse.
Forcing a smile, she fought back her tears and replied softly, "That's great. Congratulations, I'm happy for you."
"Are you truly happy for me?" Nelson's intense gaze watched her as he posed the question.
Leilani's grin creased her face, and she swiftly brushed away the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "Of course, I am overjoyed. Being a parent is a wonderful thing, do you not agree?" she replied.
Nelson's expression hardened, a painful emotion flickering in his eyes before he quickly blinked it away.
He slowly took hold of Leilani's hand and began, "If you cannot bear to do this, please let me know. I will understand."
Brushing off the sensation of their joined hands, Leilani met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I have promised you before, and I promise you again, we are in this together."
"I will do exactly as you wish, Nelson. But in return, you must also do as I ask," Leilani stated, her voice carrying a shy yet confident tone.
Nelson smiled in response and asked, "And what might that be?"
"You will find out in due time. For now, promise me," Leilani requested.
Nelson nodded repeatedly and gave in, "I promise to do whatever you ask of me."
A bright smile instantly spread across Leilani's face. The same went for Nelson as their intense gaze remained locked on each other.
Suddenly, the door swung open.
"Leilani," a familiar voice interrupted their moment.
Startled, they quickly separated at the sound of Susan's voice. Their gazes snapped to the door, where she stood with the sunniest smile on her face.
"Son, I had no idea you were back from the office," Susan said, her voice full of excitement as she walked towards them, giggling.
She glanced between the two of them, but Leilani avoided her stare while Nelson maintained his usual stern facade.
Before Susan could say another word, Nelson spoke up. "I need to discuss something serious with you, Mother."
Susan's cheerful mood instantly vanished, for she knew that Nelson only addressed her as 'Mother' when he had something important to say.
"What is it, Son? Shall we go to my room?" Susan inquired nervously.
"Mom," Nelson gently called her, placing his hands on her arms. "Ariel had my child."
An air of bewilderment flickered across Susan's countenance before comprehension dawned on her.
"ARIEL!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Calm down, Mother," Leilani urged, approaching her and offering a comforting side embrace.
"Is it really the same Ariel who left you in ruins? The very girl who turned you into a beast and made you despise the other gender?" Susan was taken aback and struggled to contain her frustration.
Nelson was consumed with a sense of shame as he hung his head low.
"Why, Nelson? What happened? How could that foolish girl bear your child? Why didn't you tell me about it? Why are you silent, Son? Say something!" Susan shrieked, two large tears streaming down her face.
*
After hearing the whole explanation from Nelson, Susan eventually calmed down.
The room fell into a heavy silence, only to be broken by Susan's voice once again. "Do you think she will leave her son with you?" she sniffed.
"She won't, Mother. She will be unyielding in staying here with her child," Nelson was saying when Susan interjected.
"Over my dead body will she ever set foot in this house, Nelson. That vile girl will only bring harm and agony," Susan wept.
Nelson knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his own. "Remember, she had turned
me to a wickedness like her own, Mother. I will ensure justice is served, don't worry," he reassured Susan.
"No, son. Just have her arrested instead. Don't dirty your hands for that brat, she is not worth it," Susan advised.
"Nelson has no evidence to have her arrested, Mother," Leilani chimed in, "And even if there were proof, what about the poor child? Will he ever see Nelson as his father if his mother is behind bars?"
A soft smile played on Nelson's lips as he gazed at Leilani. He never thought she could speak so rationally.
With tears still falling, Susan shut her eyes and let her emotions take over once again.
Gradually, Leilani's reassuring words and embrace calmed her down.
"Get ready to welcome her into our home anytime, Mother. We will face this challenge together," she said.
Without saying anything, Nelson just stood up and left the room quietly. His heart had become so heavy seeing his mother wailing because of him.