SIN [ completed ]

Chapter 2

Louis was happily busy, playing with his penguin plushy, a soft, comforting companion. Meanwhile, I was carefully folding his clothes, knowing I'd pick him up from Akil's later that afternoon. A small smile touched my lips as I finished packing our things. I looked at my son; he was now arranging his other plushies on the sofa, lining them up from smallest to biggest. I chuckled softly, watching his serious little face as he worked. He even patted each plushy's head before picking up his absolute favorite, his beloved Mr. Penguin.

"Anak, tara na," I called, my voice gentle.

"Hmm? Papa?" he asked, his eyes wide with confusion, wondering why Kyzer wasn't with us. All these years, with Kyzer always by our side, Louis had grown used to his presence. I knew this day would come, the day he'd start questioning who his real father was. The thought always sent a pang through my chest.

"Your Papa Kyzer is busy, that's why he's not here. Come on, baby. Let's go now, Lola is waiting for us." Louis pouted for a moment, then slid off the sofa and walked out of the house first, his small figure disappearing around the corner. I smiled and shook my head, then gathered our bags and followed him out.

We arrived at the hospital and immediately went to Lola's room. Akil had already told me the room number, saying he was already there. When I opened the door, Akil was the first person I saw, but his eyes immediately went to my son, who was still clutching his penguin plushy. I rolled my eyes and shook my head, then gently hit Akil's arm before heading straight to Lola's bed.

Akil is my long-time best friend; we've known each other since elementary school. He got married first, right after we graduated college. I know him having an Alpha since highschool; he has twin children who I think are turning seven this year.

"How's my Lola?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, afraid of the answer.

"It's... she's getting worse. I'm sorry, but don't you worry, she does wake up sometimes," Akil replied, his voice soft with sympathy.

"That's good to hear," I said, a bitter smile touching my lips. I couldn't explain how much it hurt to see my only remaining family member in such a state. I didn't know what I would do now. No one knew how much I had wanted my Lola to walk me down the aisle, but I guessed that wouldn't happen anymore. I had no one now except Akil, Kyzer, and Louis. Everyone else was gone. My parents died when I was ten years old, Lolo passed away when Louis turned three, and now my Lola would soon leave this world too. The thought made my chest ache.

"Dada... I'm hungry..." I looked at my son, who was now pouting, his small arms crossed. I chuckled because I truly found it cute, even now. My son was clearly hungry.

"Okay... Okay, stay here. I'll go buy you some food, okay?" He nodded and let Akil carry him. I took my purse, went out, closed the door, and headed to the cafeteria.

I bought him his favorite fried chicken and fries, and also his ice-cream flavored drink. I immediately started walking back to Lola's room, but then my steps faltered. I spotted a familiar figure. Even from afar, I knew exactly who it was. My eyes widened. I quickly pulled up my hood and put on my facemask, realizing I was about to walk right past him. Of all the places in the world, why here? The world felt so big, but for us, it seemed impossibly small.

What was he doing here?

I glanced at the person next to him. Based on their uniform, I knew it was his new secretary. How did I know? Because I used to wear that exact uniform. I bit my lower lip, my heart pounding in my chest. What if he recognizes me? No, he wouldn't. It had been a long time since that night. He wouldn't care, right? It had been five years, and I knew him well. I'd been with him for over twelve years, and I knew he forgot people who didn't matter to him. Goodness! But it was better not to let my guard down. Besides, he was an Alpha. He was incredibly sensitive to Omega scents.