Challenging a Cold Heart

Chapter 35: Lies

Vincent's POV

I couldn't wait beside Luc because James looked too sad when Elina tried to take him away. So, giving instructions to the doctors and nurses, I left to go home with James.

"Daee, are you leally chosing Ames over Anki?" He asked me in surprise when I started to leave with him.

I looked at him and smiled. "Your anki is sleeping and he doesn't need me for now. But you are awake and you need me don't you?" I asked him, poking his nose fondly.

"B-but..nobody ever choose Ames." He said, looking teary eyed.

I tried to not frown at that. Even though Luc wasn't exactly out of danger, I knew I had to leave him for James because he had looked so sad when he had to leave my side. I knew I had to give him time. He was only three years old and he needs love and attention. Due to getting myself in trouble, I hadn't been able to give him time since the first time Luc handed him to me. But when I did have time, I didn't want to put him on a lesser priority.

"Hmm..it's not a competition sweetheart. Anki is sick and sick people always need someone to care for them, right? But you are my little darling. So I can't leave you alone either." I told him and he hugged me tightly.

James looked at my face for a long time and I looked back at him curiously.

"What's up little one?" I asked him.

"Daee, are you maybe Ames mommy?" He asked nervously.

I stopped walking and looked at him. "No sweetheart. I am not your mommy." I told him truthfully and he looked crestfallen.

I didn't know why I was feeling strangely protective over James. I knew I shouldn't get too attached to a kid I might have to leave in the end but I couldn't help feeling maternal over James. I hugged him tightly and kissed the top of his head.

"But you are extremely special to me." I told him gently.

"Will you leave me too, Daee?" He asked me and my heart became heavy. As I looked at the anxious grey eyes, I promised to myself that I wouldn't give up James even if I had to steal him from Luc. He was such an obedient, sweet hearted kid. Yet, he's a child who had seen the world's cruelty at a young age.

"No. I won't leave you." I said, cupping his cheek and looking at him tenderly.

"I uv you, Daee." He hugged me tightly, breaking into sobs. My eyes watered as well but I pulled a smile.

"I uv you too, sweetheart." I told him and he looked at me with a tremulous smile before covering his face on my shoulder and hugging my neck tightly. I smiled on my way to the house. Once there, I gave James a shower and took a shower myself while Sera fed him. Once I had a change of clothes, I came down for breakfast.

"You should have breakfast and rest for a while." Sera told me as she brought me a cup of coffee and some heated food.

"I am okay. Where's James?" I asked her.

"He said he wanted to collect flowers for Luc. Elina's eldest kid has taken him out to the garden to pick flowers." She told me.

I ate quickly so that I could go and see what James was up to. I knew I had little time with James before I had to go back and check on Luc. I wanted to be there when Luc woke up but I didn't want to make James sad either.

"You are not thinking of getting rest are you Vince?" Sera asked me when she saw me frowning thoughtfully.

"No. I have to go back to Luc." I told her as I finished eating and started to get up with the plates.