My Boss Is My Ex-Husband

CHAPTER 1

Althea POV

IT had been five years since that fateful day, and I found myself happily watching my son, Blaze Kaleb Scoth, now four years old. As I gazed at him, I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance he bore to his father, Blake, with every feature mirroring his, save for my own eyes.

"Look at our son, so stubborn—just like you," Kayzer chuckled, playfully pinching my cheek.

"Stop it, hon. If anyone is stubborn, it's you!" I teased back, my heart swelling with love for this man who had become my rock.

Kayzer Aksum, Blake's cousin, had been there for me in the darkest of times. After everything that happened, he found me and helped me rebuild my life. Over the years, I realized that my feelings for him had grown beyond mere friendship. He was everything I could have ever wanted—kind, loving, wealthy, and handsome. I was grateful that he had stepped in as a father figure for my son.

"Are you alright? You seem lost in thought," he asked, concern etching his features.

"Yeah, just a little tired," I replied with a reassuring smile.

"Get some rest. I'll wake you when we arrive in the Philippines," he said, guiding my head to rest on his shoulder and gently squeezing my hand. I felt the pull of sleep as he sighed softly.

My parents were aware of my separation from Blake. I had shared the truth with them, and although my father had been furious, wanting to confront Blake, I had stopped him, not wanting any trouble. They eventually accepted Kayzer as the father of my son, and to my surprise, they were happy for me, believing I had finally moved on.

After several hours, we arrived at our family's mansion. The staff greeted us warmly, and I returned their smiles.

"My princess!" my mother exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes as she enveloped me in a tight hug.

"Mom, Dad, I missed you so much," I said, embracing them both. I was startled when my mother pulled back slightly, her mouth agape as she looked behind me.

"Oh my God! This is my grandson!" she nearly shouted, her excitement palpable. This was the first time she would meet Blaze. I nodded in response as she knelt to his level.

"Hello, apo! I'm your lola," she said sweetly, and I could see the surprise in Blaze's eyes as he glanced at me for reassurance. I nodded again and smiled encouragingly.

"Umm... Hello?" he replied shyly before wrapping his arms around her.

"He's so handsome, just like his—" my mother began, but Kayzer interjected.

"Good afternoon, Mama. Papa," he said, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness as he forced a smile at my parents.

"Kayzer," my father acknowledged, thankfully not pressing further.

We moved to the dining room to eat, and the atmosphere was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by the clinking of cutlery.

"Anak, what are your plans?" my father suddenly asked.

"Dad, I plan to open a new branch of my coffee shop here, but I'm also looking for a new job," I replied, catching Kayzer's eye.

"I can support us, you don't need to find a job," he said, a hint of frustration in his tone.

"Kayzer, you've already helped me so much. I need to work. That's final," I insisted, and he sighed in resignation. Once I made a decision, there was no changing my mind.

"Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know," he said, nodding.

Just then, my father broke the silence with a surprising question. "Kayzer, when's the wedding?"

I nearly choked on my food. What the heck, Dad? I hadn't even thought about that yet! "Dad!" I called out, my voice sharp with warning.

"Just joking!" he laughed, but I could see Kayzer tightening his grip on my hand.

"Don't worry, Dad. The wedding is coming soon," Kayzer said, looking deeply into my eyes. At that moment, I realized he was serious, and my heart raced with a mixture of surprise and joy.

-YUMEKO ✓