Chapter 61 It's Your Kid, Huh
Although there was a slight delay on the road, Teresa and Liam arrived at the airport with time to spare, showing up at around 7:40 p.m."We're a bit early. How about we grab a drink over there?" Liam suggested softly, glancing at his watch before noticing a beverage shop conveniently located near the airport exit.Teresa nodded her agreement and let him lead the way to the shop.Once they had their drinks and sat down, Teresa texted Diana to let her know they had made it to the airport and to call them as soon as they got off the plane.As Teresa was sending her message, the plane returning from Jena had already begun its descent, preparing to land.Teresa had personally booked the tickets, making sure they were first-class seats.Initially, it had been William's responsibility to pick up Croissant and bring him back to the country, largely to keep Teresa's unwed motherhood under wraps.However, the situation changed because Liam was willing to accept the child and publicly proclaim Croissant as his biological son, thereby nullifying all concerns.In the first-class section of the plane, Croissant sat by the window seat, his large, dark eyes marveling at the twinkling lights far more brilliant than those in Jena, and he exclaimed with joy, "Mommy, we're going home to see Mommy.""Yes, we'll be home to see Mommy soon. Aren't you a wonderful boy, Croissant? Are you happy?" Diana said, cradling his little face in her hands and giving him a big kiss.She hadn't been home in over a year to save on airfares.Now that she had finally completed her studies and was returning, how could she not be happy?The little guy nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "Yes, happy, I’m happy. So happy to see Mommy!"At that moment, the gentle voice of the flight attendant came over the intercom, reminding everyone to check if their seatbelts were fastened as the plane was about to land.Diana made sure the little guy's seatbelt was secure, then took a deep breath as she awaited the plane's landing.Shortly, the plane touched down smoothly, and Diana quickly powered on her phone.Immediately, messages from Teresa and her parents popped up.She read her parent’s message first, responded, and then checked Teresa's. After hearing it, she sent back a voice message informing Teresa that they had landed and would be deplaning shortly.By the time she finished her responses, the plane had come to a slow stop, and the announcement to deplane was made. Diana unbuckled her seatbelt and scooped up the little one while Victoria came over to grab the luggage. Being in first class and traveling with such an adorable munchkin like Croissant, the flight attendants eagerly lent a hand.They quickly and smoothly got off the plane, making their way toward the airport exit."Diana, hang tight with Croissant for a moment. I need to use the restroom," Victoria said upon spotting the facilities near the exit.Diana nodded, still cradling the little one. "Sure, Victoria, go ahead. Teresa told us there’s no hurry.""Okay." Victoria nodded, placed her things on the cart, and headed toward the ladies' room."Victoria, Victoria!" Croissant's little voice called out after her high-pitched and sweet."Victoria's just going to pee-pee. She’ll be back very soon. Shall we wait for her, okay?" Diana cooed as she kissed Croissant's chubby cheek."Okay, we wait for Victoria." The tot nodded happily in agreement.Buzz.Just then, Diana's phone vibrated in her pocket. She gently set Croissant down to fish out her phone and answered the call."Hi, Mom.""Hey, Diana, are you off the plane yet? When will you be home? Have you had dinner? Your father and I said we’d pick you up, and yet you didn’t want us to. Now we’re stuck waiting at home.""Mom, I've eaten already. I didn't want you and Dad to wait at the airport in case my flight got delayed. I'll catch a taxi as soon as I grab my baggage. Don't worry about me."Diana was happily chatting with her family and didn't immediately notice that little Croissant, intrigued by a tall and lean figure by the floor-to-ceiling windows, had toddled off toward him with short, joyful strides.Gabriel stood by those windows, absorbed in a phone call.He, too, had just landed and was caught up in an important call. Taking a moment to answer, Gabriel had been navigating a smooth negotiation between Pegasus Global Holdings and Sirius Trading Syndicate that afternoon. The deal had been sealed around four, and he immediately had Skylar book his return flight, leaving the cleanup details to Finley Sackler and the team.Thankfully, Miles was not inclined to hold Gabriel back for a dinner engagement, as he was eager to return to his own family. Gabriel had heard the rumors before – Miles was said to be entirely devoted to family life, a so-called 'family man' through and through. Instead of handling things personally, Miles would delegate tasks to his subordinates. Saving his energy and time for his family.Only a few years older than Gabriel, who was thirty, Miles seemed to lead the life Gabriel envied. He longed for that eagerness to leave work just to be with the loved ones waiting at home – a beloved wife and children of their own.When would Gabriel's turn come to experience a life like Miles’?"Daddy, Daddy..." Gabriel had just ended a call and was striding toward the airport exit when something small ran toward him, wrapping tiny arms around his legs and childishly calling out "Daddy" in the sweetest of voices.It was a sound so melodious, so pure, it resonated deep within his soul.Startled, Gabriel looked down...There, gripping tightly to his leg with rosy, cherubic cheeks and staring up with round, shining eyes as clear and brilliant as the night sky's stars, was a little one barely reaching his knee. The moment felt suspended in time as if the entire universe had ground to a halt.Although they had never met, this tiny stranger exuded a sense of deep familiarity to Gabriel – as if they had known each other for a lifetime."Daddy," the child repeated, eyes twinkling as it gazed up at Gabriel."Croissant!" At that moment, Diana spotted her wandering little one and called out before dashing over, scooping the child into her arms."Mommy, Mommy, Daddy, Daddy!" Pointing excitably at Gabriel, the little one started to announce to Diana that Gabriel was his father, turning his ordinary Godmother, Diana, into his mother in his fluster."Croissant, you've made a mistake. This isn't your daddy," she corrected gently, taking hold of the small hand directed at Gabriel. Turning to Gabriel with an apologetic smile, she said, "I'm so sorry, sir. My little one got confused."Gabriel stood there, watching the little figure in Diana's arms, collecting his thoughts.Yet an odd feeling lingered. Diana seemed familiar too, but just where he had seen her before escaped him at the moment."Daddy.""Croissant, this man isn't Daddy. He's a gentleman. Say bye-bye. We need to leave," Diana soothed the child and gave Gabriel one more apologetic smile before turning to walk away."Daddy, Daddy..." The little one's large, doe eyes still fixed on Gabriel, continuing to call out for ‘Daddy’ even as he was carried away.
"Croissant, sweetheart, that's not Daddy. Let's go!" Cradling the little one in her arms, Diana returned to the area outside the restroom.Just then, Victoria emerged, and together they left, one pushing the luggage cart and the other holding the little munchkin.However, Gabriel remained rooted to the spot, watching the distance grow between himself and the toddler in Diana’s embrace, who continued to stare back at him, his mind drifting into a daze.That feeling of seeing the little one was indescribably odd to Gabriel—he couldn’t find the words to explain it.He stood there in a trance until the child’s figure disappeared around the corner with Diana, snapping out of it only when they were out of sight.Frowning. An image of Teresa suddenly popped into his head.Why did he think the munchkin, who had eagerly clung to his legs calling out "Daddy," bore a resemblance to Teresa, especially those eyes — they were strikingly similar.Yet, the little one distinctly called the woman holding him "Mommy."Could it be his imagination? Was he missing Teresa too much?Teresa, if you’re marrying Liam, I won’t allow it!...Diana, carrying the little one along with Victoria, headed toward the airport exit, laughing along the way about Croissant's excellent taste in men — how the little one ran up to a tall, handsome stranger and called him "Daddy."Still, Diana couldn't shake the feeling that Gabriel looked familiar, though she couldn't quite place him."Maybe you just recognize a handsome face when you see one?" Victoria teased with a chuckle."Croissant, Diana, Victoria!" As Victoria's words hung in the air, Teresa's excited call came across the terminal.Looking up, there was Teresa at the exit, waving happily at them with Liam by her side.Teresa had facilitated their travels by sending the bulk of their luggage back via international courier so they could travel light by plane, not needing to check baggage, just walking straight out of the airport.“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!” The little one was ecstatic upon spotting Teresa, chanting "Mommy" over and over."Baby!" Overwhelmed with joy upon seeing her son, Teresa couldn't care less about Liam at that moment and sprinted toward her child, scooping him into her arms.Liam stood just beyond the yellow line at the exit, watching Teresa dash toward Croissant and Diana holding the toddler, a wave of awe rushing over him at the heartfelt reunion.Croissant was as pleasing to the eye as ever, something Liam had observed from the moment he first laid eyes on it after its birth in Jena.Now, the kid was two years old and even more adorable — especially with his shiny black eyes brimming with vivacity, bearing at least a passing resemblance to Teresa.But what truly stunned him was not just the kid's cuteness or its good looks. It was Teresa's love for him.He finally understood why Teresa had so unhesitatingly chosen to break up with him after receiving that disapproving call from his mother. It was because, in her heart, she couldn't bear to part with her son.Teresa truly adored her son. She had loved him when he was just born two years ago, and now, her love had only grown.After all, Liam had been worlds away for the past two years, never once by Teresa's side, while the little Croissant had been her constant companion every single day.To win Teresa's heart, he realized he had to embrace her son as his own genuinely.As Diana passed the child to Teresa, she looked up to see Liam, his gaze fixed in their direction.Two years had passed, and Liam had grown more mature and captivating. There was an air of success about him, and even his facial features seemed more defined and striking.Honestly, Diana envied Teresa for having someone as outstanding and devoted as Liam, who, regardless of Teresa's actions, remained forgiving and accepting of her."Liam, it's been so long!" Diana regained her composure and greeted Liam with a warm smile as he approached."Diana, long time no see," Liam responded with a polite nod and a smile. "I appreciate all the care you've given to Teresa and Michael over these years. Should you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.""Liam, you're too kind. These past few years, it wasn't me looking after Teresa and the little guy. It was more like I was mooching off Teresa, and the joy that Michael has brought us is immeasurable," Diana replied with a chuckle."Hey, cut out the formalities, you two. It's not like we've just met," Teresa said with a laugh, interrupting their exchange."Michael, come to Daddy," Liam beckoned to the pudgy, fair little fellow in Teresa's arms. When he uttered the word "daddy," it felt astonishingly natural, without the slightest bit of awkwardness.Daddy.Teresa hesitated for a moment, then looked down at the little one cradled in her arms."No, you're not my daddy!" The little guy peered up at Liam, then darted back into Teresa's embrace, clinging to her neck and shaking his head, "Mommy, Mommy, I don't want daddy. He's not my daddy."Liam couldn’t help but crack a smile as the little one insisted he wasn’t his father — in fact, Liam didn’t seem the least bit upset about it.Children are perceptive, after all. It was the kiddo's first time meeting him to expect instant recognition and closeness was a tall order."Croissant, that man earlier wasn't your dad — this is your real dad. You just got a little mixed up, but this guy here, he's the one," Diana said before Teresa could utter a word, taking the tot’s hand in hers to soothe him.Pouting, the little one continued to shake his head in denial, "I don't want a daddy, no daddy.""Liam, Michael, he…" Teresa began, concern edging her voice."It's all right. Michael's just a little guy, and it’s our first meet — feeling strange is normal. We'll spend some time together and bond. He'll warm up to me soon enough." Liam cut off Teresa's apologetic words, then wrapped an arm around her, murmuring softly, "Let's head to the car, shall we?""Okay." Teresa nodded, then turned to Diana, "Are you heading home now, or what?""You guys go ahead, don't worry about me, I'll just grab a cab home," Diana replied with a cheerful smile."We can't just leave you. Let the driver take you home first, then drop off Victoria," Teresa said and then turned to Victoria, "Take a few days to rest and spend time with your family. Don't worry about Croissant. You can come back and take over after you’re well-rested."Victoria, who was from River North, had spent most of the past two years abroad, caring for Croissant with little time back home.Now that she was back, Teresa was determined to give Victoria a proper break."Sure, if anything comes up, just give me a call," Victoria agreed with a nod and a smile."Okay." Teresa nodded, watching Diana and Victoria get into another car. After bidding them goodbye with Croissant, she and the little one followed Liam to the Bentley that had been in an accident before.Just as Teresa carried Croissant into the car and Liam closed the door behind them, a figure emerged through the airport doors. Gabriel stepped out, catching a glimpse of Liam as he closed one side of the Bentley's doors and walked around to the other side to get in himself. Squinting through the car window, his gaze fell on the rear seat. There, holding a child in her arms, was none other than Teresa.Due to the glare and the barrier of the glass, not to mention the Croissant nestled in Teresa's embrace, Gabriel failed to recognize that the child in her arms was the very same little guy who had been hugging his leg and calling him "Daddy" just moments earlier.Soon after, Liam slid into the car from the other side. The door closed, and the vehicle pulled away.‘Could it be that Liam and Teresa were at the airport to pick up the kid?’Gabriel's striking brows furrowed deeply in a flash."Gabriel!" Just then, a driver, who had been waiting by the exit, hurried over and called out respectfully, "This way, please!"Gabriel averted his gaze and gave the driver a brief, indifferent look before striding toward the parked car nearby. The driver scurried ahead to open the door for him.Once inside the vehicle, a thought struck Gabriel, and he immediately took his phone to call Finley."Boss," Finley answered."What’s the scoop on that thing I asked you to check out? What exactly was Teresa up to that night?" Gabriel loosened his tie, a restless annoyance creeping into his usually composed voice."Boss, all checked out. That night, Teresa had dinner with classmates at Teresa Pavilion, a farewell for her and Diana's study abroad. After dinner, she went straight back to The Bennett Residence and didn't go anywhere else. The Bennett family's driver, who had been waiting outside the Teresa Pavilion, took her home that night. The Pavilion staff confirmed that although Teresa got sick, she wasn't drunk — totally clear-headed," Finley promptly reported with deference.—Not drunk, went straight home.Gabriel's handsome features tightened once more.What was that story Liam told him? Was he being misled?"Are you certain that Teresa wasn't inebriated that night and that she went directly home after the party?" Gabriel pressed for confirmation after a moment's contemplation."Boss, entirely certain, no question about it. Before Teresa left Teresa Pavilion that night, she even discussed some business matters with the manager — there's no mistake," asserted Finley with complete confidence."Why didn't you report this sooner?" Suddenly, Gabriel's temper flared."..." Finley protested his innocence. "Boss, I just got wind of it myself. I was about to fill you in when you rang."Gabriel shut his eyes for a moment, then abruptly ended the call. In a swift motion, he yanked off his necktie and flung it onto his leather seat.“Liam had lied to me!”Which meant the child Teresa had given birth to could very well be his own son.His mind conjured up the image of the little boy who had clung to his leg at the airport, calling him "Daddy." The kid's endearing face, bearing a striking resemblance to Teresa, appeared vividly before him."Head over to the Bennett’s!" Gabriel yelled furiously.The driver up front shivered at the command, stealing a glance at Gabriel in the rearview mirror and promptly nodding, "Right away, Sir."...
