CHAPTER 20

FLORDENILLA FOREST

CONNOR’S POV

“How is my daughter?” I asked my cousin Sonia, who had just entered my office. She has two cups of tea that I ask for.

She walked over to me and carefully placed my cup on top of my table before speaking. “Dakota is fine there. Don’t worry, because I know Akihiro is watching over Dakota well. I know you’ve been working too hard worried about your daughter because she hasn’t been here with us for several months.”

“I just want to make sure my daughter is safe there.” I looked out the big window again from where I could see the garden that belonged to my late wife. Again, I felt homesick for my wife and my daughter. When Dakota was young and my wife was still alive, we always ate in the garden. We had no problem thinking too much back then. We are just happy and the family is perfect.

“I know that you know what Akihiro’s capacity is. He got his skills in fighting from his father Leandro, so it was only right that I took him to look after Dakota.”

“But Akihiro is only young, Sonia.”

“He’s only young, but he’s a good fighter. You’ve seen him fight other wolves once, haven’t you?”

That thing is true, and I have really admired Akihiro since then. I can also say that that boy was one of my daughter’s friends when Dakota and Willow were here. As far as I can remember, Akihiro always saved Dakota, so they became friends. It’s only been seven years, but it’s matured if he think about it. I picked up my cup of tea and drank carefully. I tried to calm myself down and put my daughter out of my mind for a while because I had to work and fix things in my area.

“It’s good then. I’ll count on him to always make sure Dakota is safe and he’ll protect my dauhghter from people who could hurt her.”

Sonia smiled at me. “Settle your mind and will, because I will take care of that matter.”

DAKOTA’S POV

“Is that kid still here?” Ashton asked when he caught up with Akihiro eating dinner. It obviously doesn’t like that the child is still here, but we can’t do anything because we can’t send him out and he might end up on the road. Ashton looked at the watch he was wearing. “Chef will be home anytime.”

We all looked at each other, and no one wanted to speak. I looked at Akihiro, who didn’t seem to care about anything Ashton was saying. He just eats and seems to really enjoy the food. I noticed ketchup on the side of his mouth, so I wiped it off. “Just eat slowly because you’re messy,” I said after wiping his face.

Akihiro smiled at me. “Thank you, Miss Dakota,” he softly answered her.

I laughed softly. “You call me very formal. You can call me by my name. It’s fine if you just call me Dakota.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Dakota. I’m just getting used to what I call you in our place.”

My forehead furrowed when I heard that. “Our place?” Akihiro didn’t seem to hear me now and just continued eating. I held his hand to get his attention. “Akihiro, what are you talking about? Where is our place? What place is that?” I tried to ask him and he might have something to say about my personality and identity, but as he always responds to us, he just remained silent. I can’t help but feel sad because I feel like the answer to all my questions is already here, but I can’t get it.

I looked at Willow, who had been listening to what Akihiro and I were talking about. It looks at me and the child alternately, and I also know that its patience is running out, but it doesn’t just reveal and show me.

“You don’t understand what I’m saying. When Chef Ivo sees him later, we’ll both be reprimanded and, by chance, maybe some people will leave here.” Ashton’s gaze went to Willow and me. “Right now, you have to find a way to get that child out of here.”

I don’t know why Ashton’s heart is so hard even for a boy like Akihiro. As for Willow and I, I can accept it a bit more because we are old, but Akihiro, he is still young and he shouldn’t be receiving such words from her. I held the boy’s head, then smiled at him sweetly.

“As for you, your chatter and noise. Instead of helping us think of something good to do, you are adding more stress to us,” said Shane.

“Oh why? Is that my son? Why would I stress a child who is not my child? Can you? Just fix that because of me. I’m not going to lose my job. I’m only worried about you.”

I breathed deeply. I don’t know why Ashton is like that. Is he just like that or something? His temper with everyone. Forgiving or even childish. Until Ashton left and left us in the dining area, we remained in silents.

“Excuse me. It’s my fault why Ashton is hot-headed and why we’re in trouble now,” I said. I said that from my heart and I am really ashamed of them. I felt Shane caressing my back, so I looked at her.

“Don’t be stressed because of Ashton. Later we will accompany you to talk to Chef Ivo. If he gets angry, let’s accept it and whatever he decides, that’s what we should do.”

I nodded. I looked at Akihiro, who was just looking at me. He even gave me a smile that seemed to say that everything will be okay. That’s why my pity for this boy crawled. I want to hug him even though I’m just living there. It’s embarrassing for my friends, especially Chef Ivo, when Akihiro lives here.

When night came, we all heard the arrival of Chef Ivo’s car. Anxiety rose in my chest and I was starting to get scared. Even though Willow didn’t speak, I knew she felt the same way. We left the room and went downstairs to meet him and talk to him in person.

“I’m nervous,” I said, holding Willow’s hand. We didn’t go with Aki because he was sleeping in my bed. Shane and Wendy were the first to descend. I don’t know if our male friends will also show up when I talk to Chef Ivo.

“You’re not alone. Even I was nervous. I’m really scared.”

Chef Ivo entered just as we got down. I was even surprised it to see us there. “Why are you still awake? What time is it?” He looked at me. “Is there a problem?”

I swallowed. I took a deep breath before smiling at him and speaking, “Chef, how was your meeting?”

“It’s okay. It’s tiring, but it’s okay.” Chef stepped closer to us. “So what’s there?” His forehead was frowning, but I took heart. It felt like there was a rat inside my chest. My hands are getting cold because I’m so nervous.

“Chef, we would like to tell you something. But I hope you don’t get angry.” My voice was weak when I said that.

His face became more serious. “Can it just be tomorrow? I’m tired now, so I don’t know if I can promise you that I won’t get angry, especially if you say something not good.”

Because of what he said, my knees went weak. I feel like I’m going to fall because I’m so nervous now. I turned to Willow as if I was about to cry. I looked back to Chef, then nodded. “Okay, Chef. Tomorrow.”

He smiled at me then walked towards the stairs, but we were all just as surprised to see Akihiro standing there. Chef Ivo’s eyes widened as he looked at the boy.

“Hi!” Aki greeted Chef with his energetic words cause me to run closer to it. But because I was really unlucky, one part of my body even hit a corner of the table. I closed my eyes because of the pain and my body curled up.

“Dakota!” it was Chef Ivo’s voice, but I couldn’t look at him because it really hurt. A few moments later, I felt it supporting me.

“Miss Dakota!” Akihiro also approached me.