CHAPTER 43: His Child

DARREN’s P.O.V.

Today is the day I’ve been waiting for. I’m going to meet my daughter. I woke up early to fix myself. I want my daughter to like me. I want her not to be afraid or anything when she meet her Dad. I’m also excited to tell this to Elijah and my father, wanting to know their reaction. But for now, I’ll just keep this to myself.

I drove to the place written on the tissue paper. When I arrived there, Claire isn’t still there. I patiently waits, knowing that I will see my daughter and the woman I love in just a few hours. And I wasn’t wrong for after a half hour or so, Claire entered into the shop, carrying a little girl on her arms.

Mixed emotions overwhelmed my system. I didn’t know what to do, and I can’t also open my mouth to speak any words.

“Darren... Meet Cloey, your daughter.”

After she said those words, she let the child go and walk towards my direction. My world suddenly stopped from revolving by looking at this child. She’s mine, no doubt. I can see my younger self in her eyes.

“Dada?” I looked down to her, surprised that she can talk and walk at such a young age.

She was about to hug my feet when Claire grabbed and took her away from me. She looked surprised, reaching for me as I confusedly glared at her mother.

“Why wouldn’t you let her touch me?” I asked, half annoyed.

“I don’t want my child to feel that she’s unwanted. If you’re still wasn’t sure about this, I’m not pushing her to you. I’m not going to force you to love her cause she doesn’t deserved that.”

I laughed bitterly at her lack of trust in me. I feel hurt, knowing to myself that I wasn’t doubting even just for a second. I just wanted to cherish every little moments that my child and I first shared with together.

“I’m not doubting you... From the moment that I saw her on that photo, I instantly knew that I have some connection towards that child. Now, would you let me hold her, Claire?” I asked, suppressing my tears.

She looked guilty for a moment before letting her daughter go again. This time, I didn’t waste anymore moments. I kneel down to embraced her. I kissed her forehead, as my tears started to stream uncontrollably down to my cheeks.

“Hey, little girl. What’s your name?”

“Owey...” She smiled at me, making my heart melt.

“Cloey Braganza... That’s her name,” Claire stated.

I wiped my tears away as I look to her face, memorizing every angle as I smile unconsciously.

“Cloey... I’m your daddy...” I sob, not bothering the people staring at us. The only thing that matters to me right now is her, and her mother of course.

“Dada?” I nodded before hugging her tightly again.

From the corners of my eyes, I saw how Claire secretly wiped her tears away. Is she crying? But why? If she really did moved on, maybe she wouldn’t be too affected by now. But she is. Hope is now invading my system. I’ll make her stone cold heart melt again.

“Where do you want to go?” I sweetly asked to Cloey.

She pouted her lips and just shrugged her shoulders. I nearly laughed at her cute facial expression. I couldn’t help myself but to gave her several kisses on her chubby cheeks.

“Daddy will bring you anywhere you want... In any country, my dear.”

“She’s too young for that, Darren,” Claire firmly stated.

“I know. But someday we will discover the world together... I’ll bring her to any place she wishes to see...”

I opened the door of my car using my other hand because I’m still carrying Cloey. Claire looked at me hesitantly, that’s why I assured her.

“I know you don’t want to leave Cloey with me. You still don’t trust me, right? So it’s fine if you’re going to tag along.”

She rolled her eyes on me before entering into my car. I chuckled as I saw her frowned face. I gave her our child, before going to the driver’s seat.

“Where are we going?” Claire asked.

“Anywhere... Oh, I know a place.”

“Where?”

“It’s a secret.”

I drove to the park, thinking that maybe she could remember our place back when we are still in the Philippines. I parked my car on the small parking lot before opening the door for my family. And yes, I’m claiming them as my own now.

As Claire stepped out of the car, her face lit up, seeing a peaceful place away from all the buildings and other stuff. She can freely let our daughter run around in here for there are no cars and other vehicles allowed inside.

“Remember our place?” I asked.

She didn’t answer. Instead, she just looked away.

“You’re still mad at me. Can I ask you some questions?”

We are currently walking in the park. Me carrying our daughter while she playfully watch the other kids playing around the park.

“What is it?”

“When did you find out you’re pregnant?” Claire sighed before answering my question.

“One month after we moved in here. I had a feeling that I am back in the Philippines but I wasn’t sure, so...”

“You still decided to leave.”

“Maybe. But I only got the confirmation when we are already here.” She’s obviously avoiding my eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me about Cloey right away? If you had then maybe...”

“Maybe you didn’t believe me too. Am I right? Maybe you thought that Cloey wasn’t yours.” I tried to reach her hand but she didn’t let me touch her.

“I’m really sorry, Claire... Gabriel told me everything about what happened. After that... I decided to ran away from my own wedding day.”

“You what?” She looked at me in disbelief.

“I ran away. I didn’t want to marry Kate. You know that from the very beginning.”

She bit her lower lip, feeling nervous.

“Poor Kate. Why did you do that? She must be broken hearted right now...”

“She’s not. Someone told me that she’s already making her own name in terms of fashion industry abroad.”

I saw how a smile slowly formed on her lips. Maybe she remembered one of their dreams before. They are once best friend, and memories will stay even though their friendship is already gone. Who knows? Maybe someday they will be friends again.

“I’m happy for her. She deserves it. She deserves to find her true self.”

I was about to say something when Cloey finally opened her mouth to say some few words again.

“Momma! Ice cream!”

Claire and I both laughed at her cute voice, but after we realized that we are both sharing a happy moment together, she looked away, ignoring my existence again.

“Daddy will buy you one.” I told to Cloey as I pinched her nose.

“Yay! Dada!” She clapped her hands.

We went to the ice cream vendor before ordering three servings. One for me, for Claire, and for our daughter. Claire doesn’t want to accept it at first, but of course I pursued her and she finally gave up.

“Come on, it’s just an ice cream.”

“Fine. T-thanks.”

I smiled at her, but she didn’t return it. After we ate, we let Cloey ran around the park while we sat on the bench, watching her very closely.

“It’s been a while since we met again, and I haven’t got a chance to ask you how you’ve been... I wanted to know, Claire.”

She didn’t look at me. She’s still busy looking after our daughter. I thought she wouldn’t say anything or she’ll just ignored me again. But she didn’t. Finally, she spoke up, her eyes were still on Cloey.

“I’m fine... When we came here, everything is different... I mean, the pregnancy and stuff... It wasn’t that easy, but when I saw Cloey for the very first time, it was all worth it.”

I looked down, feeling guilty for the times that I wasn’t there by her side.

“I’m sorry... I really am. I should’ve been there...” My voice broke up, as tears started to fall from my eyes.

Whenever I thought of how hard it was for her before, finding out that she’s carrying the child of the man who hurt her, I felt guilty. For that was all my fault. There is no one to be blame but me.

“It’s fine, Darren. Luckily, we survived... Even without you.” I laughed bitterly at her response.

“Yeah. You’re really tough. But you don’t have to be now, Claire. I’m already here. I’ll help you. I’ll give everything to my daughter.”

“You don’t need to, Darren. I don’t want to spoiled her. I want her to be a better person... Better than me, or anyone.”

“I know. But I still want to. I promise that after I finished those two years that I didn’t fulfilled my duty as her Dad, I’ll stop spoiling her. But for now, let me make it up to my daughter... And to you as well.”

“Sure.” She smiled thrifty at me.

“Does your father knew about me being here in New York?”

“Yeah. I told him yesterday.”

“Good. Cause I’ll ask for his permission to let you two spend more time with me.”

“Just Cloey, Darren.”

“Why? Did you already found someone else?” I asked, anxious.

“Why do you care, anyway? And why do I need to tell you about that? You don’t have any right to asked me... We are Cloey’s parents, yes. But we are not a couple.”

“Claire...”

“Besides, our deal was long over now. In fact, I didn’t accept your payment so that only means that our deal was void.”

I smiled melancholically to myself. When I saw our daughter running towards my direction, I tried to put on the sweetest smile I can.

“Hey!” She hugged me and I lift her up.

“Why? Are you tired? Do you want Daddy to buy you some new toys?”

Her face lit up before she nodded several times. I chuckled, kissing her forehead.

“Then let’s go. I’ll but you anything you want.”

I walked towards my car while carrying my daughter. I didn’t bother to ask Claire for I know that she would just give me a cold answer.

“Darren, wait...” I turned my gaze towards her.

“I wouldn’t leave you and take our daughter away. You know I’m not that kind of guy. So please, stop worrying.”