Chapter 41 surprised chapter

Three years and a few months later
I place the last of Wilmer's clothes into the bag before zipping it close then pulling it towards the rest of the bag by the corner of the room" Mum. Mum..." Wilmer calls from the bathroom gaining my attention.
"I am coming" I call back before walking into the bathroom to find my three-year-old son standing on the stool by the sink with a toothbrush in his right hand and a toothpaste on his left hand while staring at the mirror, I walk towards him before taking the toothbrush and paste from him" didn't I ask you to wait while I try arranging your things" I scold trying to a keep a serious face while a frown appears on his face.
"You took too long I don't want us to keep dad waiting," he says before pouting like he was about to cry any minute from now.
I sigh before tickling him while he laughs loudly asking me to stop" Okay open up" I say stopping my attack on him before placing the toothbrush close to his lips waiting for him to open up his mouth.
After brushing his teeth he asked him to strip his clothes off before getting the tub ready for his bath, I place him into the bubble bath before hearing my phone ring from the stool I placed it a few minutes ago.
I clean my hands dry before answering Alex call" hello"
"Shiloh I saw you missed call are you both ready to leave?" he ask.
"No I just need to get Wilmer and I ready but I need you to be on your way now," I say watching Wilmer as he splashes the soapy water on the tied ground of the bathroom.
"Okay, I will be there in thirty minutes," he says before hanging up" Wilmer stop splashing the water," I say placing my phone back on the stool before walking towards him.
"Sorry mum" he apologies before a wide grin appear on his lip making me smile" Mum is uncle Alex coming with us?" He asks closing his eyes while I watch his hair.
"No he is not coming with us but I am sure he will visit us when we arrive there," I say with a smile on my lips.
After bathing him I wrapped a towel around him before taking him into the room to dress him up" Baby stay still" I say running the comb through his brown hair while he seats in front of the vanity table.
I place the comb on the table with a wide grin on my lips before placing a tender kiss on his forehead" my baby looks so handsome" I say making a wide grin appear on his lips.
"Am I as handsome as dad?" He asks making me laugh.
"Yes, you are even more handsome than dad," I say brushing his hair off his face feeling happiness dance in my chest from him being ecstatic.
"Mum, dad said he would buy me a very big car when we get there," he says elatedly.
"Really?" I ask placing him in own his two feet.
He replied with a nod" yes but he can't buy me a real car like yours because I am too little to drive but he said he would buy me a big toy car I can drive around the house" he says using his hands to explain how big it is making me laugh from his cuteness.
It has been roughly three years and a few months and my baby is almost turning four very soon which I can't wait for because this would be his first birthday with everyone and not just me and a few of my friends.
These three years has been both stressful, nerve-racking, and wonderful, at first I found it difficult to concentrate on Wilmer, School, and doing a part-time job to raise money but I was able to cope by leaving Wilmer with my ex neighbors who were old couples willing to take care care of Wilmer until I get back from school and work.
This continued until Wilmer started preschool where I could drop him off and pick him up after work or school and I was happy because I could spend more time with him.
I kept my promises by sending videos of Wilmer like when he first crawled, walk, grow his first tooth, and even when he first said his first word to everyone back at home but I never called anyone except send videos.
When Wilmer turned two years old and was able to talk a little better I let him video call Chance and everyone almost every day because he is always happy when he gets to talk to everyone especially when he gets to talk to Chance about everything.
He spends hours talking to Chance which always makes him elated but he was not fully happy because he always asks me if he could meet everyone and not just talk through the phone.
Even though Emma, Louis, Damien, and Shane visit once in a while he is never fully happy because Chance never comes to visit which I am to be blamed for.
But I can no longer watch the frown on his face immediately he ends his call with Chance so I decided it was time I take him home before his fourth birthday party which he has been elated about since two weeks ago when I told him we would be going back home.
I can see the happiness in my eyes bring gladness into my heart even though I feel a little bit anxious" what would you like to have for breakfast" I ask placing him on my hip before making my way down the stairs towards the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
"Hmm.. cereal" he yells immediately we enter the kitchen.
I place him on the kitchen stool"Okay" I say opening the fridge to get the jug of milk before opening the cupboard for his favorite cereal.
After preparing the cereal I place a bowl of his favorite cereal on the counter in front of him before taking a seat beside him" open up" I say wrapping a napkin around his neck before scooping up cereal with a spoon before placing it against his lips.
He shakes his head trying to take the spoon from me"I can feed myself, mum," I release the spoon letting him dip the spoon back into the bowl before shoveling it into his mouth leaving a few drops of milk on the counter.
"Look my baby is all grown up already," I said ruffling his hair receiving an adorable scowl from him.
"Mum stop " he whines running his hand through his hair moving the bangs from his forehead.
I laugh before combing my fingers through his hair trying to make his hair look neat" you know your dad always runs his hand through his hair anytime he feels stressed out or frustrated" I say gaining his interest.
He is always interested in hearing every little thing about his dad" Really, does he always keep his hair rough?"
I smile moving his hair from his forehead" not always because he likes everything neat and clean" I say before hearing the doorbell ring," Okay, finish your cereal while I go get the door" I say before making my way towards the living room.
I pull the door open to find Alex standing with his left hand tucked into the pocket of his black jeans" Come in. Wilmer is in the kitchen having breakfast" I say walking back into the kitchen with him trailing behind him.
"Uncle Alex !" Calls immediately we walk into the kitchen with his mouth covered with milk and the spot in front of him on the counter looking messy.
"How are you doing?" Alex asks seat beside him on the stool with a bright playful smile on his lip.
"Great because I get to see dad today," he says ecstatically before placing the bowl against his lip.
I place the bowl on the table before cleaning his mouth and counter with a tissue then removing the napkin from around his neck" Alex help me watch over him while I get ready" I put the tissue into the trash bin in the kitchen before leaving towards my room just besides Wilmer room.
Alex as being the one who takes Wilmer to school and brings him back since I move into this new apart after getting a job as a manager at a well-known fashion label in Brazil here.
Since I was one of the best graduating students I was privileged to get a job immediately which pays high enabling me to create a better life for myself and Wilmer like I always dreamt of.
I hired Alex as a driver to help me in taking Wilmer to school and back and Wilmer has gotten fond of Alex.
I am giving this apartment and my cars to him since we would be moving back home for good and it's my way to appreciate him for his help and understanding.
After taking a quick shower I change into a blue flowering off-shoulder dress before seating in front of the mirror in my room to do my makeup.
I feel anxious about leaving, it has been roughly three years without hearing or talking to my family or Chance and now I am returning.
I just don't know what to expect but as long as Wilmer is happy then I am happy, and I also know am ready for this.
I have grown to be a better person and mother, I am no longer that immature, love craving and the self-centered girl everyone once knows, everything I did, mistakes, lies, and pain I express in the past as built me into the woman I am today so I have no regret or grudges against anyone and against myself which makes me a better person.
I placed my pink lip gloss back into my makeup before smiling wildly at my reflection in the mirror feeling contented" Alex please take Wilmer's bags into the car" I yell knowing he would hear me.
"Okay" He yells back.
I tuck my makeup back into my bag before checking for anything that I meant have forgetting to tuck into my bag, our fight is by noon and the time is just 10:30 so I still have little time to recheck for anything I meant be forgetting.
I pull my luggage out of the room satisfied that nothing is being left out before rolling the two begs down the stairs towards the living room where I find Wilmer seating on the couch watching one of his favorite cartoon shows.
Alex walks into the house offering to take my luggage to the car parked outside, thanking him I walk into the kitchen to grab an Apple before walking back into the living room" Wilmer come on it's time to go" I say taking his hand into mine before looking one last time at the room.
It took us less than thirty minutes to get to the airport and another one hour to go through security checkups and other processes before getting on the plane.
I seat by the window before fastening Wilmer's seat beat around him" mum can I talk with dad now?" He asks with a pleading look in his eyes.
I know he must be nervous since this is the first time him being on a plane that he could remember.
I place my hand on his little one with a smile on my lips to make him feel less nervous" Baby you can't speak with dad now because we will soon be on the air but dad just sent a message for you" I say before reading out the message Chance send immediately we were leaving the house.
He relaxes more after hearing the text from his dad, immediately the plane move I plug in his headset to keep him busy while he rests his head on my lap.
****************
Wilmer slept through the hours will spend on the plane before we landed, after retrieving our luggage I place Wilmer on my hip before going through my bag for my phone to call a cab "Shiloh" A voice calls gaining my attention.
I turn towards the voice to find Mum Elaina holding a board with my name written on it while Mum stands beside her with a wide grin on her lips"Grandma Elaina and Grandma Quinn" Wilmer yells excitedly.
A wide smile appears on my face as I make my way towards them, Mum Elaina looks just like her usual self dressed in black pants paired with a V-neck lace-up blouse while mum is dressed in a kneel long sleeve patchwork spring pullover dress, both looking elegant.
Reaching them I place Wilmer on his two feet letting him hug his Grandma Elaina" O my God you've grown so big" Mum Elaina says before hugging him tightly.
"Shiloh I miss you so much," Mum says pull me into her embrace.
"I miss you too mum," I say clinging to her tightly, I miss are so much and it's great to be back here with her after so long" How have you been?" I ask pulling from her embrace.
"Great and everyone is at home waiting for you and Wilmer's arrival," she says with a wide smile before focusing her attention on Wilmer who is laughing and chatting with his grandma Elaina.
"Elaina I would like to have some time with my grandson now," She says before taking Wilmer from her.
Mum Elaina rolls her eyes at her before wasting no time in pulling me into her tight embrace.
After savoring the presence of mum and Mum Elaina the driver load our luggage into the car they both came in, Wilmer stayed in the back seat of the car with Mum and Mum Elaina, enjoying their attention focused on him while he talks about his adventure.
We reached the house in thirty minutes" Grandma Quinn is this where you live" Wilmer asks holding on to mum's left hand while Mum Elaina instructs someone to take our luggage into my room.
"Yes dear, this where I and your Grandpa Dalton live" she replies with a pleasant smile on her lips.
Wilmer stares wowed while we make our way into the house, immediately we got into the house I was engulfed into a tight embrace almost knocking me off my feet" I miss you so much best friend" Emma says making me laugh lightly while I pat her back lightly.
"I miss you too," I say as she releases me from her embrace" so how have you been faring" I tease with a smirk on my lips.
Emma just recently got engaged to Damien, she took a plane to Brazil just to show me her engagement ring which was a beautiful one at that.
I wasn't able to attend their engagement party so there is no way I would miss their wedding ceremony which is one of the reasons I decided to come back.
I am so happy for her and Damien they deserve to be together with all the happiness in the world.
"Great and living my life," she says with excitement dancing in her eyes.
Surprisingly everyone is here to greet us, I actually can't believe Sylvia is heavily pregnant which came as a surprise to me because she never told me on the day I called her telling her would be coming back home but I am so happy for her and Garrett.
Also, Louis got himself a serious girlfriend and she seems very nice and perfect for the player, and Shane is now wedded to a gorgeous lady who is also expecting his baby, isn't that wonderful.
Everything seems to be going great for everyone which makes me so glad, William wasn't able to make it because he is on a business trip but we talk on the phone most of the time when I was in Brazil.
Summer was able to take today off school just to see me and Wilmer which I am grateful for, she doing fine in school and would graduating one year from now which she can't wait for.
I am so glad to be back after so many years away and I can tell Wilmer is excited getting all the attention on him, I watch as he seats on his grandpa Colt's lap looking excited as he plays with Edward.
Edward is now a big boy no longer that little boy I last saw, he has gotten close to Wilmer since I kept my promise by letting them both speak on the phone anytime he calls or I decide to call.
" Grandpa Colt why isn't Dad here?" Wilmer asks staring up at Mr.Colt with a curious look.
Since we arrived I haven't seen or heard from Chance and it is making me worried" your Dad is on his way here to see you" Mr.Colt replies with a smile receiving a nod from Wilmer.
"Shiloh. Wilmer, I think the person you are waiting for is here" Kate calls from outside gaining our attention.
Without wasting much time we make our way outside to find a midnight silver Testa model 3 parked just in front of the house.
The passenger's seat door opens before Sam steps out then Chance steps out from the driver seat, Wilmer releases my hold on his hand before running towards Chance" Dad!" Chance catches him as he flings into his hands.
I watch the exchange with a glimmer of tears in my eyes from happiness" Shiloh" Sam says gaining my attention.
I flick my gaze towards her" Sam" I say with a welcoming smile on my lips, she looks different dressed in skew neck batting short sleeve PU bodycon dress with her blonde hair resting on her shoulders looking like a model.
I haven't heard or seen her for so long but from the fashion magazines I always read she doing well in her modeling career and even rumored to be dating a top-list lawyer" it's being so long" she says with a wide smile in place.
"Yeah, it has" I reply not knowing what else to say because from what I can remember we have never heard a friendly discussion so don't blame me if I feel lost for words to say.
Before I can comprehend what going on she wraps her hands around me hugging me like I am her long-lost friend" Welcome back" I smile hugging her back before pulling away.
"Thank you," I say while she replies with a smile before turning towards Chance and Wilmer, " I asked him to come pick me up since I heard you were coming back today and I don't have the address to this place," she says with her attention still focus on them.
"Dad is my car here now?" Wilmer asks with his hand wrapped around Chance's neck with a bright smile on his face.
"No, but I promise to take you out to get any toy car of your choice," he says staring at Wilmer in amusement.
"Yea, dad look I let mum cut my hair," he says touching his hair before touching his Dad's hair.
"Wow it looks neat now and it also makes you look so handsome," Chance says letting Wilmer play with his hair.
He placed a tender kiss on Wilmer's forehead before locking his gaze with mine, he makes his way towards me with a bright smile on his lips sending butterflies dancing in the pit of my stomach.
Standing in front of me he bends down setting Wilmer on his feet before standing back up locking his eyes with mine once more.
It's been so long, will it sound crazy if I say he looks more handsome than the last time I saw him.
He has light stubble on his cheeks and chin, his hair has grown longer in need of a cut but it makes him look more manly, he is dressed in a black t-shirt and kneel ripped denim jeans.
Looking at his appearance now he has changed so much"Shiloh is this you?" He asks searching my eyes with his.
"Yeah. Hi," I say awkwardly.
It's been so long and I don't know what to expect from him, should I be expecting a welcome back kiss, a hug or should I expect us to be friends or for us to be something more.
I felt his hand going around me snapping me to the present"Thank God you came back" he says hugging me tightly with his face buried into my hair like he was scared I would run away from him.
I hug him tightly enjoying the feeling of his hands wrapped around me" I missed you so much" he whispers.
"I know, I missed you too" he pulls back before placing a long kiss on my forehead" you look so different and it is a good difference"
After having our moment outside will walk back to the house, Wilmer spends most of the time talking to Chance both looking so excited.
I laugh and chat with everyone like old times with everyone filling me on everything I missed while I do the same before Dad requests to have a word with me, mum, and Sylvia in his office.
"Shiloh I have seen how far you have grown in your life and I am so very happy that you are back so I think it's time you take over from your mum," Dad says cutting through the silence.
I stare at him bewildered" What no I can't " I object immediately " Sylvia is already doing great handling the fashion line and everything" I explain seeing no reason why he is trying to get me involved in the family business.
I am not ready to take such a responsibility, I am okay with the career I have built and I also aiming for something bigger but this, not the kind of news I was expecting to receive when I decided to return.
"Shiloh I know you are capable of handling everything I have heard how efficient you are at your working place in Brazil so I do not doubt that you can be a wonderful CEO," mum says taking my hands in herself with a soft smile on her lips.
"But mum being a manager is different from being a CEO I think it best handled under Sylvia's supervision" I explain still in doubt.
"I can no longer handle the company anymore since I have a joint share with Garrett in dad's company so that means I have to join Garrett in handling dad's company" Sylvia explains trying to persuade me into changing my decision.
"Are you sure about this?" I ask waiting for any objection.
"Yes, we have discussed everything I think it is for the best," Dad says placing a file on the desk in front of me.
I sighed taking a pen from his desk before signing my name and signature on the required space sealing the arrangement and transferring everything under my name.
"Since is now agreed on, there will be a dinner party host this evening in this house to welcome you and Wilmer back and also to introduce you as the new CEO of Dante Family Fashion Empire," he says closing the file before placing it into the bottom drawer of his desk" Tomorrow there will be a meeting which you need to attend with your mum so I want you to be prepared" he continues before bringing his hand for a handshake.
"Welcome to the business Miss Shiloh Malia Dante," he says with a teasing smirk on his lips while I obliged to his handshake.
"Welcome" mum says with a wide grin on her lip.
"Okay it's time you get ready for the dinner party," Sylvia says standing from her place on the couch before doing the same" I left your outfit in your room so I need you to change into that then come down to the main hall for the party" she instructs urging me out of the room.
I roll my eyes at her before making my way towards my room, entering my room I find Chance squatting in front of Wilmer folding the hand of Wilmer's button-up long sleeve shirt.
I close the door behind me gaining their attention" Mum see what Dad got me" he says pointing towards his outfit. (Outfit below)
"Wow it looks good on you, did you tell your dad a big thank you?" I asked walking towards him while Chance stands to his full height with his gaze focused on me.
"Yes I hugged him tightly" Wilmer explains wrapping his hands around himself showing me how tightly he hugged Chance.
"Thank you for this," I say locking my gaze with Chance.
He shrugs nonchalantly" It's the least I can do, Shiloh I was hoping to spend some time with Wilmer tomorrow so I hope you are okay with it"
"He is your son Chance so you don't need to ask permission from me first, " I say with a warm smile on my lips.
He replies with his signature smile on his lips making my heart skip a beat"Thank you for coming back" he says caressing my cheek with his finger before dropping it down so quickly like my skin is like a fire under his.
He clears his throat before focusing his attention on Wilmer who was already standing in front of the vanity table at the corner of the room trying to comb his hair backward" Wilmer come on let's give you mum privacy to get dressed" he says, Wilmer place the comb on the table before running towards Chance hooking his hand with his.
I watch them close the door behind them before letting the air out of my lungs as my heartbeat increases.
I walk towards my closet to find my outfit(outfit below)
****************
After getting ready for the party, I and Wilmer were introduced to the few people in attendance, it came as a surprise when I was being introduced as the CEO and as the last Child to the Dante family.
I was very nervous, I hope I made the right decision.
I scan through the crowd in search of Wilmer, since we were being introduced I haven't seen him, I last saw him with Edward but now he is no way to find and I am beginning to get worried about is where about.
I excuse myself from the group I was discussing with before making my way towards Edward seating beside his mum.
"Edward, have you seen Wilmer?" I ask gaining his attention.
"I last saw him with uncle Chance," he says searching through the crowd for any signing of Chance and Wilmer.
Where have they run off too, I guess he is safe if he is with Chance but I still have to search for them" Thank you Edward" I say before focusing my attention on Sylvia who is having a conversation with a lady seating beside her.
I send a smile towards her direction before continuing my search" mum" Someone tugs my hand trying to gain my attention.
I look down to find Wilmer holding on to my hand, I release a sigh feeling at ease" mum come with me I have a surprise for you" he says pulling at my hand.
I fellow behind confused as he leads me today the back of the house" Wilmer baby where are you leading me to?" I ask once again getting the same reply.
"It's a surprise"
I gasp seeing the view in front of me, there is a light decoration on a long table with three chairs around it bring light to the darkness of the night.
It looks like a feast is set out here with dishes on the table but what got my heart racing was the man standing right in front of me dressed in a matching pair of black suits and pants with a light smile-enhancing his features.
"Chance what going on?" I ask scanning my eyes through my surroundings before focusing my attention back on him.
"You did a great job" Chance says giving Wilmer a low high five before walking towards me.
I stare at him bewildered as he takes both of my hands in his with his gaze locked intensely with mine" Shiloh I have waited for so long to do this but it might seem so soon for this" he says making me more bewildered with his words.
"I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you, I know I have treated you badly in the past and also made silly mistakes but I promise to be the man you deserve, I also know things will not always be perfect but I promise myself never to let you go so please" he continues before going down on one kneel before pulling out a little red box from his front pocket" will you Marry me and let me back into your heart"
I stare in shock as he opens the box to find a gorgeous ring resting in it, I stare at Wilmer who was standing beside him with a wide grin on his lips and excitement dancing in his eyes.
I avert my focus back to the man kneeling before me, I spend three years away from him but still my heartbeat for him.
Even after everything he's the only one I want, he's the only one I can imagine myself with, his hand are the only hands I want to hold, his lips are the only lips I ever want to kiss, I want to wake up to see him every morning laying beside me, he's the absolute only person I could see myself with.
I wipe the tears under my eyes with a happy smile gracing my lips" I want nothing more than to be your wife so I will get married to you" he grins widely putting the ring on my finger.
I laugh happily as Wilmer jumps around excitedly" Thank you. Thank you so much" Chance says before locking his lips with mine.
I press my hand to the side on his face savoring the feeling on his lips on mine before pulling back with my smile still in place" Come on let having dinner" he says leading me towards the table before pulling out a seat for me.
"Here you go," he says placing Wilmer on the seat beside me before taking a seat.
I sigh feeling happiness bubbling inside me, It seems I am living my fairy tale but it's nothing like a fairy tale, this is reality things are not always how it seems, things can never be perfect because mistakes arise.
This is life people will screw you over, you'll fight with your family, you'll witness things that will change you forever, you'll blame new lovers for things old lovers did, you'll lose best friends you thought would always be there, you'll come to realize that everyone has a past, you'll cry, you'll laugh and you'll embarrass yourself but then you'll find your very own moment where none of that matters, where you can sit back and realize that crap happens to the people who can handle it and that this is who you are and that no one should want to change you including yourself.
I have learned this lesson through my mistakes and others' mistakes which has made me grow so much.
I am longer the Miss Shiloh Malia Sante the secret daughter of the multimillionaire Dante family, I am no longer the shy and self-centered person I was once.
They say situation changes people and the way they think so I guess that is true because we all change, what matters is how will choose to turn our mistakes into victory.
What started as a mistake for me turns out to be a bundle of joy and a means to be a better version of myself.
I am Miss Shiloh Malia Dante's daughter of Mr. Dalton and Mrs. Quinn Selena Dante and the mother of Wilmer Berney Cristain, also the CEO of Dante Family Fashion Empire and soon to be Mrs. Shiloh Malia Cristain.
Things won't be perfect from now on but I am ready to face anything head-on. I might seem weak but my weakness is my strength.
The End