Chapter 5 My Precious Honey

Azlynn’s P.O.V “That was a brave move, Ann.” As soon as the press conference ended, Daleyza dragged me to her office and exclaimed. “You are new in this city, but I know what kind of man Xavion Waller is. He will take it personally, Ann.” Listening to Daleyza’s horror speech, I couldn’t get the gist of the problem. She was narrating a story of where we weren’t included. “How can you say that Xavion Waller will take it personally? He doesn’t even know us.” Seriously! It was hard to understand why that football star would pay heed to a small company when he was riding the heights of ecstasy in his career. He was at the top, ruling over the entire South Kingdom like a King, people worshiped him blindly here. It wouldn’t be surprising if he just challenged the real King and sat on the throne one day. However, Daleyza wasn’t fazed by my logical reasoning. “Are you kidding me, Ann? He is the Xavion, an egoistic narcissist, who never forgives anyone. His staff is so efficient, they keep an eye on all the news about him 24/7. I am certain that he must have heard about your publicity stunt.” A sliver of dread touched my spine to hear such an accurate definition of Alpha Xavion, he was really a person not to be crossed with. I lived in an illusion of him being a calm and collected person for long, but he was a dick. He didn’t even hesitate to call me a cheater to save his face. If Alpha could accuse a person wrongly, there were one hundred percent chances that my statement would bring a severe reaction. I was about to have a panic attack, but Bella comforted me. “Daleyza is only warning you to play safe and extort more money from our brother. Don’t fall for her trap, Ann. I can see that her wolf is snickering.” That bitch! Just like others, Daleyza also mistook me as a brainless omega, fooling me with her cunning brain. I felt a dire need to call Howard about it. He had hired her as my assistant, not to waste my time. I assigned the task of signing easy targets to Daleyza and went to my new apartment during lunch break. The freedom of moving around freely, no fear of being recognized, and on top of that, no ominous prophecy in my new life rejuvenated my soul. Bella was howling gleefully. “Our dad is Alpha, but he doesn’t behave like one, Ann. You have colored your hair black, worn black lenses, and concealed your scent through our special gift. It’s the best method to live a normal life.” Standing in front of a wall-length mirror of my room, I pondered over Bella's complaint. We could have lived like others if dad wasn’t a paranoid man. Along with weird features and a prophecy, the Moon Goddess blessed me with the unique ability to hide my scent naturally, altering it with omega’s scent. No one could find out that Bella was a part of me due to this blessing. Looking at my cozy home, I sighed. “At least, I could bring Hayley with me, dad. Why are you so cruel?” The emptiness of my heart brought tears to my eyes; I felt devastated by the loss of my only friend. Hayley was the apple of my eyes, the only person who healed the deep wounds of betrayal. She was the only reason that I survived the storm of despair! Howard was my elder brother, my knight in shining armor, but he was always super busy due to business and Kingdom affairs. So, Hayley was my only partner in the loneliness of the Palace, where I was imprisoned in my room like a criminal. Wiping my tears, I took out the luxury of a cell phone from my purse and glanced at her photo. “I can’t even call or text you, Hayley. You will forget me soon.” Because of the Palace’s strict rules, we weren’t allowed to have mobiles. It was impossible for me to share my daily routine with my savior. Glancing at Hayley’s picture with teary eyes, I was second-guessing my decision to leave her alone in the Palace when the scent of forest after rain danced into my nostrils, skipping my heartbeat. A high-pitched scream resonated in my room, and I couldn’t notice that it was mine until a cute voice questioned me. “Mommy, why are you screaming?” Hayley! Rocked by the sheer force of shock, I exploded into giddy laughter and then rushed to hug her. “Thank, Goddess. You are fine, my precious honey. I missed you a lot.” My four years old adopted daughter, Hayley, circled her tiny arms around my neck, exclaiming happily. “I miss you too, mommy. Uncle Howard brought me here.” Howard convinced our dad? How? The reason for this out of the world miracle was none of my concern as I finally reunited with my daughter, the one who had filled my life with joy and happiness again. After the break-up, I lost trust in people, considering myself destined for loneliness. I even tried to take my life; however, the Moon Goddess arranged my meeting with Hayley. I found a newborn baby outside, frozen in the cold. That night changed my life for the better. I bid farewell to my past and became Hayley’s mother, embracing the wonders of motherhood. Kissing her adorable face, I felt at peace. Howard’s delightful tone resounded in my ears as he said, “What about a thank you to the best brother in the world, little princess?” I giggled and put my head on my brother’s broad chest. “You are matchless, my brother. I have no words to say thanks.” ... “Can I go to school, mommy?” As we calmed down after the initial tide of emotions, Hayley started to express her unfulfilled fantasies. “Mommy, can I make friends now?” “Will you take me to the shopping mall for Christmas?” “Can we go to the park?” And so on … Her wish list was the result of the past’s grievances, as we were unable to go outside. But Lake city was the answer to all my problems. I didn’t go back to the office and showed the pictures to Hayley on my laptop. “We will do everything you say, my precious honey. We will visit shops for Christmas preparations and buy a Christmas tree. And after the new year, you will go to school. Alright?” Hayley’s glassy eyes widened in disbelief, her little mind was finding it challenging to believe this rarity. “Pinky promise, mommy?” Raising her pinky finger, she sought confirmation, I smiled again and joined my finger with her. “Promise!” We were having pizza for lunch when the door of my apartment opened once again, Daleyza ran inside directly. “Ann, we are done!” “Why is she here?” Bella snarled at her, disturbed by her unannounced arrival. Howard hadn’t given her a spare key to invade my privacy. “What’s the matter, Daleyza?” The bitterness of my tone didn’t affect her at all as she frankly retrieved my cell phone from my bag and gasped. “Ten miscalls from the personal number of football star Xavion Waller? Oh, my Goddess!” What? My stomach constricted into a tight ball as a chill ran down my spine, I gawked at the screen. Daleyza’s horrifying imagination took the shape of reality and came to confront me in some hours. But how? I couldn’t even ask her more as my cell phone rang again, flashing that same number. And cherry on top, Daleyza pressed the green icon immediately. “Talk to him!” She mouthed desperately, begging me to handle the situation. However, my heart dropped to my stomach to hear Xavion’s deep, cold voice, h e was pissed. “This is the height of unprofessionalism, Miss Eastwood ...”