She's My Sleeping Pill

“Our relationship isn’t that easy to break. Even if Jade didn’t come, I know she won’t believe the news online.”

“There’s that much of a trust between you?”

“We had our fair share of distrust and dishonesty. We once ruined our beautiful partnership. Both of us never wanted the same thing to ever occur again.”

Elena nodded her head, not saying a word about it anymore. After all, she’s someone who hasn’t fully trusted the person she likes. Any moment, her relationship with Tristan will be ruined if she’s not careful with it – if they’re not careful with it.

As they continued to speak, changing topics to another, Stefan noticed the little girl clenching and unclenching her hands. She was looking straight in front, as if something interesting was there to be seen. “Are you nervous?” Stefan asked softly, trying to sound gentle as much as he could.

“Is my father married to someone?” Monique asked which was truly unexpected for a little girl. Most children who will be meeting their parents for the first time after many years wouldn’t be asking this kind of question. They would probably ask why their father left or why he didn’t come to see them. Some would even ask the kind of person their parents were. Others would even ask if their parents are rich or poor. At some point, most children will be emotional.

.....

Stefan didn’t know what made her ask that question but he felt a little sad for her. Her mother worked so hard, even sold her soul just to make sure she can provide for her family. She’s willing to exchange her life for her daughter’s bright future. But, is that what really matters? From his perspective, as someone who grew without parental love and care, Stefan had this thought that children should be valued. Financial support alone cannot bring happiness to children. They need constant care, love and support of their ideas as well.

Hearing her question, Stefan pats the little girl’s head and smile. “Your father isn’t married to someone else. Something just happened which is why he cannot come to your house at the moment.”

“Does he love me and my mother?”

“How about you ask him that question? I don’t have the right to validate someone’s feelings if they love someone or not. At the same time, is there a parent who does not love his or her child?”

This question made Elena shift on her seat. She turned to face the window and looked outside. She knew that Stefan was only saying those words to comfort the child but it made her think about her own parents, her own father whom she never had the chance of meeting.

‘Life is full of complicated matter. Is there a parent who does not love his child? Yes, of course.’ Elena answered Stefan’s question mentally. ‘Jean Niko Rule does not love his daughter. He even tried killing her several times. He abducted his own son and daughter-in-law, shipped them off to a far island and locked them up. And boss, your father didn’t fight for your well-being in the past as well. He neglected you to the point that you had to run away from home. My father doesn’t love me as well. He only loves my twin. Marianne wasn’t loved by her parents, too. Even when she was dying, they only cared for their reputation and name. Also...’ in her mind, Elena already made a long list of parents who didn’t love their children.

Her mental narration continued until they reached the café wherein Vincent and Simon waited for them. Since Simon is meeting a 5-year-old child, Vincent took this into consideration and decided to let them meet somewhere, away from the prison. And they chose the café where they can relax and make it easy for police officers to blend in.

Stefan held the little girl’s hand and led her inside the café. When he looked around, he could see several police officers wearing civilian clothing to monitor this meeting. It’s not because they didn’t trust Simon and feared of his escape. It’s because of the threat to the Madrid and Madrigal family, added with Stefan’s involvement, Simon’s life and the child’s life could be at risk. They needed to ensure their safety.

Among the police officers, one person stood out the most. It was Jackie. She’s not officially working in a Police Station but she’s been getting experiences as an assistant to officer Nick, Lucian’s colleague and best friend. Today, it’s her assignment to observe the little girl’s behavior and report it to Jillyanna.

“It’s lively here.” Stefan commented as he pulled a chair and lifted Monique to sit on it. He was acting so naturally like he was handling his own kid. “Have you waited for a long time?”

“Not really. We just arrived here.” Vincent answered but his eyes were focus on the little girl in front of him. ‘It feels like I’m watching a girl version of Simon.’ he thought to himself while looking at the child.

Few meters away from them, Jackie was having a video call with Jillyanna and her camera was aimed at Monique. Just like Vincent, she had this funny thought that she was watching mini-Simon.

Even if without the DNA test, they would never doubt this fruit coming from his seed. They’re almost identical.

Jillyanna wasn’t really saying anything, just watching the scene through the camera of her sister.

“You must be my father.” Monique calmly stated with her eyes on Simon. She didn’t blink or shifted her eyes away. She looked at him with so much intensity as if she was studying him. Well, she was really studying him. She was trying to read his expressions. “It’s nice seeing you.” She bowed her head a little for about three seconds and when she lifted it, she looked back to Stefan. “Let’s go back.”

Not only Simon, everyone else who heard her words was shocked. They haven’t even exchanged some words.