"Mary, what's wrong?" he asked, perturbed by her indifference. Taking a step ahead, he held her hand. "Mary, why didn't you tell me earlier? I would have--"
"Enough of this nonsense, William Lan!" She then pulled away from him, almost in horror. "Thank you for saving my son's life. But I wish you wouldn't tell them you are their father! This will remain a secret."
"But why? I don't understand!" William couldn't figure out why she was acting like this. Just when life was giving him another chance, she had to spoil it!
"I have nothing to do with you! And the same applies to my children." Her face was bereft of emotions. William stared at her, unnerved by her coldness. After a pause, she continued, "I never planned on letting you know about them. The accident which happened today compelled me to do it. I would be glad if you could stay away from them. However, if you insist, you can occasionally show up as a kind-hearted uncle. But that's it!"
"No way!" William refused to oblige. "They are my children! Damnit! They are William Lan's children! Why shouldn't they know this? Why are you keeping me from meeting my children? This is wrong, Mary." It all sounded so unfair to him!
"No, William! They are just my children!" Do you remember what you said four years ago? Or do you want me to remind you?" she asked.
"What?" He seemed confused.
"Alright then! William, you asked me to have an abortion if I was pregnant. You wanted them dead!" Mary gritted her teeth, reminding him of his atrocities. She went on, "If it weren't for Lucas's help, they wouldn't be here! Tell me William, does this ring a bell?"
"I..." Hearing that, William was stunned. But the truth was, he wasn't the same man he was before. He was willing to make amends for his mistakes.
Taking advantage of his
here alone?"
"No, not at all!" Virgil waved his hand.
"So I am guessing you are heading towards the children's section," William said, deep in thoughts.
"Yes, I am."
"That's good," said William confidently, "we should go up together."
"What? Why?" With his mouth wide open, Virgil muttered, "Boss... Are you choosing gifts for kids too?"
"Yes." William didn't bother to elaborate.
"For whom? Is it for one of your family members?" Virgil went on, unable to hide his curiosity.
With his hands in his pockets, William smiled, satisfied with Virgil's last question. He raised his head slightly and said, "Nope! Gifts for my son and daughter."
"Son... Your son? Your daughter? What?" Virgil thought his ears were playing a trick on him. "Is Beth pregnant?" he pried.
"Fuck off!" William glared at him coldly. "Does Beth deserve to give birth to my babies?"
"Then who is it? Andy? Or the young model from two days ago?"
It suddenly dawned on William that his assistant didn't have a good image of him. Glaring at him, he said, "I think you are courting death, Virgil!"
"Well..." Virgil quickly covered his mouth, realizing his own stupidity. "I apologize, boss. Would you like to tell me who it is?"
"My wife."
"Your wife... Wife?" The word wife instantly summoned up images of Mary Lu. "Boss, are you talking about Mary Lu?"
"At last, you are right!" William broke into a smile and patted Virgil on his shoulder. "Come with me," he ordered.
"Sure." Virgil had no choice but to oblige.
He had come here, hoping to spend some time alone. But out of the blue, his boss had shown up! Even this mall seemed like an office to him now. Virgil had so many questions in his mind. 'Didn't the CEO divorce his wife? And where did these two children suddenly appear from?'