Jane and Hayri stole a glance at each other. Would they tell her about Kyle? Would they tell her that the man behind the faceless Mr. Blacksmith was the man she was looking for?
"Jane, don't get me wrong. I know you can afford to buy these rare velvet diamonds as much you want, but what I want to point out is that Charles sells his pieces of jewelry through an exhibit which he organizes. I am just hoping that you have an idea where he is now because when you buy pieces of jewelry, you have to see Charles himself."
Jane froze for a moment, how could she tell her about the mysteries of Charles Madani? Seeing her reaction, Hayri spoke for her.
"Rona, since you wish to see Charles, why didn't you go to any of his exhibits before?"
-----
Dressed in a black, diamond-embellished designer c.o.c.ktail attire, Rona walked towards the registration area. She saw to it that her velvet diamond pendant would be a piece of attraction on top of her strapless bodice. She didn't know any of the business tycoons from all over the world who might be the attendees of this exhibit. Yet, she must show off that she was one of them through the expensive materials she wore.
The usherettes at the entrance of the exhibit hall welcomed her with warm smiles and led her to the registration table. The beautiful lady behind the table stood up to greet her a pleasant afternoon with her captivating smile before she bent down to pick up the guest list. Rona smiled when she saw how the lady's face lit up when her eyes wandered to her necklace.
"Ma'am, kindly look for your name on this guest book and write your signature at the side. Then, please give me your proof of invitation so I could give you your ID card."
Rona stood frozen for a second. This part was her dreaded moment. She was informed lately of this exhibit and had not coordinated with the organizer to get an invitation.
"Miss, I'm sorry I did not have any of these, but I can present any proof you want or any requirement you need to get an invitation."
The lady smiled sadly but turned her down politely. "I'm really very sorry, ma'am. I know it in my heart that you are not a threat to our security, but please understand that I am only following orders".
Rona smiled back and threw her last card for a chance to see the person behind the velvet diamonds. She traveled this far from the other part of the world, and she would not allow to get denied easily.
"Miss, can you just please pass a word to Charles that I am here? Just tell him that my name is Rona."
Rona prayed silently that this lady would cooperate. She even used their first name to prove to her that she knew Charles personally.
"Sure, ma'am. Just please leave your number so that I can inform you regarding his decision on this." The lady then picked up the guest book again and showed her the space where she should write her contact details.
After writing her pieces of information, another guest came, so the lady dismissed her again. She could do nothing else than wait for her call. She stayed in the nearest coffee shop, but the night came, and there was no single call coming from the organizer. However, she got an email informing her of the date of the next exhibit. Perhaps, Charles did not want to see her, probably because of what Charles may think of her-- she was insignificant to him.
She returned home and promised herself that on the next exhibit, she would comply with all the needed requirements. However, when the time came, the weather was terrible, causing the cancellation of all flights scheduled that day. She waited for the next announcement, but whatever was the reason behind, the company suddenly informed her through an email that they held the exhibits temporarily until further notice. She sent back an email inquiring them if it was possible to communicate with the company owner, but she got no reply. The company also deleted all its contact information and just vanished like vapor in the air.
Rona's spirit sank. A lot of questions and insecurities lingered in her mind. Did Charles know that she was one of the guests? Did that lady informed him about her? Did she know about their son?
________
After telling her story, Rona held both of Jane's hands and looked at her with pleading eyes.
"Jane, there's not a single day that passes by without me blaming myself for leaving my son. I can accept if he was one of those poor kids who got burned, but what if he is alive? What if he is out there in the streets? Jane, in my heart, I can feel he is still alive, and he needs me."
Rona sobbed hard after this, breaking Jane and Hayri's heart apart. However, they were afraid of their lives, Kyle's life. Yet, what if Kyle is Rona's son? How could they deny Kyle of his need for a long lost mother?
After battling against her conflicting emotions inside, Jane finally opened up.
"Rona, I never get the chance to talk to Mr. Mandani, but he left these pieces of jewelry in my room-"
"What?"
"What? Is he able to break in again despite the security? What were those men doing? Sleeping?"
Rona and Hayri reacted simultaneously, making Rona's heart stop beating for a moment. Her jaw dropped in watching their exchanges, wondering at the same time why Hayri mentioned something about beaking in and about tight security.
"No, Louise, listen. I checked the video footage, but they were doing their job well. I also checked the ceiling, but there's no sign of him breaking through it. I just woke up in the morning, finding those pair of earrings in my dressing table."
"Maybe, it's through Kyle. Did you ask the boy-" In the height of the tension, Hayri forgot that he should not mention anything about Kyle.
"Boy?' Rona's eyes widened, her heart leaping with the tiny ray of hope.
Jane and Hayri looked at each other until Jane decided to speak up for the two of them.
"Yes, a boy, An eight-year-old boy left to us by Dr. Charles Madani."
Rona slumped into her seat as Jane confirmed it. Her lips turned white, and her eyes seemed to burst out from its sockets.
Hayri then proceeded to tell her the story. Since they had started opening up, why not tell everything?
In the end, Jane suggested, "Ron, why not do a DNA test?"