"I am resigning," I told Chef Samuel.

I was sitting on the couch in Chef Samuel's drawing room. Twen was in the other room playing a video game. Chef Samuel's wife was not home yet after work. I didn't want to return to my place. I was still in shock and had too many things to ponder about. My phone rang several times but I did not want to speak with anyone at the moment. I was sure it was Tanya but I didn't know what to tell her. The entire staff knew me as 'beta'. How can I explain about a beta being bonded to an Alpha? How was I supposed to explain my and Robbie's reaction in the morning? Feeling frustrated, lost, and confused, I drove till my petrol tank was sucked dry. By the time it was evening, I made up my mind about what to do. So, I picked up Twen and went straight to Samuel's place.

He looked at me with eyes so wide open that they could have been the size of a glass coaster.

"What did you say? RESIGN??"

"Yes," that was all I could bring myself to say

"Wha- What happened? Why so suddenly?" he asked, looking at me with concern.

I didn't know how to answer. Though Chef knew about my past, I never said who the father of Twen was. Even if I did, nobody would have thought that such a twist of fate could take place. I simply remained quiet.

"Tony," he called

"I can't work there anymore," I said, getting up from the couch, "Forgive me, Sam, you did so much for me and I..." A lump formed in my throat. This is unbelievable! Because of that jerk, I have to now look for a new job and disappoint Samuel.

"Don't apologize," Samuel sighed, "I don't know what your reason is, but don't make decisions emotionally. You have to think about Twen."

I smiled at him. He was right, but I am just not mentally prepared to face him in my workplace every day. Till I get a new job, I guess I have to continue working. I can only hope that I won't see his face till I leave the job.

"Twen, let's go," I called.

Twen was playing video games in the other room. On hearing me, he poked his head out of the room and nodded. After a while, he tottered to my side.

"Tony, you will be alright, right? You don't look good" Samuel's eyes were round with concern.

"Are you sick, mommy?" Twen asked in a tense voice, "Is it because of me?"

"No, Twen. I am not sick," I told him, patting his head, then turned to Samuel, "Thank you, Sam, I’ll be fine" I smiled.
 
Samuel patted my shoulder and shook his head. “Have dinner with us! Jenny will be happy to see you both.”

Jenny was Sam’s wife and cared for Twen deeply. She kind of raised him during Twen’s early years especially when I used to get too busy with my work. I would have liked to meet her, but not in this state. I did not want to make her anxious as she was pregnant, and too much emotional stress can harm her health. I shook my head as I said,

“Not today. I have a lot on my mind.”

Sam did not force and simply patted again. I quickly left as I felt I needed to sort things out calmly at home. On my way back, Twen ended up falling asleep in the backseat. He must be tired. Schools nowadays are very demanding. Poor boy. He even has to do his homework on his own. I am so useless as a parent.

Reaching home, I took Twen in my arms and started climbing the stairs. I saw his peaceful sleeping face and couldn't help smiling.

"Sorry Twen, Mommy is always so busy. If only I had enough strength, I could have given you a better life."

Twen snored softly. No matter how rough or bad my day was, thanks to him, I have been able to make it through. I kissed him on the forehead and unlocked the door to my place. I had just put Twen in bed when my bell rang. I looked at the watch. It was 10 at night.

'Who was visiting me so late at night?'

I thought to myself. I softly walked to the door, not to wake Twen, and asked

"Who is it?"

No answer. Did I mishear? I gently opened the door to check and got face-to-face with Robbie. I instantly froze.

What the hell was he doing here? How did he know my address? Then, I remembered with a jolt.

Damnit! I work for him; this place was provided by him. Of course, he knows the address. 

In frustration, I wanted to hit my head somewhere. But that's not what's important. The main problem was that Twen was with me right now. Twen can't meet him. What do I do?

"May I come in?" he asked, with a gentlemanly smile

"NO!" I almost screamed, making Robbie raise his eyebrow, "Le-let’s talk outside," I stammered.

Why was this scum visiting me?  He couldn’t have known about Twen! No, he cannot know, and I won't let it happen. I will protect him. I have to!

"It's cold outside. Can't you just make me a cup of coffee"

Just how shameless was this guy? How can he barge into someone's life like this?

"We can have coffee in the café below," I said hastily, finding an excuse to not let him in.

"It's closed. I saw when I came in," he said with a cheeky grin

"Just cut the chase and tell me what you want," I asked, still firmly blocking the door.

He was about to answer when I heard Twen's voice, "Mommy? Who is it?"