Until We Meet Again

Chapter 1 Until We Meet Again (Cold and Elegant)

FX International Group, a prominent company in S City, boasted a diverse portfolio spanning various sectors. From opulent hotel chains and ambitious construction projects in Longstry to sprawling department stores and captivating entertainment firms, they had it all. And at the helm of this empire stood none other than Hugo Adams, a revered name in the business world and a man of undeniable charm. It may sound like a tall tale, but those who had seen him in person knew that his allure surpassed that of most women. Not only was he successful and wealthy, but he possessed a sharp intellect that allowed him to outmaneuver his competitors without them even realizing it. Dubbed a "playboy" by the public due to his frequent appearances in magazines, Mr. Adams had managed to keep his secrets hidden. However, rumors swirled that Persephone Lin held a special place in his heart.

Within the lavishly furnished halls of FX International Group, adorned with statues, vibrant marble inlays, and a ceiling of gilded bronze, a female officer stood at the front desk, accompanied by a young boy. The woman exuded an air of seriousness, her features striking yet distant. She had arrived without an appointment, which posed a significant problem given the company's strict policy of not allowing anyone to meet the CEO without prior arrangement. This was an unprecedented situation, leaving the staff member at the front desk in quite a predicament. However, the determined female officer insisted on meeting the CEO immediately, undeterred by the regulations in place. After much deliberation, the staff member reluctantly reached out for assistance, dialing the CEO's secretary on the 88th floor.

"Mr. Peterson, we have an unexpected visitor—a female officer who wishes to speak with our boss. Shall I grant her entry?" the staff member inquired, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"A female officer?" Paul Peterson exclaimed, surprise evident in his voice. "Goodness gracious, what on earth could this be about? I know the boss has had his fair share of romantic entanglements, but since when did he become involved with someone from the military? Being an assistant is truly no easy task.""Why am I responsible for both the daily work and personal life of my boss?" Mr. Peterson silently grumbled, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Despite his hesitations, he mustered the courage to enter the CEO's office and confront his boss.

"Boss, there's a woman officer here who urgently wants to see you, but she doesn't have an appointment. Should I let her in?" Paul Peterson asked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. His eyes sparkled with a hint of delight.

"A female officer?" Hugo Adams glanced up from the papers scattered across his desk, his memory failing him in recalling any such officer. "What does she want?" he inquired before returning his attention to the papers.

"She didn't say, but she insists on seeing you immediately," Paul replied, unable to resist teasing his boss.

"Really? She must be quite confident to demand an impromptu meeting with me. Let her come in," Hugo said, his curiosity piqued by this mysterious woman.

Avery Morris, the female officer, felt a wave of nerves wash over her as she tried to calm herself down. Uncertain if Hugo still remembered her, she anxiously rubbed her palms together while waiting for the CEO. In the recesses of her mind, she could never forget the hurtful words he had shouted at her on their wedding night.

"You'll never have me, even if we're married. You're nothing more than a wife on paper. My heart and love will never be yours. You drugged me, didn't you? To force yourself on me. How dare you!" he had angrily exclaimed before storming out, leaving behind the echo of slamming doors. Avery was left bewildered and humiliated, not comprehending how she could be accused of such actions she knew nothing about. The events of that night remained hazy and fragmented in her memory.Warmth enveloped Avery's thoughts as she retraced the memories of that fateful night. The air was thick with heat, rendering her motionless and helpless. Perhaps she had been drugged too, a haze clouding her recollection. For six long years, Avery had endured whispers and rumors about Hugo Adams and his trysts with countless girlfriends and female stars. The worst part was hearing about his new conquests through the media. 

Despite it all, she resisted the urge to reach out to him. His callous words lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of his view of her as nothing more than a nominal wife. Whatever he had gotten himself into was no longer her concern. It seemed as though he had long forgotten about her. Only unexpected circumstances like this could ever lead her to cross paths with him. They were both victims of their families' interests. It appeared that this marriage came at a hefty price. 

"Mama, you're hurting me," her little boy's voice broke through her reverie, his attempts to wriggle free from her tight grip evident. Avery snapped back to reality, realizing she had been unknowingly clutching his hand too tightly. 

"I'm sorry, Kevin. I was lost in my thoughts," she whispered, sinking down to his eye level. This precious boy was her lifeline, a testament to the unexpected outcome of that night. Thanks to his father's genes and remarkable skills, she now had this charming baby boy. Kevin was everything to Avery, and the mere thought of losing him sent chills down her spine. 

"It's okay, Mama. Are you worried about Daddy? Did he say he wouldn't meet us?" Kevin's voice was gentle, his gaze fixed on his mother with unwavering trust. 

"No, sweetheart. Your daddy is just preoccupied at the moment. We'll wait here until he's ready," she explained, her patience unwavering. Avery never hid anything from her son about his father, and though he often wondered why Daddy didn't live with them, he never asked his mother to seek him out. 

"Madam, our boss is waiting for you," a voice interrupted, pulling Avery back into the present.The staff member treated her with a level of respect that caught Avery Morris off guard. There was something about him, a familiarity that tugged at the corners of her mind, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. 

"OK, thank you!" Avery replied politely, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. With a final glance in the boy's direction, she quietly left. Dressed in her army uniform, she exuded an air of seriousness and sternness, yet there was an undeniable charm that radiated from within her.

Excitement bubbled beneath the surface, a feeling she had tried to suppress for the past six years. She had resigned herself to letting go of this relationship, but whenever she crossed paths with Hugo, her heart still fluttered nervously in her chest.

Avery couldn't help but draw attention as she made her way through the building. It wasn't every day that people saw a female officer in these halls. Dressy celebrities and famous female stars were the usual patrons, not someone like her.

"Madam, this way please," Hugo Adams's secretary guided her, breaking through her thoughts. Avery's nerves were palpable, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She tightly clenched her hands, her grip almost painful as she held onto her son's tiny hand. Kevin sensed his mother's emotions, but he remained silent, feeling her pain through their connection. He, too, wondered if his father, the man he had only seen through the internet, loved him.

The secretary knocked on the door, and a deep voice resonated from within, "Come in." Avery had expected to panic upon hearing that familiar voice, but to her surprise, she felt an unexpected calm wash over her. She refused to let herself appear intimidated by the man standing before her. Hugo studied her with a stoic expression, noting her stiffness and pallor, but also recognizing the undeniable charm that emanated from her.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but I can't find any other options. Please take care of my son for three months. I will come get him as soon as I complete my mission," Avery spoke matter-of-factly, her gaze fixed anywhere but on him."Wait a minute, who are you? What on earth are you talking about?" Hugo Adams was utterly bewildered, trying to wrap his head around why he would suddenly be entrusted with the care of a young boy whom he didn't even know. The woman standing before him avoided meeting his gaze, intensifying his confusion.

Avery, though not expecting him to remember her, couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at Hugo's complete lack of recollection. She stood there, motionless, and handed him a marriage license.

"I'll answer all your questions when I return, but right now, I'm in a rush," she explained hurriedly. Before leaving, her cellphone blared with a military anthem, filling the vast office space.

She answered the call promptly. "Hello, Keegan. Yes, I know. I'll be back soon. Contact the army to get their location," she said resolutely. Her words matched the unwavering conviction in her eyes.

For a fleeting moment, Hugo Adams was frozen in disbelief. 'Why? Why was this woman disregarding me? No one can resist my charm, am I not that irresistible?' he pondered inwardly.

"Kevin, I have to go now. Please behave and don't give your daddy a hard time," Avery gently caressed her son's cheek. Her son's nanny had abruptly resigned just as she needed to leave for military training. Finding someone to care for her son at such short notice was proving difficult. Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent the boy to his father.

Kevin looked at his mommy and wanted to say something to comfort her. "Mommy, don't worry! I'll be a good boy," he replied with a sweet smile. But Kevin had something up his sleeve. He had already devised a plan to teach his daddy how to be a good husband.

After bidding farewell to her son, Avery hurriedly dashed out without waiting for Hugo's response. Hugo Adams was still reeling from the revelation that the boy was his son. He could only stare at the marriage license resting on the table.

"Avery Morris," he murmured under his breath. She was the woman who had been married to him for six years. She was the wife he never missed. She came and went, like a fleeting breeze, leaving behind their little boy with him.

Chapter 2 Father And Son

Hugo Adams remained motionless in his chair, observing the young boy before him. The child's visage bore a striking resemblance to his own, with an air of composure that surpassed his tender age. The little dark eyes regarded him with a cold detachment, as if expecting something from him.

Hugo knew better than to make a move before his adversary did. Growing up in the military, Kevin was well-versed in this rule. This boy standing before him was his own flesh and blood. Was he staring at Hugo out of astonishment or disdain for his existence?

"Little guy, what shall I call you?" Hugo squatted down beside Kevin, his voice barely above a whisper. This had to be his son. Why else would that woman bring him here?

"I'm not a little guy. I have a name," Kevin retorted, annoyance etched across his face.

"Very well. What is your name?" Hugo replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Kevin Adams." The boy's gaze pierced through him, causing Hugo to feel somewhat embarrassed. The arrogance in the child's expression was undeniably adorable.

'Kevin Adams.' It seemed that the woman had no intention of hiding this fact from him forever. His anger began to dissipate. Who could have imagined that they had conceived a child in just one night?

"Do you know that I'm your daddy?"

"Yes, mommy has told me before." Kevin shifted his position, his weariness evident. He had traveled all the way from the army early in the morning, and now it was nearing noon, his hunger starting to gnaw at him.

"Then why didn't you come for me sooner?" Hugo's curiosity piqued. He also wondered how Avery Morris had become a military officer. Were there aspects of her life he remained oblivious to? In this moment, Hugo realized just how little he truly knew about his so-called wife. He didn't even know what she did for a living.

"Mommy said you were busy and it wasn't convenient for us to disturb you." Kevin's earnestness shone through, though his face betrayed a sadness that belied his youth.

"Is that what your mommy told you? That I'm busy?" Hugo grew unsettled. Yes, he was indeed busy, occupied with his dalliances with various women.Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would be a father to a child born from a one-night stand. The memory of that night had long faded from his mind, and he had moved on without a second thought. All he did was instruct his secretary to send money to her every year, a mere obligation to fulfill his duty as a father. If she hadn't shown up out of the blue today, he might have completely forgotten about her existence and his own identity as a married man.

"Yes, we see you on TV all the time with your affairs," Kevin spoke up, his tone warming up but laced with tactlessness and bluntness that only a child could possess. Despite his mother's explanations about why his father wasn't with them, he couldn't comprehend why he had never met them even once.

Hugo couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of his son's angry and sarcastic face. His charm seemed to have even caught Kevin off guard, leaving the boy momentarily stunned. 

"Who cares about you? If you didn't show up with that silly smile every day, we wouldn't bother to see you," Kevin retorted, his anger fueled by the sight of his father with different women, knowing it made his mother sad.

"What? Silly smile?" How could his incredibly charming smile, one that attracted countless beauties, be reduced to a silly smile in the eyes of this little boy?

Kevin ignored his father's protestations as he playfully threw himself onto the plush sofa. After all, he was just a young boy who wanted nothing more than to have fun.

"Are you hungry?" Hugo glanced at his watch, his every movement exuding elegance and charisma that undoubtedly appealed to many women.

"Let's go! Daddy will take you out for lunch." Hugo Adams retrieved his coat from the chair, scooped up Kevin, and headed towards the door.

As they walked, Hugo grappled with the reality of being a father. The woman he had married had never given him a chance to say no and had disappeared without a trace. But he had to admit, the boy was undeniably adorable. Despite the circumstances, Kevin's good-natured temperament surprised him.

Three months? He eagerly anticipated seeing if the woman would dare to ignore him again after three months. Hugo felt challenged, reveling in the thrill of the chase.

Chapter 3 The CEO's Love Child

Paul Peterson rushed towards Mr. Adams, a stack of documents in his hands, almost colliding with him. "Mr. Adams, are you going out?" he asked breathlessly.

Hugo raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. "Do you not watch where you're walking?" he retorted, narrowly avoiding a collision that could have harmed the young boy in his arms.

"Apologies, sir. There were so many documents, and I wasn't paying attention. Who is the boy?" Paul tried to brush off the incident, attempting to regain his composure.

Hugo replied nonchalantly, as if discussing the day's weather. "He's my son." His casual tone failed to acknowledge the shock this revelation would undoubtedly cause. His arrogance infuriated Paul.

"What? Your son?" Paul stumbled, nearly losing his balance. The fact that Hugo was a former female military officer had already surprised him, but this news was even more unexpected. Hadn't he just returned from a short absence? How was it possible that there was suddenly a son in the picture? It felt like the world was changing by the minute, and Hugo, their CEO, perfectly embodied this constant state of flux.

"Why? Is it strange for me to have a son?" Hugo's voice grew louder, his anger evident. He had been kind to Paul, and yet the younger man dared to speak to him in such a manner.

"Well... it's a bit surprising," Paul stammered. It was more than surprising; it was downright baffling. No one had any knowledge of Hugo having a son.

"Hmph!" Hugo's cold snort killed any remaining curiosity Paul had. How could he dare to question their CEO? Everyone knew that Hugo Adams was a force to be reckoned with. Despite the countless questions swirling in his mind, Paul knew better than to ask. He didn't want to work overtime, as it would cut into his precious time with his girlfriend.

"Good," Paul finally managed to say, hoping to bring an end to the conversation."Let's grab some lunch and please don't disturb us unless it's urgent. And help me cancel my noon appointment," he instructed, swiftly turning away and leaving the stunned secretaries in the room behind. Their hearts sank as he walked out, abandoning them in their shattered state.

How could their esteemed CEO have a love child? The office was abuzz with speculation. Who could be the mother? Was it the enigmatic female military officer or Persephone Lin, with whom he shared an ambiguous relationship?

"Was the CEO joking? Could it actually be true?" one of the secretaries pondered, lost in her thoughts. It seemed like they never stood a chance with him. He already had a child.

"It could be a godson, right? Who knows?" another secretary tried to console herself. They couldn't be blamed for this unexpected revelation.

"But the child looks so much like our CEO," exclaimed one of the staff members. Reality can be brutally cruel.

"Are you all so idle? Get back to work!" Paul interjected, though he too was curious. All he could do was suppress everyone's curiosity and get them back on track.

As his boss abruptly canceled the appointment and left, Paul was left to deal with the aftermath. He felt like crying. His CEO had once said, "Your worth lies in being a servant who obeys my every command. I didn't hire you for your good looks. Besides, standing next to me, the handsome CEO, you don't look good at all."

Damn, did Hugo really look down on him? Did Paul truly look that awful?

But it wasn't that Paul looked bad. It was just that Hugo was so strikingly handsome that no one could compare.

Hugo continued walking, holding Kevin in his arms. He was aware of the gossip circulating about him, but he paid it no mind.He wanted to witness his daddy's justification for not being with them from the start.

Hugo's heart sank as he realized the weight of Kevin's question. The innocent curiosity in his son's eyes pierced through him, demanding an answer he wasn't prepared to give. How could he explain that he had been oblivious to Kevin's existence until now? That the night of passion that led to his conception had been nothing more than a blur in his memory?

"Kevin," Hugo began, his voice tinged with regret, "if I had known about you, I would have been there. I promise."

Kevin studied his daddy's face, searching for any trace of deception. It was clear that Hugo meant what he said, but the little boy couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. He had yearned for a daddy who would always be there, just like the other children had.

"But why didn't you know?" Kevin asked, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and longing.

Hugo sighed, running a hand through his hair. How could he explain the complexities of life to a young child? How could he make Kevin understand that sometimes, things happen unexpectedly and change everything?

"Sometimes, life surprises us, Kevin," Hugo replied, his voice gentle yet tinged with sadness. "And we have to navigate through those surprises the best we can. But I promise you, from this moment forward, I will do everything in my power to be the daddy you deserve."

Kevin's eyes softened, his young heart craving the love and acceptance only a father could provide. He took a step closer to Hugo, his small hand reaching out to grasp his daddy's larger one.

"I believe you, Uncle," Kevin said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I mean, Daddy. You're my daddy now."

Hugo felt a surge of warmth spread through him as Kevin's words sank in. He had been given a second chance, an opportunity to be the father he had never expected to become. And he would seize it with all his heart.

As they walked hand in hand towards KFC, Hugo couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with Kevin by his side, he knew they would face whatever surprises life threw their way. Together.He never asked his mommy to find his daddy for him. He had noticed her gazing at his daddy's photos in the newspaper, lost in thought for hours. Sometimes, her eyes were filled with sorrow. He didn't fully understand the complexities of the adult world, but he could sense that his mommy still cared for his daddy. Otherwise, she wouldn't have shared with him that the man who often graced the pages of newspapers and magazines was his father. She also told him not to hold any hatred towards his daddy, and explained that they didn't live together because of a misunderstanding that occurred shortly after their wedding.

But Kevin couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment and longing. He envied those children who had fathers to play, run, and swim with them. For him, it was only his mommy who was there, providing love and support.

At school, his classmates would tease him, saying that he didn't have a daddy. This would infuriate Kevin, leading to frequent fights as he defended his father's absence by explaining that his daddy was too busy to live with them. However, he didn't dare share this with his mommy, knowing that she would punish him with push-ups as a form of discipline.

"Um..." Well, unfortunately, Hugo had never pondered this question before, so he was at a loss for words in that moment. Hugo was usually articulate when giving speeches, but why was he unable to answer his son's simple inquiry?

"Kevin, how about we go to KFC? You can have as much chicken, French fries, and coke as you want," Hugo shamelessly redirected the conversation. How could he sidestep the issue with the promise of fast food?

"Yes! I want chicken legs, French fries, and coke," Kevin quickly forgot his intention to torment his daddy. It was easy for a young boy to be swayed. Perhaps he had momentarily forgotten to stand his ground.

"Well, if you can finish them all, daddy will buy them for you," Hugo affectionately ruffled Kevin's hair. In that moment, he felt an unexpected surge of satisfaction within his heart. This little boy was undeniably his son, not just in looks but also in mannerisms.

Chapter 4 I Don't Like A Useless Girl

Sitting side by side in the military Humvee, a sense of camaraderie settled between the father and son. Avery, lost in her own thoughts, couldn't help but reminisce about the day that dashing man had entered her life, effortlessly finding his way into the depths of her heart. But now, she wondered if he even remembered her existence. What did she ever mean to him?

Silent and withdrawn, Avery knew she had become superfluous within her own family. Once upon a time, she had been secure and blissfully happy, akin to a cherished princess. But everything changed when her mother tragically passed away, and her father remarried. Suddenly, she found herself relegated to a position lower than that of a servant girl. Day after day, she watched her stepmother lavish attention on her own daughter, adorning her with elegance and beauty. Avery had no choice but to accept the cruel truth: all her once-beautiful moments were now owned by others, and her father had become someone else's.

She cried and fought against her new reality, but each time she did, her stepmother, Yakira Mo, would mercilessly beat her down. From then on, Avery vowed not to shed another tear, instead navigating her days with utmost caution. She understood her place now, no longer the proud princess she had once been.

Her father, who had once loved her so ardently, seemed to have forgotten her existence since her stepmother gave birth to her little brother. Unfortunately, Yakira Mo and her daughter never let her forget hers. They tormented her every single day, devising new methods to inflict pain. One particular incident stood out in her mind: when she was sixteen, she accidentally tore her stepsister Yvonne Morris's clothes while doing laundry. In response, her stepsister slapped her across the face, leaving her cheeks stinging with both physical and emotional pain. Seeking solace, Avery found refuge beneath the shelter of a grand tree in their garden, tears silently streaming down her face.

"I despise crybabies, always relying on tears to solve their problems. And I have no use for a worthless girl," a voice suddenly pierced through her sorrow. Raising her tear-streaked face, Avery was captivated by the sight before her. "What a beautiful boy," she thought, as her eyes met his, the sun casting a halo around his proud yet gentle features. He resembled a true prince, exuding an air of grace and nobility that left her utterly spellbound.

In that moment, Avery was awestruck by him, her heart skipping a beat.With tears streaming down her face, she gazed at him, afraid to utter a single word that might disturb his slumber. The fear lingered in her heart, convinced that this was all just a cruel dream. One wrong move, one sound, and she would wake up, back to the harsh reality.

"Useless girl!" His voice carried a trace of anger as he suddenly disappeared, leaving her bewildered and uncertain, just as he had appeared.

It was then that she discovered he was the eldest son of the prestigious Adams family, a legend in the city of S. Rumors of his remarkable business acumen and talent spread far and wide. At the young age of 22, he had already assumed the role of acting CEO at FX International Group. Their lives couldn't have been more different, she thought. They were destined to never cross paths or truly know one another.

Yet, against her better judgment, she found herself drawn to everything that revolved around him. Her heart slowly succumbed to his allure, even though she knew their union was an impossibility. In the end, she fled the country, seeking refuge in the military academy she had always despised. It was the boy's words that pushed her to prove herself, to become more than just a useless girl. And so, within four years, she emerged as the sole foreign female graduate to complete military training ahead of schedule.

Initially, she believed she would remain at the academy for a longer period, but her longing for him compelled her to return to S City. However, even in her hometown, the distance between them remained insurmountable. He was forever out of reach, transformed from the young boy she had first encountered into a captivating man.

To distract herself from thoughts of him, she threw herself into rigorous training and perilous missions. She became a valuable asset to the army, rising through the ranks at a remarkably young age. Yet, despite her accomplishments, she couldn't ignore the love that grew within her heart like an unstoppable weed.

Living in the same city once more did little to bridge the gap between them. They remained like two parallel lines, destined never to intersect. But her love for him had seeped into her very being, etched into her bones and flowing through her veins.She thought that perhaps she would spend her entire life merely observing him from a distance. The love that never truly began was already dead and buried. But, by some stroke of luck, God smiled upon her and made her his wife. It was all thanks to her father, her only biological connection to the Morris family, that this union became possible. She still vividly remembered the anger in Yvonne's eyes when the Adams family expressed their desire to marry the true daughter of the Morris family, leaving Yvonne as nothing more than a favored stepdaughter.

In her heart, she could still feel the pounding sensation from that moment. The overwhelming joy that washed over her, rescuing her from the depths of despair. Even though she knew she wasn't his favorite woman, and he would never fall in love with her, she couldn't control her heart's desire to be near him. She could only silently cheer herself on from deep within. It didn't matter if he didn't reciprocate her feelings; she would continue to love him, as long as he allowed her to stand by his side.

However, she had overestimated herself. After spending an intimate night together, she became a scheming woman in his eyes. She tried to defend herself, but he didn't give her a chance to explain before slamming the door and leaving her. No one knew the depth of her sadness. No matter how wounded she had been on army missions, nothing compared to this heartbreak.

When Hugo turned his back on her, she felt an overwhelming urge to escape. His words had humiliated her. She couldn't help but smile with self-mockery as she thought, even though he didn't belong to her, he had given her a precious gift - their adorable son, who was the spitting image of him. Shouldn't she be content?

"Colonel, Staff Gu has instructed us to meet at the next intersection," the accompanying official, Keegan Long, reported, pulling her back from her thoughts. Frustrated with herself for unintentionally drifting away into her memories, she shook her head.

"Alright, copy that," Avery replied nonchalantly, feeling utterly exhausted. Suddenly, she felt a warmth enveloping her surroundings.

"Colonel, are you feeling unwell? You look pale."Since joining the army, Keegan had become accustomed to accompanying Colonel Avery, so he was quick to notice when something was amiss. He glanced at her, concern etched on his face.

"Don't worry," Avery reassured him. "Maybe it's just the heat. I'm feeling a little sluggish." Physically, she knew she was fine. It was the emotional toll that weighed heavily on her. Despite loving Keegan for years, she couldn't bridge the gap between them, and now it seemed he had forgotten about her entirely.

"Would you like to rest for a while?" Keegan suggested, his worry growing with each passing moment. His colonel appeared weaker than he had ever seen her before. In his eyes, she had always been sharp and resilient.

"Okay. Wake me up when we reach our destination," Avery agreed, realizing that a good sleep might be exactly what she needed. The previous night had been restless as thoughts of their upcoming meeting consumed her. She felt an overwhelming nervousness whenever she was around him. Closing her eyes and clearing her mind seemed like the best course of action.

"Yes, Colonel. Sleep well," Keegan replied softly, stealing another glance at her. There was definitely something bothering her. Her demeanor had shifted dramatically since they left the towering commercial building behind them.

Keegan couldn't help but sympathize with Colonel Avery, who had raised her son all on her own. Rumors about her circulated among the young soldiers, whispered in hushed tones. Some claimed her husband had abandoned her and gone abroad, while others speculated about his infidelity. There were even those who believed her husband was simply too unattractive to be seen in public.

But Keegan couldn't understand how anyone could consider Kevin's father ugly. To him, Kevin was the epitome of cuteness, and he silently dismissed the gossip. He listened attentively but never participated in the idle chatter. He knew why they complained about the colonel's strict training regime.

As Avery drifted off to sleep, Keegan adjusted the temperature in the car, ensuring she wouldn't catch a cold. She couldn't afford to fall ill at such a crucial moment. The upcoming training would be grueling, even more intense than before, and she needed to be at her best.

Chapter 5 Junk Food

Hugo was always one to boast about himself. Kevin glanced at his father's flashy red sports car and couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Why can't this man keep a lower profile?" he thought to himself. The car gleamed in a bright shade of red, much like his father's own striking appearance. His daddy was a completely different person compared to his low-key mother. It was no wonder that these two individuals had never lived together.

Hugo's bodyguard opened the car door, and Hugo effortlessly placed Kevin inside, fastening his seatbelt with practiced ease. It seemed like this wasn't the first time he had done such a thing.

"Do not follow me, I'll drive by myself," Hugo coolly ordered, his gaze fixed on the little boy.

"Master, please let me follow you!" Ryker Griffin pleaded in a hushed voice. Protecting his master was his life's purpose. He had trained endlessly to fulfill this duty, fully aware of the countless threats that hovered around his master. He needed to tread cautiously with every step he took.

"Well, follow me if you wish!" Hugo didn't disappoint him. He knew how worried Ryker would be if he wasn't around. He considered Ryker more than just a bodyguard; he saw him as a brother. Therefore, he often heeded his advice.

There weren't many people in the KFC restaurant, perhaps because it wasn't the weekend. However, Hugo's elegant appearance and commanding presence still managed to capture the attention of many onlookers.

Ignoring the curious gazes fixed upon him, Hugo located a table and carefully settled his son into a chair.

"Sweetheart, could you wait for me here in this chair? Daddy needs to order our food," Hugo leaned down, his lithe frame bending to consult with his son.

"Okay, I'm not scared," replied Kevin, his excitement outweighing any fear he may have had.Normally, Mommy refrained from indulging him in this particular cuisine, deeming it as nothing more than junk food. But Daddy remained blissfully ignorant of this fact. And now, as Hugo reminisced about his own words, a wry smile crept across his face. His son, it seemed, possessed an inner strength that surpassed his own.

The meal arrived promptly, with most of it tailored to Kevin's preferences. And yet, there was a small surprise awaiting them—the waiter continued to cast lingering glances in Hugo's direction. It ignited a spark of anger within him, but he managed to maintain his composure.

"Does it taste good?" Hugo beamed at his son, who was thoroughly enjoying his meal. The warmth in his smile captivated the attention of many onlookers.

"It's delicious! Mommy never let me eat here. She said it was junk food," Kevin mumbled between bites.

Hugo felt a lump forming in his throat at his son's words. Despite knowing that this cuisine was considered unhealthy, Kevin had specifically chosen it. Was he mocking his father? Well, Hugo didn't mind, not when he saw how happy Kevin was in this moment.

His curiosity about his estranged wife grew with each passing day. "What kind of woman was she? How did she become so distant and detached? And why did she bring this child into the world without seeking anything from him? All because of a few fleeting words?"

His parents had essentially forced him into this marriage, leaving him resentful and dissatisfied. He had never harbored any personal animosity towards her, but sadly, she became the target of his pent-up frustration. In retrospect, he wondered if he had been too rash in his judgment. He knew his parents well—perhaps he had misunderstood Avery.

But his pride held him captive. Even if he recognized his wrongdoing, he would never admit it. He chose to ignore it, refusing to confront the truth. For years, he had paid little attention to his nominal wife. He couldn't even recall her face—was she beautiful or plain? He simply lived his own life, uninterested in any woman who might enter his heart and entice him to delve deeper into her world."Hey, Uncle, aren't you hungry?" Kevin playfully teased, his mind already coming up with a fitting nickname for the man. Calling him "Daddy" just didn't feel right, especially considering his knack for putting on a good act. It was that very talent that kept Kevin's true nature hidden from his mother's watchful eyes.

Hugo glanced at the food on Kevin's plate and sighed to himself. "Enjoy your meal, but I'm not really a fan of kids' food," he muttered, his face scrunching up in distaste. Maybe that woman was onto something after all; these snacks were nothing more than junk.

But how could adults like Hugo ever truly understand the world of kids? It was as if they spoke different languages, their perspectives clashing like oil and water. What seemed delicious to Kevin was considered junk by Hugo. However, Kevin couldn't care less. Right now, all that mattered was savoring every bite of this delectable feast. Once his mother returned, he knew he'd have to bid farewell to this culinary delight.

If only Hugo could read Kevin's thoughts. Would he be taken aback or simply smile knowingly? Regardless, what followed would undoubtedly be a hilarious turn of events.

Exiting the KFC, Ryker pulled up in the car nearby. Just as they were about to get in, Hugo's phone began to ring. He glanced at the caller ID, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately answered the call.

"Hello! Well, hello there, Persephone. What can I do for you?" Hugo placed Kevin in the car before joining him inside.

"Hugo, I've been missing you. How about dinner tonight?" The voice on the other end oozed with flirtatiousness, but Hugo was no stranger to such advances. He was quite the charmer himself.

"Tonight?" Hugo stole a glance at his son, feeling an unexpected twinge of awkwardness. He couldn't quite put his finger on why. Kevin appeared unfazed, seemingly oblivious to the phone call. Little did Hugo know, Kevin's ears perked up the moment he heard the woman's name. It was impossible for him to ignore it, considering it was always tied to his daddy. If this woman made his mommy happy, then Kevin would do whatever it took to bring his parents back together.He didn't care if this man would become his father or not, or how many women he was involved with.

"You promised me last night, have you forgotten?" Persephone asked playfully, aware of the charm her sweet voice held.

"Well, I'll pick you up tonight." Hugo was captivated by her. She had a way of handling men that was all her own.

"Master, where should we go? To the company or the villa?" Ryker asked as soon as Hugo hung up the phone. He couldn't help but wonder why his master suddenly had a son at Kevin's age, but he chose to keep his thoughts to himself. He knew the truth would reveal itself in due time.

"Drive me to the company first! Then take our little master to the villa. I'll be back later tonight. Ask Mrs. Wu to look after him and find two trustworthy bodyguards to protect him." Originally, Hugo had planned to come back after work to be with Kevin since he might struggle to adjust to the new surroundings. But he had promised Persephone last night, so he entrusted Kevin to Ryker's care.

"Yes, Master. I'll make the arrangements, don't worry." Ryker was a man of few words. He never spoke unless spoken to.

"Okay! I always trust you. By the way, hire a designer to prepare a kids' bedroom. And use only the best materials!" Hugo instructed, loosening his tie slightly. It was a scorching hot day.

"Sure, but which room should we use for the kid?" Ryker hesitated to make the decision, knowing how extravagant his master could be. Hugo always brought different women back to his bedroom. If Ryker chose the wrong room, what if Kevin witnessed his master's indiscretions?

"The one next to my study! It gets plenty of sunlight!" Hugo glanced at Ryker, his silence speaking volumes. Finally, Ryker understood. The main reason was that the room was far away from Hugo's bedroom. But these were thoughts he kept to himself. After all, Hugo was his master, wasn't he?

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