CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 95 Co-parenting

DESIRE’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.

Chloe stared down at the court approval of her divorce with Leo. She did feel some type of relief but that didn’t stop the pain she was feeling in her chest. The tears rolled down her face uncontrollably as she sat with her legs crossed on the bed. Even though her godmother had repeated hundreds of assurance to her, Chloe still feels doubtful on if she made the right decision. With her mother disowning her and she being pregnant, things seem quite complicated for her.

The tears kept falling effortlessly and she felt all alone over again. Leaning against the bed frame her finger trailed Leo’s name. Probably she was never in love with him and had only been obsessed with the thought of ending up alone. Her self-esteem took a very low dive beyond her imagination. It made her feel disappointed in herself for ever becoming an empty shell that seeks to be filled up with whatever it gets. Leo has sacrificed two years of his life to stick to her side. It’s only reasonable for her to do the right thing.

However, it doesn’t seem like the right decision with the tears that keep coming. She can’t seem to make sense of the situation just yet. It has been a week since she left Leo’s house for her godmother’s. Not because she couldn’t go to her own house, but she just needed a safe space that feels more homely than her parents or that of her ex-husband.

A light knock came from behind the door. Sniffing back the tears, Chloe cleared her throat using her hand to clean the tears. “Come in.”

The door opened slightly and she was very surprised to see her father. “Hey, princess. Do you mind?” Charles inquired.

Sitting up, Chloe dropped her cramped legs on the cold floor. “Dad, what are you doing here?”

“I just had to swing by hoping Desire won’t send me off with a bat. But she said I could come to you.”

“She wouldn’t have been violent either ways.”

“You are the daughter Desire didn’t get to born herself. If shielding you away from me is what’s best she would do so.”

Chloe couldn’t help but nod at her godmother’s protective trait. “You are right. Please come in.” She urged as he was still standing by the door.

He smiled lightly, sitting on the edge of the bed with caution. “You don’t look too good baby and it would be cowardly of me to ask why.” A lone tear dropped down her face but she wiped it off quickly. “You know this isn’t your fault right? It’s my incompetence as a father that led you to this. I should have paid you more mind when you were growing. It just dawned on me that I was never half of a good father, I only had one child to care for and I still couldn’t live up to it. When the money came I was so engrossed with closing deals that I forgot I owned a family. And because of shame I neglected the signs that your mother was going overboard with presenting you as the sacrifice to make our lives better.”

“But dad, you were struggling too.”

“No, princess. Don’t try to make excuses for us, especially me. I am the head of the family and no matter what I should have done better in looking out for my family. You are my only child. I know Ana, your mother can be out of line, but I shouldn’t have egged her on by keeping quiet. You never should have endured with Leo despite his affections being so obvious. We knew he wasn’t into you, but your mother kept demeaning love like we didn’t get married on that. I’m really sorry, Chloe. I want to make it up to you so bad and I hope you will enable me the chance to.”

She reached for his hand. “Who am I to say no to you, dad. As much as we don’t talk much, I see how much you hold back. And it’s all because you feel really guilty as regards your inability to provide for the house which was why I wanted to do anything to help you gain face. Maybe I also went too far thinking I could solve it. But it felt like a win-win since I was so into Leo. We are all guilty in the end.”

“Your mother and I did the most and I am hoping you will stop blaming yourself. This is the time you are suppose to live fully and enjoy your youthful years. Forgive me, princess. I want to make it up to you so bad if you would allow me.”

A genuine smile appeared on Chloe’s face. “Dad, if only you know how gladdened I feel in my heart seeing you here. I felt so lonely minutes ago before you came in. It felt like my life was all over and the future looks bleak. But probably I am the one overthinking it and there is still a way to turn this all around for the best.”

“Trust me, princess. There is always a very good way out. I have something to show you.” He grinned excitedly.

She got curious at his facial expression. “Okay, what do you have for me?”

“So, after the company started experiencing some bankruptcy, I used up the fixed account to invest in real estate in San Francisco. The space is a kind of used up resort, but because the owner was no longer interested and more development keeps reaching the town, he thought to sell it up to whoever might be keen on developing it for a greater purpose. I got introduced to it by a friend which was why I took the risk with all of my savings.”

She gasped in shock. “Really, dad? Does mum know about this?”

Charles chuckled, “I would be crazy to tell her something like that. She never would have supported the idea. Ana doesn’t like to take risks, it’s almost forbidden for her. Anyways, I was really worried that it wouldn’t go far when I started. Also I would be needing bank loan to actually make it luxurious and you do know this is what I have always hammered on doing. It didn’t come to mind until when I had no other alternative. So, I gave it a trial and wrote an appealing proposal to the bank to get it completed and rolling. They took it in with delight and I am finally back in the business world. It has been on for six months now.”

She clapped proudly. “That is so amazing, dad. You should let mom know now.”

“I would tell her, but I need to get through to you first.”

“What is that?”

“I’m seeking for an interior designer who would be willing to work on all the houses and I thought to myself, I do have an amazing daughter who is so brilliant and great at what she does including the fact that her godmother wouldn’t stop bragging about her. This is why I am here baby to have you handle the contract. Also it would keep your mind busy and you get to be far away from all the toxicity going around.”

Chloe blinked rapidly, “I can’t believe this, dad. Are you offering me a life-changing opportunity right now?”

“Is that what it seems like? If it is then yes. And I hope you will consider it. But whatever your decision is, I’m very fine with it.”

“Definitely dad, I am going all in with no doubt. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Maybe this isn’t all bad after all.” She laughed, feeling the knot in her chest loosen.

“I’m glad you agree to this, baby. Thank you so much for lifting this guilt off my shoulder. I know I probably shouldn’t be saying that, I just had to be sincere.”

Chloe laughed as she moved towards him for a hug. “Thank you for trusting me dad. I love you.”

“I love you too, princess. Just always know that I will be here for you no matter what.”

Smiling against the embrace, she giggled feeling the love emit from him. Her phone message notification dinged calling her attention. She entangled herself from her father to look at the message.

‘We need to see.’ Zac text appeared boldly on the screen. Turning her face away from it, she smiled widely at her father.

“What do you think of some sandwich, dad?” She asked.

“Sounds perfect.” Charles said smacking on his lips for impact.

*****************

TEA AND COFFEE SHOP, LOS ANGELES.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Carrying her heavy legs gently, Chloe winced at the rush of cold blood when the door pulled heavily at her. Because she had been staying indoors unmoving against her godmother’s advice to drive out or take a stroll, she feels so much weight. Zac had better have a good reason for calling her out. She had outrightly ignored his message, but he had sent tons of it. She loved the fact that he didn’t try to call her and make a fool of himself. She definitely wouldn’t pick up either.

However, her godmother had caught a glimpse of the message and convinced her as usual to hear whatever it is he has to say, she couldn’t stay away any longer and had to face it. Sighting him at the table he sat gingerly, almost like he would rather be anywhere than that space. Chloe felt glad that the feeling is mutual.

The moment Zac saw her, he stood up hurriedly to hold out a chair for her to sit in but she was quicker. “I wanted to do that for you.” He mumbled unable to hide his feeling.

She raised a stern brow at him. “So, were you intending to get a price for it?”

“Are you always this cranky or it’s the pregnancy?” He asked, then snapped his fingers. “I think it’s how you actually behave. I should have known that when you shoved me and my groceries out of the way by the elevator.”

Whether he was trying to make a joke or not, none of it interests Chloe. “Can you just get on with whatever you have to say. I have important things to do.” Her excitement popped at the end of her sentence. Her father had told her the project might run for the next six months and she has to be there in the coming week. Gathering her crew won’t be so hard, the only thing left is for her to get ready.

Zac cleared his throat, “I actually want to have a blunt discussion with you, Chloe. And I know you must think me as someone unworthy of your ears. But then I need you to hear me out and not walk out on me like you did the other day.”

“Okay.”

“I know you insist the child you are carrying is mine. I just want you to know for certain that I would still run a DNA test on the child after he or she is born. And before you start name-calling, I am hoping you would understand me perfectly. The state at which we both met is so controversial that I am trying my best to not think about it. Still for every task comes a solution, which is why we would seek for a way out as responsible guardians. The child is innocent and we shouldn’t punish him or her for our own shortcomings.”

Chloe tapped her nails on the table. “Well, I guess it’s of no use trying to argue on this anymore. It’s best we just go ahead with the test.”

He huffed in relief. “Well, that wasn’t so bad after all. I am returning to my place as I am done with the project that brought me to LA. It’s why I have to hold this conversation with you. I understand that all pregnant women need emotional support and someone who would be mindful of their needs. Since I the possible father won’t be around, I’m hoping to voluntarily get you a caretake who would fill that space.”

She hates how he confidently sprouts out nonsense without stopping to think on the outcome. “If you fell from heaven, Zac, I am delighted to tell you that I didn’t. I have a family who would look after me and cater for every of my needs. I don’t need you to come here and tell me some voluntary bullshit that you are trying to do. Does this look like some boot camp thing to you? I don’t need anything from you, Zac. I only wanted you to be aware of your position as a father in my child’s life. I know what it feels like for parents to be absent in a child’s life. And it’s something I want to do my best to prevent especially now that the situation of his or her birth is more complex. You can choose to do whatever pleases you. I will contact you whenever your signature or blood is needed.” She gritted making an attempt to stand up.

“Can you quit being dramatic, please.” Zac pleaded in frustration. “Stop trying to have the last word always and storming off like it’s some live soap opera. I need you to listen to me, please. Even though we aren’t that familiar with each other, there is no rule that states that we have to be enemies. Let’s come to a mutual understanding on this case. If the child turns out to be really mine, I would forever be guilt ridden that I didn’t do right by the child before his or her arrival. Pull down your ego and let’s tackle this with more sensibility.”

She scoffed in disbelief. “Are you trying to say that I am not sensible?”

“I think it’s the pregnancy hormone. You really are going to go full mode gaslighting on me now? Really?”

Glaring hard at him she huffed in frustration leaning into the chair. “I hate it so much that I am having this conversation with you right now, Zac. How I had sex with someone as dick headed like yours still surprises me.”

He rolled his eyes, snorting. “You didn’t think I was a dickhead when you had your legs wrapped around me urging me to go deeper.”

She gasped at how raw he sounded, looking around hurriedly in the hope that no one heard him. “Are you always like this?”

“Like what? An asshole? Oh, please. I think I have heard enough to last me a year. I only called you to inform you of my true Intentions. If the child ends up being mine, we coparent and seek for the child’s bright future no matter what. You should get used to seeing my calls and texts from now on, because I will be doing so more often and would need to affirm if you are doing okay.”

Even though Zac sounds very annoying, Chloe couldn’t ignore the fact that he made sense. “Do whatever pleases you. Can I go now?”

“Let me buy you a drink at least. Don’t ruin my gentlemanly record.” Attempting to give him a very spiteful response, his phone rang cutting Chloe short. With a finger raised for decorum to be maintained, he answered the call. ‘How are you doing, Isabella? I have been trying to reach you but you weren’t picking. Thanks for calling back. How is Sinclair doing? Oh that is so nice to hear. Thank you for letting me know, alright then. Bye.’ He said hanging up.

Chloe ears heightened at the mention of Sinclair. “Is that Leo and Darby’s son? What happened to him?”

Zac pouted. “You don’t know what happened to him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Sinclair and Leo’s sister got into an accident about four days ago. How come you are just hearing it now?”

Her mouth was wipe agape before she took a moment to caution herself. “Probably because I have been by myself for days and I had asked Leo to give me sometime to think. He must have kept it away from me to not make me worry. Or he probably didn’t tell me because he thinks I don’t care.” Her face fell at that.

“Don’t act selfish right now. He wouldn’t have time to think about that because of how preoccupied his mind is at the moment. Don’t play the self pity game and call him if you must.”

Flicking her tongue, Chloe stood up glaring hard at him. “I was wondering why I can’t seem to stand your presence. But then I realize how hard it is to even possess a ounce of likeness towards you. Fuck you, Zac!” She blurted before walking away.

“You should go apply for parenting counseling too. A child might be at risk growing up around a cursing parent.” He called after her, causing Chloe to give him the middle finger. Zac didn’t plan the laughter but it rolled out of his mouth uncontrollably.