CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 83 Emma’s fear and guilt

DS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

“This is beautiful.” Anthony commented as he looked around. He had decided to make a visit to his daughter’s fashion house and he was beyond impressed. Emma had been courageous enough to relay in details how Darby’s life has been like so far and he couldn’t be more prouder of what she has done with herself.

Darby smiled shyly as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you like it.”

He turned to her hold her arm. “You have done amazingly well, Darby and I am very proud of you. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me for help. I would love to be at your beck and call.”

“Come on, dad. I know you mean well but I can assure you that I don’t need anything.”

“Well, it’s at the moment. At least I hope you wouldn’t stop me from getting you and Sinclair things.”

She raised both of her hands in surrender. “It would be very wrong of me to do that. All I want is to spend as much time as I can with you.”

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be in your life, Darby. You could have refused to hear me out and fault me for the draining childhood you had, but you didn’t do any of it and accepted me with open arms. It means so much to me.”

“I have always wanted a family of my own. And I am glad that you are part of me.” She smiled widely at him. The both of them have gotten closer over the past few weeks. And Anthony has made sure he is always making himself present.

Anthony checked his wristwatch. “Well…it’s time for us to meet with your mum and Maureen.”

“Oh, that’s true. I dropped my phone in the office they must have called to ask if we are ready to leave. I will check for my phone real quick.” She said, hurrying off to her office.

Just as she had expected, her mother’s missed calls were on the phone. She had called about three times. Grinning to herself as she picked up the phone, she went to meet her father. They stepped out to the car driving off to the designated location.

Maureen did a snotty sound when she saw the father and daughter duo, “I thought you both would never show up. You just had to keep my hungry belly waiting.”

Darby turned to her father with a knowing look on her face. “Didn’t I tell you she would say something about our lateness?”

Anthony laughed, “So sorry, Maureen. We got caught up with our discussion.”

Emma chuckled, “I’m glad you both made it. I was thinking it would be too much stress inviting you both over considering how busy you are.”

“You make it sound like we are both jobless.” Maureen flicked her tongue. “Today is your day off at work, which means we both deserve to be out here now.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Darby mumbled laughing. “Let’s order something to eat then.” She suggested.

They all agreed and ordered from the menu, making small talks as they ate. Maureen brightened the tables atmosphere with her side talks. Emma on the other hand was a bit too quiet which really isn’t like her. After the meal, Darby excused herself to go to the restroom and Maureen followed her.

“Is there something bothering, mum?” Darby inquired as she stepped out of the toilet to wash her hands by the basin. Maureen was by the mirror reapplying her lipstick.

She sighed, “I don’t know why she is holding herself back so much. Your father obviously likes her and there is no doubt that he has been hung up on her for years. Isn’t that what anyone would consider as true love? But I can’t seem to understand what the deal is with Emma, she won’t even talk to me about it whenever I ask her.”

“I understand that she is worried about my dad’s interest in her. But there is no reason to look that unhappy when he hasn’t said anything.”

Opening her purse to put the lipstick back in, she shrugged. “Actually, Anthony isn’t the type to keep things to himself, he is vocal like you are. He already asked her out at work and she didn’t feel too comfortable with it. Being the gentleman he is, Anthony offered her to take off the rest of the week. I was just so tired of seeing her mop around the house that was why I asked for us to eat lunch together.”

Darby exhaled, checking herself out in the mirror. “Do you think it would be okay to have a word with her?”

Maureen nodded. “That would be very nice. She only listens to one person as of late and that is you. I know she is just scared because of Noah. But she can’t put her life on a hold because of a man who wouldn’t even look at her twice if anything goes wrong with her. I just want the best for Emma and nothing else.”

Touched by her words, Darby pulled her favorite aunt into her arms. It’s not like she has another aunt, but even if she did Maureen would still have been the favorite. How she showers the people around her with affection and putting boundaries between sentiments and reality, even if that means turning away from her own blood brother. Not everyone has the courage to do such thing. They don’t mind being the bad person just to please their blood relative.

“I know I don’t say this too often, but I am really grateful to have you in my life aunt Maureen. You were the only reason I looked out for a good time all those years. There was a level of certainty that I would be fine whenever I saw you. All you do is love me and let me know that I am important. Thank you so much, aunt.”

Maureen sniffed back the tears making it’s way to her eyes, she patted Darby’s cheeks softly. “I’m glad you consider me as that kind of person. You make loving you feel very easy, Darby and I don’t take it for granted. I love you.”

“I love you too, best aunt in the entire universe.” She grinned causing the both of them to laugh. “I think it’s best to return now. Just in case mum chooses to run off from the table.”

“You are correct.” Her aunt mused.

Emma looked like she would rather be locked up than sit so closely to Anthony and it has nothing to do with not liking him. Anthony isn’t just comfortable with the life he has made for himself, but he is every woman’s desired partner. His kind gesture and paying attention to details makes him topnotch. His looks also takes her breath away. Even if she chooses to be defiant, Emma doesn’t think she deserves to be with a total package like him.

Darby placed a comforting hand on Emma’s shoulder as they were about to leave the restaurant. “Can I steal her away for a moment?” She smiled at the rest.

“Take your time.” Anthony replied as he walked out with Maureen.

“Is everything okay?” Emma asked lowering her voice with a worried look on her face.

Darby smiled, “I am fine, mum. I just needed to talk to you, what’s going on?”

“Nothing.” She replied bluntly.

“There definitely is. Aunt Maureen already told me and I just wanted to ask you.” She reached for her hands. “I don’t want to start probing you because it’s not in my place to do that. We have all done so much wrong and as humans we live everyday to amend our wrongdoing and get better everyday. But it would be unfair to you, if you keep depriving yourself of the good things just because you feel guilty. You have accepted your mistakes and owned up to them, that is the most important thing. You should start a new life for yourself, a life devoid of guilt and fear. I just want you to know that whatever decision you make, I will be here for you. But most importantly, you need to think of what you want for yourself. Be selfish this once and do all that you want. No one will stop you and I can assure you that the universe will come to your aid.”

Tears laced Emma’s eyes at the end of Darby’s words. Pulling her daughter into a tight hug, she rubbed at her back. She felt extremely grateful for the daughter the heavens blessed her with.

“Thank you, Darby.”

She grinned at her. “Anytime, mum. Let’s go before aunt Maureen comes back to bite at us.” Emma laughed as they went headed out of the place.