CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 22 The Birthright

LEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.

Chewing on the toast in his plate with less enthusiasm, Leo’s mind went back to the Desire’s party the other night where he met Darby again. She looked ageless and innocently beautiful. He wanted to whisper some sweet nothingness in her ears and remind her of that night where it felt like it was just the two of them existing in the world. It brought a smile to his face.

Chloe’s eyes darted towards him, she wondered what was causing him to smile when he wouldn’t even say a word to her all through their return from the party. Taking a small sip of her juice, she cleared her throat.

“Can I have a word with you, baby?” She asked folding her hands on the table.

Leo looked up slowly like someone being controlled by a remote. “Okay.”

Unexpected tears rushed to her eyes, she would never seem to understand what is going on with her relationship. Before they got engaged, Leo was always nice, courteous and friendly towards her. Everything was intact. But now friendliness seems to have run far from him and he hardly puts on his signature smile anymore. She sniffed getting a grip on herself.

“Is there something wrong, Leo?” She questioned.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

He raised a defiant brow. “Why would you ask me that kind of question? Is there anything wrong to you?”

“Leo, why are you doing this? What’s with you suddenly going cold? I intentionally let the matter from dinner last time slide when you left home angrily. I wanted to leave and just go back home, but I wanted to work things out with you. Until when do we keep this up? We would be married in few weeks time and your attitude is making me confused. If I did something wrong, you should tell me baby. Stop doing this to me, please.”

He sighed in exhaustion. “What are you talking about right now? Chloe, you have done nothing wrong to me. I just have so many things on my mind and I need time to cool off really.”

“But I am your woman, you should share whatever bothers you with me. Not Aaron.” She hissed.

Leo scoffed. “Why do you have a problem with Aaron? I get that you don’t necessarily have to be friends with my friends. Still that doesn’t mean you should be rude or mean to them.”

“Does he act right towards me too? I guess the feeling is mutual.” She huffed.

“I don’t want to do this with you, baby. It’s too early.” Leo said, standing up to leave.

“Do you not love me?!” Chloe called after him. “Do you regret this relationship?”

Pausing in his tracks, Leo ruffled his hair. He wanted to tell her that he was in fact tired of being in the same space with her. He is tired of enduring romantic moments with her. He is tired of showing up like a responsible fiancé every time. And he is most importantly tired of lying and pretending to her. But he could hear the quiver in her voice. Chloe is a softhearted lady and doesn’t deserve someone as thoughtless as him. But he already vowed to be a good partner to her and it’s his duty to fulfill that promise.

Smacking his lips, he inhaled and exhaled deeply before turning around. Dropping his suit jacket on the chair, he walked towards her and knelt in front of her.

“Hey, mama.” He whispered, wiping off the tears rolling down her face with his thumb. “I am sorry if I made you feel conflicted. There has just been a lot on my mind lately, but I promise to make it up to you as soon it’s sorted. I am sorry.” Leo said, kissing her forehead.

“I just don’t want you shutting me out for long. I understand that you need your moments to yourself, but I am your future partner and when you stay cold for too long it bothers me.” She mumbled.

Leo hummed, hugging her to himself. “Forgive me, mama. What would you like me to get you or should we eat out tonight? I will pick you up after work. What do you think?”

Chloe nodded her head excitedly, “I would love to. Thank you.”

“All right, baby. I need to go now. Have a nice day.” He leaned in, kissing her for a few seconds.

She bit on her lips blushing when he turned to leave. “Bye, baby. I love you.”

“Me too.” He called out, walking out of the door.

Letting out a long breath, he ignited the car and drove out of the compound. When he got to work, Kingston was standing outside his office. Suddenly feeling exhausted despite the time still being early, Leo rolled his eyes.

“Why are you standing in front of my office this early? I am really not in the mood for any kind of busy day.” He mused.

Kingston cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. “Actually, your father is in there waiting for you.”

“Ah!” He screamed. “Can everyone just let me be, please!” He muttered some colorful words underneath his breath. Leo held onto the wall to ease his breath before going in. His father was settled on the couch with his legs crossed.

“Good morning, dad.” Leo greeted heading to his seat.

Ethan could sense the strain in his voice. “Good morning, son. I am sorry for barging in on you this early.”

“Obviously, dad. Is everything okay? Why are you here?”

He shrugged. “I just came to see how the company is doing and most especially you.”

Leo furrowed his brows. “What are you talking about?”

“I heard of your mother’s escapades with the young men that work for her.”

“I am not concerned with that, dad. And you shouldn’t either, don’t you have a family to look after or something.”

“That is rude, Leo.” Ethan rebuked.

Rubbing at his forehead, he exhaled loudly. “I’m sorry, dad. As much as I might be uncomfortable with it, mom is an adult and she can definitely handle herself. And I am sure scandals are not new to her. I am guessing that isn’t the only thing you want to share with me.”

Sitting up, Ethan chuckled lightly. “Scarlett wants to take a year off before heading to college in order to know the ropes of the company.”

“She wants to intern?”

“Yes. Can she work here please.”

“Dad? Why would you do this to me? You have a right over this company as much as I do and Scarlett too. Why would you seek permission from me to have her work here?”

“Leo, you have been really strange lately. And I know Grace is amazing, but I do know she can also be vicious and try to turn you against Evelyn and Scarlett. I am well aware of the reason she made you get involved with Chloe, even though no one is talking about it. I am not saying I did right by marrying the same person that was the reason behind our divorce. I just think we have all been punished enough.”

Leo let out a dry chuckle. “Dad, what do you think I am? Mom’s puppet? I have no intention of involving myself in your fight. I only agreed to marry Chloe because mom threatened to do something drastic and I know she would. I can’t forgive myself just yet for what happened to her years ago, I just couldn’t let another calamity take place. So I gave in. I love my mom and I love Evelyn too, she took care of me like her own and I am grateful for it. But all of this is your property, you choose to do whatever you want with it. And I know it’s out of your generosity you stepped down for me to take charge as the CEO a year after college. I’m grateful for that, dad. I have learnt so much here and I owe it to you. Scarlett can come in whenever she wants to, it’s her birthright.”

Ethan let out a shaky breath as he stood up. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Leo. Thanks son. Can I get a hug?” He asked spreading out his arms.

Laughing, Leo stood up. “Sure, old man. Sure.” He said embracing his father tightly.