Mommy for Billionaire's Baby
Chapter 23

When he lost his guiding light in life, which was once carefree, Nathan didn't even want to leave his room. He was confused about what to do because everything happened so suddenly. Especially after Noah and Jannet's funerals. Two formally dressed people showed up in the midst of the solemn occasion.

Naina was still struggling with her wounds at that time. Her grandmother, Sunny, waited patiently for her. Sometimes, she took turns with Alexa. Despite seeming very rule-bound, talkative, and stiff, Alexa genuinely cared for Naina. However, Alexa was a bit hesitant when reading the inheritance document that Noah Sinclair had written back then.

Nathan's name was chosen to continue Faldom, to look after Naina until she grew up. This made Nathan feel like his freedom was being taken away. Unfortunately, Nathan couldn't complain, could he? The pressure was immense amidst the sudden uncertainty. Although Nathan wasn't all that bad, he was in control. He just didn't want to take life too seriously.

His dreams? Traveling the world. Working without needing an office and meeting many people. Finding true love, getting married, and giving Naina a friend. In Nathan's mind, his child might be as chaotic as Naina. Nathan understood well that Naina was a girl who couldn't sit still, with the potential to be quite annoying.

That's all Nathan wanted. Simple, right? Supported? Noah Sinclair strongly supported what Nathan was doing. Most importantly, he completed his education. His brother-in-law? He often financed his trips abroad, even if it was just to see whales, for example.

What more could Nathan ask for in life?

Then, God turned everything upside down. Until he realized that he couldn't live life as before. There was a responsibility on his shoulders. He couldn't leave Naina alone. He couldn't even imagine that such a small child would be searching for her deceased parents.

Under the disapproving gaze of many, Nathan accepted whatever Noah Sinclair asked of him. As a form of self-indulgence, amidst his busy schedule running Faldom, Nathan never lacked for women. Gifted with a handsome face, he easily attracted many women.

Except for... the girl who offered to help.

For Nathan, who actually revered loyalty, a promise was a promise. Unfortunately, Nathan's mind shifted under various pressures, causing him to change his perspective on loyalty. Once again, God played with him, bringing Tasya right when Faldom was starting to stabilize. But his habit of being with women had already become a part of his daily life.

Tasya unfastened her seatbelt. Nathan hadn't turned off the car engine yet. "I've arrived home, sir. Can you make it home on your own?"

Nathan turned with a sigh. "You... really leaving me?"

"I didn't poison you with alcohol, sir. Why are you being melodramatic?" Tasya laughed. She grabbed her bag from the back seat. "I'm going home, sir. Thanks for letting me drive." "Rosmerry," Nathan called out again..

"Don't call me that, sir." Tasya smiled wryly. "Goodnight, Mr. Nathan. Sleep well. Tomorrow is a brand new day."

"You're really heartless to me." Nathan's shoulders slumped, and he deliberately gazed at Tasya with melancholy.

"Where am I being heartless?" Tasya blinked slowly.

"You wouldn't even go on a date with me."

"A date with Bonnie would be better."

Nathan unfastened his seatbelt with a frustrated sigh. He opened the door just as Tasya did. Following Tasya's steps as she began to slide the annoying old black gate. "Can I pick you up tomorrow?" Tasya stopped in her tracks, turning with a fake smile still plastered on her face. "No need. You better take Naina to school once in a while. She'll be thrilled."

"Yeah, same goes for you."

"I'm still not up for those early morning drives." It wasn't just an excuse, but honesty that Tasya could speak.

"So you don't want to date me?"

Tasya firmly shook her head.

"Even though I'm handsome?"

"Who said you're not good-looking?"

Nathan smirked. "I'm well-established, Tasya."

"I know," Tasya laughed. "Enough already, sir. I want to go inside. I'm tired." To emphasize her point, she slightly stretched her back. "My boss is really pushing me hard without considering, sir." Nathan sighed. "Then why do you still want to work?"

"Well... I need the money, sir. What else?" Tasya grinned broadly. "Be careful on your way home, okay? Don't let me suddenly get a call saying you're not in good shape."

"Are you wishing bad things upon me, Rosmerry?"

Tasya laughed even harder. "No, sir."

Nathan's eyes hadn't really left her since they were in the car. Where Nathan casually handed the car keys to Tasya. His excuse was, "I'm really tired. Can you drive for a bit? I want to take a short nap."

Nathan was sure Tasya wouldn't refuse, although her face suddenly turned a bit grumpy. Nathan's car had been driven by Tasya countless times before. He was sitting next to the girl, relaxing and enjoying the music playing on the car's audio system. Nathan rarely asked a driver to take the wheel of his sedan. He preferred to drive himself, but when Tasya was around, he made full use of her without exception.

Moreover, Tasya never objected; her expression might briefly show displeasure, but then her smile would return.

"Tell my mom, Mrs. Alexa, or whoever else intends to replace me a match that I'm not interested," Nathan spoke again.

"I've already said that, sir. If they push it, what can I do?"

"Where's your phone?"

Tasya blinked in surprise. "Why do you need my phone?"

"Block their numbers, both of them, so you won't be bothered anymore."

"Isn't that a bit childish?"

"Where's the harm if they keep pestering you about replaceing a suitable match for me? Right?" Nathan would handle everything later tonight. He couldn't let it interfere with his sudden office affairs. He needed Tasya to be focused as well. Tasya can't speak when cornered. Besides Nathan's words hitting the bullseye, she also doesn't know what to say that would be appropriate anymore.

"You have to focus on helping me, Tasya."

When Nathan addresses her in his usual mode, Tasya is relieved. Not only because there won't be any persuasion or reminders of past events, but also because he's starting to speak seriously. "Yes, sir."

"All right then, have a good rest, Tasya."

Tasya can only respond with a broad smile. Her eyes remain fixed until Nathan's car completely disappears from view. She sighs softly. "Give me strength, God. I can't fall in love with someone who's not faithful." Her eyes shut tightly. As she turns around, the figure of her mother startles her. "Mom?"

"You foolish girl!" Abigail lightly smacks Tasya's head. "He's a bright future! He can restore our family to its former glory, you idiot!"

Tasya can only clench her fists tightly. She doesn't pay too much attention to her mother's words. Sometimes she wants to raise her voice at her mother, to ask her to stop pestering her to meet her needs. To make her realize that their lives are no longer the same.

"Tasya!!!" her mother shouts loudly, not caring that it's late and it might cause a commotion. She's angry because Tasya won't follow her advice. Having a wealthy son-in-law could make her enjoy her status again, right? No one would look down on her anymore, just like when she was in her prime, before her husband died and left her with a lot of debt. Damn her husband!

"Sis," Robin softly calls, welcoming her at the door. "Are you okay, sis?"

"Haven't you gone to bed yet?" Tasya is somewhat surprised, but she still offers a gentle pat on Robin's shoulder. "It's late. Go to sleep."

"Waiting for you and Ronan."

"Ronan hasn't come home yet?"

Robin shakes her head slowly, but a moment later, her eyes widen when her mother brazenly pulls Tasya's hair, tugging it until her sister screams in pain. "Let go, Mom! Let go!" Robin immediately rushes to help her sister. She can't stand her sister being treated so roughly by their mother.

"Ma!"

Luckily, help arrives. Hari quickly pulls their mother away and releases her grip on her sister's hair. "Enough, Ma!"

"You disrespectful kids! Damn it! Worthless children!"

***

Naina stares at the red-haired woman in front of her with a calculating look. She doesn't care if she receives the same kind of look. One thing's for sure, Naina won't back down, especially if this woman thinks that the rainbow cake she brought can melt her heart.

Nope, not happening. Naina can buy it herself. Her allowance is enough to choose from various sizes.

"Don't want a slice? Or should Aunt Mirah help you cut it?"

"No, thanks."

"Naina, don't be rude to Aunt Mirah," Sunny smiles broadly. "Forgive my granddaughter, she can be a bit blunt."

"No problem, Ma, I understand," Mirah smiles widely. Gracefully, she cuts a piece of the cake adorned with sweet icing and offers it to the little girl, who has displayed hostility since her arrival. Given Mirah's experience with children, especially headstrong ones like Naina, she's confident she can win her over.

Mirah, the woman who will be introduced to Nathan, is well acquainted with Sunny. They've met several times at seminars on women's empowerment. Actually, Mirah wasn't interested in blind dates like this, but Sunny's persuasion, especially mentioning Naina's name, the lonely child, moved her. Although the reception she received was quite surprising.

"Good evening, Naina." She presents the small plate with the cake. "Come on, give it a try."

"I'm full." Naina pushes her plate away a bit roughly. "I want to sleep. I'm sure Daddy won't be coming home. He's probably out there meeting the Unicorn Worm."

"The Unicorn Worm?" Sunny is astonished. "What's that?"

"It's a thing," Naina slides her chair, coinciding with Nathan's arrival.

"Is Mom home? That's rare," Nathan furrows his brow. His eyes also lock onto the unfamiliar woman near his mother. Nathan isn't mistaken; he suspects his mother is seriously meddling in his marriage affairs. The woman is a bit older, red- haired, and quite pretty with the makeup she's wearing.

"Sit down, Nathan," Sunny beams. "Let me introduce you to Mama's friend. Her name is Mirah."

Nathan sighs deeply. For the sake of politeness, his mother's reputation, and not wanting to create a scene tonight, he extends his hand. It's met with a thin smile from the woman, of course. "Nathan," he says briefly, trying to be patient because of his mother's actions tonight. "Has Naina eaten?" he asks his niece after releasing their handshake.

Just formalities, right?

What Tasya said about Nathan being a consummate predator is absolutely correct. In just a fleeting glance where he knew he was being watched with keen interest by the woman, if there weren't distractions in his mind, he would have pounced on her. Until there was no escape. Nathan's principle is that there's no such thing as a wasted opportunity. But Tasya's words about rejection and the "bed" kept echoing in his mind, truly bothering him. "When did I ever intend something like that, Rosmerry?" Nathan asks with an incredulous look.

"Okay, Daddy," Naina looks at Nathan with surprise. "What's wrong, Daddy? Why do you look mad?"

How could Nathan not be annoyed even though Tasya's words were true? There have been times when his assistant boldly requested him to take care of their pleasure. Booking hotels, sending some things for their overnight guests, and... being on the front lines to give them reasons why Nathan didn't want to engage anymore. Nathan is really infuriating!

"Ladies, I happen to be very tired," Nathan smiles broadly. "I'll go to my room. I'm sorry I can't join you for a chat. I have a long meeting tomorrow."

Naina follows him. "Naina too, Grandma. Early start tomorrow, right? Bye, Grandma. Bye, Aunt Mirah."

Sunny is left flabbergasted, and Mirah simply smiles thinly. Mirah's eyes don't leave Nathan's strong back. One thing's for sure, she suddenly wants to get to know Nathan personally. Besides being handsome, there's something about him that's intriguing to Mirah. After all, her mother asked her to go on a blind date with her son, right?