Anya leaned on the door frame and watched her obedient son studying on his own like a big boy.

Sometimes she wondered if having a single parent and her job affected Zane. He hardly demands anything while kids of his age would cause a ruckus for everything.

Anya closed her eyes and silently sucked a breath through her mouth. She wasn't liking her vacation with her brain empty. She keeps thinking too much.

'Knock, Knock..' She knocked on the door before entering the room.

However, her cute son was too busy to give her attention. He didn't lift his gaze when he said, "Momma!?"

Anya kissed his cheek, hugging him from behind, "Mommy loves you." Her mellow voice filled the air.

Zane gently patted her arm with his left hand while his right hand continued to write on the book, "I love you too, Momma." He flashed her a quick smile and continued to write without losing his attention.

Anya: "..."

She could only pout. She had heard when boys grow up, they will get reserved. They might love their parents, but they seldom show it.

Her son is growing too fast. Isn't he?

If he won't be naughty, then she will be one. She nibbled his chubby cheek and ran away to the door.

"Momma!!" Zane whined and turned to her.

Whom should he complain to if his mother is disturbing him from studying?

He chuckled seeing her humphing at him. "Yes, Momma?"

Anya grinned ear to ear, earning his attention, and asked for his time, "Baby, when you take a break, find me. I have something to talk about with you." By the end of her words, Zane closed his book and got off his chair.

He had thought she was just playing around. If she needs his time, she will get it, "I am taking a break, Momma." His adorableness melted her instantly.

..

Both cozied on the couch with hot chocolate and warm milk in their hands. "Baby, you know about the company inauguration and party, right?"

Zane nodded with hum while sipping his milk.

Anya continued, "Alvin was asking if we could introduce you as our lovely son."

Zane lowered his milk glass hearing her. He knew why Anya was asking him. He never accepted Alvin so she wouldn't let Alvin do anything without asking him.historical

He left the glass on the table and hugged her, "In whatever way momma likes it." Chipmunk Monster was his father and his mother likes Alvin, he couldn't change it. So what's there to hesitate about?

Anya hugged her son, smiling to herself. If he wasn't saying no, then he had no problem with whatever she will decide for him. "Baby, do you like to attend parties like the one we attend for the hotel inauguration?"

Zane sat down on the couch, shaking his head with a distasteful look, "That's so boring, Momma." The people drink and gossip. What's so good about it?

Anya chuckled, sharing the same view as her son, "Let me give some thought to it." She wanted to consider all the consequences before deciding. "I will make sure you don't have to stay at the party for more than ten minutes if we bring you. You don't have to meet anyone either."

He was aware his mother will take care of everything so that he doesn't have to worry. "My momma is the best." Zane flashed her a winsome smile and grabbed his milk.

...

Elder Collins watched the two with a content smile on his face. Staying with Anya and Zane for over a week, he had learned a lot about them. Anya couldn't sit a minute silently and Zane was her son, yet she treated him like an individual who will have his opinions, regardless of his age.

He always saw parents, including him dictating to their little kids. So this mother and son harmoniousness was enviable.

He had thought of returning to the Collins villa when Alvin returned. So he was going to stay to accompany Anya who was always bored sitting at home while Zane studies.

...

Zane was going towards the stairs when he paused and looked at his mother, "Momma, is it alright if you are introduced as a girlfriend and me as a son?" Usually, a husband and wife introduce their son. He was worried for his mother.

Anya's eyes widened as they filled up. She hadn't realized that crucial point yet. If she is a girlfriend then the people will take her son as an illegitimate son.

Technology might be growing, and people might be modern but their high principles and values would never treat a child born out of wedlock as legitimate. They might have a smile on their face while meeting, but they would never stop talking behind their back.

Anya could have ignored their words but it will eventually catch up to her son and hurt him. How could she let that happen to him?

She softly responded without showing her emotions, "I will look into it, Baby." She didn't let Zane worry about her.

Lying as they were married wouldn't be a solution and it would be a terrible example for Zane. Anya might hide him from everyone instead of a lie.

Even if she doesn't let Zane attend the party, she will be introduced as a girlfriend. When anybody gets to know about Zane, they would laugh at him, treat him badly, and call him a bastard. It wasn't his mistake to be born out of wedlock.

Truth to be told, Anya hadn't thought about any of these complications when she was carrying and giving birth to Zane.

What could she do to resolve it?

Alvin and she could get married and avoid talking about when they were married. That should protect Zane.

But.. Is she ready to be a wife? Could she manage the role of a wife in Alvin's life?

Her body turns cold just by recalling the pain and the day. She didn't want to give hope to Alvin and reject him later.

Wasn't it the most common thing in adults?

Why was she shaking at the thought of it?

She couldn't sit and be fearful. She wouldn't be able to solve it by putting in no effort.

Anya grabbed her mobile and dialed a number. [Psychiatric department, Imperial Hospital.]

"Hella, Anya Owen speaking. Is Doctor Bose available today?" There was a desperation in her tone to stop anything from hurting Zane.

[No, Miss. Owen. Doctor Bose went out on clinical work. She will be available tomorrow.]

Anya closed her eyes to calm herself and requested, "Could you please prepone my appointment for tomorrow, morning?" Alvin wanted to bring her to the therapist next week but she didn't want to wait.

She could hear the keyboard clicking noise before a response came, [Your appointment is rescheduled. Please be here on time to avoid missing your slot. Thank you.]

Anya ended the call and breathed slowly, 'For my baby.' She encouraged herself to face whatever it was for Zane.

–––––

Dropping Zane to school, Anya entered the Imperial Hospital answering a call from an unsaved number.

"Skye, don't attend the party on Saturday." It was more like a request from Senon.

Anya furrowed. Senon wouldn't say something like that without a reason, "What's wrong, Senon?"