Chapter 5

Joshua’s heart clenched hearing Inej’s words in her sleep. He can only imagine what are all have gone through her little brain while she was waiting for him, thinking that papa will come soon. How much she will be yearning for a father’s love. Tears formed in his eyes thinking of Inej. “I never heard from Inej that she wants a father. I don’t even know she knows the word father and knows its meaning before I saw her calling you as her ‘Papa’.” Nina said slowly stirred waking up by Joshua’s silent cry. Joshua quickly wiped his tears away looking at Nina. He asked Nina to follow him in silence to the balcony so that they won’t wake the little lady up from her sweet sleep.

   Nina followed him slowly and they both went to the balcony. Joshua stood leaning on the balcony railing looking at the sky. Few moments passed by in silence. “I am really sorry Nina for keeping you in the dark all these three years. Two months before you married Matthias, our company branch in London faced a huge blow.  I only took charge of the Helvar Enterprises just before Inej’s birth and was learning how things are happening. So, I had no choice but to take care of the business in London. So, that’s why I was not here when you got married. It was so difficult to leave Inej behind, because I was with her day and night from her birth. I couldn’t just leave Inej in any nanny’s care. After, Maria’s death, Matthias was incapable of taking care of my baby girl. He didn’t even hold Inej in his arms. I am not blaming him, because he has just lost his wife whom he loved dearly.  I was the one who held her first in these very hands.” Joshua showed his hands to Nina.

   “You know she was so tiny in my hands. So soft like a flower petal. I was even afraid what if I break her.” Joshua smiled bittersweet. “While I was astonishing how can this little thing in my hands can bring so much happiness to us, she held my finger in her sleep. She held it very tightly refusing to leave. I still can’t forget and understand that feeling. But I know she will be my responsibility, even if Matthias was well to take care of her.” Joshua said. Nina saw the true affection he has for Inej in his eyes that were gleaming. Joshua sighed, “It’s being heavy for tonight butterfly. Go and sleep. I will slowly tell you everything you want to know.” Nina blushed hard and turned her face away to hide it. Joshua chuckled and ruffled her hair. “Good night butterfly. I will come in the morning before the little lady wakes up.” Joshua said leaving the room.

   Next day, early morning. Joshua came back and saw both Nina and Inej were sleeping peacefully. He smiled at them and went to the balcony and sat on the sofa without disturbing them. When Nina woke up feeling the sunrays, she saw a man’s silhouette in the balcony. Joshua turned hearing Nina’s movements. He stood up and came near the bed smiling. “Good morning butterfly.” He was happy with the scene. Nina was fully awake now. “Good morning.” She replied. “Joshua… My name is Joshua butterfly. Call me using my name hereafter just like how you call your friends.” Joshua requested. She nodded her head.

   “Nina pack all yours and Inej’s things. We will be leaving to our home. Let me know if you need any help.” Joshua said. “Thanks, but I can pack them by myself.” Nina refused him politely. Joshua already knows this would happen. Nina is not a kind of woman who likes to depend on someone. So, naturally she would refuse. Joshua smiled nodding at her. Inej stirred up in her sleep. “Good morning baby girl.” Joshua knelt down on the bed side and kissed Inej’s forehead. “Wake up baby girl.” He gently waked her up. “Papa…”. Inej whined and sat up. She cuddled to Joshua’s neck still in half sleep. “My baby girl wants to cuddle?” Joshua chuckled cuddling with her. “Mumma… Mumma…” Inej woke up fully searching for Nina. “I am here baby.” Nina smiled at Inej.

   Inej opened her arms asking Nina for a morning hug. It is their morning routine starting the day with a warm hug. Nina hugged Inej kissing her cheeks. Joshua looked at them affectionately feeling heartful. They didn’t know another pair of eyes were looking at them. Alysa who was there to see Nina, saw the beautiful moments of the three. She felt happy seeing them. The three looked like a perfect family together. She prayed to the god to keep them happy and safe.

   Alysa knocked on the door and went inside. “Good morning, dears. Quickly get freshen up and come downstairs for breakfast.” She spoke. “Yes mom, coming.” Joshua said. Nina took Inej for her morning routines and made her get ready. “Woah my baby girl looks stinking cute.” Nina said taping on Inej’s nose while looking at her through the mirror. Joshua who came to get Inej smiled looking at them both. He leaned on the door frame silently admiring them. Few minutes later Nina saw Joshua at the door. She was baffled. “Nina, I just came to get Inej so that you can get freshen up.” He explained. “Hmm… She is ready.” Nina said getting Inej down from the vanity table and the little girl went straight to him. “Aww that was a cute outfit Inej. You look so pretty.” Inej giggled at Joshua.

   After they both left, Nina took a bath and got ready. Everyone had their breakfast and went to the church. As today is the last day of funeral, they have arranged for a prayer at the church and invited friends and relatives. The prayer went well. When everyone is busy greeting the friends and relatives, Nina was left alone with Inej who is playing in the garden near the church. Vanessa took this opportunity and approached Nina. Nina was looking after Inej, when someone grabbed her arm and dragged her.

   Nina was shocked to see Vanessa, fear visible in her eyes. “What? You are being brave day by day that you started to ignore me. Why are you still running behind this girl? Now that Matthias is no more, tell them you can’t stay with them anymore and that you are going back with me. I didn’t get you married for being a nanny. If you try to disobey me and act smart, you already know the consequences, right?” Vanessa threatened Nina. Nina became terrified of her worst nightmares becoming true. “You dare to ignore my words now? I am telling you Nina, be an obedient girl like you were always from childhood and tell them that you are going back to home with me.” Vanessa dug her nails on Nina’s arm threatening her. Nina hissed in pain, tears rolling down her cheeks. “How dare you to behave cruelly like this Mrs. Lopez?” Suddenly a voice was heard behind them.

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