Whisper of Virtouso (Love Material Series #2)

CHAPTER FOURTY

CHAPTER FOURTY

"Thank you, Kerson," I said, a smile gracing my lips as I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me.

He smiled back, and for the first time in four years, I saw warmth in his eyes again. Each smile made his eyes crinkle at the corners, reminding me of happier days. But even as I felt comforted by this, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease about why I had agreed to let him drive us home.

"No problem. For you and your son, I'll never say no," he assured me, sincerity lacing his words as he raised his right eyebrow.

Exiting the car, I hastened to the backseat to gently rouse Dion from his slumber.

"Baby. . . baby Dion, wake up. We're here at Mama-la's house na," I slowly wake him up.

He slept soundly, his peaceful expression bringing a soft chuckle to my lips.

"Let him sleep a little longer," Kerson suggested, his gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. "You can wait here next to him, Aly."

Looking back at him, our eyes briefly met in the reflection of his car's mirror. I quickly looked away, feeling a sense of restlessness growing inside me. Deep down, I knew that our two worlds, which were once so connected, now felt uncomfortably close.

"Hindi. H'wag na, makakahiya na rin," nahihiya kong saad. "Kailangan muna rin umuwi baka hinahanap ka na rin ni Rhian."

When I glanced into the car mirror, Kerson met my gaze with a blend of resignation and longing.

"She won't search for me. Why would she?" he whispered.

I couldn't help but snort softly in response, shrugging my shoulders dismissively. "She'll be your wife—"

"Mommy. . ."

As Dion's voice interrupted the moment, I turned my focus to him, a gentle smile appearing on my lips as I reached out to softly stroke his hair. At four years old, he was undeniably adorable, bearing the unmistakable traits of both Kerson and me. His full lips, well-defined eyebrows, and facial structure resembled his father's, yet traces of my features could be seen as well, creating a lovely mix of our identities. Dion served as a tangible symbol of the connection between Kerson and me, a reminder of the love we once had.

"Shush, I'm right here," I murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. 

"It feels good to be Dion," he murmured. "Because, before he goes to sleep, you're the last thing he sees every time he closes his eyes. When he wakes up, you're the first thing he looks for."

Kerson watched Dion, smiling sadly. "I wish I also had an Alyzza there by my side before I go to sleep and when I wake up in the morning."

The ache in Kerson's words hung heavy in the air, his gaze fixed on Dion with a mixture of longing and sorrow. 

"He's lucky. I'm jealous of your son." he whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the car's engine. "He already has you."

"Kerson," I interjected firmly, cutting him off before his words could delve any deeper. I didn't want to entertain thoughts of what could have been. "Let's not dwell on this. Things have changed. I've changed. You've changed. We're living different lives now."

"It's not that simple, Aly. You don't understand," he replied bitterly, his frustration palpable in his voice.

"Ipaintindi mo sa 'kin, Kerson." mahinang boses ang ginamit ko, ngunit may bakas pa rin ng matigas na tono.

Mahinang ang aming boses habang nag-uusap kami rito sa loob ng sasakyan niya.

"Kung hindi ko naiintindihan, ipaintindi mo sa akin, Kerson. Kahit ilang beses mong banggitin 'yan, kung hindi ko pa rin naiintindihan, wala ring kwenta," saad ko.