The Promise of Happiness (Natalie and Samuel)

Chapter 2

Five years later, a little boy clad in blue overalls and a plaid shirt was attracting a lot of attention at the

main terminal of Dellmoor International Airport. His wavy hair, exquisite features, and long lashes

curled upward like a doll gave everyone the impression that he would be the dream guy of many girls

when he grew up. Just as everyone was curious about his mother’s beauty, a woman with a flat nose,

thick lips, and freckles dotted all over her face shouted out to him, “Have you bought the Coke,

Sweetheart?” “Yes, I have, Mommy.” Hearing this, all the ladies among the crowd dropped their jaws in

disbelief. Is it possible for a handsome young boy to have such an unattractive woman as his mother? Ever since his mother started wearing that hideous hyper-realistic mask, such scenes would

happen all the time, so Xavian Nichols was already used to it. He walked over to Natalie and handed

her the fizzy drink before drinking some water obediently. “Mommy, how long are you planning to wear

such an ugly thing?” “Are you saying that I’m ugly, Sweetheart?” “Of course not, Mommy. I’m just

worried that you’ll feel stuffy wearing it for such a long time.” I don’t have the right to comment on Mommy’s appearance! Xavian was the least attractive when compared to his older brother, Clayton,

and Natalie. Hence, he felt that he did not have the right, nor the courage, to comment on her ethereal

beauty. “It’s good that you’re aware of your lack of attractiveness, Sweetheart.” The passersby were

utterly dumbfounded. Is there someone wrong with my beauty standards? The mother is way uglier than her kid! The corners of Natalie’s lips raised slightly as she observed the familiar yet foreign city

through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the airport. It’s been five whole years. Time to return and settle the score! Just as Natalie was lost in her thoughts, an adorable little girl bumped into her and stumbled

before falling to the ground. Seeing this, she quickly crouched down and helped the girl up. “Are you

okay? Did you hurt yourself?” Sophia Bowers’ eyes flickered as she stared intently at Natalie. She did

not make a fuss, but merely uttered, “M-Mommy…” “You can’t just casually call anyone your mom.

She’s my mommy, not yours!” Xavian exclaimed, looking extremely jealous. Sophia ignored his words

and wrapped her arms around Natalie. Natalie could feel the tightness of her grip, as though she was

afraid of losing her. Xavian’s face was scrunched up with jealousy, but with a pointed look from Natalie,

he begrudgingly stood where he was and chugged his water. “Were you separated from your mommy?

Where is she? I’ll take you to her, okay?” Sophia shook her head vigorously, looking slightly anxious.

Assuming that the girl was feeling insecure, Natalie stroked her cheek. “Trust me, okay? I’ll help you novelbin

find your mommy.” The five-year-old girl had never spoken nor made a sound before. However, she

took an immediate liking to Natalie from the moment they met and even managed to utter that word.

For some reason, Sophia felt a strong desire to depend on her. Hence, she stubbornly continued

murmuring to Natalie, “Mom… Mommy…” Unlike Natalie, who was merely caught off guard by the girl’s

actions, Xavian felt a surge of intense jealousy. Meanwhile, the second son of the Bowers family,

Steven, was utterly relieved when he spotted Sophia. If I didn’t manage to find her, Sam would have my head! Noticing that the girl was with a stranger, he was about to carry her away when he heard her

voice for the first time as she babbled, “Mommy…” Steven could not believe his ears. Crouching down,

he placed a hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “What did you just say? Can you repeat that?” Seeing that he

was here for her, the girl pointed at Natalie. “Mom… Mommy…” Steven followed the direction of her

finger and saw an ordinary-looking face filled with freckles. What the hell? She’s calling this woman Mommy? Snapping out of his trance, he inquired, “What did you do to Sophia?” “You must be her

father. Where did you get the nerve to question me?” Still thinking that the girl was feeling insecure, she

could not help but remark, “Why aren’t you cherishing such a sweet girl? She must’ve had a hard life

for her to address me as her mother.” Steven was once again dumbfounded. “She addressed you as

her mother?” Natalie rolled her eyes. “Who else would she address that to? You?” Steven was

rendered speechless by her remark. It took several confirmations for him to finally dispel his disbelief.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Sophia’s uncle, Steven Bowers. I was so surprised just now because

she has suffered from aphasia since childhood and has never spoken to anyone.” As soon as Natalie

heard that, she felt terrible for the girl. “Can he be trusted, Sophia?” The little girl nodded. “Is it true that

you have aphasia, Sophia?” She received another nod in response. “Since he was looking for you, you

should go home with him,” Natalie said as she caressed the little girl’s head. Without making a fuss,

Sophia watched as Natalie walked away with Xavian. Just as Steven was about to ask the little girl how

she was suddenly able to speak, he subconsciously glanced at her and was surprised by what he saw.

Sophia’s eyes were filled with tears as she sobbed silently.