Olivia's POV
I never thought this day would come. I never thought I would run into my son's father, and the night of my mistake sank in a flash. Gabriel was pinning me down, staring back at me seriously, and wanted to know the answer that I couldn't disclose.
His father and my mother are getting married.
He is going to be my soon-to-be step-brother.
Things will be out of hand if Gabriel discovers the truth, and it will hurt my mother. She already found her happiness, and yet destiny chose the wrong man for my mother because Gabriel is the father of my son.
"Answer me, Olivia. Is Gavin my son?" He asked again.
I have to act before it's too late.
I pushed him away and lied, "I didn't know the son of a rich man is delusional. We just met, Gabriel. How could you accuse my son of being yours?"
He chuckled, "Stop pretending, Liv."
"Look, Gabriel. I don't know what kind of pain the woman you were searching for had given you, but I'm not her. You are not Gavin's father because you are my step-brother. Besides, we just met!"
"So, you're telling me you don't remember that night?"
I gulped deeply, "Yes. Because it wasn't me—" I didn't finish my words when he pulled me and kissed me.
I remember his kiss, the way his lips invade mine. He grabbed my waist and pulled me closer, pressing his body to mine. What happened that night flashed before me. It ignites the fire within me, and I have to end this.
However, my hands aren't moving. He moved his lips and soon found myself responding to that kiss before reality sank in to me.
I pushed him away before slapping him and said, "How could you?!"
He exhaled deeply before looking at me, "Now, you remember?"
"Fine! I remember. I am the woman you slept with, but we never had a child! Gavin is not your son and will never be!" I responded.
"So you admit faking you don't remember me, Olivia?" He inquired.
"Yes! I admit it. Are you happy now?"
"No, I am not. I want to know if your son is mine."
I scoffed, "Are you deaf? How many times do I have to repeat myself that he isn't your son? Gavin is not your son."
"Then how could you explain our resemblance, Olivia?"
I paused for a moment and was lost for words. I don't know how I could reply to that question, especially since Gavin looks exactly like him. I can't hide that. But I must hide it.
"It's a coincidence," I murmured.
"A coincidence? Really?"
"Look, whatever happened to us five years ago is nothing but a mistake. I was so lost, heartbroken, and in pain. You comforted me and I'm thankful for that, Gabriel. But that night was a mistake. We made a mistake and we should bury it in the past because our parents are getting married next month," I convinced him.
Silence prevails between us. Gabriel was standing there like a statue while watching me. His stare made me even more uncomfortable when, suddenly, I heard my mother's voice. I turned at the door before heading out without hesitation, leaving my mother stunned.
"Geez, Olivia. You scare me. Wait, what are you doing there? That's not the bathroom," she asked.
"I got lost, Mom. But don't worry about it, I no longer need to use the bathroom. Why are you looking for me?" I changed the topic because I could see the confusion on her face since she knew I could follow simple instructions.
"Well, there's a young man downstairs and he was looking for you. Gavin even called him daddy," she informed me.
"Oh, Daniel. I forgot to tell you he's coming with me, but he will be late. His flight landed late and he had to come here alone," I explained.
"Don't worry, that's alright. Besides, he seemed kind and close to your son."
I nodded, "He is. Let's go? I'm sure Gavin is already looking for me."
"Oh, he is."
My mother and I marched to the hallway, but I couldn't help but look at the room I had just left. Something inside me regrets my decision to hide the truth from Gabriel, but that's for the best. We went downstairs to where the party was and my son immediately ran to me. I held his hand before approaching Daniel, he kissed me on the cheek.
"I'm sorry, I'm late."
"No worries, Daniel. Have you met my mother and her fiancé?" I motioned to them.
"Yes, I am. I must say you got your face from your mother, so no wonder you're so beautiful."
"Oh, please! You don't have to flatter me!" My mother giggles.
I rolled my eyes while smiling because my mother got along with Daniel quickly. Meanwhile, Gabriel appeared beside his father like nothing had happened.
"Gabriel Harris, it's an honor to finally meet you. I've been looking forward to meeting you," Daniel said.
"You know me. That's good to know someone still remembers who I am while others don't," he stated, intentionally referring to me without telling me directly. He shakes Daniel's hand before settling. "You are?"
"Daniel Murphy, owner of Murphy builders and a millionaire. My wealth is nothing to compare with yours, Mr. Harris. I heard a lot of things about you," he praised.
"Really? That's flattering."
I cleared my throat when I noticed Gabriel's mocking voice, and Daniel seemed not to notice it. "Gabriel, this is Daniel. He is my suitor and Gavin's father…"
I felt Daniel's shock because he looked at me since I never introduced him as Gavin's dad, even though he was always a great father figure to my son and never failed to show it to me. I also notice my mom's gaze, especially since I talk to her about this. He never told Gabriel's father about the identity of my son for my personal privacy.
"He's the father?" Gabriel commented.
I face him bravely and respond, "Yes."
He went to my son, looked at him intently before rubbing his hair. And then, he stood up and stared at me indifferently. "Well, he looks nothing like your son."
"Excuse me?" I raised my eyebrow.
He crossed his arms and repeated what he said, "Your son looks nothing like his father. He doesn't even resemble Gavin. Unless he's not the real father."
I furrowed, "Hold a second, Gabriel. What is it to you? My son doesn't need to look like his father and it's none of your business. Your father was kind, but his son was a devil."
"At least I'm not a liar," he said.
"Gabriel, enough. You are acting unreasonably in front of your step-sister," his father interfered.
I lock my hand on Daniel's and take my child's hand, too. After that, I faced my mother's fiancé because I couldn't stand Gabriel. "Congratulations on your wedding, and I hope you'll take care of my mother. However, I don't think we're welcome at this party because your son seems to hate me. So, we will leave."
"No, Olivia. Stay please," he begged.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Harris. I would rather stay at home than endure your son's unreasonable behavior. Thank you for accepting me and my son," I answered.
I looked at Gabriel for the last time with a warning in my eyes before turning around, pulling them away from the party. We rushed outside the mansion and waited for our car to arrive when Daniel squeezed my hand, causing me to glance at him.
"Are you okay?" He inquired.
I take a deep breath, "Yes, I am. I just had a bad day, although I thought this would be a new chapter of my family's life. I wasn't expecting my soon-to-be step-brother to treat me like that."
"He's Gabriel Harris, known for his coldness and annoying behavior. Rich people like him act like that, so forget about it."
I just smiled because I knew why Gabriel was acting like that. He wanted to know the truth and hearing that Daniel is introduced as my son's father triggered his eagerness to find out what I'm hiding.
But I'll do my best to hide it and prevent my mother's happiness from going to the drain.