The Wright Heir

It's been a couple of months and she had settled down in a decent size apartment. Just a few blocks away from her work.

Finding a job is not a difficult task for her. With her exemplary credentials, any company would certainly hire her.

She has a usual morning, she wakes up early, did her little workout, took a shower, and prepared her breakfast. But aside from what she normally does, she did one exception earlier. And although she has been convincing herself it's unnecessary, her gut feeling won.

"Shit"

Closing her eyes, she gently rubs her face while heaving a deep sigh. Still hoping it's just a dream.

"This should be a dream" She frustratedly whispers while massaging her nape. And before opening her eyes, she takes a very deep breath to calm her nerves.

But no matter how many times she closes and opens her eyes, she was still met with the same outcome.

"Two lines" She weakly whispers. Hopeless that it will still change after the nth time she checks it.

"Why now?"

Sobs rock her shoulders while slumped on her bathroom floor. She has no strength to stand up.

"You're so cruel to me, Mr. Fate" With tears already brimming her eyes, she buries her face in her bended knee as she hugs herself.

Though she can never forget what happened a couple of months ago she was taken aback by its consequences. It's been a week she has been convincing herself she was wrong with her suspicion but the result said otherwise.

She is bearing the fruit of the one night she spent with Xander Wright.

She has been feeling peculiar for weeks now and no matter how she cast aside her qualm, it's quite persistent. So she took the test earlier.

And now, she is staring at the two vivid lines on the kit, yielding positive. She was not convinced with the first one so she took another. A different test kit. But like the first one, the screen is screaming with the word Pregnant.

She is pregnant and no matter how hard she denies it, she knows in her heart she is. Even her body is telling her that another heartbeat is beating inside her.

She's ready for the new chapter of her life, for new adventures and explorations. And whatever happened months ago, she is ready to move on. But this happened.

She takes her time crying until her sobs become chuckles. A tearful chuckle. It's a crazy rough ride for her sanity. But having Xander Wright's child inside her gave her unexplainable joy and fear.

She fears the unknown but at the same time fascinates her. The thrill of discovering and quelling uncertainty is what excites her tedious life. The adventures, regardless of how impossible are the main reason why she left her farm life. Despite her love and respect for her family and ancestors, she chooses to chase her dream and left the kind of life their forefather has bestowed on them.

Yes, she's young to be a mother but she will strive to be the best for her unborn. She will tread a different path together with her child.

Gently, she caresses her still-flat stomach. Her heart is filled with overwhelming mixed emotions. Fear, uncertainty, excitement, and happiness.

"Mama's here my little one" With fat tears streaming down her cheeks, she whispers while smiling.

"Mama will take care of you" she added while curled on the floor. Hugging herself while crying.

She cries for the wonderful gift fate has given her. She cries because she would be alone in this plight and it would not be easy. She cries from the uncertainty that her unborn might not know its father. She cries because of the unfathomable happiness she feels in her heart. But most of all she cries because she will be a mother.

And indeed pregnancy was not an easy plight. Especially if you're alone.

Her morning sickness started and she has no one to comfort her. Loneliness slaughters her sanity and no one is there to calm her. Insecurity is eating her confidence and no one is there to hug or assure her.

However, she endures. She surpasses all the hardships. Even the curiosity of people who talk behind her back.

She walks confidently with her huge baby bump without minding the hushed murmurs following her. She just wants to work to earn her living and whatever people are saying doesn't affect her.

She chooses not to be affected. After all, she has no plans of staying. Once she gives birth to her son, she will leave again. She will start anew where no one knows about her and her son's existence.

"You're going home now, Skye?" Lily, her colleague who somehow becomes close to her, asks when she saw her stand up and pick up her bag.

They still have ten minutes until clock out. And seeing her prepare to leave is quite odd. She has been so dedicated with work that she never left early except for days when she's not feeling well.

"Yes, I'll be going first, Lily" She smiles while wearing her coat.

"Can't you wait a little more, I will just finish this and we could leave together. Let's grab some dinner" Lily turns her chair to face her.

"I can wait but this little fellow here, cannot" Pointing at her bump, she chuckles.

"What do you mean?" Suddenly worried, Lily's eyes widen.

"I think, my little buddy will be coming out soon. Very soon" Still calm despite the nagging pain she had endured the whole day, she smiles.

"Skye is about to give birth!" Abruptly, Lily stands up and announces to everyone in the room.

Every one of her colleagues knew she is living alone. And despite her constant refusal for their help they had been trying to assist her in any way they can.

"We need to bring you to the hospital" Lily exclaims while collecting her stuff.

"I'll drive you there. Where's your key?" Adrian, another of her friend came closer with an open palm. Asking for her car key.

"I'll be fine. I can still drive myself to the hospital. Just finish your work first. Then you can visit me later" As usual, she refuses.

"Are you for real?" Aghast, Lily incredulously raves while she just chuckles.

"You're about to give birth, Skye. It's fine to be calm, but you're acting way too calm. It's kinda bothering" Josie interjected, incredulous.

"But I'm really fine. It's still not that painful" she explains with a smile. Which is true. She is sure she could even drive herself to the hospital.

Whilst their argument, Adrian grabs her car key and Lily takes hold of her arm. So she has no choice but to let them bring her to the car. And she was thankful they insist.

The pain is getting intense and she might put herself and her baby in danger if she insisted to go alone.

Birthing has always been scary for soon-to-be mothers, but Skye was never scared. She has been ready for whatever pain she will encounter ever since she discovered she was expecting.

After a couple of hours of rest, she is now ready to face the world with a sleeping baby boy already in her loving arms.

"Xander Nicolo Monticello" she whispers while caressing her son's still wrinkled face.

"It's just you and me little buddy. But it's fine, we can do this" With a tearful smile, she continues. She is alone with her newborn as she requested.

Indeed, she has no one. But she doesn't mind. It's her choice and she will make it through.

She is enjoying her quiet time with her son when her phone sounded, receiving a call. Carefully, she answers after taking a deep breath.

"Hello, Papa" Her voice is hoarse, and almost trembles after hearing the familiar person from the other line.

"How are you my Cielo?"

"Uhm, I'm great. I'm busy with work lately" She replies while trying to contain from bursting to cry after hearing her father.

"Your mama told me you can't go home for the holidays?"

"Uhm, yes papa. I'm new to the company and I only got short days to spend the holiday" Despite the tears streaming down her face, she tries not to quiver.

"We could visit you, instead" Her father suggested.

"No, Papa." She suddenly exclaims.

"What I mean... I'm always on the field. I cannot spend time with you. I will try to go home once I got a long vacation leave" she readily explains, afraid her papa would hint at something.

"You okay, my Cielo? You sound distressed. You go home if that company is giving you a headache. You don't need to work" Worry laces her father's voice like her mother's when they talk the other day.

"I'm great, Papa. And my company is treating me well. Don't worry. I'm just so happy to hear your voice, I can't help crying. I miss you so much" It was not a lie. Hearing her parent's voices always bring tears, especially now that she becomes a mother without their knowledge.

Her tearful eyes tenderly watch her sleeping baby in her arms. If only she could tell him about her newborn. But it's still not the time. She promised to be someone they could be proud of. And that's what she will strive for despite her unexpected pregnancy.

"I will come home soon. Please stay healthy. Don't exhaust yourself too much working on the farm" she makes her voice chirpy as she used to.

She is a mess for crying but she never wanted her parents to know her struggle. Whatever choices she made together with all the consequences, it's all for her to deal with alone.

"Please come home if you can my little Cielo. We all miss you" her father's quivering voice adds to the anguish and guilt she feels.

"I will papa. And for a thousandth time, I'm no longer little. I'm a grown-up woman now" Pouting, she whines but she only got a chuckle from her father.

"You will always be our little Cielo. No debate about that" he insisted, making her playfully groan.

"I love you, Papa. I miss you" chuckling, she said instead of arguing with him.

"Go home soon, please. It's been a year since you've been away from home" His voice quivers. She knows her father is also controlling his tears.

"I will, Papa. I got to go. Please take care. Bye," she hung up after hearing her father's farewell.

After talking to her father, she snuggles her face close to her baby. Filling her lungs with his scent while she whimpers her sobs.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions since she got pregnant. The journey is quite rough but she made it through. And she is now holding her mistake but the greatest gift life could offer her.

"I'm sorry, my little dove. Mama can't show you to anyone yet. Please forgive me" she bitterly whispers while showering him with tender kisses. The little man would slightly squirm before going back to sleep again.

Guilt has been consuming her conscience for not being able to bring him home to her family. But keeping him a secret is the best way she has right now.

She's miles away that even her family doesn't know where she is. But she knows she can't hide for long. She needs to regain her strength so she could face her new life with her son.

Staring at her sleeping angel, she took a very deep breath. How could she deny the truth?

"The Wright blood is so superior. As early as your birth, it's evident you bear your father's genes" she whispers while caressing his tiny prominent nose.

"We need to be as far as we can from all the Wrights, my little dove" she added despite the heaviness in her chest.

"No one must know you are a Wright heir"

****tbc****

Secret Weapon

"Mama, why should you wear makeup? You're beautiful without it" a whiny voice made her smile. She pauses from applying face powder to turn to her side.

A little figure is standing beside her chair, watching her fix herself on her lighted vanity. Her four-year-old son.

"Mama might be meeting with a client later. So Mama should always look pretty" she tenderly explains while gently pinching his perfectly shaped nose.

As expected, he grows to be a spitting image of the man who is across the globe from them. And for five years, she succeeded in hiding.

"I don't like other boys looking at you. And they will surely stare because you made yourself more beautiful" With a pout, he inspects her face.

Chuckling, she watches him sulk. It's been an issue between them. He always objects every time she puts on make-up or dresses sexily.

"Papa will be angry if other boys would look at you" he added and his last word made her sigh.

No matter how she tries to explain that there's no chance they will see his father, he continues to believe that he will be able to find him.

"Nic..." With a bitter sympathetic smile, she begs him.

"I need to protect you while Papa is still not with us. Don't make it hard for me by being beautiful" With a seriousness of an adult, he grimly mutters. For a four-year-old, he is way too mature and childish at the same time.

"Fine...I won't wear makeup. Just lipstick. Would that be fine?" She didn't dare roll her eyes at her son's possessiveness. She has proven he has been serious with his plight.

"Okay, but not the red one. I don't like it. It's too bold" he scans her lipstick organizer while speaking.

"Of course, no red lipstick" she indulges as she always did.

She doesn't know where he got the hate for the red lipstick. But he has been very vocal about it.

"And don't come too close to Mr. Harry" he seriously added.

"Nic, he is my boss" For the nth time, she tries to explain. It's another of her son's issues with her.

For a four-year-old, he is way more mature than the other kids. Maybe because she raises and treats him like an adult. She always involves him in whatever decisions she makes.

"He likes you and I don't like it" he counters with a glare. He is just a child but she sometimes feels intimidated by him.

"You haven't met him" she pointed out.

"I just know he likes you, mama. He is overly concerned with you. Calling you at wee hours" With a shrug, he politely counters.

Heaving a sigh, she surrenders her case.

When Nico turns one, she becomes so interested in his father that she searches every event involving Xander Wright. She wanted to understand her son and by knowing his father, she feels like knowing him too.

And for two years, the news about any Wright especially about Xander Wright has been secretly her constant companion for raising her son. Though not all. He is too private to know something on a personal level. But she learned a lot.

She also discovered that some of Nico's mannerisms came from the Wright Patriarch, Chairman Lucien Wright.

"Mama is not interested in anyone" Cupping his face, she assures him. But he just stares at her, seeming to be gauging her.

"I'm holding onto your words" Narrowing his eyes, he earnestly mutters. Unknowing to him, he was mirroring his father's expression.

If someone close to the Wright family would see him, they would surely flock to her door to demand an audience. She can never deny her boy's identity. But they are very far from the Wright territory.

In this country, no one knows the Wright family except for those immensely lofty ones. And they never mingle with any of them.

"Behave with Aunt Chelsea later" Before standing up, she kisses his cute nose. It's the most prominent feature he got from Xander.

"Yes, mama, I will" He assures her before kissing her back. His small pinkish lips grace her forehead.

"Come now. They might be waiting for us" She hustles while picking up her bag and Nico's backpack. Their luggage is already in the car. She will be bringing Nico to the airport for an unexpected trip.

Her brother, Marco visited his girlfriend, Chelsea, her closest friend. Chelsea lives with her in her apartment, doing home-based jobs. She would keep an eye on Nico whenever she is at work.

It was one of the holidays that she brought Chelsea home. And with her great personality, Marco fell for her. And Marco will go back home, bringing Chelsea with him.

Without Chelsea, no one will look after Nico since she will also be out of the country for an event. So she agrees to send Nico with them for a week's vacation.

Three years ago, she brought Nic home. And though she almost gave her family a heart attack, they readily accepted her son. She just endure her parent's constant rants about how she didn't tell them when she was still pregnant.

Up to this day, they can't seem to move on, thinking of her struggles of being alone while with a child. But she showed them she managed.

Her father wanted her to stay. To never go back to work and just take care of her son. They could support her with a comfortable life. But she insisted to leave after her vacation, bringing her son.

She has her own life now, especially that she has a son to raise. She needs to work. Whatever struggle she will be having while raising him, it's her own to overcome. She doesn't want to disturb her family, especially her parents.

And though her family is against the idea, they did not stop her. But they made her promise to go home every holiday. Which, she did, but not after making them promise, especially her father not to meddle with her life in any possible way. Despite her father's hesitation, he gave her his word. Enough to placate her.

After handing her car key to the valet for a few days of parking, she went back to where Nico is already waiting together with Marco and Chelsea.

"I will see you in a week, my little dove. Mama will miss you so much" Hugging her son, she whispers while snuggling his face.

"I will miss you too, mama. Please take care. And no boys" With a tender smile he hugs her back. But he quickly moves away to remind her.

Marco and Chelsea chuckle while Skye pouts at her son's stern reminder. The boy has been overly protective of her and everyone in the family knows it.

"No boys, of course" She indulges while raising her right hand for a promise. It was a normal scene for them and she never fails to assure him.

They separated when its time for her flight. And it's quite a struggle to leave her son alone even with family. But she needs to go. Their company has been invited to the biggest convention in the business industry.

For a growing advertising company, like theirs, it's a great opportunity for exposure.

They are aiming for international firms whose products are also present in their country to cater to their local promotions. It would be a great break for the company if it could acquire large accounts with international corporations.

And as Harry said, their CEO, she will be their secret weapon. Most of the time, she would just laugh at him. But she was amenable that for her three years in the company, she brought several large accounts.

They all say she has a convincing power. She can't deny it, she has a way to charm clients. And Harry needs her at the convention. Their team, together with him left two days ago to prepare. While she insisted on just joining them on the exact day of the event.

Since Marco is in town, she cannot leave her son without Chelsea at the apartment. Only Harry knows she has a child although she never introduces him to Nico. But knowing she's a single parent, Harry let her have her way knowing her concern.

While in the cab going to her hotel, she watches the festive mood of the entire city. Promotional materials about the convention are everywhere. It's a festivity indeed. Investors and businesses coming from around the world are in the country. Businesses, particularly hotels and restaurants are flourishing with all the visitors they presently have.

Good thing, Harry got their hotel reservation earlier. They got a great accommodation. With a smile, she looks around the elegant room.

"Hello, I've arrived. I will take a rest and prepare for the evening" she calls Harry while discarding some of her clothes. She needs a bath.

"Rest well and see you later" Harry's response before she ended the call.

It's four hours away until the event, ample time to have a quick shower and short nap.

And before the clock strikes six, she already joined Harry and the rest of the team.

"My secret weapon. Simply gorgeous" Harry whispers as they greet each other. Pure admiration reflects his earnest gaze.

The party has started and the venue is already packed with elegantly dressed guests. But Skye's simple elegance transcends way above the others.

Donning a midnight black cuffed off-the-shoulder silk crepe jumpsuit, the expensive fabric outlines her slender figure. Especially her lithe bare shoulder and narrow waist. Stunning is an understatement.

The three inches black pointed lace bow stiletto added to her elegance paired with the same color clutch purse. And the only jewelry she wears is a simple paved deco dangling diamond earring. While she left her neck bare from any adornment.

The simplicity of her outfit is the core element of her elegance.

"You look like a million-dollar heiress" Dina raves in a whisper.

"It would be impossible not to bring home at least five accounts from this event. Skye is a stealer" Robert added.

"Don't flatter me too much. It could be a jinx" Chuckling, she playfully glares at her colleagues.

"Don't say that. Several of the men at the party surely agree with us. A lot has already been checking you the moment you step inside" Dina counters with a bright smile.

Subtly, three pairs of eyes look around to validate Dina's claim. Indeed, she was right. The party has equally beautiful women around, but Skye has a different charisma that attracts men.

"Well, thank you. I won't argue anymore" she casually mumbles, giving in to all their flattery.

"CEO Miller, right? H&M Creative Ads"

Interrupting their whispered playfulness is a voice from behind. All at once, they turned toward its direction and a smile instantly adorned Harry's face.

"CEO Oliver Thompson, we meet again" he instantly recalled the man he met yesterday. Offering his hand, the man instantly accepted his greeting.

"This is your team?" Oliver asks but his eyes were fixed on Skye. His motive for approaching them is quite obvious.

"Yes, they are my team. Dina, Robert, and Skye" pleased by the man's interest, his smile widens. He did a wise decision to bring Skye with him.

"As I mentioned yesterday, we have a market in Taiwan for our dairy products. And I've been toying with the idea of having a fresh promotion. Honestly, after our talk, I ordered a brief report about your company and I'm impressed. So I'm hoping to collaborate with H&M" As he casually speaks, his eyes would always avert to Skye who has been attentively listening. And they already know they have won their first account for tonight.

"I will personally handle your company's promotions, CEO Thompson" With a charming smile, Skye assure the man. She was so used to men like Thompson and it's a great opportunity to close the deal.

"Wow, that would be great. Here's my card and I will also give you my personal line. You could contact me anytime" With a delighted smile, he quickly gesture to his assistant his card and a pen.

"I will expect your call tomorrow. We could discuss the requirements over lunch if that would be convenient for you" He is being candid with his interest and Skye together with the rest recognized it.

But before she could respond to the man, a commotion occurs at the entrance. Followed by a wave of murmurs among the guests.

"The Wright Group of Companies entourage arrives"

Amongst the mutterings of the crowd, a particular statement caught Skye's attention. And it made her stiffen. She was not expecting to hear the name she has been avoiding since five years ago.

"The Wrights are here?" Harry who fully knows the significance of a Wright representative in the event, immediately becomes ecstatic.

"Maybe just some of their executives" Robert shrugs while watching the entrance together with the rest of the entire room.

Aside from being curious, Skye has been holding her breath while looking in the direction of the door. The mere mention of the name terrifies her. It couldn't be one of the Wrights or if indeed one of them arrives, it should not be Xander.

Her heart is pounding hard, expecting the worst. She is trying to calm herself while dreadfully waiting for the unknown. No matter how hard she convinces herself, for a reason she cannot discern, she fears whoever would enter.

"It's CEO Wright" One of the men whispers and like a wildfire, it spreads in no time.

Rapturous conversation erupted upon confirming the presence of the most influential man not only in their country but in the entire business world.

If everyone was ecstatic, Skye was relieved. A smile returns to her lips after knowing who arrived. It's just the eldest of the Wright heirs. CEO Lucas Alexander Wright.

Like everyone at the event, she was so curious to see the eldest heir. The man who is now leading a multi-billion dollar conglomerate. Being in one room with him is already an achievement for any business men and she is immensely happy for having the opportunity to see him in person.

As she excitedly looks forward for the man to appear at the door, the announcement was made. Thankfully they are directly facing the door, she will have a closer look at the handsome CEO.

"We acknowledge the presence of the CEO of the Wright Group of Companies"

Applause erupted and an imposing man appeared at the door, surrounded by grim-looking security.

"CEO Xander Voulker Wright"

****tbc****