Five years passed, and Valerie Sinclair became a well-known name in the European art scene. Her exhibitions took her across major cities, her work praised for its emotion and depth.
With Eleanor Sinclair's guidance, Valerie learned how to care for her baby despite the hardships.
As Roe grew, Valerie sometimes compared his features to Azrael's. Except for Little Roe's green eyes, he resembled Azrael strikingly. Valerie did not let that bother her. She felt nothing for the man except resentment.
After leaving the hospital that day, she realized she could no longer remain where she was and still give her son the happy childhood he deserved.
Her uncle and aunt gradually brought up the subject of adoption again. As if sensing their intentions, Valerie grew uneasy. She decided to leave for Europe before the topic could resurface seriously.
She also knew that her presence—and her child's—would invite endless questions.
Her uncle and aunt could only watch her go. She refused to waver.
Her son didn't deserve to feel unwanted.
Once Little Roe could walk and speak clearly, Valerie began bringing him to her exhibitions and social gatherings. Her colleagues adored him. He was as well-mannered as he was adorable, greeting adults politely and sitting quietly when needed.
"Are you happy we are finally meeting, Uncle Vicky?" Valerie asked as she helped Little Roe into his shoes.
He wore a navy blue suit and stood patiently while admiring his mother. Valerie was dressed in a matching navy silk gown that flowed gracefully along her figure, catching the light with every movement. The subtle shimmer fascinated the little boy.
Upon hearing her question, he quickly nodded. "Mmm-Hmm. Really happy!"
Little Roe was four years old now.
'Roe,' just as his mother had wished, was the name that stuck. Officially, he was Ronan Sinclair, but that name lived only on documents.
They were attending a prestigious banquet hosted by tycoons from around the world. Valerie had managed to secure three invitations through a family friend who had helped her immensely when she first arrived in Europe. It would be her final public appearance before flying home.
Victor had promised he would head straight to the banquet as well.
When they stepped out of the car, Valerie and Little Roe entered the Sapphire Moon Hotel hand in hand. The banquet was being held in the grand dining hall on the top floor.
As always, Valerie drew attention the moment she entered. Conversations slowed, glances lingered. Even the gaze of a certain man paused on her.
Little Roe walked proudly beside his mother, his ballroom manners surprisingly refined for someone his age. He was intelligent and obedient, often behaving in ways that amazed Valerie.
The hall was filled with faces usually seen only on television—politicians, tycoons, actors, and actresses. The hosting family was among the most influential in the region.
Several guests approached Valerie and Roe, but their greetings were interrupted when the host's voice echoed through the hall. After his brief speech, dinner commenced.
Following a few polite conversations, Valerie guided Roe to the buffet. She filled their plates before leading him to the table reserved under their names.
She carefully sliced his steak into small pieces so he could eat neatly. Roe stabbed the meat with his fork adorably, like a focused little squirrel. Valerie nearly pinched his cheek.
Raising him alone had been difficult, but every sacrifice felt worth it when she looked at him.
A handsome man in a white suit approached their table. "Good evening, Ms. Sinclair."
Surprised by the familiar voice, Valerie turned her head.
Her eyes widened at the sight of a face she would never forget.
Seeing recognition dawn on her, the corner of his lips lifted slightly. "Long time no see."
She snapped out of her daze with a bright smile. "Marc!" She stood and hugged him.
He was her childhood friend and first love—the reason she had never truly dated anyone afterward.
Valerie and Marco had been inseparable for nearly seven years. Their families had lived close by, and they grew up together. Everyone believed they would eventually marry.
When they were in college, they promised to wait for each other. But Marco and his family moved abroad the week after their graduation, and Life had other plans for her.
Marco hugged her warmly. "I'm so happy to see you here."
Two years ago, he had seen Valerie in an interview on social media. He could hardly believe the woman on screen was his childhood friend.
When he saw her enter earlier that evening, he couldn't help but think she had been worth waiting for.
"Mama, who's he?" A small, sweet voice interrupted them.
Remembering her son, Valerie stepped back and smiled gently. "Baby, meet your Uncle Marco, he is Mommy's best friend. Marc, this is my son, Little Roe."
'Mama...?'The smile on Marco's face faltered for a fraction of a second. Earlier, he had assumed the child was her nephew. He offered Little Roe a faint, rueful smile, though his heart tightened.
"I… didn't get an invitation to the wedding." He cleared his throat, steadying his strained voice. "Where's your… husband?"
"Ah, he's... ." Valerie glanced at Little Roe and looked away. "He's in God's embrace."
Marco frowned slightly. He knew she avoided eye contact when she lied—but the fact that the man was not present gave him quiet hope. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"It's okay, Marc." She smiled softly.
Seeing his mother smiling at the tall, handsome man, a small pout formed on Little Roe's lips. He raised his arms toward her.
Valerie laughed softly and lifted him. Immediately, Little Roe wrapped his arms possessively around her neck. "Mama is Roe's Mama!" he declared, glaring at Marc with a pout.
'Since Papa is gone, Roe is the man of the house!' he often told her whenever a man approached her.
Valerie laughed out loud. "And what about Roe? Is Roe only Mama's?"
Little Roe looked at her seriously. "Mama! This is serious! You are only Roe's!"
She kissed his puffed cheeks. "But baby, he is Mommy's friend, like you have friends."
Marco cleared his throat, barely hiding a grin. "Yes, I am just a friend, and she's only Roe's mama." He silently acknowledged that winning over Valerie's son would be his greatest challenge.
Little Roe studied him carefully. "Uncle Marc won't steal Mama?"
Marco nodded with a chuckle. "Pinky promise."
Little Roe held out his tiny finger. "Those who break promises will grow a monkey's tail!"
Marco glanced at Valerie, who was grinning.
Whenever she made a promise with Little Roe, she always warned him that those who broke promises would grow a monkey's. Why else would human have tailbones?