Chapter 6 An Old Friend

• Kayla's Pov
• Fortunately, my luggage was in the hotel, so I cut off contact with my father for the next few days and took care of my daughter in the hospital every day.
• And, of course, meet my old friends.
• On a balmy afternoon, I found myself seated in a café adjacent to the hospital, my hands clenched together in a mix of nervousness and anticipation. It had been a span of six years since I last connected with my friends, and I couldn't help but wonder if our friendship had endured the test of time.
• "Excuse me, ma'am. Is the seat next to you available?"
• "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm actually waiting for a friend..."
• I began to decline the request, but when I looked up, I was met with a face that I had been longing to see.
• "Hey! Amber!"
• My voice trembled as I embraced my friend whom I hadn't seen for years, and she responded by hugging me back tightly.
• "You couldn't even recognize my voice. You hurt me, Kayla."
• Amber's tone was playful, tinged with mock hurt.
• "I apologize, Amber. I just..."
• I was about to offer my explanation, but Amber let go of our embrace and swiftly donned a cheerful expression.
• "All right, I'm just teasing you. But if you're truly feeling sorry for me, how about treating me to a cup of coffee?"
• "Sure thing. Waiter, could I have a cappuccino, please? Thank you."
• "You still remember my preferences after all these years."
• Amber chuckled and linked her arm with mine. Then, as if remembering something, she quickly switched to an expression of disappointment.
• "You're not like my fiancé. He didn't even bother to find out that I'm allergic to alcohol. On my birthday, he had people deliver a massive crate of liquor to my place! I was so furious, and my mom was close to calling off the engagement!"
• "Does your mother disapprove of your wedding?"
• I gripped Amber's hand, and my tone inadvertently reflected my concern.
• "I heard you're getting married. This news came out of nowhere. Who is the groom?"
• "It doesn't matter who he is." Amber managed a bittersweet smile, her gaze dropping to the table in a moment of contemplation.
• "What matters is his family name. Even if my mother complained, no one could change this marriage. It's not about me. It's about my pack."
• "Amber..."
• I intended to offer words of consolation, but I struggled to find the right ones. Instead, Amber's gaze suddenly lifted, and her eyes regained their gleeful twinkle.
• "I am Alpha's daughter, after all. Sacrifices for the pack are part of my role, aren't they?" Amber nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. "Business marriage is my responsibility. At least Peter Rufus, my intended, is not hard on the eyes. Let's not focus on him. Kayla, how have the past few years treated you abroad? You left without any explanation, and I honestly thought we might never cross paths again."
• "Why would you think that? It was my mother who abruptly..."
• The explanation was right at the tip of my tongue, but I remembered my mother's last words and held back.
• "Six years ago, my family went through a series of unexpected events overnight, which led to me being sent abroad. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say goodbye."
• "It's alright... Six years ago, your mother tragically passed away in a car accident. Just a day after her funeral, your father publicly revealed his affair and the existence of his illegitimate child. You were only eighteen then, and that must have been a massive shock for you. Leaving them behind probably turned out to be the best decision."
• "At that time, I didn't have any other options." My voice carried a resolute determination. "But now I'm not a little girl anymore. I can't keep avoiding things. I've always had a suspicion that my mother's death wasn't an accident. However, things happened so suddenly, and I was sent abroad, so I couldn't investigate. This time, I've come back to uncover the truth about what happened. I won't easily leave again until the truth is revealed!"
• "You definitely shouldn't leave." Amber's playful smile returned. "After all, I need you to be my maid of honor!"
• "Of course! If it wasn't for your wedding, I might not have rushed back so quickly."
• "Speaking of weddings, though..."
• Amber's pace slowed, as if she was contemplating something. Under my gaze, she hesitated for a moment before continuing.
• "I heard that Harrison took you away during the Kelowna's party in front of everyone. I guess he..."
• "There's nothing between us."
• I quickly interrupted Amber, my voice revealing an unexpected mix of unease and sadness.
• "He... He seems to be doing well now. He's achieved the position and power he desired. I'm genuinely happy for him. As for our past, it's no longer relevant."
• As my best friend since childhood, Amber had been with me through the whirlwind of my intense and passionate relationship with Harrison. Consequently, her expression turned melancholic.
• "Kayla..."
• "Alright, let's not dwell on these past matters."
• I gathered my resolve, leaving some money under the cup, and left the café with Amber.
• "Amber, I'd like to introduce you to someone."
• "Who is it?"
• Amber quickly shook off her somber mood, her curiosity taking over her tone.
• "Oh, I know!"
• Walking alongside me, Amber playfully nudged me with her elbow.
• Amber continued, "My brother told me that in Europe, there are many independent small packs. They're not very united, and each Alpha has their own industry! Tell me, did you bring an alpha with you?"
• "Nonsense, what are you talking about?"
• I led Amber to the hospital as we chatted.
• "I want you to meet someone..." As I pushed open the door to the hospital room, my words were cut short when Daisy rushed over and hugged my leg.
• "Mommy!"
• "Mommy?" Amber's mouth hung open in surprise.
• "This is my daughter, Daisy. Daisy, this is Mommy's good friend, Amber." I bent down to pick up Daisy and introduced her to astonished Amber.
• "Hi, Amber, you smell really nice." Daisy showed no shyness, reaching out her arms to hug Amber. Amber mechanically picked up Daisy.
• She squinted at Daisy, taking in every detail, before fixating on Daisy's green eyes. After a minute, she finally spoke.
• "She... Kayla! Don't tell me her father is..."
• "Shh!"
• I silenced Amber with a glance.
• Fortunately, Amber caught on quickly and lowered her voice. "Does he know?"
• I shook my head at Amber.
• "I haven't mentioned Daisy's father to anyone else except you. So, I hope you'll keep it confidential, Amber."
• "Of course! This is such a significant matter! But... goodness, if he found out about this... he'd go crazy."
• "By the way, when do you guys sleep? How old is your child now? Why is she in the hospital? Is she sick?"
• Amber awkwardly patted Daisy's back while firing off a rapid succession of questions. Before I could answer one by one, Amber switched back to her happy expression and focused on amusing Daisy in her arms.
• "Anyway, you have such an adorable daughter. It's really enviable! Oh, right! I am finding a flower girl for my wedding! Kayla, could I borrow your daughter for a day?"
• "Isn't that too risky..."
• I hesitated, not wanting Daisy to be exposed to too many people.
• Amber resumed her puppy-dog eyes, looking pitifully at me. "Pretty please?"
• "But..."
• Seeing that I wasn't giving in, Amber swiftly changed tactics and turned her attention to Daisy.
• "Sweetheart, would you like to be my flower girl at the wedding? I will make sure you have a dress that's as magical as a fairy's!"
• What little girl doesn't adore looking beautiful?
• Daisy seemed intrigued, but she didn't immediately accept Amber's proposal. Instead, she turned to me, tilting her head with an endearing expression, and asked,
• "Mommy... can I go?"
• As I gazed at my daughter, her once-pale face now gradually regaining its healthy color, I nodded in agreement.
• "Yay! Mommy said yes!"
• Surprisingly, Amber was the first to cheer, followed by Daisy's enthusiastic declaration.
• "My mommy is the best!"
• "What about me?"
• Amber leaned closer to Daisy, purposely putting on a mockingly unhappy face.
• "You are second best! Except for Mommy, I like you the most!"
• Daisy encircled Amber's neck, planted a playful kiss on her cheek, and then dissolved into fits of laughter.
• Amid this atmosphere of delight, I finally let go of the weight that had consumed me for the past few days and joined in the lighthearted banter with Amber and Daisy.
• Laughter filled the hospital room.