Imperfect Desires

Darren's day had pretty much been ridiculously hectic. And that inkling surging within his heart that something wasn't right made his day a lot worse. It was during lunch break when his mother came to see him.

"Dear son, you're looking for mama?"

Darren gave her a hug and took her hand to take her towards the sitting area. He asked Paige to bring coffee for his mother while he continued to look anywhere but at her.

"Regi, what's wrong?"

Darren pursed his lips, "I have a favor to ask."

Francesca's brows quirked up in surprise. This had to be one of those moments that should be recorded in history. Her son was actually gonna ask for something from her. 

Darren was feeling really strange and troubled. He didn't know how to say it but he had to voice it out. "I know I'm the one who asked you to leave your job and rest at home but now..." she frowned at him as he went on, "Mama, can you take my position in the company?"

"Huh?" she was dumbfounded.

"You're already the chairwoman," he reminded her.

Francesca smiled strangely, "Son, you tricked me into taking the huge responsibility like that. Besides, I've never done anything for your business. I'm the chairwoman only in name. If you think without you, I mean the CEO I can actually run this business, then you're mistaken."

"I'm not mistaken at all. I know my mama very well. I know what you're capable of." Francesca felt good to hear that her son actually had such trust in her but that didn't change her perspective at all. 

"Regi..."

Before she could argue, he went on, "Mama! Please! For me, just this once." Looking at his pleading eyes, how was she supposed to say no? This boy really put her in a difficult spot. "Besides, Paige will be here to help you out. She'll be personally accompanying you and I'll also help out with whatever I can."

Francesca was mostly convinced. It wasn't every day her son would ask for something and she didn't want to say no to him. But she was still curious about something. "Are you planning on going to the honeymoon?" Darren stared at her. "I can't think of any other reason why you'd need me to take the responsibility of the business you created from scratch."

"It's not permanent. I'd definitely give you the leisure I promised you. It's only for a couple of months."

"So, it's really about the honeymoon?"

Seeing her eyes glimmering, Darren shook his head, "No, mama! It's not about the honeymoon."

"Then?" she was perplexed once again. She noticed his expressions and voiced out, "Is everything okay with Xiu?"

Darren bit his bottom lip contemplating something seriously before he said, "I don't know whether everything is okay with her or not. But I want to make sure that everything is alright."

Francesca was taken aback by the tone of his voice as she slid closer to him and patted his shoulder saying, "You can share anything with mama. Tell me, what's going on?"

Darren placed his head on her shoulder saying, "I honestly don't know what's going on but I'm very scared. And to overcome this fear, I have to stay as close to her as possible. I can't let her disappear once again. So, this time I have to be there for her at any cost."

Francesca caressed his head. "Regi, your mother is really dumb. I can't understand anything you said except for the fact that you want to spend your time with your wife. And guess what? That reason alone is enough for your mother to board this ship." She grinned to herself before adding, "But I have a condition."

"What?" he asked.

"You better work hard."

"Huh?"

She slapped the back of his head, "Idiot! I want a grandchild! Don't make me wait anymore. I'm getting old."

Darren snorted, "Who said that? You're still very young."

"Stop flattering your mother and start working."

Darren took a deep breath and as he exhaled, he said, "I have no problem with that but..."

"But?"

"Sweets doesn't seem to like the idea of having kids so soon."

"Oh." Francesca's face fell. "Well, if it's my daughter who wants to enjoy the newlywed's life then I won't insist."

"Mama, aren't you being biased right now?"

Francesca held his face in her hands and instructed, "You better take care of my daughter. If I saw her even frowning because of you, I'll be really mad at you."

Darren could only smile helplessly in reply. After she drank her coffee, he called Paige inside to let her know about the new arrangement. He had already announced in the board meeting that he'd be partially taking a leave from his position. Obviously, the company's decisions were still up to him but he wouldn't be participating in meetings physically.

After sorting out his work, it was already 7 o'clock. It was later than his usual time. So, he hurried down to reach home. He just wanted to see his wife now.

Just when he reached the door of his apartment, the door opened and Xin Zimen came out surprising Darren. "Uncle Zi, you didn't go to work?"

Xin Zimen looked at Darren with a complicated gaze before nodding, "No, I decided to give your wife some company."

Darren's brows knotted together. "Why? What's wrong with Sweets? Did the doctor say something? His heart was thumping loudly in his chest. It seemed like it was just about to burst out now. His breathing was getting harsh and he was having trouble standing.

Xin Zimen looked back inside the apartment before looking back at Darren as he patted his shoulder and walked past him saying, "Go inside. Your wife needs you right now."

Those words scared the hell out of Darren. It felt like the whole world was coming to crash down on his head and he wasn't able to take that. He felt like he'd crumble down but before he could, Xin Zimen turned around to add, "Don't just stand there. It's important to go inside, idiot!"

Darren scowled at his sudden temper but still nodded slowly before he stepped inside the apartment.