That afternoon, the sky began to darken. The scent of damp earth drifted in through the slightly open window. Leana was folding Sean's clothes in the living room when the doorbell rang. She froze for a moment. Revan hadn't returned yet. Who could it be?
With a hint of hesitation, Leana walked to the door and slowly opened it. A woman stood there, wearing a long beige coat, her hair neatly tied back. Her face looked tired, but gentle.
"Excuse me, is this Mr. Revan Rayder's residence?" she asked politely.
Leana nodded. "Yes, that's right. Can I help you with something?"
The woman gave a faint smile. "I'm an old friend of Maria. My name is Kiandra. I just got back from abroad and heard about her passing. I didn't make it to the funeral, but I was hoping I could still see her child."
Leana was taken aback. The name was unfamiliar, but there was honesty in her eyes, and a raw, visible grief. After a moment of thought, Leana stepped aside to let her in.
"Sean's asleep. But if you'd like to wait, I'll make us some tea," Leana said, guiding her to the living room.
"Thank you. You must be Leana?" Kiandra asked suddenly.
Leana turned quickly. "You know me?"
Kiandra smiled. "Maria used to talk about you. She said you were the one person who always made her feel safe. She was devastated when you left her life."
Leana's heart sank. The guilt bubbled up once again. She gave a small smile, then went to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, they sat facing each other. Kiandra glanced around the house before looking at Leana intently.
"Can I be honest?" she asked suddenly.
Leana nodded slowly.
"Before Maria died, she contacted me. We exchanged messages. At that time, she was heavily pregnant, and terrified."
Leana gripped her teacup. "Terrified?"
Kiandra looked out the window. "She felt completely alone. She said she wasn't sure if Revan was really the father of the baby she was carrying. They were arranged to be married on short notice by their families. But there was never real love between them. Maria had once loved someone else, but that man left her."
Leana held her breath. Every word hit like a slap.
"When I asked who the man was, she just said, he used to be Revan's friend. His name was Dion."
The cup in Leana's hand almost slipped. She quickly set it down.
"So, Maria was pregnant with Dion's child?"
Kiandra nodded gently. "Maria never confirmed it with a DNA test. But she believed it, because before the arranged marriage, she and Dion had secretly grown close again."
Leana closed her eyes. The puzzle pieces were falling into place. Maria, Dion, Revan, and now Sean. Revan must've known. Perhaps that's why he was so protective. Maybe he knew Sean wasn't his biological son, but still chose to raise him, for Maria.
"Why didn't Maria reach out to me?" Leana asked softly, barely more than a whisper.
"She wanted to. But she felt unworthy. She said she had taken everything from you, your love, your friendship, your future. She felt guilty, knowing you left because of her."
Leana lowered her head. Tears began falling silently into her lap.
"No. I'm the one who should apologize. I left without asking, without staying …."
Kiandra reached out and held Leana's cold fingers. "Maria wanted you to know, she never once hated you. Not even at the end."
Leana broke down. The weight she'd carried for so long came crashing down in silence, in front of a stranger, one who carried the most important message of all.
A few moments later, the sound of a baby crying came from the bedroom. Sean had woken up.
Leana quickly got up and brought Sean into the living room. Kiandra smiled at the sight of the baby.
"He looks like Dion," she whispered.
Leana nodded gently. "But his heart, his heart is like Maria's. Soft and warm."
Kiandra stood and caressed Sean's tiny head. "Then take care of him. Take care of him the way Maria once took care of you."
Leana held Sean close, her gaze meeting Kiandra's, eyes swollen, but filled with resolve.
"I promise. I'll protect Sean. No matter what."
Kiandra smiled and nodded.
"You're not planning to leave just yet, are you? How about lunch here? I'm alone, and Revan won't be home until late," Leana offered.
"Oh, that sounds lovely. I'm actually a little hungry," Kiandra laughed, prompting Leana to laugh too.
After nursing Sean, Leana handed the baby to Kiandra and headed to the kitchen. Kiandra remained at the dining table, which was just a few feet from the kitchen, no wall between them.
"Leana, when did you return?" Kiandra asked.
"Not long ago. About a week," Leana answered while busy with the food.
"Where did you go?" Kiandra asked again.
The question made Leana pause mid-motion, spatula in hand.
"Far. Far away, to escape," she said quietly.
"Do you plan to stay here, Leana?"
"Maybe. I've transferred my job here. A friend of mine invited me to her company," Leana replied with a small smile.
"In that case, can we stay in touch? Maybe I can help you, or just watch Sean sometimes, and be your friend?"
The offer made Leana pause and think for a moment.
"Of course. I'd be happy to." Judging by Kiandra's demeanor, Leana felt it was safe. Since she had known Maria, perhaps Kiandra could help Leana learn more about her old friend.
Soon, lunch was ready, laid out on the table. Leana asked Kiandra to try it, and the woman praised her cooking.
"Maria was right. You're really talented in the kitchen, Leana. Oh, if I'd known you better, I'd have made you the chef at my restaurant," Kiandra said, her eyes sparkling.
Leana laughed. "Don't tease me. I can cook, but I'm no chef."
"I'm serious, Leana. This tastes like five-star restaurant food," Kiandra insisted.
They both laughed and chose to eat before chatting again.
"Are you sure you want to leave now, Kiandra?" Leana asked with concern when she saw the woman preparing to leave. It was raining outside.
"Yes, Leana. The restaurant needs me. Besides, it's not that far. Please stop by sometime. It's only 10 to 15 minutes away," Kiandra replied as she got ready to leave.
"Sure. I'll try," Leana said. Kiandra smiled and stepped closer.
"May I give you a hug, Leana?"
Leana blinked, then nodded. Kiandra stepped in and embraced her warmly.
"It's so good to finally meet you, Leana. You're just as Maria described. Please be a mother to Sean. I'll help you however I can. Don't hesitate to reach out," Kiandra said softly in the embrace.
Leana nodded and smiled.
"I'll try my best. Thank you for coming today, Kiandra. I'll visit when I have time," said Leana.
They broke the hug. Kiandra nodded.
"Here's my card. My phone number's on it, don't hesitate to contact me," Kiandra said. Leana accepted the card and nodded.
"Take care, okay? And take care of Sean. I'll go now."
"Be careful on your way, Kiandra."
Leana walked Kiandra to the porch. The woman jogged through the rain to her car. A gatekeeper outside, familiar with Kiandra, allowed her to leave the Rayder property easily.
After making sure Kiandra had
gone, Leana returned inside and went straight to Sean. The baby was awake, his clear eyes warming her heart. Suddenly, she missed Revan.