25~The Launch[1]

[Emily]

Today is the day I've been waiting for. Today is the launch and, most importantly, the day I meet Axel Connor. I thought the morning would start perfectly, but if life has taught me anything, it's that nothing can be perfect and that perfection itself is just the calm before everything goes to hell.

The first chaos occurred when I woke up to Hayden coughing and scratching his skin beside me.

My body moves before my brain fully catches up. I sit up so fast my head spins, and pull him closer to me. He's warmer than normal, and I turn on the lights, only to see red spots all over his arms, chest and neck.

He opens his eyes slowly and utters the words, "Mummy, I'm itchy."

Panic immediately sets in. For one horrifying second, my mind flashes through the worst-case scenarios possible—chickenpox, measles, anything that sounds dangerous.

I'd rushed him to the ER, scared it was something infectious. Luckily, it was the flu.

The second chaos was when I called Mary, who informed me that she'd travelled to visit her sick daughter.

Outside the hospital, I sit on a bench, watching passing vehicles as though they would offer solutions to the dilemma I'm in. Hayden is strapped into his seat behind me, already dozing off again.

My phone rings in my pocket, and I pull it out to see 'The Devil's Incarnate' on the screen. "Shit", I curse, but sneak a glance at Hayden before answering the call.

"Ms Matthews, where are you?" Elias Lockwood yells angrily on the phone, startling me a little. I take a breath and try to sound as professional as I can.

"I had a personal issue on my end, but I'll be coming as soon as I can."

"A personal issue?" his voice rises, as though the phrase itself had pissed him off. "The launch starts in an hour, and you're telling me you have a personal issue on such an important occasion. Ms Matthews, if you're not here in the next fifteen minutes, you'll see the ugly side of me."

"I'll… " BEEP

I stand there in disbelief. Did this guy hang up on me? That self-centred, egotistical person that calls himself a man… gosh, I hate him!

I've called Lisa several times since I arrived at the hospital, but she doesn't pick up. She must have left her phone somewhere. There's only one option left, and I dread it. I'll have to go to work with Hayden. I seriously don't want to. To put my son in the same building as that man, but there's no other choice, and I hate that.

LensCorp is buzzing with people when we arrive.

"Wow, the building is huge," Hayden mutters in awe beside me. I chuckle at his words. He always says that whenever he comes here. I touch his forehead, and it's not as warm as it was earlier. The medicine was kicking in.

The Lobby looks busier than ever with employees rushing around with clipboards, security tightening, and banners being placed at every corner.

The launch press conference is taking place in the big auditorium today. And it's not just any press conference. This one is huge. Big-name companies in the health and welfare sector are here— Investors, big-name journalists, representatives from hospitals, non-profit organisations, and every biochemical industry giant.

And among the dignitaries is someone I've heard of for years.

Axel Connor.

Even thinking his name makes something flutter in my stomach, which is ridiculous, because I'm not a teenager with a crush.

I'd watched broadcasts of all the good work he did, many of which were brought to light by the media.

I'd admired him ever since, and today he's here.

Lisa had been texting about it all week, practically vibrating with excitement. And honestly? So had I.

But now?

Now all I could think about was the fact that my son was in the building as Elias Lockwood. Ever since this man had invaded my life, I'd made a silent promise not to bring Hayden anywhere near him.

Today I had no choice but to break that promise.