Willingness


    ZOE expected her mother to be upset, but she epted the truth, thankfully.


    Iris, Zoe’s mother, noticed a change in her daughter’s body and mood. She thought it was just a


    mood swing at first, but it turns out she’s pregnant.


    “I have nothing—I won’t say too much for you both. I’m not opposed to your pregnancy, Zoe. My


    concern is Mr. Lincoln,” she said, looking at Helios. “Is he aware of this?” Iris inquired,


    Helios let out a small sigh. “Not yet, aunt—” he didn’t finish his sentence when Iris cut him off.


    “Call me mom if you don’t mind,” Iris said, smiling.


    Helios squealed with delight, tightening his grip on Zoe’s hand.


    “So, what are your ns? And Zoe... Did you seek a doctor’s help for your pregnancy?” Iris asked


    her daughter.


    Zoe nodded. “Yes, mother. Last week, Cindy and I went to see an OB. Actually, they gave me


    vitamins and told me what to do and what not to do,” Zoe replied.


    “That’s fantastic. How about your cravings, honey?”


    Zoe looked at Helios first before returning her gaze to her mother.


    “I enjoy eating snacks from the nearby convenience store, mom. I also despise Grant’s perfume,”


    she added with a smile.


    Helios smirked. “Grant’s perfume?” He said it again.


    Zoe nodded. “Yeah, but—”


    “Is that it?” Helios interrupted the hum of her words.


    “I have morning sickness, and I’m toozy to get out of bed in the morning, but don’t worry... I’ve


    been managing it thesest few days,” Zoe feltpelled to exin.


    Iris gave a soft chuckle. “I suppose you’ll inherit my journey when I’m pregnant with you,” she joked.


    Zoe grinned.


    “I’m also here, mom, because….” Helios paused and scratched the back of his neck as he felt


    slightly awkward calling Iris “mom.”


    “What exactly is it, son?” Iris was curious.


    Helios was about to say something when Zoe opened her mouth and said, “We’re leaving, mom,”


    without hesitation.


    Iris’ brow furrowed. “Where are you going? And why?”


    Zoe locked her gaze on Helios. “Philippines, mom,” she said.


    Iris’s eyes widened in perplexity. Suddenly, the space was filled with silence.


    Zoe and Helios didn’t bother talking for a while. They waited for Iris.


    “W-Why? Why do you feel the need to travel so far? Is this because of Chairman Lincoln?”


    Helios never hesitated—he didn’t want to keep anything from Zoe’s family—and simply stated, “Yes,


    mom. Father is opposed to my feelings for Zoe. Actually, I recently got engaged—”


    “What?!” Iris eximed in surprise and thought of… ‘until these surprises stoping?’


    Iris let out a long sigh. “I understand everything; it’s just that... the location you desired is too far


    away from here.”


    “You’re wee toe, mom,” Zoe said, making Iris shake her head.


    “No. I’m afraid I won’t be able to apany you, honey.”


    “But, Mom... What if Helios’ father goes looking for us—what if he kills—”


    “Helios will be there—he will be there for you and your baby,” Iris said, looking at Helios and smiling,


    diverting the subject from her daughter.


    Helios returned the smile and nodded. “I promise... I will never leave you,” he said, looking at Zoe in


    the eyes.


    Iris exhaled a sigh. “OK, fine. Despite the fact that I won’t be able to apany you... I promise to


    call you every day to see how you’re doing. Please understand that if I leave, that old man will


    suspect that I am aware of your n.”


    “Your mother is correct, baby,” Helios said, “don’t be concerned about their safety... Grant will


    remain here. I just need to keep you and the baby safe.”


    Zoe nodded. “I understand. But what if your father forces my mother—”


    “Dad would never do that, Zoe. Grant will be there for them—to protect them, believe me.”


    Iris nodded, listening intently to her future son-inw. “All right... when do you intend to leave the


    country?” she inquired.


    “Tomorrow—” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    “Tomorrow?”


    Helios frowned as Zoe and Iris spoke in unison.


    “Y-Yes... any issues?” Helios inquired.


    “That quick?” It’s Zoe calling.


    Helios nodded. “It’s got to be that early. Father is on his way to push the wedding forward. I can’t


    afford to waste time,” he replied.


    Iris rose to her feet.


    “Then you should start packing, Zoe.”


    Helios raised his hand, causing Iris toe to a halt. “There’s no need. We’ll fly in my private ne


    —”


    “I don’t have a passport,” Zoe said.


    Helios grinned. “All right, that’s better. I can also buy you things when we get there,” he added.


    “Where are we going to stay?”


    Helios looked Zoe in the eyes. “I bought a vacation house there. Father isn’t aware of it... neither is


    Grant,” he responded and informed.


    Zoe couldn’t help but feel scared and anxious, but she reminded herself to trust Helios.