I am the Mother!

"I once dreamed of getting a job that would earn a lot of money. I thought that way my life could change for the better," Agatha chuckled, smiling, she glanced briefly at Jayden who was staring at her in silence. Agatha then turned to look at the buildings in front of them. "When Cakra offered me a job at his company, I was almost fooled. But thankfully, I still had the good sense to reject it." Jayden chuckled softly, still enjoying Agatha's face from the side. Fair skin, slender and firm jawline, a small yet pointed nose, and finally, her plump pink lips moving back and forth as she spoke. If Jayden couldn't control himself, he could kiss Agatha right now. Seeing Jayden laughing, Agatha suddenly frowned. "What's so funny? Oh, probably because my dream was too lofty, right?" Jayden shook his head, unaware that he had been staring at Agatha for too long, not focusing on what the girl was talking about. He held back a smile, Agatha's current expression even looked adorable. Her lips seemed to pout. "No, I just enjoy your face when you tell stories," Jayden replied calmly. Agatha's face immediately blushed slightly, and her eyes widened a bit. This expression was not missed by Jayden, who was still smiling. "About your dream, I actually find it very cool. Not many ordinary people dare to dream big." "Ah, yes, thank you." Agatha quickly shifted her gaze ahead again. She hoped her face wasn't blushing right now. "After hearing that, I want to offer you something too." Agatha couldn't help but turn, looking puzzled. "Offer about what?" "About your dream." "Huh? What do you mean?" Jayden chuckled. It was quite funny to see Agatha's confusion. "Since you rejected Cakra's offer, it means you won't reject mine, right?" Agatha was lagging for a moment, but a few seconds later, she realized something. Her eyes widened slightly. "You mean you also offer me a job at the office?" The nod of Jayden's head afterwards surprised Agatha. She quickly cleared her throat, hoping her mind was wrong. "Are you kidding?" "Can't you see my face looks serious?" And hearing that answer, Agatha was stunned. Reflexively widened her eyes. "But ... why?" "Why am I making the offer?" Jayden raised an eyebrow. Agatha shook her head. "No, I mean why are you so sure I won't reject your offer?" Jayden smiled. Still looking at Agatha. "Is there a reason why you should reject it? I think rather than accepting Cakra's offer, wouldn't it be better to work with me, your childhood friend?" Agatha struggled to swallow her saliva. That smile always made her capitulate. She then turned to look ahead again. "Uh, you're right. But I didn't expect you to say it so easily as if I could be relied on to work there. Even with my amateur skills like this." "Actually, with this, I hope you don't have to think about Cakra's offer anymore. Because I do not agree with you working for him. I also want to help make your dream come true. If working in the company makes you happy, I will give you a deserving position according to your extraordinary abilities," Jayden expressed from the depths of his heart. He was annoyed to hear that Cakra took the first step to win Agatha's heart. "You're too kind, Jayden. I'm not even sure of my abilities. It seems I can enter there after completing my master's degree." "Who says so? I myself see great potential in you. With your already great abilities, if continuously honed diligently, I believe your skills will be more perfect than other employees." Jayden talked so convincingly. Agatha felt her heart throb. She nodded slowly. "Okay, Jayden. I will consider it." *** Since that day, Cakra did not appear again. Only a few times Agatha saw him come to campus, but they did not meet. Agatha felt that everything was fine. She felt relieved, as if the burden in her heart had been lifted. Agatha sat in her campus chair feeling relieved because there were no more disturbances from Cakra. She could study peacefully and focus on her tasks. However, some people around her were still talking about the incident. Agatha tried to ignore them and focus on her book, but she felt uncomfortable with the attention she was receiving. After classes, Agatha met Aluna in the cafeteria. They ordered food and sat at an empty table. As they ate, some people around them were still discussing the incident involving Cakra. "Agatha, did you hear that? Some people say you used magical objects to seduce the Director," Aluna said upon hearing a student next to them whispering. Agatha felt annoyed and wanted to refute, but Aluna, who was sitting beside her, reacted immediately. "You all don't know anything! Agatha would never do such a thing! Don't accuse without clear evidence!" Aluna exclaimed firmly. Some people who heard Aluna's words felt offended and left their table with angry faces. Agatha was touched by Aluna's support and thanked her. However, a surprise awaited Agatha on Sunday. While playing in the front park of the apartment with Layla, a woman approached. Her face looked pale, and her eyes were red. She claimed to be Vania, Layla's biological mother. Agatha was shocked, as was Layla. Layla, startled, immediately ran and hugged Agatha. Vania became angry, forcing them to believe that she was Layla's mother. Agatha felt confused and wary. She didn't know what to do. Agatha could only hug Layla, trying to calm the frightened little girl. "Layla, it's okay. I'm here," Agatha whispered, trying to soothe Layla. Vania continued to shout, insisting they believe her. However, Agatha knew she couldn't trust the woman right away. She didn't know what would happen next. But she knew one thing, she would protect Layla, no matter what. When Vania claimed to be Layla's biological mother, Layla felt scared and confused. "I thought my mother had passed away because that's what Papa always said," Layla said with a trembling voice. Agatha hugged Layla tightly, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry, Sweetie. We will find out what really happened," Agatha said gently. Vania tried to reach for Layla, but Agatha still hugged and protected her. "I'm sorry. But I have to protect this child," Agatha said firmly. Vania continued to insist that Agatha let her hold Layla's hand, even though Layla looked scared and reluctant. Vania didn't seem like a gentle and caring mother. Agatha became angry as Layla became more scared and uncomfortable. "Please!" Vania said in a slightly higher voice. "I just want to hold Layla's hand. I need to tell her that I am her mother!" Agatha was taken aback, pondered for a moment, and then said firmly, "I'm sorry, you need to respect Layla's decision. She feels scared and uncomfortable. You need to give her time and space to understand everything." Vania felt angry and unappreciated. "But I am her mother! I should be able to hug her and tell her that I love her!" Vania said with a raised voice. Agatha shook her head, still insisting and said, "You have to respect Layla's feelings. You can't force her to feel comfortable with you. And you can't force me to let you touch Layla."