A Life Debt Repaid

Chapter 2

talk, comes home late, gets stomach aches because he doesn’t eat on time, and smokes… but he’s rich and handsome. Please don’t leave us ever again, Mommy.” Cordy was left speechless and smiling helplessly. “You’re adorable—but I’m not your mommy.” “Dicky.” A cold yet alluring voice spoke from the door just then. The boy flinched and turned his little head in that direction, with Cordy following suit. A man stood at the doorway, his white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and he carried the air of indescribable abstinence. His facial features seemed sculpted to perfection and his visage projected wit and composure. He stood towering and upright with a noble but nonchalant air. None of the rich and important men she met held a candle to those bewitching looks! “Daddy!” Timmy greeted him primly and properly. Even as Cordy turned toward Timmy again, she realized the reason why the boy was so good looking. Nonetheless, the man said sternly, “Back to your room, now.” Timmy pouted, but nodded tamely despite his reluctance—he must have been properly disciplined back home. Still, Timmy turned toward Cordy and said, “I have to go, Mommy. But I’m just next door, so could you visit me later?” Cordy could not refuse him once she saw his yearning look, and she nodded. “Okay.” She could also explain to him properly that she was not his mommy when she did. “Oh! My name is Richard Levine, but everyone calls me Dicky. You should too, Mommy.” After introducing himself, little Richard reluctantly walked over to the man, who must be over six feet tall from a single glance at his tall frame. The height difference made Richard appear cuter, even perfect, as the child stood beside him. As the man took Richard’s little hand and left, he did not glance his way. However, despite that stiff and aloof demeanor, Cordy somehow did not find him rude… perhaps that was the privilege of good-looking men. For Cordy’s part, she did not enjoy talking much, and she actually felt comfortable with the man’s distant reaction toward a stranger. She got out of bed then. Although walking was inconvenient since her right foot was plastered, she stubbornly leaned on her crutches to reach the floor. It seemed to have grown into a habit, but she was used to being alone—even if she had been dating Kyle for three years, she would never trouble or rely on Kyle too much. She suddenly felt lucky that she was like this, allowing her to persevere despite the prospect of facing troubled times ahead.  However, after it took her considerable effort to leave the washroom, Cordy stepped out and found that Richard’s daddy had returned. She was startled, and the man watched as her face turned pale. “Do I look that scary?” he asked with his deep, magnetic voice. “No.” Cordy shook her head. “I just didn’t expect someone else here.” She was just feeling fortunate that he was aloof—his abrupt visit left her slightly repulsed. Seeing the change of attitude in her eyes, the man pursed his lips ever so slightly. “The name’s John Levine. The venue where you held your wedding happened to be mine, Ms.