Chapter 331 - Seven months later

Seven months later....

"More and more people are supporting you, Revon. Congratulations. You are people's new favourite." Suyin turned the laptop to let him see the astonishing figures. According to the latest poll, the people's choice for the next President was Revon. Their months of hard work paying off, victory just elections away. "I'm positive about the elections next week."

"Yeah. Numbers look favourable. Hope the result stays the same." 

Suyin caught the apprehensiveness in Revon's tone. "Is there something that's bothering you?"

Revon sighed, "I'm worried about Zeldiz. One of my core team members has informed that they offered him money to change parties. Don't know how many more members were approached and how many really accepted the offer? And now this survey-- she won't keep quiet."

Zeldiz? The candidate standing against Revon in elections. A graduate from Oxford, three decades of experience in business, family roots in politics and her grandfather being the one running interim government during Alpha's time. 

Suyin recalled her meeting with Zeldiz. Definitely a strong and capable woman, but a sly fox jumped into politics only intending to suck the country dry of its natural resources and profit her business.

Never let a business person run the country. They will never keep the country first but just the business.

"Don't know about others, but rest assured, I declined her offer long back." 

"Why am I not surprised she approached you? Btw, how much she offered?"

"Enough that my next many generations could live a lavish lifestyle without worrying about earning." Suyin said, "But why did you ask? Are you going to compensate me for the loss?"

He smiled softly. Even if he wants, he can't. Suyin had done so much for him and his people that no money would be enough to pay her. "Can I?"

"You already have. Your friendship and the decision to lead the country is enough. Now stop worrying--"

"MOMMY!!"

A muffled yet cheerful voice sounded from the closed doors.

Suyin glanced at the wall clock, a smile lifting her lips. She picked her backpack, "Sorry, Revon. It's mommy time now." Revon nodded, "Monitor Zeldiz. That's our best option for now."

"MOMMY!!!" As she opened the door, the voice rang in her ears. Standing in front was her little firecracker. Cleopatra wrapped around Honey's neck as he runs a hand on her smooth white fur while Bagheera standing close, carrying a school bag on his back. 

Seven months and the two animals have outgrown her own baby. Especially the panther, it's no more cute, but dangerous. A melanistic panther darker than night with only a pair of golden eyes and white fangs visible. Many times Suyin had almost peed herself when she woke up at night to go to the washroom and the animal sleeping near her bed wakes up with her. 

Not to mention he follows her to the washroom, only to be shut out by her.

Bagheera walked over and nudged his wet nose at Suyin's knees, sending a shiver run down her spine. "Honey, how many times I have told you, keep him away from me." 

'And here she's at it again.' Honey rolled his eyes. "You know he's asking for your bag." 

Yeah, she knows. Not like this was the first time.

"No thanks. I don't want to." Bagheera licked her knees, and Suyin's body stiffened. It's just a matter of time, he'll take a bite of her one day. She pleaded with her eyes, and Honey mouthed, 'bag'. Invisible tears rolled down from her eyes. If the animals were not Honey's favourite, she would have sent them away long back. Thankfully, Cleopatra had no interest in her.

With trembling hands, she tied her backpack to Bagheera's back and shuffled to Honey's side in record time. Honey patted her arm. "You should be used to it by now. Don't forget he takes you as his mom. Daily you waste ten minutes like this. C'mon, dad must be waiting for us at lunch."

"I'm not his mom."

"Bagheera, mom is saying something."

Bagheera looked at Suyin.

"That.... I love you, s-son." Once more she shivered when her legs were licked in gratitude. 'Why me, God?'

God, 'This you get for cursing me and planning my murder.'

They sped through the streets, towards the hospital where Wang Shi had made his new office. She looked in the front mirror to make sure her three sons were settled, not making any mischief. Nope. The three were just marvelling at the people walking on the road. 

No matter how many times they take the same route, she always found their heads poked out of the window, a serene smile on their--Honey's lips.

The wind blew her pixie hair, and she immediately secured them with a push of hairband.

Seven months! That's a long time to stay in a foreign country that's different in everything- culture, food, language, people and home. She had never expected her visit to El Sandrios would turn this long, and Wang Shi and Honey would join her. And the two unwanted sons.

She can call these seven months the best time of her life. Her newfound life! 

They live in a one-bedroom apartment on hospital premises that hosts all the doctors and staff.  Daily Wang Shi would wake them every morning and drag them to exercise. Then they take turns to prepare breakfast and help Honey get ready for school.

After which she and Honey would drive to her office barely fifteen minutes away as Honey's school was on the premises of her office. Though the education system was not up to the mark, they had volunteers and retired professors taking classes. Sometimes even she does that too. 

Throughout the day she takes care of the political and social issues along with Revon and his team. At lunchtime, she and Honey would leave together to join Wang Shi on the meal. After lunch, her next schedule depends on work. Sometimes she returns to the office or goes for a site visit, or maybe help Wang Shi in the hospital.

Wang Shi. Just thinking about him, a smile came to her lips. Why not? After James' she had never felt the need to have another friend. It was only until when Wang Shi offered his friendship to her that night and soon she realised how much she needed this new and m.a.t.u.r.e friend.

True to his words, he became her living personal diary that always calms her down with wise words but never judges her.

Don't know when he became her touchstone, her voice, her strength, her favourite shoulder to lean on and talk under the stars, her eating and travel companion, her 'the first person to talk about day's activities, her primary leisure time, her mental and emotional therapist, and someone who hears her boring political and social talks thousands of times but never complaints, and---- maybe her retirement partner.

She hated this thought, but Wang Shi had filled the fine gap that existed between her and James's friendship. Life had been so smooth-- so serene--calm-- beautiful-- that she cannot help but acknowledge the reason behind it as Wang Shi. 

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