Cheating

The launching of the Infinity Towers took place in Dreyar's building where I worked at before leaving to Stella.

I decided to wear the bloody red gown and wear a formal make up and let my hair down. I came here to meet some suppliers. Especially for my latest offer which is to design the unit of a rockstar named Byro Cracy.

Inquiries about my designs flooded my inbox. My works are tripling! I silently promised myself to have a rest after all these.

"This is Mrs. Babasaama."

I presented my hand to the owner of one of the biggest companies of sofa beds in Fiore. It's a good thing that some of my professors in college still remember me and has connections to people like her.

"Mrs. Babasaama, this is Lucy Heartfilia. She's the designer of the units of the whole Infinity Towers..."

Mrs. Babasaama became formal. She's in her late 50s. She looked at me from head to toe before congratulating me for my works

"I heard you're a great designer. How are you related to Jude Heartfilia" she asked me.

"He's my father, Ma'am. You've met him?"

While I'm talking with the suppliers and guests around me, my eyes caught Natsu entering the hall. He's alone, unlike what I expected. He only came with some body guards and some of the boards.

I thought he'll bring a date or something. I continued talking to the suppliers. Our group quickly got huge and I certainly didn't regret coming here.

"If you'll get my beds, I will give you some discounts, even if it's not in bulk," a prestigious supplier offered.

"Thank you! I will always consider your designs. It depends now on the nature of the client."

Everyone around me started talking to me, even some reporters who are also invited to this event.

"Miss Heartfilia, I am from Home Designs magazine..." the woman who went to me showed her I.D. "Can I schedule an interview? We would like to do a life story cover for you. We will also feauture your designs and-"

I didn't let her finish, "I'm sorry, I don't think I can do that. I would love to, but I'd rather maintain-"

"Oh! I understand your privacy, Miss. But even just your works then? I won't include the lifestory..." the woman smiled like she knows I won't agree but still tried.

"Very well. If it's just my designs."

Th woman smiled and asked for my schedule. She apologized for approaching me on this event. She said that she should've contact my secretary. But then, I don't have any secretary. I don't feel the need to have one. I'm still an amateur to this field.

"Good evening, Auntie!" I heard a familiar voice behind me.

I turned to see who it is and saw Juvia Fullbuster. She greeted Mrs. Babasaama who was talking to me earlier.

"Oh! Just you two? Where's my grandchild?" Mrs. Babasaama asked in a worried tone.

My throat dried. I saw Gray beside Juvia. Both of then are facing Mrs. Babasaama. Of course the Silver Fullbuster Group will be here!

"She's with mom. Juvia can't bring her here, she'll get bored. Besides, Mira and Erza also brought Vasilys and Esme there for Kuri to have playmates..." Juvia said.

"Oh! You're condo's full of kids, then?"

"Yup! Mom likes it that way. She even want us to make another baby again. We think Kuri'll need siblings but not as early as now..." she laughed.

"Very nice parenting! Oh... Gray..." Mrs. Babasaama turned to him. "How is the house you're planning to build in Shirotsune? Has it started yet?"

"It's yet to start. We're still looking for an Interior Designer. We have designers in the Group but Juvia wants a new designer."

"Yes, Juvia wants something refreshing for our second house. It's actually a rest house beside the sea so Juvia wants it to be perfect!"

"Oh! I know a good designer! Wait..."

I froze in my place. And the moment she called me, I heard Gray say something too!

"Lucy?" Mrs. Babasaama called.

"Congrats, Natsu!" Gray laughed.

I turned to Mrs. Babasaama and Natsu's eyes met mine. He's beside Juvia and the two continued congratulating him.

"Lucy, come here! I'll introduce you to my niece..."

I was forced to walk towards them. In every step, I can feel my knees waver. I am fucking nervous!

"Lucy?" Juvia squinted her eyes as if she cannot believe what she's seeing, "Lucy! Hi! How are you?"

She ran to me and hugged me tight. She kissed my cheek and I did the same. I was there with her at Erza's wedding years ago. And in that short time we met each other, I couldn't believe that she remembered me.

"I'm fine," I smiled.

"Oh! You know the designer I'm talking about? She designed the whole units here in Tristan Towers... Isn't that right, Mr. Dragneel?" Mrs. Babasaama raised an eyebrow at Natsu. "She's really great. If you want a designer, I recommend her."

"You're not contented with the designers in Silver, Juvia?" Natsu asked in a cold voice.

"The designers there are busy working for the company. This is something personal. Not even business related. So Juvia wants another designer, Natsu..."

Gray smirked, "Well then, Lucy? Are you going to be available?"

All of them turned to me. I can't just turn them down! It's hard to refuse even if I know this won't be a good idea.

"Well, if my schedule clears..." I shyly said.

"Your hands are full? Not surprising! She's really great..." Mrs. Babasaama butted in.

"We hope your schedule will clear so Juvia can have her turn!" Juvia chuckled, "What about you, Natsu? How's the house you're building? Do you have a designer already? Oh well, you don't run out of designers..."

Something got stuck in my throat. This feels awkward. Gray laughed. He's staring at me like he's waiting for my reaction.

"Why don't you get Lucy too? A great designer. If she designs our house in Shirotsume, she can design your new house too," Gray said in a teasing tone.

The possibility of them being angry with me because of Natsu's conviction can't leave my mind. But their action says otherwise... I don't know.

"I have many designers. I'll just choose there," there's bitterness in Natsu's voice.

"Oh come on! It's better to hire a designer who's close to you so she can give you what you really wanted..." Gray teased.

Natsu and I looked at each other. I am not even sure if that's a good idea. The income of designing a personal house is great too but I already promised myself that I'll get rest and spend time with my son after this ongoing project.

"I'll take a vacation for a few months. I am not sure if-"

"Right! She's married, Gray. We can't expect her to be always available. Tss..." Natsu rolled his eyes.

"Ohh... I'm surprised you even got this project. Didn't your husband got angry when you accepted it?" Gray asked, "I'm sure you don't really need the income as you're both stable if not well off."

Questions like this makes me nervous. It's like saying a mistake would reveal that I'm lying about everything. Damnit!

"It's just my hobby. There's no harm in that..." I said.

Gray and Juvia nodded while smiling. Natsu didn't look at me anymore. I can't tear my eyes off of him. He looked serious and scary at the same time. His eyes were pitch black just like how it is everytime he's really angry.

"May we request the board to please settle to our presidential table..." the speaker said.

The launching started. It's like a heavy burden got lifted off my chest when Juvia and Gray bid their goodbyes to go to Mira and the rest of the Fairy Tail Corporations. They wanted me to join them but I politely refused. It seems like they understand it so they didn't force me anymore.

I met a few suppliers before the launching. It looks like my vacation would be cut short because there are many discount offers from my suppliers if ever I'll get them for my designs.

Mr. Yajima gave his speech for the Infinity Towers. I clapped my hands and glanced at the direction where Natsu is sitting. He's just there, looking at the speakers with his arms crossed. He didn't even smile or anything.

The whole programme finished at nine PM. I met more suppliers by that time. It seems that accepting this project was really a good thing. Although, it's not yet done, I'm overwhelmed. I've met many clients because of it.

"Some clients are content of your designs, some wants it personalized. I expect you to be always available when we need you, Lucy..." Mr. Yajima said.

I promised him I would finish my work. Besides, I owe them for my newly made acquaintances tonight.

"Hi, Lucy! We're planning to chill in Scarlet, are you free?" Mirajane Dreyar's angelic face and warm smile filled my vision. Her wavy silver hair is flowing freely on her back while her bangs are being held by a beautiful hair clip with intricate design.

I quickly shook my head. Refusing her is really embarrassing but I need to. I've been too busy to put Beau to sleep for the past two weeks. And now that I have the time, I won't pass the chance to do that.

"I'm sorry, I'm kind of busy."

Mira pouted and elegantly flipped her hair, "Is that so?" her face fell, it made me guilty, "Next time then?"

"Sure... Next time..." I said and followed her retreating figure with my eyes.

Laxus and Gray both turned to me when Mira arrived at their table. Maybe she already said I won't come with them. They called Natsu who's busy with the huge people interrogating him. I quickly grabbed that opportunity to leave the venue. I don't want to give myself some time to change my mind.

After entering my car, I immediately stepped on the gas to drive. Thoughts filled my mind as I made my way home.

I wonder if Natsu's still living near my condo? I looked at the tall condominium he lived in years ago. They said that he's building a house, so does that mean he disliked his big condo already?

I left my stilettos near the door and carried Beau even while wearing my long gown. He's still awake. He's playing in the mat and his onyx eyes are still as wide as the moon outside.

"Mommy!" he cheerfully said.

"Hi Beau! Why aren't you asleep?" I asked.

"Kiss! I want kiss!" he whined so I gave him what he wants.

"Welcome home, Miss Lucy. Beau doesn't want to sleep yet. He said he'll wait for you before he sleep. I tried making him sleep earlier but he just cried..."

I just grinned and nodded at her. I carried Beau to his room but he started crying and shouting. It shocked me.

"I want mommy!" he repeatedly shouted.

The hairs on my arm stood up and felt something touching my heart. Maybe I'll sleep with him in my room tonight?

I returned him to his mat and docked to talk to him.

"Mommy will just change. Beau, will you please return your toys first? Clean up and I'll take you in my room, okay?"

"Okay..." he said and he started gathering his toys.

I quickly took a short bath and changed in my night dress. When I came out of my room, I saw there are still toys on his mat. He didn't clean up. He's still playing but when he saw me, he quickly returned the toys to the basket.

I laughed while shaking my head.

"I don't even know who you got that from!" I cradled him and helped gathering his toys.

"Aries, the mat, please... I'll put Beau to sleep. He'll sleep in my room..." I said.

"Okay, Miss," Aries stood up and rolled the mat.

I went inside the room and placed Beau on my bed. His eyes are still wide open while mine are heavy and are pleading to drop because of tiredness.

"Play!" he shouted before rolling on my bed.

I grabbed a story book on my cabinet. He likes stories and I hoped that maybe he'll get sleepy while I'm reading him one.

"Mommy will read a story. Come here!" I gestured the space beside me.

No night out would hold a candle to this night with Beau. I didn't expect that he'll still be awake at the end of the story. He has many questions.

"Duck!" he said while pointing the big storybook, "Wa happen? Mommy? Duck?"

His energy is never ending. He didn't stop the story book despite me answering his questions.

It's already eleven PM but he's still hyper and energetic. When I saw him yawn, I helped him lay down properly. His eyes are starting to close now so I gently tapped his thighs so he can sleep.

My phone suddenly rang. I almost cursed when Beau opened his eyes because of the sound. I saw Sting's name on the screen. I can't leave Beau here since I'm scared he might fall on the bed so I stayed inside my room.

"Sting..." I quietly greeted.

"We need to talk. Are you in your condo?" He asked with seriousness in his voice.

"Yup. Why?" My voice was hushed as I looked at Beau.

"I went to Scarlet with someone..." Sting started.

My eyes widened. Scarlet? Natsu's there, right?

"Natsu and his cousins were there. I didn't notice. That fucking Natsu beat me on the dancefloor!" he shouted.

My heart jumped, "Why would he do that?"

"He... He thinks I'm cheating on you. I was dancing with someone, Lucy,"

My jaw dropped, "Oh my God!"