The Last Victim Chapter Ten

I married Niko's mother immediately after my graduation from Business College. My father helped me financially to start my own real estate agency. I admit, it was a hasty marriage. I loved her and I believed that the best thing for us is to get married. I loved her and I thought she did. She did not appreciate our marriage from the beginning. She was acting like a single woman, as if she had no responsibilities towards me or our marriage whatsoever. She would travel with her friends for days and just live me a not on the fridge ''Darling, I am in a hotel resort with my friends and will be back after 10 days.'' At first I used to make excuses for her, maybe the marriage as a whole is a new thing for her and she needs time to adjust. But time was passing and she was not changing. Spending carelessly, going around the world and I was simply the banker. I never felt like a husband, we did not have good times as a husband and wife. My life became unbearable and I was convinced that it's not working out. After a marriage that lasted only one year, we got divorced. I was devastated and it took me some time to recollect myself. Everything started to be ok when one day she came suddenly to my work carrying a baby and entered my office without permission.

''I think I should dismiss the secretary then if she is not doing her job properly!'' I said sarcastically.

''I won't take much of your time, I just came to give you what is yours.'' She said and put the baby on the desk.

''What do you mean?'' I asked.

''This is your baby, immediately after the divorce I discovered that I am pregnant.''

''You are a liar! This is not my son!'' I yelled.

''And that I'm going to marry to fabulous rich man, he is not ready for a woman with a package, and in this file you will find all the papers you need concerning the baby's birth.'' She continued ignoring completely what I have said then she stomped off without any additional word.

I tried to follow her outside but she disappeared in the crowds so I returned back again to the office and looked at the bundle on the desk hoping that it is just a bad dream that will end soon. He started crying and I didn't know what to do so I called Helen, the secretary, she has four children and must've known about these things.

''Who is that cute baby?'' she said carrying the little thing between her arms.

I told her what happened.

''Look at the bright side of it, you are a father now.'' She said shifting her eyes between me and the baby.

''This is not my son, I am sure!'' I said in rage.

''He is your son.'' She muttered.

''And how do you know?'' I was steamed.

''I can feel it.'' She whispered.

''Ha-Ha sorry darling, I don't believe in instincts, I believe in blood tests.'' I said with bitter sarcasm.

And I did the test, and Big Bang! He was my son. I was shocked, angry and enraged. How could she do this to me? I was not ready for being a father, especially in this unexpected way! She got rid of the baby to begin a new life and she wanted me to be the fool. Never! It will not be.

''I will offer him for adoption.'' I said insistently.

''What?'' Michael, Helen's husband said surprisingly.

''I will offer him for adoption.'' I repeated.

''How can you say that? He is your son after all.'' Helen said.

'' I will not be the fool in her game.'' I said clinching my fist.

''What's baby's fault in all that? Why should he be brought up with foster parents and his both birth parents are alive?'' Michael said.

''It's over and done with Michael, it is not open for discussion.''

They looked at each other disappointedly.

''Aren't you going to give him a name?'' Helen said weakly.

''I haven't thought about that.''

''We've chosen a name for him, Nikos, what do you think of that?'' Helen said excitedly.

I shrugged my shoulders and said ''Whatever.''

It all happened too fast, I registered his name in an Adoption Agency and waited eagerly for their phone call.

''We've found a foster family.''

As soon as I received the call I went there immediately. Finally, a huge burden will be lifted off my shoulders. A couple in their thirties were waiting for me with a kind warm smile.

''He will be well taken care of.'' The man said.

The woman extended her arms to take the baby with a wide affectionate smile. When I leaned a little bit to hand her the baby he started crying and tightened his little hands on my shirt. It was then when I realized what I was doing, I looked at him, for the first time, looking at him. He looked so tiny, so vulnerable and…a piece of me! And I was giving him away. In less than a second, without hesitation I turned back, ran through the door and did not look behind.