Chapter 23
~ Love Reporn
I paused mid–motion, the apple I’d been peeling for William suspended in my hands as my son’s innocent voice filled the
space.
“Daddy,” Billy’s small voice quivered with hope, “can you come to my birthday party? Great–grandpa said we could have it
at our house!”
無
I wanted to stop Billy, to protect him from another rejection, but the words were already out. The air in the room grew thick with tension as Henry stood by the window. He didn’t turn around, didn’t acknowledge our son’s request.
“Sweetheart,” I tried to keep my voice steady, “Daddy’s very busy Let’s not force-”
“But Mom,” Billy’s blue eyes filled with confusion, “you always say it’s important to spend time with family. Isn’t Daddy family too?”
My heart shattered at the tremor in his voice. “Baby, what are you saying? We shouldn’t-”
“But I heard Grace–auntie say Daddy loves Isabella–auntie more than us,” Billy’s voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes filling with tears. “Is that why he’s never home? Because we’re not good enough?”
“No, sweetheart, no!” I pulled him into my arms, feeling his small body tremble. “You are perfect, absolutely perfect. Daddy just… he has a lot of work responsibilities.”
“Then why does he have time to go to dinner with Isabella–auntie?” His innocent question felt like a knife to my heart. “Tommy from my class said his dad is busy too, but he still comes to all his soccer games.”
I stroked his golden hair, struggling to find words that wouldn’t break his heart further. “Everyone’s situation is different, baby. We can’t compare-”
“Mommy,” Billy’s lower lip quivered, his small hands twisting in his lap, “did I do something wrong? Is that why Daddy doesn’t want to be with us?”
Before I could respond, William’s voice cut through the room like a blade. “Henry.” The single word carried decades of authority. “Your son is speaking to you.”
Henry remained motionless, his back a wall of expensive fabric and rigid posture.
“Have you forgotten your responsibilities?” William’s voice grew harder. “While you’re busy playing escort to Isabella Scott, your son grows up without a father.”
The mention of Isabella’s name finally made Henry turn. His grey eyes were cold as winter frost. “Grandpa, you need rest. This isn’t the time-”
“This is exactly the time!” William pushed himself up against his pillows, his face flushing with anger. “You parade around with that woman who left five years ago, while your wife and son…”
“Grandpa,” I interrupted softly, noting the dangerous spike in his heart monitor, “please stay calm. Your health-
“My health?” William laughed bitterly. “I’m dying, Sophia. We all know it. And before I go, I need to make sure this family doesn’t destroy itself.
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Billy’s small hand found mine, squeezing tight. “Great–grandpa’s not dying,” he declared with childhood certainty. “Dr. Sanders will make him better, just like he made me better!”
The mention of Thomas’s name made Henry’s jaw clench visibly Before anyone could respond, his phone lit up with an incoming call. Isabella’s name flashed across the screen.
Without a word, Henry strode from the room, leaving behind a silence heavy with unspoken words and broken promises.
“Mom?” Billy’s voice was small, uncertain. “Can we go see Dr. Sanders? He always makes things better.”
I met William’s knowing gaze, saw the permission there. “Of course, sweetheart. Let’s go say hello.”
Thomas’s office was a haven of calm professionalism, the walls lined with medical texts and certifications. He looked up from his computer as we entered, his warm brown eyes crinkling with a genuine smile.
“Billy!” He rose from his desk, his white coat pristine even after a full day of rounds. “How’s my favorite future doctor?”
Billy’s entire demeanor transformed, the sadness from earlier melting away. “Dr. Sanders! Did you know we’re learning about the human body in science class? I remembered everything you told me about white blood cells!”
Thomas knelt to Billy’s level, his expression serious. “Is that so? Tell me more about what you learned.”
I watched them interact, my heart aching at how naturally Thomas connected with my son. He listened intently as Billy explained his science project, asking questions that made Billy’s eyes light up with excitement.
“Mom, can we get burgers and milkshakes?” Billy asked suddenly, looking between us with hopeful eyes. “Please? I got all A’s on my tests this week!”
“Sweetheart,” I began gently, “remember our agreement about fast food?”
“But Mom-”
“Billy,” Thomas interjected smoothly, “your mom’s right. How about we talk about why too much fast food isn’t good for
our bodies? Remember what we discussed about nutrition?”
Billy nodded eagerly, climbing onto Thomas’s lap as the doctor began explaining about cholesterol and healthy eating habits. The scene was so natural, so warm – everything my son’s relationship with Henry should have been but never was.
“And that’s why even doctors don’t eat burgers every day,” Thomas concluded, giving Billy a gentle squeeze. “We need to take care of our bodies, right?”
Thomas scooped Billy into his arms, settling him comfortably against his chest. “You know what would be better than burgers? My special doctor–approved smoothie recipe. It has strawberries, bananas, and a secret ingredient that makes you super smart.”
“Really?” Billy perked up, his eyes sparkling with interest. “What’s the secret ingredient?”
“Well,” Thomas lowered his voice conspiratorially, “it’s spinach, but don’t tell anyone. All the best doctors know that green vegetables are like superhero fuel for your brain.”
“Can we make it together sometime?” Billy asked, “You can teach me all about the ingredients, just like a real doctor.”
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Thomas smiled softly, adjusting Billy in his arms. “Of course we can, champ. That’s what friends are for.”
At this moment, the office door crashed open, making us all jump. Henry stood in the doorway, his perfect suit at odds
Thomas holding our son, my presence in his office, the easy with the fury in his eyes as he took in the scene before him familiarity of it all.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees as Henry’s gaze fixed on Thomas’s arms around Billy. His grey eyes turned to chips of ice, and I saw his hands clench into fists at his sides.
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