Chapter 24
Billy spotted Henry first, his mall body tensing as his expression cycled from joy to uncertainty to fear in the span of heartbeats. He retreated behind me, his fingers clutching the hem of my sweater as he whispered, “Mom, Dad is here.”
Henry’s cold gray eyes swept the room, lingering on Thomas’s protective stance near Billy. His jaw tighterted visibly. “Billy,” his voice carried that quiet authority that brooked no argument, “why are you letting Dr. Sanders hold you? Come here. Now.”
“But Dad…” Billy’s voice trembled slightly, Dr. Sanders was just showing me his cool stethoscope. He let me listen to my own heartbeat!”
“I don’t care what he was showing you,” Henry’s voice grew colder. “You’re a Harding. Hardings don’t cling to strangers.”
“He’s not a stranger,” Billy protested softly. “He makes me feel better when I’m sick, just like-”
“Just like what?” Henry cut him off sharply.
Billy’s lower lip quivered as he fell silent, his small fingers clutching my sweater even tighter.
I felt Billy’s grip on my sweater tighten as he remembered our conversation from earlier. Dad will have a new family with Isabella. We shouldn’t disturb their happiness. Be a good boy, okay? He shifted slightly, choosing instead to hide behind Thomas.
Thomas smiled down at Billy, his warm brown eyes crinkling behind his wire–rimmed glasses. “It’s okay, champ. After this, how about uncle Thomas treats you and your mom to your favorite cake?”
The promise of cake didn’t have time to work its magic. In three long strides, Henry crossed the room and scooped Billy into his arms with practiced efficiency. The movement was so smooth, so precisely executed, that none of us had time to
react.
I saw Thomas’s hands clench into fists, but he didn’t stop Henry Starting a physical confrontation would only traumatize Billy further. The tension in his shoulders spoke volumes about his restraint.
But then something unexpected happened. Billy’s eyes widened with delight at his father’s swift movement. “Wow, Dad, that was so cool!” he exclaimed, previous fear forgotten. “Like a superhero!”
The change in Henry’s expression was subtle but unmistakable. The hard lines around his mouth softened slightly as he looked at our son. His hand, usually so restrained, reached up to ruffle Billy’s golden hair. “Want to do it again?”
Billy’s face lit up like Christmas had come early. Without warning, he planted a kiss on Henry’s cheek – something I’d never seen him dare to do before. More surprisingly, Henry didn’t pull away. Instead, he adjusted his grip and lifted Billy high into the air, earning a squeal of pure joy.
“Higher, Dad! Higher!” Billy’s laughter echoed off the hospital walls. “Dad is awesome!”
The scene before me was everything I’d ever wanted for them, and it broke my heart. “Henry,” I interrupted, hating myself for it, “you’re busy with work. And Isabella probably needs you.
Henry’s expression darkened. “You think you know my schedule better than I do?”
I know you’re living with Isabella,” I shot back, anger finally breaking through. “Just like I know you haven’t signed the
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Chapter 24
divorce papers yet. What are you playing at, Henry? Using both of us?”
Thomas cleared his throat professionally. “I should check on Mis Scott’s condition. As her attending physician-
By means,” Henry’s voice dripped sarcasm. ‘Go attend to your patient, Doctor.” He turned to Billy, his tone warming considerably. “How about dinner? That place near Central Park you like, with the boneless fish fillet?”
Billy’s eyes lit up. “Can I have caramel pudding too? And ice cream?”
“Whatever you want.” Henry’s promise earned him another tight hug from Billy.
“Dad,” Billy’s voice was suddenly serious, his small fingers playing with Henry’s tie. “Will you stay for the whole dinner? Not like last time when you had to leave for a phone call?”
Something flickered in Henry’s eyes was it guilt? “I’ll stay the whole time,” he promised. “No phone calls.”
–
“Really?” Billy’s face lit up with hope. “Can we get a window seat? I want to show you how I can read all the restaurant signs now! Mrs. Peterson says my reading is the best in class!”
Henry’s lips curved in what might have been pride. “Is that so? What else are you learning?”
“Oh! We’re learning about dinosaurs!” Billy’s excitement made him bounce in Henry’s arms. “Did you know T–Rex had tiny arms but super strong legs? Just like how you’re super strong, Dad! Can you teach me to be strong like you?”
“When you’re older,” Henry answered, his voice carrying an unusual gentleness. “For now, focus on your studies.”
“I will!” Billy promised eagerly. “Then can we have dinner together more often? Maybe… maybe Miss Scott doesn’t have to come every time?”
The question hung in the air for a moment before Henry skillfully diverted, “Let’s focus on tonight’s dinner first. Show me how well you can read those signs.”
I stood there, helpless, as Henry carried our son toward the door. Billy’s excited chatter about dessert choices faded into white noise as I watched them leave my son in the arms of a man who’d never shown him this much affection before
today.
–
Henry paused at the threshold, turning back with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. “What’s wrong, Sophia? You want me to carry you out too?”
The door closed behind them with a soft click that seemed to echo in the sudden silence. I stared at the space where they’d been, wondering if Henry’s sudden display of fatherly attention was genuine or just another move in his endless game of control.
Thomas’s hand on my shoulder startled me. “He’s trying to hurt you,” he said quietly. “Using Billy to do it.”
“I know.” My voice sounded hollow even to my own ears. “But did you see how happy Billy was? He’s never had that with Henry before.”
“Sophia-
“No,” I cut him off, forcing a smile. “It’s fine. Billy deserves to have these moments with his father, even if…” I couldn’t finish the sentence.
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Chapter 24
Opening the door, I hurriedly followed Henry and Billy.
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