Chapter 41
Outside Brooklyn Heights Academy, luxury cars lined up in neat rows as parents gathered for afternoon pickup, their designer outfits and quat conversations creating an atmosphere of understated wealth.
I sat in Thomas’s car, watching the scene through tinted windows. The familiar sight of uniformed children streaming out of the prestigious school’s pater brought a mix of comfort and anxiety. This was our new normal since I’d left the Harding Estate a delicate balance of maintaining appearances while trying to rebuild some semblance of independence.
“Are you sure you’re comfortable with this? Thomas asked softly from the driver’s seat. “We could have met somewhere more private.”
I managed a small smile. “Billy needs routine right now. Besides, hiding would only give Henry more ammunition.
Thomas’s knuckles tightened on the steering wheel. ‘You shouldn’t have to live like this, Sophia. Constantly looking over your shoulder, worrying about his
next move.
“What choice do I have? I gazed out at the schoolyard. “Henry controls everything the money, the social circles, even where Billy can go. One wrong move and…” I trailed off, remembering his threats.
“You have me,” Thomas said softly. “I know it’s complicated, but you’re not alone in this.”
I swallowed hard, fighting back tears. “Thank you, Thomas. But right now, I need to focus on protecting Billy. That’s all that matters.”
Through the rearview mirror, I caught sight of a black sedan maintaining a discrete distance. James, Henry’s ever–vigilant assistant, sat in the passenger seat, his attention fixed on our car. Of course Henry would have us followed – control was as natural to him as breathing.
The school bell’s melodious chime filled the air, and children began pouring out of the ornate doors. Their laughter and chatter created a stark contrast to the formal atmosphere of the adults waiting outside.
“There’s Billy!” Thomas pointed out unnecessarily. I’d already spotted my son’s golden head among his classmates, his perfect posture and confident stride marking him unmistakably as a Harding.
“He looks more like you every day, Thomas observed softly. “That gentle smile when he sees his friends – that’s all Sophia Wilson.”
I felt my throat tighten. “Sometimes I wish he was less like his father. The way he holds himself, that commanding presence… he’s only five, but already he has that Harding air about him.”
“Nature versus nurture,” Thomas mused. “But with you raising him, Billy will grow up to be a good man. Shall we go meet him?”
I nodded, pushing away the bittersweet thoughts. What mattered now was being there for my son.
We stepped out of the car, and I felt the weight of curious stares from other parents. Living in Betty’s Park Avenue apartment had given me a temporary refuge, but these daily school pickups remained a gauntlet of whispered gossip and sideways glances.
‘Mom!” Billy’s face lit up as he spotted us. He broke into a run, his backpack bouncing against his shoulders.
A group of little girls trailed behind him, their giggles carrying clearly in the crisp air.
1
“Billy, is that your dad?” A blonde girl in pristine pigtails called out, pointing at Thomas.
Another girl, her brown curls perfectly styled, declared with childish conviction, “Billy Harding, your dad is so handsome! I’m going to marry him when I grow up!”
A third girl, her dark hair in neat braids, wrapped herself around Thomas’s leg. “Sir, I want to marry you too!”
Billy’s face scrunched up in aristocratic disdain, an expression so reminiscent of Henry that it made my heart ache. “You’re being so uncool!” he proclaimed. ‘We’re supposed to be friends, and now you want to be my mom?”
He squared his small shoulders, every inch the young heir. “Look at yourselves! You’re not as pretty as my mom, and you’re definitely not as elegant. You’re always getting colds and runny noses – my dad would never look at you!”
1/2
Chapter 41
The girls‘ faces fell, but before they could respond, a tiny blonde figure in a designer drest muthed through their ranke, she large had bee possessively Billy Harding is mine! All of you stay away!!
Then she turned to Thomas, her big blue eyes curious. Are you Billy’s daddy?”
Thomas hesitated, caught off guard by the direct question. I saw the conflict play across his face – the desire to protect Billy from awkward erglass warring with his natural honesty.
“Yes,” he finally answered, his voice gentle.
The little girl’s face lit up with curiosity. Really? But why haven’t I seen you at school before? Jessica’s daddy comes every Tuesday for lunch, and Michael‘ dad coaches soccer.“.
Thomas knelt down to her level, his medical training showing in how naturally he spoke to children. “Well, sometimes grown–ups have complicated schedules. I’m a doctor at the hospital, so I help sick people get better.”
Like when Billy had a fever? Her blue eyes widened with recognition. “He told us you made him all better! Can you fix my teddy bear too? He has a broken
arm.*
“Sarah!” her father called from nearby. “Don’t bother the doctor with so many questions!”
“It’s okay,” Thomas smiled warmly. “I’d be happy to look at your teddy bear’s arm sometime. Maybe we can-
Suddenly, a low, commanding voice came.
“Billy!”
My son’s head whipped around, his face lighting up with pure joy. “Daddy!”
Henry Harding stood by his black sedan. The setting sun caught his gray eyes, making them glitter like steel as he surveyed the scene before him.
“Thomas,” I said quickly, keeping my voice low and steady. “I’m sorry, but I think we should cancel dinner plans.”
“Sophia, I didn’t mean to-” Thomas began, but I cut him off.
“It’s not your fault. I understand you were trying to help.” I pressed an envelope into his hand. “This is for the hospital bills you covered. Thank you for everything, but right now…”
“Billy’s father!” The little blonde girl’s voice rang out with childish clarity. “Are you really Billy’s daddy?”
Henry’s response was arctic. “I am.”
The girl shrank back, clutching her own father’s hand. “Daddy,” she whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Billy’s dad is scary! I’m afraid!”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
