Standing outside his front door, Henry suddenly realized he had lost his composure. Anger had clouded his judgment–he didn’t know where Sophia was or how to find her. The karaoke bar could be anywhere in Manhattan,
Damn it.
Remembering the laughter he’d heard through the phone, imaging Sophia smiling at Thomas, accepting his birthday wishes, while he–her husband–hadn’t even known what day it was, his hands involuntarily clenched into fists.
But he couldn’t just leave like this. He had just disciplined the maid and left Billy alone in the house. The mansion was too large, too empty for a child.
Henry took a deep breath and walked back inside. He went upstairs to Billy’s room. The boy was sitting on his bed, clutching his stuffed dinosaur to his chest, his eyes wide with wariness as Henry entered.
“Billy,” Henry said, making an effort to soften his voice. “Would you like to go find your mother with me?”
Billy’s expression remained guarded. “You were really scary downstairs.”
Henry felt an unfamiliar sensation–could it be shame? He carefully sat on the edge of the bed, maintaining some distance
to avoid frightening his son further.
“That maid said some very hurtful things about your mother,” he explained. “Sometimes, when people disrespect someone
we… care about, adults get angry.”
Billy seemed to consider this, his young face serious. “Mom says we should ignore mean people.”
“Your mother is wiser than I am,” Henry admitted, surprising even himself with the sincerity of his statement. “Now, do you know where she is? We could go surprise her.”
A flicker of excitement appeared in Billy’s eyes. “Really? You want to see Mom?”
“Yes,” Henry nodded, carefully concealing his true intentions. “But it’s a surprise. So you need to help me find her without letting her know I’m looking for her. Can you do that?”
Billy nodded eagerly, the anticipation of seeing his mother apparently making him forget his fear.
“Can you call her on your watch? Ask her where she is, but don’t tell her we’re coming to get her. Remember, it’s a
surprise.”
Billy’s eyes brightened at being entrusted with this special mission. He raised his colorful smartwatch—a birthday gift from
William–and pressed a button.
Sophia answered almost immediately, her voice filled with concern. “Billy? Is everything okay, sweetheart?”
“Hi, Mom! I miss you. Where are you?” Billy asked, his innocent voice betraying none of Henry’s scheming.
“I’m at a work dinner, honey. Is something wrong? Is your father with you?”
“No, I’m alone,” Billy lied with such skill that Henry couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “The maid is making dinner, but I’m bored. Can I come see you?”
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Chapter 76
There was a pause on the other end. “Billy, it’s quite late, and this is an adult event-
“Please, Mom?” Billy’s voice fook on that pleading quality that Henry had noticed Sophia could never resist. “I promise I’ll be super good!”
“Henry heard Sophia sigh. “Alright, I’m at the Imperial Palace Hotel in the banquet room. But sweetheart, how will you get
here? Is your father-”
“I’ll figure it out! Love you, bye!” Billy quickly ended the call before she could ask more questions, then looked up at Henry with a triumphant smile. “She’s at the Imperial Palace Hotel!”
Henry couldn’t help but be impressed by his son’s deceptive skills. “Good job,” he said, ruffling Billy’s hair. “Let’s go surprise your mother.”
As they drove through Manhattan’s night streets, Henry mentally rehearsed what he would say and how he would react. The thought of Sophia celebrating with Thomas made his blood boil, but he knew he couldn’t display that anger in front of Billy.
“Dad, why didn’t you want Mom to know you’re coming too?” Billy suddenly asked from the back seat.
Henry met his son’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “Adult things, Billy. Sometimes grown–ups like to surprise each other.”
“Like for Mom’s birthday?” Billy asked innocently. “Did you get her a present?”
The question hit Henry like a physical blow. Of course he hadn’t gotten her a present. He hadn’t even known it was her birthday.
“It’s complicated,” Henry said, forcing his voice to remain neutral.
“Mom says that’s what grown–ups say when they don’t want to explain something,” Billy replied, his gaze never leaving his father’s reflection in the mirror.
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