Chapter 352
My son beamed proudly. “Yes! Daddy picked me up today!”
The last time I’d seen Henry at the hospital, we hadn’t parted on good terms.
For six years, Henry had been an absentee father, almost never caring for Billy. A man with zero parenting experience had the audacity to lecture a mother who had raised a child for over six years–about how to care for our son.
From that day, I’d firmly told myself: Henry had been as good as non–existent as a husband for six years, so he had no place in Billy’s life now either.
That’s why when I left for Denver, I’d only told Betty, entrusting Billy to her care.
In my mind, leaving Billy with Henry would be the height of irresponsibility.
So when I heard that Billy was now with Henry, I nearly lost it.
“Sweetheart, didn’t we agree? You were supposed to stay with Godmother, not go to Daddy’s. Why did you break your promise to Mommy?”
In that moment, I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle Henry! What the hell was that man thinking?
Once upon a time, Billy had always listened to me. Now, my child was disobeying me–this had to be Henry’s influence! That damn man!
Seeing my expression darken, Billy quickly tried to smooth things over. “Don’t be angry, Mommy! Getting angry gives you wrinkles, and then you won’t be pretty anymore. What happened was, Godmother was supposed to pick me up, but she got sick and wasn’t feeling well. So I called Daddy instead! I didn’t think he’d actually come, but he picked up right away and came to get me!”
Billy seemed genuinely pleased with Henry’s immediate response. Hearing Billy’s explanation, my anger subsided somewhat. “What’s wrong with Godmother?”
My son shook his head. “She just said her tummy hurt, but that she’d be okay.”
As a woman, I immediately understood Betty’s situation.
Suddenly, the screen shifted, and Henry’s ridiculously handsome face appeared. He wore a white button–down shirt, the right sleeve rolled up to reveal his lean forearm, marred by a pinkish scar that twisted like an earthworm along his skin.
He had always been perfect. Now, that ugly scar ruined the elegant lines of his forearm.
Seeing that jagged mark, all the angry words I’d prepared died on my lips.
That scar was the price he’d paid for saving me.
Looking at that long, ugly line and remembering how he’d shielded me that day, I felt a lump form in my throat. Henry must have cared for me at some point, right?
Otherwise, why would he have taken that blow/meant for me?
“So you’re on a business trip? His first words carried unmistakable displeasure.
When Billy had called him earlier to be picked up from school, Henry had been shocked. He’d immediately asked: “Where’s your mother?”
The child didn’t know exactly where I’d gone, only that I was traveling for work. Henry had ordered James to investigate, quickly discovering my destination: Denver.
1/2
Chapter 352
I had gone to Denver with Alexander without so niuch as a word.
Two single adults traveling together, with Alexander’s obvious interest in me….
To Henry, this spelled disaster.
“Mmm, yes,” I replied dismissively, not engaging with his anger.
Henry’s irritation visibly grew at my casual response.
Through gritted teeth, he asked: “With Alexander? Just the two of you?”
When he first asked, I felt like I’d been caught cheating. Then I remembered–we were divorced, and I didn’t need to explain my schedule to an ex–husband!
I straightened my back and looked coldly at the screen. “Yes! He’s single, I’m single–what’s the problem?”
Seeing my defiance, Henry’s anger boiled over. “Sophia, you abandon your son at home while you run off to Denver for a romantic getaway with your lover? Is that appropriate?” His voice rose. “Have you considered how your son feels?” Another pause. “You’re neglecting your child for a
man?
If Billy hadn’t been nearby, if Henry hadn’t been concerned about the impact on our child, the words coming out of his mouth would have been a hundred times worse.
Henry just couldn’t understand–why would Alexander and I travel together? What legitimate business could we possibly have? Alexander hadn’t even brought an assistant!
What else could be happening between two single adults who found each other attractive… besides sex?
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
<SHARE
