Chapter 25
The fluorescent lights cast long shadows across the polished floors as I watched Ilenry’s tall figure stride ahead, our son cradled in his arms. Billy’s small hands were locked around his father’s neck, clinging as if afraid Henry might disappear at ony moment.
I trailed behind them, my heels clicking against the marble in an uneven rhythm as I tried to keep pace. The sight of them together made my chest ache. Where was Isabella? Wasn’t she supposed to be having another “emergency check–up? Why was Henry suddenly playing the devoted father Instead of rushing to her side?
Don’t fall for it, I warned myself. This is just another one of his genes.
“Mom!” Billy’s voice echoed down the corridor. “Can you walk faster? I’m hungry!”
My son’s words felt like tiny daggers in my heart. Five years, and this was the first time Henry had shown any interest in taking Billy to dinner. Of course my son would be excited, would want to rush toward this rare moment of paternal attention. But I knew better. I knew what Henry was really doing.
“Coming, sweetheart,” I called back, forcing myself to quicken my pace.
Billy beamed at Henry. “Daddy’s so strong! He can carry me forever!”
Henry’s lips curved in that perfect smile I’d never seen directed at me. “Is that right? And here I thought you were getting too big for this.”
“Never!” Billy declared, tightening his grip. “I’ll always want you to carry me, Daddy!”
“Always?” Henry’s voice held an unusual warmth. “Even when you’re as tall as me?”
Billy giggled, the sound echoing through the corridor. “Then I’ll carry you, Daddy! I’m going to be super strong, just like
you!”
“Is that so?” Henry adjusted his hold on Billy, his expensive suit wrinkling without his usual concern. “And what else are
you going to be when you grow up?”
“I want to be exactly like you! And I also want to be a doctor!” Billy’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “I want to make a lot of money and help a lot of people!” He paused, then added more softly, “And… and maybe we can have lunch together every day?”
The hope in my son’s voice was almost unbearable to hear. Henry’s response was measured, practiced. “We’ll see about that. But first, you need to study hard and make me proud. Can you do that?”
“I already study super hard!” Billy proclaimed. “Ask Mom! I get all A’s!”
Something in my chest cracked at the naked longing in my son’s voice. How many times had he watched other children with their fathers? How many times had he tried to hide his disappointment when Henry missed another school event, another birthday?
The walk to the parking garage felt endless. Henry’s luxury black sedan waited in the executive parking area, its sleek surface reflecting the harsh fluorescent lighting. Billy’s eyes went wide at the sight.
“Wow, Dad! Your car is so cool!”
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Chapter 25
Cooler than me? Henry asked, setting Billy down with unexpected gentleness.
“Yeah! I mean, no!” Billy quickly corrected himself, looking up Daddy’s the coolest man in the whole world!”
Henry with adoring eyes. “No, Daddy’s the coolest!
The security guard opened the car door, and Henry helped Billy Into the backseat. Our son immediately began exploring every button and compartment within reach, completely forgetting my existence.
“Are you a snail?” Henry’s mocking voice cut through my thoughts. “Or do you just enjoy wasting everyone’s time?”
I met his cold gray eyes. “I wish I were a snail. Then I wouldn’t get in the way of your precious time with Isabella.”
“Sophia.” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Billy is here. Control yourself.”
I bit back another retort and slid into the opposite side of the backseat, as far from Henry as possible. The leather was cool against my skin as I stared out the window, trying to ignore the animated conversation between father and son.
Twenty minutes later, we pulled up outside an expensive restaurant on Park Avenue. Before we could exit the car, Henry’s phone rang. The screen lit up with Isabella’s name, and my stomach twisted as he answered.
“Henry?” Isabella’s voice carried clearly through the speaker. “Why aren’t you coming with the doctor to check on me?” A pause, then more softly, “Did Grandpa say something again?”
“Something came up,” Henry replied, his voice gentle in a way I never heard him use with me. “I’m sorry I can’t be there.
“But I need you,” Isabella’s voice trembled perfectly. “I don’t feel well at all…”
“I had James pick out a necklace for you,” Henry cut in smoothly. “Consider it my apology.”
The change in Isabella’s tone was immediate. “Oh, Henry! You’re always so thoughtful. But promise you’ll come see me as
soon as you’re done?”
“Of course.” Henry’s voice was warm honey. “Be good and wait for me.”
“But Henry,” Isabella’s voice turned small and vulnerable, “the doctor says I might need more tests. I’m so scared to be
alone…”
“You’re not alone,” Henry assured her, his tone impossibly gentle. “The doctor will stay with you until I return. And Isabella? The necklace I chose… it matches your eyes perfectly.
“Oh, Henry,” she breathed, “you always know exactly what I need.”
After listening to their conversation, something inside me snapped. Sure enough, Henry let me down again. Without thinking, I grabbed Billy and turned to leave.
“Mom, no!” Billy began struggling in my arms. “I want Daddy! DADDY!”
“We’re going home,” I said firmly, but Billy only fought harder.
“NO! I want to eat with Daddy! Go back! I want Daddy!”
“Billy, listen to me!” The words burst out before I could stop them, sharp with five years of accumulated pain. “You don’t
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Chapter 25
have a father! Henry is not your father!”
The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I’d made a terrible mistake, Billy’s face crumpled, then hardened with a determination that looked to much like his father’s.
That’s not true!” he screamed, tears streaming down his face. have a Daddy! I want my Daddy!” His little hands pushed against me as he sobbed. “I don’t want Mommy! I WANT DADDY!”
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