Chapter 26%
“Mom, it’s so dangerous for you to be out there alone. What if something happens again? Maybe… maybe you should come back. Dad
“No.” Nick’s voice cut him off before he could finish, “You can talk to her, but leave me out of this.”
Jayden went silent for a moment, probably caught between loyalty and frustration. He gave up on trying to push that subject and instead started talking about everyday things–his school, what he’d had for dinner, a show he’d watched. It was casual, meaningless chatter, but he poured his heart into it like he was trying to keep me on the line with sheer willpower.
I gave him half–hearted replies, not really sure what to say. But he didn’t seem to mind. He just kept talking, chattering away like a little bird. It reminded me of when he was younger–when I found out someone at school had called him a bastard without a mother. I’d marched straight to that kid’s parents, made sure they knew exactly what kind of damage their words could do and then came home and held Jayden all night. I read him stories, tried to make him laugh. He had babbled on back then too, like he was desperate to drown out the silence with sound.
Funny how the world tums. Back then, I gave him my all and he barely noticed. Now, it’s his turn–talking and talking, trying to win me back without even realizing he’s doing it.
Nick didn’t say a word the whole time, but I knew he was nearby, listening. Once or twice, I could feel him on the edge of speaking, like his breath was caught behind unsaid words. But he never did.
Jayden and I talked until well past midnight. Eventually, I was too exhausted to keep going and gently hung up. The next morning. I decided to get some fresh air. But as soon as I stepped out of the hotel and rounded the corner, I saw them.!
Nick and Jayden, Standing just a few feet away.
Jayden saw me first and lit up like it was Christmas morning. He sprinted over and threw his arms around me. “Mom! You’re here! We’ve been waiting for you forever“2
I frowned and looked past him to Nick. “Why did you bring him here?”
“I needed to talk to you,” Nick replied with a sigh, “but he insisted on coming along. I didn’t have a choice.”
I didn’t argue. I brought Jayden back to my hotel room to keep him out of the conversation and then I followed Nick to a nearby café.
We sat across from each other, coffee between us, the weight of unfinished conversations hanging in the air. I met his gaze and said flatly, “Okay. Say what you came to say.”
He didn’t hesitate.
“About what you asked me last night… I’ve been thinking about it. And I want to tell you, seriously, that my answer hasn’t changed. I still want to be with you.” His voice was steady, but I could tell it cost him something to say the next part. “I know I’ve always had a big ego. hate being judged, hate being seen as anything less than perfect. And I’ve held my partners to those same standards. But people aren’t perfect. I get that now, I can’t change the past and maybe I’ll never get over all of it. But I do know this–I love you. And even if something really did happen last night I’d still choose you ”
He leaned in a little. If anyone dares speak against you, I shut them down myself.”
I looked at him for a long time. His face was open, eamest, even a little hopeful. And yet, all I could do was let out a soft sigh. “And then what?” I asked quietly.
That seemed to catch him off guard. He blinked, clearly not expecting that response. “What do you mean?“}
“I mean, what’s next?” I clanfied, voice calm but firm. “What exactly are you asking from me?”
Nick shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I’m saying I want you back. I don’t want a divorce. I want us to be together again.”
He reached across the table, trying to take my hand. I pulled away before he could touch me
His expression crumpled, but I stayed steady. “Nick,” I said softly, “you already know I only married you because of the agreement with your mother. I never loved you Everything I did for you and Jayden… it wasn’t love–it was gratitude. I was repaying a debt. And even if you truly don’t care what happened last night.. it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t love you.”
His face went pale, like I’d slapped him. He sat frozen, the words clearly hitting harder than he thought they would. By the time he started to recover, I had already stood up and walked outl
Back at the hotel, I found Jayden curled up on the couch. I handed him the toy I’d picked up for him on the way back and sat beside him.
“Jayden,” I said gently. “Tm leaving for another country. I need you to be good and stop giving your dad a hard time.”
He stiffened instantly, clutching the toy tighter. “But Dad said you were gonna stay with me. Why are you leaving again? Can’t you stay? i know I messed up before. I’m sorry, Mom. Til be better–I promise. I won’t hurt you again.“\
3.19 PM &
