Chapter 13%
I woke up with a pounding hangover but dragged myself out of bed to get ready. Lorde’s leaving the hospital today, and I had to attend a launch party for a new Supreme Court project.
I moved quickly, and once I was ready, I headed straight to the car.
“To the hospital,” I told the driver.
I texted Matthew and Allan to cover for me, I am staying with Lorde today, determined to dig deeper into the damn poison.
I remembered telling Hestia about our son’s condition, and getting no response. She was still in the country, yet hadn’t even tried to visit. Was she really that cold? That angry?!
I opened our chat, ready to fire off angry words at her until I saw the last message. It wasn’t about the poisoning. It was me accusing her of planning to remarry right after our divorce.
“Shit!” I cursed, slamming my palm against the back of the driver’s seat.}
I wanted to hurl my phone out of frustration. How could I lose control like that? That message either pushed her farther away or fed her ego, making her think I was jealous, or worse, that I still wanted her.
I was in a sour mood by the time I entered Lorde’s hospital room. It only eased a little when I saw my son sitting with slumped shoulders, staring into space while Beverly quietly packed his things.
I took a moment to calm my nerves before approaching him. Yes, son. I didn’t bring your mother. I’m sorry, I wanted to lead with that.”
But all I got was a cold stare.
“Son…” I called softly. “How are you feeling?“}
“Starving. Weak.”
The way he answered told me everything, he wasn’t happy to see only me. Starving meant he still wanted his mother. He still hoped I’d keep my promise.
“I’m sorry, son. Your Mommy still-”
“It’s fine,” he cut me off, already taking off his hospital robe.
I swallowed hard. His coldness hit me like a slap.
“If she really doesn’t want to come back, then don’t force her. I won’t ever need her,” he said, his voice trembling as the words slipped from his lips.
Beverly quickly chimed in. “That’s right, love. Besides, why would you need her when Aunt Beverly is always here for you, right?“}
I expected him to answer her, but he just kept scowling.
I let out a sigh. “Tell me what you want to do today. Do you want to eat somewhere? How about we buy all the toys you want?” I offered, hoping to ease his disappointment. “Dad has all his time for you today.“>
He looked at me with hopeful eyes. For a moment, I felt like I could pull him out of the sadness he was drowning in because of her absence.”
“As many as I want?” he asked, trying to hide the small smile forming on his lips.
“Of course,” Beverly answered before I could. “We can even visit a theme park. Would you like that?“}
I shot her a glare. We didn’t have time for that.}
“We’ll try that tomorrow. But for now, let’s buy you all the toys you want,” I said, stepping in and taking my son’s hand.
He nodded quickly. “Why would I need Mommy when I have you and Aunt, right?” he said with a smile, but his eyes betrayed him.§
I could still see it, his craving for her attention, her presence. Hestia was torturing our son, and I was starting to hate her more because of
it.&
Thankfully, I had the day off. I tried to make his day less miserable. He seemed satisfied with the toys, clothes, and watches I bought him. He didn’t mention his mother again.
“We have to go home now. Dad has an important party to attend,” I told him.”
My son looked at me with wide eyes.”
“Can I come with you, Lucian?” Beverly asked while holding Lorde.
“Dad, can I buy some jewelry? Just once?” my son cut in.”
I saw Beverly grimace at that. I ignored it. I didn’t need anyone as a date tonight. I could handle myself.
“Sure, baby,” I said, then looked at Beverly. “Stay with Lorde. He needs to be taken care of.”
She didn’t get a chance to respond, my son was already pulling her along. I followed them until they stopped at a high–end boutique.
“Rose gold earrings and bracelets, please,” I heard Lorde say.
“For a woman, young sir?” the staff asked.
“Yes, of course,” he answered proudly.
I watched from the doorway, hands in my pockets, wondering who he was buying for. Beverly was smiling ear to ear, pointing at the jewelry displayed in front of him.
“Would you buy something for me too?” I heard her ask.
My son said something in a low voice I didn’t catch, but whatever it was made Beverly’s face drop in disappointment.”
Unwanted Subetinge Luna
10
10:38 AM
He pointed at three pieces, and I paid for them. He was happily swinging the paper bags containing the jewelry. That was all he wanted to hold onto.&
“Is that for you?” I asked him
He shook his head and smirked. “For someone I love,” he said with a shrug.
I stopped walking as the two of them continued toward the car. I narrowed my eyes.
Was that for his mother?N
My jaw clenched.N
Hestia… my son is still thinking about you, even after you ignored him.
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