Chapter 53

~Charlotte

I woke up from Ephraim's room, my heart heavy with guilt and shame.

"Mummy, why are you angry?" Ephraim's sweet voice asked. "Is my daddy stressing you?"

I smiled at him, trying to hide my pain. "No, sweetheart," I said, ruffling his hair. "I'm just tired, that's all."

But Ephraim knew me too well, just a few months of playing mother to him was enough for him to have learnt more about me.

"Are you sure, mummy?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

I closed my eyes, tears threatening to fall.

"I'm sure, sweetheart," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm just...I'm just struggling with something."

Ephraim wrapped his arms around me, his small body warm against mine. "I'm sorry, mummy," he said, his voice full of concern. "Can I help you?"

I smiled, my heart breaking as I held him close. "No, baby," I said, my voice thick with tears. "You just keep being your beautiful, perfect self."

My heart was full of love for Ephraim, but it was also filled with guilt and shame. I knew