Chapter 0005

(Allison's POV)

"Allie." A soft shiver ran down my spine as I heard him call me that. It had been six years since he last used that name, and it still sounded so different coming from his lips. I shook my head slightly, reminding myself that this was the man who shattered my heart and nearly ruined me.

He stared at me, shock written all over his face. I knew I needed to leave, but as soon as I turned away, Scott rushed forward and grabbed my wrist. His grip was warm—just as it used to be. But I refused to let myself fall for him again.

I pulled my hand free. "What do you want?" I asked, feigning ignorance. His jaw dropped slightly, but what did he expect? That I’d fall back into his arms after everything he did to me?

"Allie… it’s me, Scott," he said, his voice uncertain, as if I needed reminding who he was—my ex-boyfriend, the man I once loved.

"I know it’s you, Scott. But what gives you the right to grab my hand like that?" I replied, my voice sharp. Guilt flickered inside me, but I quickly reminded myself of how easily he abandoned me and our unborn child to run off to London with another woman.

I wondered briefly why he was back in California. Didn’t he marry the woman he left me for? But that was none of my business.

Scott sighed. "How have you been, Allie?"

I smiled, not out of warmth but to show him I had moved on. "I’m doing great. And if you don’t mind, I have somewhere important to be. I don’t want to waste my time."

The look on his face told me he didn’t expect my bluntness. Six years ago, I would’ve acted sweet and naive around him. Maybe it was silly of me, but I was deeply in love.

"You’ve changed so much, Allie," he whispered, as if trying to coax out the person I used to be. But that side of me died the moment he left me.

"People change, Scott," I said coldly. "And when they do, you can’t expect them to stay the same. Have a nice day, Mr. Scott." I turned to leave again, but his next words stopped me in my tracks.

"How’s our child doing?"

My feet halted, and my blood boiled. I’ve been trying to stay civil, but he had crossed the line. How dare he ask about the child he’d demanded I get rid of?

I turned back to him, anger evident on my face. He must have noticed because he looked away briefly. "Which child are you asking about, Scott?" I spat. "The one you happily accepted or the one you heartlessly asked me to get rid of?"

"Allie—"

"We don’t have a child, Scott!" I interrupted, my voice sharp and unyielding.

"I just want to know how our child is doing," he said softly, his eyes scanning me. "It’s obvious you didn’t go through with it." His gaze lingered, and I felt his scrutiny. I had gained a little weight after giving birth to Liam, and memories of the difficult delivery came flooding back, fueling my anger.

"Yes, I didn’t get rid of the baby like you wanted," I shot back. "And my son is doing just fine. He has a father who loves him!"

The words spilled out before I could stop them.

"You’re married?" Scott asked, his voice cracking. He looked at me as if he had expected me to be waiting for him all this time.

I had moved on emotionally, but there was no man in my life. Still, since I had already claimed that Liam has a father, I had to stick to my story.

"What did you expect, Scott? That I’d still be sulking over you?" I paused, then added firmly, "I’m engaged. I’m getting married to the love of my life soon."

The lie rolled off my tongue before I could second-guess it. I saw the hurt on Scott’s face as he stared at me. But why should I care? He chose to leave me for another woman.

His feelings weren’t my concern. Whether my engagement was real or not didn’t matter—Scott didn’t deserve the truth. "I have to go now. My fiancé is waiting for me." I walked out on Scott, who still looked shocked at hearing about my engagement.

When I got to my car, I let out the breath I had been holding while talking to him. It was wrong to lie about being engaged, but with that lie planted in his mind, he wouldn’t try to meddle in my life—or Liam’s. Liam didn’t need a father like him.

Letting out another deep sigh, I drove to Liam's school. The moment he saw me, he ran and jumped into my arms. "Did you miss Mummy?" I asked, smiling.

"Yes, I did. My teachers are nice, but you’ll always be the best," he said with a grin.

I ruffled his hair, smiling back at him. "Mummy, are you okay?" Liam asked, his little voice filled with concern. He always noticed when I was upset or happy.

Scooping him up from the ground, I smiled again, refusing to let the thoughts of Scott drag me down. "I’m fine, Liam," I assured him. We got into the car, and I drove him home.

The launch day for my clothing line arrived a few days later. Aunt Hilda and my brother Alex came to support me, and Liam was there too, helping in his own little way.

I felt so proud. It seemed like only yesterday I was planning this company, and now it was finally happening. Celebrities and models were present, eagerly asking when I’d be ready to design for them.

"Congratulations, Allie," came a voice behind me while I was chatting with some guests. I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Scott. The last thing I wanted was for my aunt or brother to see him. They despised Scott for what he had done to me, and they’d be furious if they knew I had interacted with him.

Forcing a smile at the guests, I turned to Scott, who smiled warmly at me. I shot him a deadly glare before grabbing his hand and leading him out of the hall to avoid bumping into Aunt Hilda or Alex.

"What the heck are you doing here?" I hissed once we were out of sight.

“I came to congratulate you on your clothing line’s launch,” he replied. "This has been your dream, and I’m glad you achieved it. Congratulations, Allie. I could always be a shareholder in your company," he added with a smile.

I scoffed angrily. Was he trying to show off now that he was wealthy? "I don’t need your support. My company stands on its own. You’re not needed here, so leave!"

"I don’t think you really want me to leave, Allie," he said, smiling as he gestured for me to look down. That’s when I realized I was still holding his hand. Embarrassed, I dropped it immediately.

"There. You have your hand back. Now leave," I snapped, but Scott didn’t move.

"Where’s your fiancé?" he asked, his tone laced with doubt. For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. Deep down, I knew I didn’t have one.

"He’s busy with work, which is why he couldn’t make it," I lied, hoping it would get him to leave.

"You’re lying. You don’t have a fiancé," Scott smiled.

"You think I’m lying?” I snapped." Then what do you have to say about this?” I held up my hand, showing him the ring on my finger. I had bought it in anticipation of Scott questioning my nonexistent fiancé.

The smile on his face vanished, replaced with sadness. I felt a sense of satisfaction at my decision to wear the ring, just in case.

"You weren’t lying," he said quietly, locking his blue eyes on mine. I quickly looked away, afraid I might fall for him again—just like six years ago.

"I am engaged, Scott. So leave."

Scott opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, a familiar voice interrupted. "Mummy!" Liam screamed, running toward me.

Panic surged through me. This was a disaster. I had never wanted Liam to cross paths with Scott. "Mummy, I’ve been looking all over for you. What are you doing here?" Liam asked.

Before I could answer, his eyes fell on Scott. "Mummy," he said with a bright smile I had never seen before, "Is he my daddy?"