"Mommy?"My head snapped towards the direction of the living room when I heard Marco's voice. I dropped the kitchen knife on the countertop and got out of the kitchen as I wipe my hands. Marco stood by the stairway, his backpack on his hands."Yes, baby?" I approached him and give him a kiss on the cheek. I couldn't help but notice the cast of dark shadown on his face. His eyes are hollow, his lips turned into a slight frown. Under the florescent light, he looks a lot like his father that no DNA test is needed to prove it."Daddy said that he'd drive me to school..." he muttered through a pout. "But he didn't come home last night."It was as though my heart eloped from my chest. I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn't find any words. Instead, I reached for his shoulders and pulled him in to an embrace. My fear is slowly becoming reality. All these time, what I really intend to do is to protect Marco from harm and give him the best life I was deprived of while growing up. I promise
My breath got caught in my throat. I stared at him in disbelief. "What?" I almost whispered, my voice barely audible above the pounding of my own heart. "You... you can't be serious."But Marcus's expression remained unchanged, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. "I am serious, Samantha," he said, his voice firm."I want my son, and I'll do whatever it takes to get him."And as I stood there, my mind reeling with shock and disbelief, I realized that the battle for my son was only just beginning—a battle that would test my strength and resilience in ways I could never have imagined.With a sinking feeling in my chest, I knew that the road ahead would be long and treacherous, filled with obstacles and challenges. But I knew that I would stop at nothing to protect my son—to keep him safe from the man who had once held my heart in his hands.Because in the end, the bond between me and Marco, a mother and her child, is stronger than any betrayal, any heartache, any obstacle
The days that followed were a whirlwind as I frantically searched for legal advice to counter Marcus's custody petition for our son, Marco. Anxiety gnawed at me with each passing hour, threatening to overwhelm me.I had always prided myself on being independent, but now I felt vulnerable and isolated. The idea of losing Marco filled me with dread. I knew I had to fight with all my strength.“Mr. Harper,' I began, my voice shaking with both fear and resolve, I've been seeking your guidance for days, trying to navigate the legal complexities surrounding my son's case.”Mr. Harper, a seasoned professional exuding quiet confidence, sat back in his chair, his gaze fixed on me. “Ms. Monte Verde, I understand the seriousness of your situation. Marcus's custody filing has turned your world upside down.”“I'm scared, Mr. Harper,” I admitted, my voice barely audible. “I can't bear the thought of losing Marco. He means everything to me.”Mr. Harper's demeanor softened, a glimmer of compassion in
As he turned and left, the sound of his footsteps reverberated through the quiet house. I stood there, watching him depart, my heart weighed down by a jumble of feelings. I couldn't help but reminisce about the days when Marcus was a lively and joyful child, his laughter echoing through our home. The guilt consumed me as I thought about the sacrifices Marcus had made for my sake. He had endured countless sleepless nights and shed endless tears, all because I had prioritized my son's safety over his happiness. Now, I had to confront the repercussions of my choices.Despite the guilt and regret, a spark of anger still lingered within me. Marcus had also betrayed me by getting involved with Sofia and getting her pregnant. Although his actions stemmed from desperation, they had inflicted immense pain upon me."It's unjust," I murmured to myself."Why must I bear the weight of our mistakes alone?"Elijah's sudden appearance caught me off guard. I glanced at him as he stood there with a bo
Marcus POVIn the dim twilight of my once-beloved home, I found myself engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. My heart weighed heavy with a mixture of sorrow and determination. With trembling hands, I carefully packed my belongings, each item serving as a silent reminder of the shattered dreams scattered across the floor.Betty, our faithful maid, approached me cautiously, her eyes filled with concern."Sir Marcus, where are you headed?"I swallowed hard, the taste of betrayal lingering on my tongue. "I am leaving for Sofia."Her jaw dropped in shock. "Sofia? But... why?"Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for the inevitable confrontation."I am going to be a father to her child."A mixture of pity and understanding softened Betty's gaze. "I know things have been difficult between you and Madam Samantha, but surely there must be another solution...""No, Betty," I interrupted, my voice weary beyond my years. "I cannot bear to witness her with Elijah in this house any longer. It is
I embraced Marco tightly, cherishing the moment. I had longed for him so deeply. He meant the world to me."Daddy, can we come home with you?" Marco inquired.I paused briefly. I was aware that Samantha might not approve of me taking Marco without her consent. However, I couldn't stand the idea of being separated from him any longer."Of course, sweetheart," I replied. "We'll go home with Daddy."I lifted Marco into my arms and headed towards my car. Betty trailed behind, wearing a worried expression."Sir Marcus, are you certain this is wise?" she questioned."Madam Samantha may not be pleased.""I know," I acknowledged."But I can't bear to be apart from my son any longer."Betty reluctantly nodded."I understand," she conceded."Just please be careful, Sir.""I appreciate it, Betty," I expressed my gratitude."Where are we headed, Daddy?"he inquired, his voice gentle and drowsy."We're going to the park, Marco," I responded."Remember, the place where we used to have fun?"A wide s
Samantha's expression softened briefly, then hardened again."You had your chance, Marcus. You chose to walk away. Now, you must accept my decision to move forward with my life.""Move on? By leaving and taking my son away from me?" I exclaimed, feeling a surge of panic."And you expect me to respect that?""Yes,"she responded, her tone flat. "Elijah and I have a great opportunity in another country with my job, and we're taking it.""You can't just take him away!" I argued."Marco is my son. I can't bear to lose him!""You've already lost him since I have custody," Samantha stated."Now, it's time for you to move forward," I stated firmly."Marco is my son. He's a part of me," I emphasized."He's also a part of me," Samantha countered."And I'm his mother. I have the right to make decisions about his life," I asserted."But it's not fair!" I protested once again."I love him just as much as you do," I pleaded."That may be true," Samantha acknowledged, "but it doesn't change the fact
In that moment of despair, I found a twisted solace in Sofia's arms. Despite the fact that she was already three months pregnant, I sought comfort in her embrace, desperate for a connection that could ease the pain Samantha had given me.As we made love, a mix of resentment and anger toward Samantha fueled my passion. I couldn't fathom how she could so easily cast me aside, denying me the right to be a father to my own child.But even as I sought solace in Sofia's arms, I knew it was a hollow victory. The love and bond I shared with Marcos was irreplaceable, and nothing could truly fill the void that Samantha's decision had created.As the night wore on, I lay awake, haunted by thoughts of my son. How would he grow up without a father? Would he resent me for not fighting harder for him? Questions swirled through my mind, leaving me with a sense of hopelessness.The morning after our night of passion and regret hit me like a ton of bricks. Waking up to the feeling of nakedness, my body