CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: Men In Desperation

CARTER’S POV:

Sammy’s babysitters stand fearfully and guilty at the edge of the room.

"Hazel has probably read my love letter to her by now. Bring her to me too, and I'll give your families back to you,” I say.

Without words, the babysitters hurry out of my ‘hideout’ to fulfill my demand.

I turn my attention to Sammy who makes my heart swell with love and joy. His initial fear of my scarred appearance fades away, replaced by the familiar giggles and playful energy we once shared.

The thoughts of Marius, having this moment, ignites a smoldering anger within me. He has no right to act like Sammy’s father. It’s only my right alone.

My family will be complete again, and I’ll help Hazel rebuild my… I mean, our company.

I kiss Sammy’s forehead, then whispers, "You'll see your mother soon, and we'll be very happy."

I gently lay Sammy down on my bed as he drifts to sleep, covering him with a blanket.

He’s my carbon copy; every contour of his face is me. But when I look at myself in the cr