chapter 28

Chapter 28

"What did you just say?" Henry's eyes flared up in anger.

"I just told you the truth, Sir Henry! I heard everything you told my mom that day. You don't love me, so stop pretending!" Daniel blurted out.

"Wow! Such a brilliant kid. I'm happy you know it. Now that you know it, avoid me! I'm not your father and will never be. Even if I succeed in marrying your mom, I'm going to make sure I throw you away. Like, dump you in the trash can!" Henry jibbered, giggling.

"I know all your plans. I will tell my mommy about it, just wait and watch!" Daniel blurted.

"We'll see about that, kiddo!" Henry smirked.

"What's going on here?" Alisha showed up from behind.

"Mommy, he was telling me that he..." Henry cut him off. "We were only having a man-to-man discussion. It's nothing important. Daniel, isn't it?" Henry faked a smile.

Daniel nodded while glaring hatefully at him.

"Be a good boy, Daniel. Don't tell mummy what we discussed; Mummy does not need to know everything that happens, okay?" Daniel nodded.

Alisha's POV:

Immediately I walked in, Henry stopped what he was saying.

He kept telling my boy to be a good boy.

I could tell something was wrong. Why was he telling my son not to tell me what he told him?

I watched as he walked into the room, and then I took Daniel by the hands, taking him to his room.

I helped him change into his nightwear after assisting him with his bath.

He jumped into the bed and then lay on my chest.

"Tell me, Mom, do you love Uncle Henry?" My eyes widened at his question.

"Uncle Henry?"

"Don't lie to me, Mom. I know he's not your husband, neither is he my dad. Stop lying to me, Mom. I'm no longer a kid," his voice sounded pitiful yet serious.

"How did you know? Tell me, what did he say to you?" I asked.

"Don't ignore my questions, Mom. Tell me, do you have feelings for Uncle?"

"No, I don't. He's like a friend to me. Now tell me, since when did you find out he's not your dad? Don't lie to me."

"Well, for over a year now. I found out on my third birthday. I was standing at the door when he was confessing his love for you. I heard him say he'd accept me as his, even though I wasn't his. I just played along all this while. You know, before I found out, I also suspected I was not his son with the way he treats me. He's only nice to me whenever you are around. Please, Mom, promise me you'll never reciprocate his feelings. I'm not telling you to go back to my wicked dad. You can choose someone else other than him. Please, Mom." This is the first time he'd be saying such a thing to me. I'm still trying hard to figure out what he told him that would make him say such a thing to me.

"It's okay, dear. I don't and will never love him. I've told you before that I don't love him, and I still stick to that. Relax, okay? I ruffled his hair fondly.

"I love you, baby. Have that in mind." I kissed his forehead.

"I love you too, Mommy. More than you can imagine," he hugged me, curling himself into my chest.

When I was sure that he was asleep, I gently laid him on the bed and then got up.

***

I knocked on the door for the second time.

"I'm here," Henry opened the door.

"Alisha? You are here? Come inside," he opened the door wide, gesturing me to come in, but I refused by simply shaking my head. The last time I went into his room, I knew what happened. He nearly raped me. Thank goodness I was smart enough to know what his next move would be. I wasn't going to take any chances. Not again.

"No. I'm fine standing outside."

"If you say so. Tell me, why did you knock on my door at this time of the night?"

"I know how you feel, Henry. But please don't treat my son like trash. Tell me if you are tired of us. We'll gladly leave." I could see him narrow his brow in confusion.

"What do you mean, Alisha? Have I offended you?" He blinked innocently. His pretense no longer works on me. After what he said to me the other day, I no longer regard him like I used to. It's obvious he's pained about my son being Darien's. But is it my fault? I'm also a victim like him. That's if he'd truly considered himself a victim.

"No, you have not. But my son. Remember you told me you'd accept me into your home regardless of me being pregnant? Don't change now, Henry. My son is innocent, Henry; he's not like his father. Don't vent out your anger on the poor boy; he's innocent."

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up, Alisha? You know I've always seen him as my kid. Tell me, what did he tell you?"

"He didn't say a word to me, Henry. I'm not a kid. I know when someone is not comfortable around another. Since you found out he's your brother's kid, you've changed completely. I only kept quiet the other day because we weren't at home. I'm not a kid, I repeat. I told you from day one everything that happened between your brother and me, and you still chose to accept me. Why are you suddenly acting all shocked when you've known everything from day one? What exactly is your plan, Henry?" I could see the shock on his face. He should be. I know he's always thought I had no idea of what he's been doing. Just like my kid, I've been playing along all this while.

"So you knew yet you acted like you didn't. Why are you treating me this way, Alisha? Is it a crime to love someone? All I've ever done was love you, but what did I get in return? I don't deserve this, Alisha; I don't!"

"I've told you this countless times, and I'm repeating it. I don't love you, Henry, and I will never love you!" I blurted then stormed out.