37
RAINA
Every day, I stayed by Liam’s side, watching over him, speaking softly as he recovered. And every day, Nathan was there too, a constant presence that steadied me when everything else felt overwhelming. Letting me know that he was here to stay.
One afternoon, as Liam dozed peacefully, Nathan reached for my hand. His touch was gentle, almost hesitant, like he was asking for permission.
“You’ve been running on fumes,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “I don’t think you’ve stopped to breathe in weeks.”
I glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at my lips despite my exhaustion. “Mothers don’t get breaks,” I said, trying the mood.
hten
He didn’t laugh. His expression was serious, his dark eyes boring into mine. “I’m not just talking about today, Raina. I see how much you carry–your kids, your past, even the guilt that shouldn’t even be yours to bear.”
I blinked, caught off guard by the weight of his words.
“I care about you,” he continued, his voice steady. “More than anything else going on around us. And I know your life is complicated–hell, mine isn’t exactly simple either–but I’m here, Raina. I’m not going anywhere.”
The sincerity in his tone sent my heart racing.
He exhaled slowly, like he was gathering his courage. “I want to make my intentions clear. I don’t just want to be the guy who hangs around when things are hard. I want to be the man in your life. I want to date you, pursue you–be with you.”
I stared at him, the weight of his confession hitting me like a tidal wave. My pulse thundered in my ears, but somehow, I managed to nod. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice shaky but sure.
Nathan’s lips curved into a slow smile, one that lit up his entire face. “You won’t regret this,” he said, his voice filled with quiet determination.
And just like that, I had a boyfriend.
A man I could finally call mine, and Nathan seemed determined to prove just how much he wanted me in his life. Every day, he found ways to show me his devotion.
Not that it erased the fear lingering deep within me. I’d once thought life with Alex was perfect too. In the beginning, he’d been charming, attentive, and everything I thought I wanted in a partner. But those illusions had shattered quickly, leaving me to grapple with the reality of who Alex really was–and the worst mistake I’d ever made in marrying him.
I didn’t know much about Nathan enough to vouch that he was nothing like Alex. I couldn’t help but notice the similarities that sent warning bells ringing in the back of my mind.
His protective side? Alex had been like that too when we first met possessive even, though hadn’t recognized it for what it was at the time. And the way Nathan stared at me, like I was the only person in the roon, could almost make me forget to keep my guard up.
Almost.
I wasn’t going to stop myself from enjoying this ride. I deserved happiness, and Nathan seemed genuine in his intentions. But I vowed to bolt at the first sign of red flags. I would never make the same mistake twice–just because I wanted true love.
I pushed the door to Liam’s room open, taking in the space I’d sport the past week preparing. Over the days, I’d made sure the Housekeeper followed every instruction to the letter. Toys were neatly arranged on the shelves, colorful and inviting. The walls were adorned with decals of Liam’s favorite characters, and a soft lue comforter covered the bed, waiting to wrap him up in warmth and comfort.
Ava had been just as excited as I was. Our conversation about Liam’s arrival had gone surprisingly well. She’d asked thoughtful questions, her little face lighting up every time I explained how she could help welcome her brother. It warmed my heart to see her so involved, so ready to share her world with him.
It was safe to say everyone was excited for Liam’s homecoming, but none more than Ava. She’d been the only child in the house for so long, often playing on her own or shadowing me when I was home. Now, with her brother coming, she wouldn’t have to feel so alone. She’d have a playmate, a partner in her little adventures.
The thought made me smile, already imagining the laughter that would soon fill the room. I turned to see Ava came bounding in, her arms full of toys and her face lit up with excitement.
“Mommy, can we keep these here for Liam?” she asked, her voice bright and eager.
I smiled, kneeling down beside her. “Of course we can, sweetheart. He’s going to love playing with you.”
Together, we set up the toys, Ava chatting excitedly about all the games she planned to play with her brother. Her joy was infectious, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel hopeful about the future.
When we went downstairs, Ava tugged on my hand, her eyes bright with excitement. “Is Liam coming home today, Mommy?” she asked, clutching a small stuffed animal she had picked out for him.
I knelt to her level, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Not today, sweetheart,” I said gently. “Tomorrow morning. Would you like to come with me to pick him up?”
Ava’s face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. “Yes! I can’t wait to show him my toys!”
I smiled, leaning in to peck her cheek. “He’ll love that. You’re the best sister he could ask for.”
Later that evening, after dinner, I tucked Ava into bed, smoothing her blanket and kissing her forehead. “Goodnight, my love,” I whispered.
“Goodnight, Mommy,” she replied sleepily, already snuggling deeper into her pillows.
When I left her room, I finally checked my phone. A text from Nathan lit up the screen:
“Goodnight, beautiful. I hope you have the sweetest dreams. Can’t wait to see you again soon.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his words, warmth spreading through me.
That night, I lay awake in bed, unable to sleep. I should have been excited–after all, I was finally bringing my boy home–but a gnawing unease settled in my chest.
Alex.
The thought of him lingered in my mind, an unwelcome shadow I couldn’t shake. I knew he wasn’t done causing trouble, and the idea of him interfering with Liam’s return made my stomach churn.
The next morning, I arrived at the hospital with Ava and Dominic by my side, ready to bring Liam home. But when I opened the door to his room, my heart dropped.
The bed was empty.
Panic set in immediately, my chest tightening as a thousand worst case scenarios flashed through any mind. Had he been kidnapped?
I turned on my heel and bolted toward the reception, my mind racing with the worst possibilities. Frantic, I demanded answers from the nurse stationed nearby. “Where is my son?” I asked, myoice trembling with fear. “Why isn’t he in his room?”
The nurse looked startled, fumbling with her clipboard before answering. “His father picked him up this morning. They left just a few minutes ago.”
Her words hit me like a blow. Speechless, It cannot be. I stared at her, struggling to process what I’d just heard. He took Liam. Alex took him without telling me–without thinking about Liam’s needs or what this could do to him.
Anger surged through me, hot and unrelenting. What is wrong with him? How could he be so cruel, so selfish? Liam needed his mother, and Alex knew that. Yet he still took him, as if I didn’t matter at all.
Dominic’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. “Why didn’t anyone inform his mother before letting him leave?” he demanded, his tone cold and sharp.
The doctor nearby stepped forward, but even he didn’t have a proper answer. By then, I was already walking out of the hospital, my fists clenched and my jaw tight with rage.
“Raina!” Dominic called after me. I heard his hurried footsteps as he caught up, Ava perched in his arms. “Calm down. Liam back. Just breathe.”
il get
I turned to him, my voice trembling with fury. “How can you expect me to calm down, Dominic? He’s your nephew! You have a child. You should understand how utterly selfish and wrong this is!‘
Dominic hesitated, his expression conflicted, but I didn’t have time for reassurances. “We’ll get Liam back,” he said firmly. ” But you can’t just rush in blind-”
“Watch me,” I cut him off, climbing into the car.
Dominic sighed heavily as he followed, securing Ava in her seat before sliding behind the wheel. He gave me a long look.” Raina, are you sure about this?”
“If you’re not driving me to the Sullivan mansion,” I shot back, “I’ll find my own way there.”
Without another word, he started the engine.
The drive to Alex’s home felt like an eternity, my anger building with every passing second. By the time we arrived, I was practically vibrating with rage.
The house stood just as it always had–cold, imposing, and filled with memories I wanted to forget. Memories of arrogance, betrayal, and the pain I endured within those walls.
The last time I was here, I was in labor, desperate and heartbroken leaving everything behind for the sake of my kids.
Funny, wasn’t it?
I had walked away from this house to protect them. And now, here was again, back for Liam.
I tightened my fists, swallowing the lump in my throat, and pushed the heavy door open without knocking, my voice echoing through the grand hall as I shouted, “Alex! Get out here!”
I didn’t care about decorum or appearances. My son needed me, and I wasn’t leaving without him.
“Alex!” I yelled again, my voice cracking with emotion. “Where the hell are you? Face me, you coward!”
His voice, calm and infuriatingly smug, came from the top of the staircase. “I thought you’d be here sooner.”
I whipped around, my eyes locking onto him. He looked down at me with an infuriating smirk, and in that moment, I realized something I hadn’t wanted to admit.
Alex Sullivan was truly unhinged.
