Chapter 5
“What did Lucian just say?”
Damien looked at our son in shock, like he needed to hear it again to believe it.
Was it because the little boy who used to cling to him had finally learned to keep his
distance?
I forced a bitter smile.
“He didn’t say anything.”
“Damien, the parent–teacher meeting’s about to start.”
I pulled my hand out of his and walked Lucian to the front with me.
Even after we sat down, I could still feel his eyes burning into my back.
But no matter how warm that gaze was, it couldn’t reach my heart.
The meeting started right on time.
I held Lucian close, hoping–for the first time–that the teacher’s voice would be firm and loud.
Loud enough to drown out the cozy chatter from that “happy little family” behind us.
The teacher called Lucian’s name and announced he’d been chosen as class president this
semester.
She invited him up to speak.
But he said no.
He didn’t want to stand on that stage.
Didn’t want to give a speech.
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Chapter 5
I knew why.
He couldn’t bear to see Damien sitting next to another kid like they belonged together.
He didn’t want to admit that his own dad would rather show up for someone else’s child
than let him call him “Dad” out loud.
After the meeting, I took Lucian to the office and filed his withdrawal paperwork.
We were just walking out the school gate when we ran into Damien.
He was standing by the curb, like he’d been waiting a while, holding a bag of cotton candy.
“You’re finally out. Let’s go home together.”
He offered the cotton candy to Lucian as he spoke.
Go home together.
It used to be what Lucian and I looked forward to the most.
Now it just sounded like a bad joke.
Lucian reached out and took the bag, his gloomy face finally lighting up with a little smile.
Seeing the hope in his eyes, I softened for a second-
Until Damien said:
“Isolde’s kid just transferred here. He didn’t get a chance to run for class rep before.”
“Maybe Lucian can let the teacher know he’s willing to step down. Give Dorian a shot.‘
Just like that, the air went cold.
Every gift came with a price tag.
Even this stupid bag of cotton candy.
“Sure thing, Mr. Damien.”
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At Parent Teacher Night, My Husband Took Another Boy’s Seat
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Chapter 5
It was Lucian who answered.
His eyes were red as he stuffed a piece into his mouth.
Damien’s gaze warmed a little and he reached out to take Lucian’s hand-
But then his phone rang.
It was Isolde.
“Damien, Dorian’s not feeling well. Can you come meet us now?”
Damien’s expression shifted immediately.
He turned and got in his car.
Right as the door shut, Lucian shouted:
“Dad!”
Damien froze, his hand still on the door.
He looked back at Lucian’s teary eyes.
After a long pause, he said,
“Be safe.”
This time, he didn’t tell him not to call him that.
But that was the last time Lucian ever would.
That night, Lucian and I packed our bags and booked a flight overseas.
We never mentioned Damien again.
And the living room light that used to stay on for him all night?
It would never be turned on again.
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Chapter 5
The next morning, Lucian and I left for the airport with our suitcases.
Boarded the plane.
Right before takeoff, I sent Damien one last message:
“I hope you’re happy.”
A second later, the quiet chat window blew up with notifications.
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