Chapter 4

“Are you okay?” His voice was low and deep and filled with concern. He had such an immense power, that I could not speak. I just gave him a nod. “Thank you.” Somehow, I managed to utter the word and he unwrapped his arm from around my waist and within a second, I felt cold. He did not say anything further and left. Although I don’t know the man was, but I had to admit, he looked older than Sebastian. He had a calm and mature charm, the kind that made people feel safe. In a way, he was even more attractive than Sebastian. Still, I had more important things to worry about. I thanked him for his help, but my mind was stuck on Jordan and everything that had happened and I turned my full attention to my son. A doctor walked over and gave us good news. “Jordan can be discharged today,” he said with a smile, “He is good to go.” He was saying, “Jordan, you have to be careful about what you eat, okay? Jordan smiled at the doctor and I let out a relieved breath. “Thank you, Doctor.” After I was done with the discharge process, I took Jordan home, hoping things would be better. But he refused to speak to me the entire ride. He stared out the window, arms crossed, ignoring me completely. By the time we arrived, I was exhausted. His silence, his attitude—it was too much. I turned to him and said firmly, “Jordan, this has to stop. I need to understand why you’re acting like this.” Jordan didn’t respond. He just looked down at his lap, pouting. I sighed, trying to stay calm. I knew where this was coming from. Children learn from the adults around them. And I had no doubt my mother-in-law had been filling his head with ideas. Catherine had never approved of me. To her, I was just a woman from a humble background, unworthy of marrying Sebastian. She had made it clear from the start that she thought I wasn’t good enough. And now, with Sebastian’s first love back in the picture, Jordan was drifting even further away from me. But if Sebastian wanted to be with Joey so badly, why was he still holding onto me? I pushed the thought away and focused on my son. Taking a deep breath, I gently said, “Jordan, on your birthday… I didn’t miss your party on purpose. Your grandmother was in the hospital, and I had to be with her.” Jordan’s eyes widened in shock. “Grandma was sick?” I nodded. “She needed me, Jordan. That’s why I wasn’t there.” He frowned, looking confused. “Then… why didn’t Dad tell me?” My heart ached at his question. Because Sebastian didn’t tell him the truth. He let Jordan believe I had abandoned him, while Joey swooped in and became the “perfect mom” in my place. Jordan looked down and muttered, “I was waiting for you, Mom.” His voice was small, and I could hear the sadness in it. “When my friends asked about you, I didn’t know what to say,” he continued. “I was embarrassed.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Oh, sweetheart…” “But then Joey came,” he went on, his eyes lighting up. “She’s so cool! All my friends think she’s amazing. She does everything so perfectly.” He hesitated, then looked at me with innocent eyes. “Mom… can you learn from Joey? Can you be a perfect mom too?” His words felt like a slap. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I wasn’t perfect. I knew that. But hearing it from my own son… it hurt more than I could describe. I couldn’t continue this conversation. Not now. I took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “Jordan, go get some rest, okay? We’ll talk later.” He nodded and went to his room. But inside, I was shaking. I stayed in the living room for a long time. My head was full of every single word that Jordan and Sebastian has said to me. On one hand, my son is drifting away and on other hand, my husband assures me that it is okay. Although I have no idea what he is doing behind my back. It feels like my home.. that I have built with so much love, it is crumbling. That evening, I was in the kitchen, preparing dinner when Sebastian came home. I didn’t turn to greet him. I couldn’t. My mind was too full of everything Jordan had said. But Sebastian, as always, made his presence known. He came up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. His breath was warm against my shoulder as he murmured, “Mmm… something smells good.” Usually, this kind of touch made me feel safe. But tonight, I felt nothing. I placed the knife down and turned around to face him. “Sebastian,” I said, my voice trembling. “Do I make you lose face?” He blinked in confusion. “What?” I swallowed hard. “Do I embarrass you?” His expression darkened. “Haley, what are you talking about?” I shook my head. “Jordan told me today that he was embarrassed when his friends asked about me. He said Joey was the ‘perfect mom.’ That he wished I could be more like her.” Sebastian frowned, running a hand through his hair. “Haley—” “Why didn’t you tell him the truth?” I interrupted. “Why didn’t you tell him I missed his birthday because I was taking care of your mother? Instead, you let him believe I just didn’t care.” “You want Joy to replace me faster, so you can found your new family sooner, right?” I pressed again. The sight of him made me furious instantly.