#Chapter 60: Secrets Decided

Liam’s POV The morning sun filters through the windshield as I drive William to school. The radio’s on, playing softly in the background, but the weight in the car feels heavier than usual. I glance at William in the rearview mirror. He’s unusually quiet today, which isn’t like him. Normally, he’d be chatting nonstop about school or asking what we’ve got planned for the weekend, but today? Silence. I stop at a red light, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel. Something’s off. “You okay, bud?” I ask, turning my head slightly. “You’re awfully quiet this morning.” William doesn’t answer right away, his legs swinging back and forth as if he's deep in thought. Finally, he speaks, and his question hits me like a sucker punch. “Are you gonna stop being my dad?” For a second, I forget how to breathe. I shift in my seat, turning to face him fully. “What? Why would you even ask that?” William shrugs, his eyes fixed on the cars passing outside. “Because… you’re spending a