INICIAR SESIÓN88~Velma’s POVTheron drove us home, and the ride was quiet except for the soft hum of the engine and Jaden’s occasional hums as he gazed out the window, lost in thought. When we got in, Theron didn’t waste a second. He took over everything, as if the world outside didn’t exist, and my well-being was the only thing that mattered.“You’re not lifting a finger,” he said firmly, but with a soft edge, as he pulled off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves.I smiled, leaning against the counter. “Are you sure you don’t need help?”He shook his head. “Nope. You watch and supervise, that’s your job tonight.”Jaden, bouncing on the balls of his feet beside him, giggled. “I want to stir! I’m a big chef!”“Careful,” Theron warned, handing him the wooden spoon. “This isn’t a toy.”“I’m careful!” Jaden said, puffing his chest out. “I’m super careful!”I laughed as Theron shook his head, and I watched him, utterly captivated, moving around the kitchen with that quiet confidence, directing both Jad
87~Dylan’s POVI was done.That was the clearest thought in my head as I pulled out of the school parking lot and merged onto the road. Done with Eva’s tears. Done with the scenes. Done with the way every conversation turned into a performance where I was the villain, no matter what I said or did.Ronan had waved at me before disappearing through the school gate, his backpack bouncing against his small frame. I had waved back, forcing a smile I did not feel, then watched until he was out of sight. Only then did I let my face harden.The car felt too quiet.I loosened my grip on the steering wheel, then tightened it again. My jaw ached from how long I had been clenching it. My mother’s voice from earlier still echoed in my head, sharp and accusing, layered over Eva’s crying and pleading. It was too much. It had been too much for a long time.I pulled my phone from the console and dialed my lawyer’s number.He picked up on the third ring. “Good morning, Dylan.”“Good morning,” I said,
86~Eva’s POVI woke up to the soft drag of fingers across my cheek.It was not rough and not hurried. It was gentle, almost careful, like someone afraid I might break if they pressed too hard.I stirred, my lashes fluttering as light filtered through the room. My head ached faintly, the dull reminder of the night before. When my eyes finally focused, the first thing I saw was her face.Dylan’s mother.She was sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed neatly as always, her hair perfectly arranged, her expression a mixture of concern and quiet authority. Her hand paused when she realized I was awake.“Good morning, my dear,” she said softly.I pushed myself upright quickly, my heart jumping. “Good morning, ma’am,” I replied, my voice hoarse from sleep and crying.Before I could fully sit up, she pulled me into her arms. The hug was firm, enveloping, and for a moment, I let myself melt into it. I buried my face against her shoulder, breathing in her familiar perfume.She pulled back sligh
85~Eva’s POV“You should start preparing your mind,” Dylan said, his voice flat. “This marriage is over. We’ll get a divorce.”I turned slowly, blinking once.He did not repeat himself. He just looked at me, calm in a way that felt cruel. “You heard me.”I scoffed, a short, sharp sound that surprised even me. “Oh. I heard you. You said it earlier.”He crossed his arms. “Good. Then focus on Ronan. That’s all that matters now.”Something ugly twisted in my stomach.“So that’s it?” I asked. “You say it like you’re telling me the weather.”“I’m not doing this again, Eva,” he replied. “No drama. No begging. Just… acceptance.”I laughed then. Not because it was funny, but because if I didn’t laugh, I might scream. “You think you can just drop this and walk away?”“I’m not walking away from my son,” he said immediately. “Don’t twist it.”I shook my head. “You’re unbelievable.”He glanced at his watch. “I’m done talking.”I straightened my shoulders and forced a smile that felt like it might
84~Eva’s POVI finally got home and moved on autopilot.Ronan’s shoes came off first, then his jacket, his chatter filling the space where my thoughts did not want to sit. I changed his clothes, slower than usual, smoothing the fabric as if it mattered more than it did. I fed him after. Watched him eat with the seriousness only children have, as if finishing his food was a responsibility entrusted to him alone. I smiled. Encouraged him. Told him he did well.Only then did I change my own clothes.We played for a while. On the floor. With toys, I had stepped over a hundred times without really seeing. He laughed. Climbed on me. Asked questions that went nowhere and everywhere at once. For a moment, just a moment, I forgot the smoke in the living room, the words Dylan had thrown earlier, the way the house always seemed to hold its breath around us.When it was time for him to sleep, I tucked him in carefully. Too carefully, maybe. I kissed his forehead, lingered there longer than neces
83~Eva’s POVI stood up, picking up my bag. “Let him,” I said. “He taught me how this world works. I am just finally using the lessons.”As I walked out of the office, my heels steady, my spine straight, one thought echoed calmly in my mind.Those shares were not in question.They were a conclusion.I drove home with my thoughts still sharp and restless, rehearsing conversations that had not happened yet, victories that were still forming in my head. The house was quiet when I pulled in, too quiet, and I knew something was wrong the moment I stepped inside.Dylan was in the living room.He was sitting there in the half light, jacket still on, cigarette between his fingers, smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling. He only smoked like that when he was in a foul mood, when something had not gone his way. And he was home early. That alone made my stomach tighten.“What happened?” I asked, keeping my voice light, careful.He did not answer. He did not even look at me.I tried again. “Did
55~Velma’s POVWe stepped outside, and the night breeze was soft. The lights of the restaurant reflected on the car windows, and I could hear the city around us, not loud, but alive. Theron opened the door, and I helped him settle Jaden in the back seat. I removed Jaden’s shoes so he could be comf
51~Velma’s POVI took a deep breath and let my grandfather see me again, not as the little girl he knew, but as someone who had walked through fire and come out alive.“Grandpa,” I said softly, “Theron… he invested in me when no one else would. The art galleries… they were scared of signing someon
52~Velma’s POVI took a deep breath and continued, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup as I tried to gather my thoughts. “Grandpa, after the wedding… Theron and I went on our honeymoon. I was heavily pregnant by then, and honestly, I thought it would be too much to travel or even enjoy mys
53~Velma’s POVI nodded, still holding my grandfather’s hand, feeling the warmth and strength in it. I hadn’t even realized I’d been crying while telling him everything; my heart had carried so many memories that the tears just slipped out without asking. Grandpa noticed and handed me a tissue wit







