PART- 002

Tessa

My love and dedication weren’t feeble yet Raelynn managed to break it even in her absence. The only thought of her coming, was the beginning of my downfall.

Logan told me about the miraculous story of her survival when we assumed her dead. How she was thrown at the bank by waves and her head hit a rock, how she woke up among strangers and didn’t remember anything. Her hard time as a lost person until she regained the fragments of her memories and came back to reunite with her family and her love.

It was so convincing for Logan for whom poor Raelynn deserved to be treated with absolute care like she was a fragile glass doll.

The next day I woke up late because I was awake till late until my eyes gave up in weariness.

“Good morning, Mommy.” Lucas’s tiny hands wrapped around my waist and my heart ached.

Tears again threatened to fall from my already swollen eyes but I smiled at my son.

I might not have given him birth but he was my son since the moment I held him in my arms and accepted the role of his mother.

“Hey, baby. Come let me serve your breakfast.” I grabbed his hand and led him to the dining area.

The familiar perfume of my husband invaded the air and I found him talking over phone. Lucas ran to his father and then his eyes fell on me and he disconnected the call.

“Dad, Mommy is here. Can we go to park today?” Lucas, the innocent child was beaming unaware of the tension between his parents.

“I am sorry, Lucas but we can’t go today. We are having a guest and she wants to meet you.” He said to his son in a soft and affectionate tone.

My heart sank. So, he had invited Raelynn over our house. He couldn’t wait for a day and the only thought of Lucas facing the harshest truth of his life, sent a chill down my spine.

“But Dad you promised me that we’ll go to the park on Sunday, you, me and Mommy.” Lucas pouted.

My heart ached seeing his fallen face.

“Lucas, let’s have breakfast first and then we’ll practice for our dance.” I tried to save the situation, I could feel Logan’s gaze on me.

“Yes, Mommy, we have to win the first prize.” Lucas hugged me again.

I was about to cry because it’d be impossible for me to live without him or even harder to live without his father.

The breakfast was served and I behaved normal like other days. I served my husband and son. I also asked about his day and his upcoming schedule like nothing would happen after two weeks.

After the breakfast, Lucas went to play in the garden with his nannies and now, we were alone in the living room. Through my peripheral vision, I noticed Logan who was constantly glancing at the front door.

“I want you to be more careful when you introduce her to Lucas. You know how sensitive he is.” I made a request in a low voice so Lucas wouldn’t overhear us.

He stared at me with undecipherable emotions in his beautiful green eyes and I was lost in them.

“You said you won’t make it complicated for us. So, I want you to cooperate if you truly care for him.” He responded looking away from me.

“Do you have any idea how he’ll react if you introduce another woman as his mother out of the blue?” I asked, feeling absolutely hurt.

“He’s my son, Tessa. Of course, he’ll accept me the moment we meet.”

My body froze when I heard the voice of my cousin after four long years. Same stingy sweetness cutting through my heart.

I turned around and there stood Raelynn, still same, beautiful, elegant with shorter hairs and same determined glint in those blue eyes. I could see hatred in those eyes for me which she excellently hid with a charming smile.

I didn’t see any sign of survival or living a hard life in her appearance. Her skin was smooth and flawless, perfectly manicured nails and the glow, it seemed like she lived the best phase rather than struggling to earn two squares in a day.

“Ray, why are you standing over there. Come inside.” Logan walked up to her, his attention immediately shifted to her.

When he placed his hand on her back, and pulled her closer, his eyes examining her with concern and affection, it sliced my heart and especially the evil glint in her eyes which only I could feel.

She was excellent in projecting many shades, only I knew how desperate, ambitious and vindictive she could be when she wanted something.

And I stole her biggest possession, Logan Wilferd.

“You can take a seat first, you must be tired.” Logan offered softly but her gaze was darted on me.

“Logan, where is our son? You know, the night had been really long for me. I couldn’t wait to meet our son. My baby, how did he live for four years? The only thought had killed me for ever since I regained my memory. I wasn’t there for him.” Tears brimmed in her eyes.

She could fool my husband but I noticed that it was hollow with no strings attached but an attempt to win Logan’s sympathy and win him back but I’d not let her use Lucas as a pawn even if he was her son.

“Lucas grew up in a healthy environment, Raelynn. I have been with ever since you left. So, don’t worry. He wasn’t mistreated or missed someone who hasn’t been a part of his life for a very long time.” I said, my words blunt and honest.

“Tessa, please, can’t you stop for today? Do you have any idea what she has faced? I don’t expect such harsh behaviour from you.” Logan defended his ex-lover, his tone was accusing when he glared me.

“I am stating the truth, Logan.” I raised my voice.

“I am his mother, the one who gave birth to him, not you, Tessa. I won’t leave my son again. I have missed him terribly but I couldn’t return because I fear I’ll interfere in a happy family but I couldn’t resist to live without Logan and our son.” Raelynn cried.

I opened my mouth to say something but Lucas’ giggles replaced the tension in the air.

“Mommy, see I found a feather in the garden.” Lucas rushed to me, showing me a white feather.

“It’s beautiful, baby-”

I tried to say but I was cut in middle when Raelynn knelt down in front of him and hugged him tightly.

“Oh My God! My baby, you have grown so big.” She cried in a loud voice, it was clear that Lucas was taken aback, he was shocked and confused by her sudden gesture and tried to free himself from a stranger’s hold.

“Ray, you’re suffocating him.” Anger fuelled me but Logan stood there silent, his eyes were gleaming with happiness seeing the reunion of mother and son.

“Tessa, let them have their time. You know they need to meet each other.” Logan tried to stop me from meddling in a low warning tone but I ignored him and gently pulled Lucas out of her hold.

If I had to fight for someone, it must be Lucas because he loved me unconditionally. Raelynn shot me a glare. I bet if Lucas wasn’t around, she’d come for me with the motive to pierce my heart with her toxic words.

“I missed you, baby. Do you know who I am?” She asked him in desperation.

“Who is this lady, Mommy?” A confused and overwhelmed Lucas asked me, his tiny finger pointed at Raelynn.

My son looked at me for an answer, not his father, not the other woman but Lucas chose me.