Chapter 5 The Illegitimate Son of the CEO

Christine's P.O.V.

"Sometimes, when someone abandons us, the longer they're gone, the more our mind plays tricks on us," Robert said, his voice heavy with nostalgia. "We start to forget all the bad things and miss them for the little kindness they once showed."

I knew exactly who he was talking about—that vile woman, Yvette.

"Elliot thinks she was the best thing that ever happened to him because he doesn't remember all the damage she caused," Robert continued. "The more I tried to keep him away from that woman, the more he clung to her. Sometimes, I wonder if I made a mistake."

"Please, don't think about that," I murmured, holding his warm hand between mine.

"I can't help it. Because in the process, I ruined your life too." His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his pain raw.

I forced a gentle smile and shook my head.

"You gave me a good husband, a brilliant man who gave me three beautiful children. How can you say that? Everything is—"

"Don't divorce him."

My lies hadn't been enough. How could I fool a man with so much wisdom? He knew exactly who his son was, and he had seen how Elliot's coldness and disdain had drained me of my youth, my faith, my very soul.

"Don't let her win," Robert pleaded. "Don't let that woman ruin Elliot—and in doing so, ruin our family. If you step aside, she'll come back without hesitation, and I have no doubt she'll drive the company into the ground with her greed and tantrums.

"Money never lasts long in the wrong hands."

Oh, Mr. Manning, if only you knew how desperate I was to get away from your son.

Would his words be enough to make me reconsider the divorce yet again?

"Please, promise me you'll be patient with Elliot. I swear, with time, he'll prove to you that he's a good man. He just needs to rid himself of the poison in his heart. He only needs the love of a good woman."

Lies. I was a good woman, yet my love had never been enough. I hadn't been strong enough to turn his heart in my direction, but he had been powerful enough to turn mine to stone.

"Christine… don't give up on my son. I beg you."

His words softened something in me—not for Elliot, but for the man in front of me, the only one who had ever treated me like family, who had never turned his back on me.

With a bittersweet smile, I squeezed his hand, already condemning myself. I knew I would give in again. I would shove the divorce papers to the back of my closet and endure Elliot's coldness for a little longer. I was willingly locking the shackles back around my own neck.

How many more years could I give him before I lost my mind?

Just then, the nurse entered with a warm smile and turned on the television, lowering the volume.

"Mr. Manning, I'm so glad your daughter was able to arrive in time," she said kindly.

I opened my mouth to correct her, but before I could, Robert patted my cheek affectionately.

"Isn't she wonderful?" he said proudly. "Beautiful inside and out. A heart of gold."

Even my own father had never spoken of me with such love.

We exchanged smiles, and I leaned into his hand, grateful for the warmth he had always given me. How had this man fathered a cold-hearted demon like Elliot?

"Breaking news!" The news anchor's excited voice cut through the air despite the low volume. "Our reporters have just captured exclusive footage of the prestigious CEO of Manning Industries dining in a high-end restaurant with a woman who is not his wife!"

The smile vanished from my face. The anger I had managed to suppress in Robert's presence came roaring back, a fire ready to consume me whole.

The screen showed Elliot seated at a small balcony table in an expensive, upscale restaurant. Across from him sat a woman—her. Yvette. I recognized her immediately from the photo he still carried in his wallet.

My eyes locked onto the screen as my grip tightened around Robert's hand. I didn't even blink. I was waiting—waiting to see them kiss, leave together, or even check into a hotel.

Deep down, I realized what I was truly waiting for—I was waiting for Elliot to end things for me. Because some small, pathetic part of me still had a flicker of hope. Still doubted the divorce. Still clung to the belief that maybe, just maybe, everyone was right, and he would change. That somewhere inside me, there was still a sliver of patience, admiration, and love.

Then, the reporter's hidden camera zoomed in, catching every word and delivering the final blow straight to my heart.

"Nurse, please turn that off…" Robert said weakly.

But I raised a hand, stopping him. I stepped forward, my eyes glued to the screen, memorizing every detail. I wanted to remember this moment. I wanted to remember the color of her dress. The way he sat. The way his tie was slightly loosened.

"I have something to confess," Yvette said, her voice laced with emotion. She leaned in closer across the table. "When I had to leave you... when I was forced to go so you could marry that woman... I—"

She hesitated, taking a deep breath before smiling tearfully. "I found out I was pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Elliot echoed, shock flashing across his face.

I exhaled slowly, forcing the air from my lungs, forcing myself to breathe.

Come on, Elliot Manning. Ruin my life just a little more. I dare you.

"His name is Martin… Martin Manning," Yvette said, tears shining in her eyes. "He just turned five last week."

The world tilted. My breath caught in my throat. I stumbled back as if the words had physically struck me.

Elliot Manning had a son.

An illegitimate son.