She's not getting either

CHLOE'S POV 

I sat at the dining table barely eating my breakfast. My mind was consumed with the shocking events of the previous night. Seeing Zoe alive, doing well and standing beside Owen Pratt as his business partner was something I never saw coming. I was unable to sleep since last night. I tossed in bed as my head was spinning with questions. What was Zoe planning? Was she here for revenge? Did she intend to expose everything and take Jamie away from me? She didn't look angry, but that couldn’t be real, not after everything I did to her.

The clinking of silverware and the sound of Jamie’s innocent humming felt far away, like background noise to the storm in my head. I was conpletely lost in thought. I didn’t even realize Jamie had called me. 

“Mummy?”

I didn't answer. I just stared at my untouched food.

“Zoe?” Austin’s voice cut through the haze, snapping me back.

My eyes snapped up to find both Austin and Jamie looking at me with concern. My heart pounded. Have I said something? Have I let anything slip?

“What got you so deeply in thought? You aren't eating your food and you didn't even hear Jamie call you.” Austin said looking worried. 

“I don't seem to have much appetite. I'm sorry Jamie, I didn't hear you.” 

“Are you alright?” Austin noted, studying my face. “You don’t look too well.”

I forced a small smile. “I just have a slight headache. Nothing serious.”

Austin frowned. “Do you need me to call the doctor?”

“No, really. I just need some rest. I’ll be okay,” I said, then picked up my fork and forced myself to eat a little. It tasted like nothing.

Austin looked at me closely before sighing and turning his attention to Jamie, who was still giving me a curious look.

Austin got a call, at that moment and he answered it immediately. “Owen,” he said, making me feel uneasy. 

I tried to keep calm but inside of me, panic was building. Owen. Why was he calling Austin? What were they discussing? Did he already know everything? Did Zoe tell him everything?

“Sure, I can be there this afternoon. See you then.” Austin said.

I held my fork so tightly my knuckles turned white.

Austin hung up and turned back to his breakfast. 

I swallowed hard then asked. “ Was that Owen? Why did he call?”

“We have some business to discuss later. He sends his regards by the way.” Austin said, then continued eating. 

My throat tightened. “Oh? What kind of business?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light.

“Just business.” Austin glanced at me curiously. “Why do you ask?”

I shook my head quickly. “No reason. Just… curious.”

Austin didn’t say anything further, but I could tell he was still watching me. Then, he smiled, turning to Jamie. “That reminds me. Jamie, guess who we saw last night at the event?”

I stiffened.

Jamie tilted his head. “Who?”

Austin chuckled. “Mommy's twin sister. Aunt Chloe.”

Jamie looked surprised. He faced me, he had a curious look. My heart was beating really fast. 

“Mommy is yet to tell you? You probably know your mom has a twin sister.” Austin continued. “We met her last night. It was my first time meeting her. She looked just like your mom.”

Jamie switched his gaze between us as if he was trying to process the information.

Austin smiled at his son. “You'd like to see your aunt, right? Since you haven’t seen her for so long.”

I coughed on my food. I took my napkin and cleaned my mouth, hiding my surprise.

“No,” I said quickly before Jamie could answer. “Jamie has school. He needs to focus on that. He’ll get to see his aunt, but it doesn't have to be now.”

Austin looked confused but said nothing. He glanced at his watch and let out a breath. “I need to leave now. Let's talk more about it when I get back buddy.”

I put on a smile as he kissed Jamie on his forehead before leaving.

As soon as Austin walked out the door, I stood up and took Jamie by his hand. “Come with me.” I said quickly heading upstairs to my bedroom.

Jamie seemed confused. “Mummy?”

I knelt down in front of him, holding his shoulders. “Honey you know I’ve been taking care of you since your mom left us alone to go to another country. And that makes me your mom, doesn't it?”

Jamie nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“And you love me as your mommy now, don’t you?”

He nodded again. “Of course, Mummy.”

“Good.” I stroked his hair, my mind racing. “You're not going to leave me because they tell you I'm not your real mother, are you? if anyone says I took you from them, they’re lying, okay?”

Jamie frowned. “But… why would someone say that?”

I swallowed hard. “Because some people lie to hurt others, Jamie. You’re my son, and I love you more than anything. You have to believe that.”

Jamie hesitated before nodding. “Okay, Mummy.”

I exhaled in relief and pulled him into a hug.

I love Jamie... like a mother should love her child. I helped raise him. He's everything to me, not because of who he is but because of what he meant. He is the reason I have this perfect life and the glue that held me to it. This dream world I lied and almost killed my sister for. Without him, everything would fall apart. And I'll be nothing without him.

I couldn’t loose him.

I kissed the top of his head, trying to shake the chill creeping into my chest. Zoe was back. She was coming for everything. And I have to do whatever it takes to stop her.

“Now go downstairs and get ready for school, baby. And when you come back, we'll go have some ice cream.” I said forcing a smile.

His face lit up. “Okay, Mummy.” He said smiling slightly before running out of my bedroom. 

I could see the calculating fire in Zoe’s eye at the launch. She wants her life back. She wants her son.

But she wasn't getting either. I won't let her.

I've come too far to loose everything now.