Chapter 17: Susan's Breakthrough

Susan's POV

“Once again, I apologize for making you feel that way.

Can we please talk about this?” Paul asked nicely shortly after dropping the bombshell that left Maria flabbergasted.

I didn't say a word to contribute to the issue. My presence has already caused a major disaster.

All I care about is making a difference and amending my wrongdoings.

“Mom,” a tiny voice distracted us and forced us to a halt.

Shortly after, Maria's triplets ran to embrace her.

They weren't alone because Andrew, Maria's new man, accompanied them.

Seeing Andrew made me want to vanish into thin air.

His presence automatically reduced Ethan's chances of coming out of prison.

It would have been better if Paul and I just had to deal with Maria alone. We were this close to getting her to our side.

The look is written all over her face already.

No, Paul and I have to put in some extra effort if we want to scale through.

“You again?

Haven't you done enough? What are you doing in our home?” Andrew raged.

He didn't even pay attention to Paul who was trying to introduce himself.

“Kids, please go inside. Mummy got a pending issue to settle,” Maria urged her boys.

While two of the boys obeyed, one of them seemed obstinate and not willing to leave.

He's got a striking resemblance with Ethan.

Aside from the striking resemblance, everything he does reminds me of Ethan.

It's as though I'm witnessing the younger version of Ethan.

If that was the yardstick to prove the paternity, then Maria doesn't stand a chance in court.

“You have got to stop staring at my son like that.

Do you want to hurt him the same you did to me, his mother?” Maria cautioned me.

It was unexpected. Has got the sharpest vision ever.

I had to apologize and play along to achieve my aim.

“I know you want to be with mum. But you see, this is an adult gathering.

I promise to join you soon,” Maria urged her son for the second time.

It took a lot of convincing before the young lad could leave.

Now I know why Ethan was so certain that the kids were his.

He must have seen something that's hidden from everyone.

“Don't worry, this shit will be over when I call the cops,” Andrew visited our case when it seemed like Paul and I were a step closer to victory.

“No, that won't be necessary. They've accepted the court restraining order.

They're never going to step an inch close to us anymore,” Maria stopped Andrew on our behalf.

For the first time in a while, I recognize the real Maria I grew up with and not the bloody fiction Naomi Jackson she calls herself now.

It's good to know that Maria's decision could still be influenced.

In the initial stages, she made life a living hell for me.

She made it so difficult for me that I was tempted to walk away from the shame and disgrace.

“Is this what you want? How certain are you that these people aren't messing with your head? They hurt you once, they could do that again,” Andrew protested.

The son of a bitch was doing everything possible to distract Maria from reaching a compromise with me.

I hated him for that.

If I had the license to own a gun, he'd be my first victim

“We are being honest here. You ain't got nothing to worry about,” I forced myself to intercede for Paul.

I couldn't bear to leave the burden on him alone.

I had no intention of speaking up knowing that Maria never wanted me around anyway.

Nonetheless, I felt the need to do so. I couldn't fold my arms and do nothing while our efforts were being watered down by Andrew.

“Learn to stay shut.

I wasn't talking to you.

I see you got the IQ of a toad which makes it difficult for you to comprehend,” Andrew insulted me.

I've never been humiliated like that before In my entire life.

Andrew reduced me to a filth. I felt like a worthless being.

I couldn't even defend myself.

All I did was force a smile that came from a place of hurt.

“Speaking of honesty.

I think I've got the perfect solution to that. Give me a second you all,” Maria said with a smile and left immediately.

She left all of the asking questions, including me and Paul.

Still, I wasn't bothered.

I was prepared to wait for eternity if that would guarantee Ethan's release.

It's one of those sacrifices we make for those we love.

“If I were you, I'd be gone. There's no way Ethan is getting out soon.

That son of a bitch attacked my wife. He got what he deserved and even more,” Andrew threatened me to leave.

I refused to pay attention to him. I didn't make myself believe that he's got power on the issue.

Maria is the only threat here.

She's the only one who could leave and never return.

“This shit is getting crazy. We should listen to him.

Maria doesn't seem like someone who will come to a compromise,” Paul whispered to me.

I wasn't certain if he heard us because he was looking in our direction.

He looked away immediately when I almost caught him.

“I got this.

No need to panic,” I assured Paul with a pat on the shoulder.

It's funny how he suddenly developed cold feet.

He was the bravest in the house when we first arrived.

But now, he's slowly becoming a shadow of himself after witnessing Maria's fits of rage.

“The young man is right. I still don't know why you're adamant,” Andrew said.

It turned out that the skull head was eavesdropping on our conversation all along. Yet, he pretended not to be present.

I refused to fall for his antics even though I was slowly losing confidence in myself.

I saw how he changed the tempo of the atmosphere with his grand entrance.

Maria finally arrived after a long wait. I was scared that she was never going to show up.

I felt a little relieved until I saw a document in her possession.

My suspicions were awakened again.