004| YOU RAISED MY SON ALL ALONG

~Vixen~

As though to infuriate me, Olaine bent to hug Paul, and even kissed his forehead.

“Son, I didn’t think you’d recognize me,” she said with a grin, a smug expression on her face as she winked at me.

I remained frozen at the spot, wanting to believe that this was a terrible dream. One I would wake up from.

“Mom, dad shows me pictures of you every night. I recognized you immediately. I’m a good boy, aren’t I?”

“Of course, you are darling. Mom’s going to take good care of you now,” Olaine replied with a smile.

My lips parted, but nothing came out.

Paul’s little arms wrapped tightly around her neck, his giggles echoing through the garden.

It felt like my heart was folding on itself, so painful I thought I would die.

For five years, Paul had known only me.

My voice, my arms, my scent, my lullabies and warmth.

Or so I thought.

And now…

He did not even glance in my direction.

Olaine looked at me then, her lips stretched into a sweet poisoned smile as she temporarily stopped hugging Paul.

She stood up, her eyes gleaming with victory.

“Sister,” she continued, “I haven’t thanked you yet. You did an amazing job raising my son.”

My chest twisted.

Her son?

So, this was real.

My pulse thundered under my skin in response to the pain slicing through me.

I took a step closer, and another, my legs trembling under me.

“Paul…” my voice broke slightly. “Please…”

I couldn’t tell why I was begging, but the pain in my chest made it impossible to breath.

Paul looked at me then, his eyes wide with confusion and something pure.

“Mommy, are you alright?” He asked slowly.

It took me a moment to realize he was talking to me. I let out a small laugh, but a tear follow suit.

“I’m alright, love…” I began, walking closer to him.  

But Olaine stepped back then, turning his attention back to her.

“Son, your real mom’s here now. Do you want to go checkout the toys mom bought for you?”

Paul’s eyes widened and he nodded, smiling.

Olaine kissed his check.

Rage rushed through me at that.

I rushed forward. “No, stay the hell away from him.”

But before I could get any closer, someone held me back effortlessly.

I looked up, tears blurring my view. But I could make out Kael’s face as he stared down at me.

“Olaine, take Paul back to his room.” He said, his voice controlled.

I watched as she disappeared with Paul in her arms. I wanted to shout, to rush after her and take my son from her arms, but my legs remained rooted to the spot.

“Are you trying to attack Olaine again? Haven’t you done enough damage already?” He asked darkly after Paul and Olaine left.

Blinking rapidly, I tried to force myself to think.

I held unto his shirt, my hands shaking.

“Kael… She is saying Paul’s her son. She’s lying, right?”

Kael looked away then, almost like he couldn’t bring himself to meet my eyes.

“Kael… please tell me this is all a lie.”

It had to be. There is no way Paul’s her child.

But then his voice came, slow and steady.

“It’s true.”

My stomach tightened. “What?”

“Olaine is Paul’s mother.”

I scoffed dryly. “You told me Paul’s mother was dead.”

His eyes darkened. “I thought she was dead. Who is to be blamed for that?”

Everything suddenly became blurry under my feet.

“You made me raise my sister child, and you didn’t think to tell me.” My voice broke slightly.

Something flashed across his eyes. “Would you have ever accepted him if you knew he was her child, or rather try to kill him?”

My hand moved before my mind could keep up. It was only when the loud sound came, that I realized what I had done.

He looked at me, his eyes dark with rage. “How dare…”

I shoved him hard before he could continue. “How dare I slap you? You backstabbing monster. I curse the very day I set my eyes on you.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, his lashes fluttering a little.

But then, his eyes darkened again. “That’s enough. Don’t even think of making troubles for Olaine and my son. Don’t even show up in front of him again, his mother is here now.”

My heart shattered, and the tears followed.

“Kael…” My voice broke slightly.

But he turned to the guards. “Take her back to the dungeon. Keep her there until I say so.”

At that moment, I realized I had nothing left.