Chapter 31:My Son's Laughter

Megan's POV

After slamming the door in Ashton’s face, I couldn’t stop my limbs from trembling as I realized he had found out about Axel. I am now one hundred percent sure he hired a private detective to learn everything about me, and he must have bribed my security guard to get inside my property so easily. He ruined my plan for the entire day, and even though I wanted to go for my early jog, I couldn’t step outside because I was too worried he might still be on my front porch.

“Are you okay, Megan?” I heard Clara ask when she found me leaning on the door frame.

“No, I am not, Clara. Ashton is outside, and he wants to see my son,” I said, and Axel’s nanny smiled at me.

“You have to relax, Megan. I’m sure your ex won’t do something stupid that will hurt your son. Now that he’s come here, maybe he really wants to know Axel. I know I don’t have the right to tell you what to do, but in my opinion, you should introduce him to your son,” Clara said as she looked at me with tenderness.

She had been Axel’s nanny for many years now, and I consider her a part of our family. That’s why she knew everything about Ashton and me, and even about Gael. I hated that Clara was one of Ashton’s fans during his football career, but I can’t ask her to stop watching football just because the star she idolized is my ex, and we had an unpleasant past.

“You told me last time Axel asked you who his biological father is, and I think this is your chance, Meg. You don’t need to tell Ashton about your son since he already found out about Axel,” Clara said.

“I don’t know, Clara, if it would be a wise decision for me, but for now, I feel so afraid that I might end up humiliating and hurting myself even more,” I said, and I could feel my entire face blushing.

“Well, it will always be your decision, Meg. We are here to support you. But maybe you should give him a chance to know Axel and set aside your fear and pride for Axel’s sake. I’m sure he’ll be ecstatic to know that his football hero is his father,” she said, and my heart swelled, leaving me more confused about what to do with Ashton.

I know Clara has a point. I’ve been worried about how to approach Ashton and tell him about our son, and Clara was right—this is the best time. But I’m not ready to face Ashton. I can’t trust my heart, and I hate myself for looking into his compelling eyes and feeling so glad I didn’t throw myself at him. It would have been a disaster, knowing he’s getting married, and he’d find out I’m still head over heels for him.

I felt a pang in my chest when it dawned on me that Ashton was talking about Axel when he said he wanted to claim what was rightfully his—and not me—and I hated him more for giving me false hope. I needed Gael to come because I can’t face Ashton alone. I can’t do this. I know I’ll just end up staring at him like a starstruck fan. How can he still be so damn attractive? What is wrong with me? Why am I even thinking about Ashton like he’s food? I need to get a grip before I lose my mind.

“Don’t let him inside the house, Clara. And please tell the household staff that man is not welcome in my home,” I said, and I could see the stunned look on Clara’s face. I excused myself and climbed the stairs hastily because I needed to speak with my best friend before I went crazy.

“Hello, what’s up, Meg?” I heard Alice’s voice on the other end as I walked into my room like a lunatic, unable to calm the rapid beating of my heart.

“Where the hell are you, Alice? Why aren’t you here when I need you the most?” I asked, and she laughed.

“What’s wrong, Meg? I’m relaxing right now,” she said calmly.

“Ashton is here, Al. Can you believe it? And the worst part—he knows about my son. Please come here, Al. I need you right now,” I said, releasing a heavy breath.

“You have to relax, Megan. I’m sure Ashton won’t kidnap you or Axel. Besides, this is your chance to prove to him that you’re no longer affected by his handsome face or his presence. The more you hide or stay away, the more he’ll think you still feel the same way,” she said, and I couldn’t believe it. First Clara, and now even Alice was saying the same thing.

I had no choice but to end the call because I knew I could never convince Alice to come over. She told me she was going shopping alone because she wanted to look good for our retreat. And now that this is happening to me, I want to go on that retreat with Alice to forget all of this.

Maybe during the retreat, I could find the answers I’ve been searching for. I need time to clear my head and figure out what to do with my life—and, of course, what to do about Ashton. I need to forget him. He’s getting married, and I’m still hung up on him. Should I follow my best friend’s advice and tell him about Axel so he’ll cancel his engagement? Am I that pathetic—willing to use my son to bring back Ashton’s affection?

I dove onto my bed headfirst, buried my face in the pillow, and screamed as I realized my once peaceful life had become chaotic again—because of one person. Why did I have to see him again? I tried dialing Gael’s number and was about to hang up on the fifth call when I heard his voice.

“Hey, Meg? What’s wrong?” he asked, and tears fell down my cheeks.

“Do you hate me, Gael?” I asked, and he laughed.

“What kind of question is that, Meg? How could I hate you when I’m trying my best to forget my feelings for you?” he said, followed by a heavy grunt.

“I’m sorry, Meg. I didn’t mean to say that aloud,” he added while I tried to stop myself from crying. I knew I was crying out of frustration with myself.

“I’m sorry, Gael,” I replied.

“You don’t need to say sorry, Meg. It’s not your fault if you can’t give me more than your friendship. And please don’t feel guilty—it was my choice to love you, even though I knew from the start I could never take his place,” Gael said, and I felt my heart shatter. How I wish I could love Gael back. Why do I still feel this way about my son’s father, when all he’s ever done is hurt me?

“Hey, are you still crying? I wasn’t avoiding you, Megan. I’ve just been busy. I hope this tour ends soon so I can be with you and Axel,” he said, and I smiled.

“Did he receive the gift I sent him?” he asked.

“Yes, he did,” I replied, and I felt guilty knowing my son hadn’t touched any of the gifts he received on his birthday—except for the baseball from Alice. Every night, he sleeps hugging that ball. And I hate that he got almost everything from his father—his looks, and even his passion for football.

“But you know my son. He wants to see you, Gael. He misses you so much,” I said. And instead of telling him about Ashton, I chose not to say anything. I knew it would only hurt him.

We talked a bit more until he had to go. I felt so empty after Gael ended the call. I was lying on my bed when I suddenly got up, ran outside my room, and was panting by the time I reached Axel’s room. My body turned cold when I couldn’t find him on his bed. I called out my son’s name as I ran down the hallway and staircase.

“Where is my son?” I asked Clara when I found her in the dining room—and I still couldn’t see him. The expression on her face told me my suspicion was right.

I immediately left the dining room and ran toward the front door. My heart pounded loudly as I stepped outside. I stopped in my tracks when I heard my little boy laughing so hard as he ran away from Ashton. Then my heart melted when his father reached him, and Ashton lifted Axel into his arms. I couldn’t stop my tears from falling as Axel’s laughter echoed through the air.