Chapter 32: My Initial Plan

Ashton's POV

Megan's words didn't faze me because I am 100 percent sure I am Axel's father. She can deny it all she wants, but even if we have a paternity test, I am confident he is my son. She couldn't fool me, and I know Megan was afraid I would be a constant visitor to her house if she told me the truth. It made me feel more confident about staying outside her home because I wanted Megan to realize I wanted to be part of her life again as Axel's father.

I didn't leave Megan's home, and I was still sitting on her front porch waiting for her to come out again. I texted Isabelle and told her what had happened. I also sent a message to Alice, and her reply made me more determined to stay. I didn't care if I would not eat the entire day—I would go on a hunger strike in front of her mansion until Megan gave me a chance to speak with her. I felt relieved when I saw Clara come out of the house.

"Don't go yet, Ashton. I am sure the moment Axel wakes up and sees you, he will be excited to spend more time with you. And I am sure Megan can't say no to her son. Just wait a little longer, and he will come down soon," she said, and I felt so happy that I had support from the people close to Megan. I hoped Megan would be like them. She would give me another chance to show her that I still feel the same way towards her, and I want her to know I will try to redeem myself, whatever it takes, and do the right thing this time.

"Thank you so much, Clara. I appreciate all the things you have done for me," I replied.

"I want Axel to be happy, especially now that his dad is on tour. He misses Gael so much," she declared, and I felt my throat dry when I heard those words. I wanted to remind Clara that I am Axel's dad. She may know I am Axel's biological father, but she was used to having Gael around.

I felt so jealous of the heartthrob sensation of the country, and I couldn't help myself from worrying if I was already too late. Watching Megan's angry face made me think she liked Gael more than me, and I couldn't blame her if that happened because I wasn't there for her and our son for so many years, and it was Gael who helped my girl both emotionally and financially.

Clara went back inside while I was still waiting for Megan to have her morning run. I was also hoping I could catch a glimpse of her angelic face once again. I was walking back and forth on the balcony, thinking of possible ways to sway Megan, and I hoped I could find a way to make her believe I am now a different man.

"Uncle Ashton!" I heard Axel's sweet voice behind me, and my worries suddenly disappeared when I looked at his cute face. It hurt me that he was calling me uncle, but I still felt delighted that he seemed glad to see me. When he ran to me and hugged me, I had to control myself from crying because I didn't want him to wonder why I was crying. My son was still in his pajamas, and he looked so adorable. How I wished I would have a chance to have him in my arms and tuck him into bed. Most of all, I wanted to read him bedtime stories.

"Did you come to visit my mom?" he asked, and I got confused about how to answer him. I didn’t want him to know that I am now his mother's number one enemy. I was sure Megan would never show him that she hated me, and I smiled as I realized Clara was right; she can't say no to our lovely child.

"Yes, I came here to visit you and your mom. I know it is bad if I ask you not to tell your mom I visited you at your school and we talked about football and..." I trailed off since I didn’t want my son to lie to his mother, and he put his finger on his lips.

"Don't worry, Uncle Ashton. I know Mom is allergic to football, so it will be our little secret. It was fun to be with you, and I hope you can play football with me today," he said, and I smiled while I ruffled his hair. Then he ran away from me, and I could tell he wanted me to run after him, and I couldn’t stop myself from feeling excited about playing with Axel in the early morning.

When he looked back and saw me running after him, he giggled, and it felt so wonderful to hear Axel's laughter. I couldn't stop laughing with him, and since he was still a little kid, I was able to catch up with my son right away. I put my hands on his waist, picked him up, and brought him into the air while I spun him around. He was laughing the entire time, and I couldn't put into words how happy I was, even if I was still worried about Megan's reaction when she found out I was spending quality time with our son.

My smile faded and was replaced with worry when I found Megan watching us with tears in her eyes, and I wondered if she hated me that much. I slowly placed Axel’s feet on the ground as I stared at Megan’s face. She immediately wiped her tears away when Axel turned his head and looked at her. Megan sweetly smiled at our son, and how I wished I would be the receiving end of her beautiful smile like in the old times.

"Mom, Uncle Axel will teach me to play football," our son said as he ran toward her and took Megan's hand.

"Oh no, baby, your uncle is a very busy man," Megan replied, and I could tell right away she wanted me to leave. I put my hands in my pockets as I listened to their conversation.

"No, he said he came here to visit you and me, and he is excited to play football with me. And it would be more fun if you would join us, Mom," Axel said, and I couldn't stop myself from chuckling.

"Ashton, you are busy today, right?" Megan gave me a fake smile, and I gave her a genuine one.

"Nope, I have all day, Megan," I replied, and I could see the disappointment on her face. But when she looked at Axel, she was smiling from ear to ear.

"Axel, why don't you go inside and get your ball first while I talk with your uncle," Megan softly said to Axel, and our little boy nodded his head and waved at me. I could see the excitement on his face before he ran back into the house.

"What are you doing, Ashton?" Megan asked in a calm voice as she walked closer to me. I could tell she was controlling herself because Axel could come back anytime. Her natural, intoxicating scent made me want to take her into my arms right away, but I didn’t want to fuel her anger. So I stayed frozen on my feet while staring at her beautiful face.

"I want to know him, Megan," I said.

"I told you he is not your son. Can't you understand a simple sentence?" she asked.

"I know Axel is my son, Megan, and you don't need to hide it from me," I said with confidence, and she laughed while shaking her head.

"Why are you so sure about it, Ashton? Do you think after you hurt me and drove me away, I would spend my entire life waiting for someone like you? I didn't waste my precious time reminiscing about my past with you because you are not worth it. Besides, you don't have any evidence that Axel is your son," she said, and I was a little hurt by her words, but I knew it was nothing compared to what I had done to her.

"I don't need evidence, Megan," I said softly.

"Gael is Axel's father," she firmly said, and it was my turn to laugh.

"I know you, Meg," I said as I tried to cup her face, but she swatted my hand right away, and I put it back at my side.

"Don't ever dare touch me again," she hissed.

"I am sorry, Meg. Can you wait for me? I need to get something from my car," I declared, and before she could answer me, I ran toward my car. I felt so glad that Megan was still standing where I left her. I walked closer to her and handed her the paper bag. I brought it with me just in case she tried to deny everything.

"What is that?" she asked in a stern tone, and I could see the confusion in her eyes.

"I just want you to look at its content, and after checking what’s inside the paper bag, tell me again if Axel is not my son," I declared, and she was glaring at me.

"And why do I need to do that?" she asked, and I smiled at her.

"So you will know what I am talking about," I replied, and I winked at her. I witnessed how Megan's face turned bright red, and just in time, Axel returned happily with the ball in his hand. I took Megan's wrist and placed the paper bag handle in her palm, and I left her looking alarmed. I was grinning from ear to ear as I realized I had completed my initial plan—and that was coming into Megan's territory. I felt triumphant as I turned my full attention to our little boy.