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Home / Romance / Too Late for Regret: My Husband and My Son / Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

All Chapters of Too Late for Regret: My Husband and My Son: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

186 Chapters

41

Julian's POV The ring had just got through when I got there and rushed to the play area door Ophelia's voice was happy, like all was great."Where are you?" I ask, worried already tightening my chest.“I'm here with Maximilian, Julian she wants to ride a roller coaster,” she said lightly.͏I froze. “Roller coaster?”“Yes. The big one. He pointed at it earlier and…”“Ophelia,” my voice got lower, “Maximilian is scared of tall places. He doesn't even take a ride on an escalator without holding someone's hand.”A short silence fell.“Uh, w-what?” Ophelia’s voice shook. “But he already got on, Julian. He ran fast so quick I thought.”I didn’t need to hear the rest.I started running."I will ring you again later! Ophelia yelled before the call stopped."My lungs hurt as I got to the big ride place. The roller coaster stood high above me, the shouts of people mixing with the loud sound

42

Julian's POV "Come on, child. give dad a tiny hint” my voice broke."Then suddenly, it hit me.There was a different ride, the small kid kind. Safe for little kids. And even if it’s scary, not as high as the tall one.Max may have pointed at the wrong one or Ophelia got it mixed up. Or something else. The point is I had to check there."I ran once more, going by the ball throw stand, the bright balloon shops, almost running into a pair. My breath was rough but my mind kept only one thought, Maximilian."As I got close to the kids area, quieter sounds filled the air. The little roller coaster went around easily, dressed with funny animals. Not scary but just right to make a kid feel proud of the ride.My eyes swept the area. Nothing.No Maximilian no Ophelia, not even a kid in a gray hoodie.I looked at a tiny roller ride, the little yellow car with a panda head in the front moving slowly like nothing was im

43

Julian's POV “Dad!" he exclaimed, now chuckling softly. "I went on the roller coaster! The yellow one! It made a whooosh whooosh sound! Did you catch that?”I softly tousled his hair attempting to calm the quiver in my chest. "Dad heard it, Maximilian. Dad heard.”Ophelia showed up moments afterward standing uneasily before us. She beamed, appearing pleased, with the small accomplishment.“He’s fine Julian " she murmured gently. "I assumed you were aware he wished to leave. He appeared genuinely joyful today.”I rose gradually though Maximilian remained firmly grasping my hand. My gaze shifted to Ophelia.Indeed she may have done her utmost.She accepted him despite not having my consent.Without telling me.Not considering that a six-year-old who wept night searching for his mother could require more than mere amusement to feel secure.I didn’t reprimand her. Not at this moment not, with Maximilia

44

Julian's POVMaximilian’s meal was served first. Two fried chicken pieces, fries and a small vanilla ice cream. Soon as the tray was placed on the table his eyes gleamed like little lights.“Woa! This is what I love the most!" he exclaimed, snatching the piece of chicken with his tiny hands.I gave a smile while observing him eat with eagerness. At least he seemed joyful today.Ophelia had requested a bowl of corn soup. She stirred it gently, saying little. Meanwhile I nibbled at my hamburger, my thoughts still occupied with sorting out the turmoil—the turmoil I refused to acknowledge was there.“So delicious!" Maximilian shouted more before plunging back into his chicken fully lost in his own thoughts.Maximilian enjoyed his meal happily oblivious to the unease lingering between Ophelia and me. His legs swung beneath the chair as he hummed his melody dipping the chicken into the sauce. For now his small world felt secure, cozy a

45

Julian's POV I stood still. Ophelia's words struck me more deeply than I had anticipated.Ophelia gazed at me softly though faint unvoiced hurts shimmered within her eyes.“I get the sense that I no longer hold a place in your mind.”I hadn’t prepared myself for that. Not from Ophelia, the woman who once inspired me to believe in love, the woman I had imagined as my future for seven years.“I’m sorry " I uttered at last. A single word is insufficient for the burden it carries. "My thoughts have been, over the place recently. Work has been really stressful.”Ophelia offered a smile. "I understand you’re making an effort Julian. Truly. I sense it. You seem away.”The sentence hit hard because it was true. I was distant. Even now, sitting at the same table with her, my mind drifted somewhere else or toward someone else.Vivienne.Her face materialized immediately those shadowed eyes that constantly sought to c

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Julian's POV I nodded. Meanwhile within me countless words lay scattered like glass I had yet to gather.Before I managed to collect my scattered thoughts a joyful voice, oblivious to the unease, around our table abruptly spoke up.“Dad." Maximilian showed off a chicken bone picked clean. "See! I ate everything!”I came back to the present. "Great. Want some more?”“Of course!”Ophelia chuckled gently gazing at Maximilian with affection. "You truly enjoy eating don’t you?”The boy gave a nod while his mouth was filled with fries.I gazed upon the pair. The individuals who were meant to be the point of my existence.Why then, in this moment that ought to have made me feel complete did I sense that I was letting something slip away?I turned my gaze aside as I swallowed the mouthful of my burger.“I will attempt to improve," I eventually told Ophelia.Though internally I questioned

47

Vivienne's POVToday marks the day I have been dreading for weeks. The day I must begin chemotherapy.I am standing outside the hospital the doctor selected yesterday. The structure isn’t as impressive as the one yet it still appears bustling. The recognizable scent of medicine hits my nose as the automatic doors part.I am not ready at all. However I am also, without an option.I ought to be frightened, nervous, uneasy, whatever typical emotions arise before the chemo treatment. What do I experience? Void. Like my body is operating independently without my command.I head up to the floor home, to oncology. A nurse glances at me momentarily, seemingly identifying a patient right away. I return her with the smile I can muster.“What’s your name?" she inquires.“Vivienne," I replied. My tone resembles a murmur.She reviews the list. Give a nod. "Dr. Stive is ready. Kindly proceed to the consultation room.”I tap g

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Vivienne's POV I make my move, toward the entrance of the chemotherapy room. Each moment drags on as though the universe is granting me a chance to retreat. Yet I refuse to turn.I enter.The chemotherapy area feels chilly more than I had expected. Several cushy chairs are arranged in rows with a few occupied by patients hooked up to their IV lines. Some are immersed in books, others view content on their tablets while a few just shut their eyes and focus on their breathing amid their emotions.I gulp. This is genuine. Everything here is genuine.The nurse requests that I take a seat and lift my sleeve. The IV needle is inserted smoothly. The chemotherapy medication bag is suspended above me.“If you start feeling queasy or lightheaded, inform me immediately," she says softly.I nod more. I've lost track of how many times I've nodded today.As the drug begins coursing through my vein I sense a chill radiating from m

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Vivienne's POV The voice returned more. Now dimmer, as though distant. Like an unwillingness to disappear.I pressed my lip between my teeth restraining the sob that almost escaped.I wish to embrace that child. I want to say sorry. I want to explain that I didn’t leave due to lack of love. I left because I loved him deeply and feared becoming a burden.However it’s too late now isn’t it?I pressed my hand against my chest. The region near my ribs felt weighty like a rock was resting there. My breathing sped up briefly then returned to normal.The drug continued to enter my bloodstream. Gradually a strange feeling spread from my arm up to my shoulder. It was like a chill creeping along.I took a breath out attempting to steady my nerves.However my body started sending signs.My hands clammy, fingertips buzzing and at the rear of my skull an increasing unease, yet unmistakable.“Mom.”

50

Vivienne's POV The nurse carefully took off the equipment ensuring I didn't experience any discomfort. I noticed a pull on my skin as the needle was drawn out. The tiny puncture was quickly protected with a bandage. Something basic yet it genuinely made me sense my vulnerability.“What is your general feeling?" she inquired.I raised my shoulders a bit. "Of like being pulled from, within " I answered truthfully.The nurse gazed at me with a compassion that only those who witness pain possess. "If you start feeling very dizzy or nauseous, head to the ER right away. For the time being you may return home. Remember to stay well-hydrated.”Home.That single term carried weight.I gradually stood up from the chair. My head felt a bit dizzy. I pushed myself to remain upright. My left leg trembled briefly. I gained balance by leaning on the nearby small table. The nurse naturally stepped forward to assist. I lifted my hand in

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