All Chapters of Her Return, His Regret : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

***~~Soren~~***I glance at my wrist watch and my heart leaps.I had a hectic day, meeting after meeting, it took all my time and attention that I almost forgot to pick my daughter up from school.It's been past an hour of her dismissal. I'm running hella late.“Adrian, Can you step on it? I've got to pick June up,” I say, realizing I'm absentmindedly tapping my fingers on my legs.I hate when I forget things like this. It wasn't in my schedule, so Sam didn't remind me.The thing is, it was supposed to be Ashley picking her up this week, but she's restricted, indefinitely. Until I'm sure she's not trying to cause mayhem or instigate June.I'm really losing all trust where she is, and I don't see how we can co-parent when I don't feel like June's safe with her.I'm sure she must've realized it, hence the reason while she was blowing up my phone earlier.I'm pretty sure she's lingering outside my house, as she won't be allowed in either.I hope she learns from this, and stop all her s

***~~Knox~~***My phone dings, interrupting me.It's my mother's text.“Promise me you'd come, Knox.”I text back. “I can't make any promises, Mom.”“It's our thirtieth anniversary this weekend. I need both of my sons to be present.”“You should probably call Logan. I'm busy,” “You're my son too!”I roll my eyes. I know my mother has been trying to fix me— heal a wound she didn't create. But it's rather too late for all of that.I was not the perfect son, the one with the good grades and a master's degree from Oxford.It took me twice the time it'd take a normal person to finish college. Dad got so mad.And mom?She just stands there with tears in her eyes while Dad beats me to stupor.It became a constant. I couldn't take it.I decided to choose my own path, and fuck whatever anyone thinks. I left home, and became the villain after that.I'm over it now.I really am.“I'll think about it, no promises.”I take a slow exhale, my mind drifting off.I left this morning before Jenaya c

***~~Dahlia~~***It's evening when Tyler pulls to a stop at the park.Jenaya got a call home and left.I had to bring Liam. It excites him and it makes me feel at ease, somehow.I could also use it to free my mind off work. I grab Liam's hand and step into the park for a walk.Well, I did let him play a little, since he was too eager to jump on those slides.I saw some kids on it and let him join them while I sit and watch him.But not for too long.We needed to try other stuff.Couples pass by holding hands, kids moved around with their parents, the cool evening breeze envelopes us.Liam's giggling beside me, pointing to a cute French bulldog strolling with it's owner.“Mom, can I have a puppy? Please?” He asks, lifting his eyes to meet mine.I tilt my head and chuckle. “Are you sure?”“Yes Mommy,” he pouts, waiting.“Ok. I'll think about it,” he jumps, clapping his two hands, his smile so bright. “Want some ice cream?”He nods sharply.I take his hand and guide him toward the boot

***~~Jenaya~~***I got a call home that my mom slumped.Rome wouldn't say what hospital she's in. His slurred words were barely even coherent.Now I feel like crap.I haven't even checked in on mom for a while. I just send money and hardly take calls.When l do pick up her calls, I'm always eager to end it.My mom reads me like no one can. If I stayed longer on a call she'd know I'm not okay.She doesn't even know about Kelvin.I do not want to get her worried with my shit. She loved Kelvin too, it'd break her to hear what he did to me.My car stops in front of our house. I paid and hurried out, moving toward the front door.“Rome, where's mom?” I ask as soon as he opens the door, panic seeping through me.“Calm down sis,” he says, his voice oddly steady, a calm contrast to earlier.I looked ahead and that's when I see it.Ribbons, balloons, and a small decorated space at the dinning area.My mom, the one who slumped magically has a cake in her hand. “Happy birthday honey,” she says

***~~Soren~~***I take the glass and gulp to the last drop.That bastard, Hunter. He has the mind to show up here.My fist balled, lips pressing into thin line.Knox watches me.“I think you should go talk to him,”I blink up at him. “That won't be necessary,”“He’s a menace. He won't leave,”I hiss and stand, heading for the door. I step out and shut the door with more force than necessary.Outside, Hunter's back is to me, a cigarette in hand, the smoke coils around him.“If you wanna be an asshole, take it somewhere else, not Knox's.”He turns, his lips curling into that little smug smile he wears when he knows he's been an ass. “Hello to you too, Soren. And what better place to bring my shit to if not here?”I step closer, face tight, fist clenching. “You're crossing the damn line, Hunter,” I spit out.He throws his hand up. “I'm not here to fight.” He inches closer till we're just an inch apart. “As a matter of fact, I'm done fighting you. We need to talk,”I glare at him. “What