All Chapters of Three Years in the Shadows: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

“I get that Gavin is out of touch with the rules since he’s been away for so long, but what’s your excuse?” I looked up at Gavin Nolan. Dressed in a white custom suit, Gavin took the seat at the head of the table and cradled the newborn with a tender smile. I was supposed to be Sarah’s father. Yet, Tanya Cox put me in a corner, away from my child. It was my cue to approach Tanya. I walked up behind her and asked, “We are here to celebrate our daughter. Why did you assign me to a seat furthest away from her? What’s the meaning of this?” “Can you just stop, Callum?” Tanya spoke in hushed tones, the weariness apparent in her eyes. “Gavin has just gotten back, and he’s a big deal in capital venture. He is incredibly connected. “He is Sarah’s godfather anyway. It’s not a bad thing for our daughter if he takes the seat of honor. The board is going to call us out on nepotism if they see you up there. “Besides, your attire isn’t exactly appropriate for hosting the city’s elit

“Bravo!” The cheering crowd snapped me back to reality. Gavin took the first slice and offered it, not for the child to smash, but to Tanya’s lips. “Tanya, you’ve been through so much. This is for you.” With flushed cheeks, Tanya took a bite in front of everyone. “Thank you, Gavin.” “Mr. Nolan and Ms. Cox make a lovely couple. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were together.” The crowd showered them with congratulations. I felt sick to my stomach. Way back then, Tanya, an overlooked child, would watch Gavin in the shadows whenever he visited the Coxes.He was the perfect golden boy—untouchable, unattainable.Since the fall of the Coxes, Gavin didn’t so much as send a text during his time away. I was there for Tanya every step of the way. Yet, with newfound confidence and success, she only had eyes for Gavin. What did that leave me with? What was I doing there, watching them play house? The door to the venue opened. A hotel manager entered the room,

“Out of the marriage?” With Tanya going stiff, the perceptive crowd fed on the shift of her expression and murmured among themselves. “What’s going on? Is Ms. Cox married to Mr. Hunter? I thought he was just the chauffeur?” “He should check himself. He’s a nobody, hardly in her league. If I were Ms. Cox, I would keep my marriage a secret, too.” Tanya turned ashen. Nevertheless, it didn’t take her long to get her act together. She turned to the whispering crowd and let out an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry about that. Mr. Hunter has been under a lot of stress lately. He clearly had one too many drinks. He’s just joking. “Please, carry on and have a good time.” After assuring the crowd, Tanya cocked her head back, the smile disappearing from her face. She hissed through clenched teeth, “What’s going on with you, Callum? It’s Sarah’s sip-and-see. Must you embarrass me right now? “Do you know how much damage you’re causing?” She grabbed my arm and shoved the ring into

Beth threw her arms around me and wailed shakily. I cuddled her tight as if she were the only good thing I had in my life. “I’m sorry, Mom… “I’m sorry for selling the locket you made me… “I’m sorry for being so stubborn and hurting you so much… “I really am, Mom. I’m so, so sorry.” Three years of quiet suffering and restraint broke loose all at once. Beth ran her fingers along my hair, her tears soaking up my shoulder. “Silly child… I can never be angry at you. “The locket was meant to be your safety net. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. I don’t care if you had to sell it.“My primary concern is whether you were hurting on your own, hungry, or cold…” Darren stood there, his eyes welling up. Still, he kept a straight face and scoffed. “Come on. We’re going home. Get in. Save the talk until we’re home.” Sitting in the back seat, I couldn’t shake off a dizzy spell. I must be running a fever. Strangely, I didn’t feel sick. It felt like my im

With the whole office watching, Ellys slammed the divorce papers down on Tanya’s desk. “Ms. Cox, I have been retained by Mr. Hunter to draft this divorce petition for your perusal.” Tanya glanced at the document, her mind going blank. “A d-divorce? Is he honestly asking for a divorce?” “Yes. Mr. Hunter is claiming his right to half the assets. He is looking to seek the child’s custody as well.” Ellys grinned. “Over my dead body!” Tanya ripped the papers with a hysterical shriek. “He’s delusional to think he can take my company and my child! I built the business from the ground up and gave birth to Sarah! He’s getting nothing!” “Ms. Cox, ripping up the papers won’t change the facts. We have evidence of your affair with Mr. Nolan. If you won’t agree to our terms, we will proceed with legal action.” Tanya slumped back onto her seat, her face pale. She thought that I was sulking in a corner, waiting for her to throw me a bone or a shred of attention. Reality finally san