Chapter 3
I took a deep breath, straightened my collar, and pushed open the bedroom door, heading downstairs.
Lucy was already settled in the prime spot in the living room, with Xavier nestled up close beside her, looking the picture of sweetness and obedience.
At some point, his game console had vanished, and now he was busy peeling an orange for his grandma.
"Here, Grandma," Xavier said, handing her a segment.
Lucy smiled warmly as she ruffled Xavier's hair.
"Xavier, you're such a good boy, so much more thoughtful than Zoe ever was," Lucy said.
Jacob stood off to the side, his face hard to read as he watched me come downstairs.
"Rebecca, sit down. Let's talk," Jacob said.
I took a seat on the armchair across from them.
Lucy didn't give Jacob a chance to speak. She thumped her cane on the floor, making it clear she was in charge.
"No need for a discussion. I'll do the talking," Lucy said.
Her eyes were cold and condescending, sizing me up like she was passing judgment.
Lucy said, "Rebecca, you've been part of the Swinburne family for eight years, and I've never given you a hard time. When Zoe was born weak, I hired the best nanny money could buy.
"When Jacob wanted to take in Xavier, I had my doubts, but he was right. You can't forget a debt of gratitude.
"About what happened at the restaurant today, I'll chalk it up to you losing your head for a moment. But from now on, don't ever mention divorce again.
"If you're really serious about leaving, then you're not taking either kid. Zoe is Swinburne blood, and Xavier is Jacob's debt paid in full. Neither of them is yours anymore.
"You'll leave with nothing but the clothes on your back. Go back to the Tate family where you belong."
Xavier peeled an orange segment and held it up to Lucy's mouth, giving me a sidelong look.
There was no real malice in his eyes, but it was definitely not something from a kid his age.
It was like he was watching a drama where he already knew how it would end.
I didn't look at him. My eyes stayed fixed on Jacob.
"So, what's your answer?" I asked.
Jacob sat down next to me and tried to take my hand, but I pulled away.
He didn't get mad, just dialed it back.
Jacob said, "Rebecca, Mom was just talking tough. Don't let it get to you. I've been mulling it over the whole way back, and you're right.
"Zoe's been stuck out there way too long. After Xavier's birthday party, I'll bring her home myself.
"But about the divorce, just take a couple days to cool off and really think about it. Eight years together. Does it really have to end like this?"
He paused, his voice dropping to a murmur.
He continued, "Is that what you think? That I've been too good to Xavier and ignored you and Zoe? If that's it, I'll do better. But you can't say I was wrong to take him in.
"Duncan took a bullet for me。 I can't just let his kid fend for himself."
His words were so genuine, even Lucy's face softened.
"Jacob's right. Just calm down and get on with life," Lucy said.
I stood up and walked to the stairs, pausing for a moment.
"So, what are you planning for Xavier's birthday?" I asked.
Jacob blinked, surprised by the question, and hesitated before answering.
"I've booked the banquet hall at the Seaview Hotel and invited more than two hundred guests, the parents of Xavier's classmates, my old army buddies, and some business associates.
"I just want to give him a proper birthday, make up for all those years he went without a dad," Jacob said.
Two hundred guests were invited at the Seaview Hotel's banquet hall, all for a ten-year-old's birthday.
When Zoe turned six, Jacob was off on a business trip, and Lucy said she was too young for anything fancy. In the end, it was just me at home making birthday cake for her all by myself.
Zoe ate the cake with a big smile, holding up her spoon and asking, "Mommy, will Daddy be home tomorrow so we can eat together?"
"I'll handle the arrangements," I said.
My voice was completely flat.
Jacob, Lucy, and even Xavier all looked up at me.
"What?" Jacob asked.
"I'll handle Xavier's birthday party. After three years in our family, and with him calling me Aunt Rebecca all this time, I want to do my part for him," I said.
Lucy shot me a skeptical look.
Jacob was silent for a few seconds, then let out a relieved smile.
"Rebecca, I'm honestly relieved to hear you say that," Jacob said.
He came over and patted my shoulder.
"See? I knew you weren't being unreasonable. Xavier's a good kid; the more time you spend with him, the more you'll like him," Jacob said.
Xavier stood up from the couch, walked over with perfect posture, and gave me a respectful little bow.
"Thank you, Aunt Rebecca," he said politely.
I glanced down at him and gave a small nod.
"You're welcome. Go wash up. School's tomorrow," I said.
Xavier nodded and headed upstairs. As he walked past me, I caught a faint whiff of bubble bath.
In the last photo Zoe sent me, her nails were packed with dirt.