Chapter 2

I told Leo calmly, "That's my ex-husband, William Dodson."

Leo visibly stiffened.

These days, William's name was a household name across the globe.

"He..." Leo started, but his words faded away.

"It's all in the past," I said, squeezing his hand. "I love you, Leo. You and Mickey are my family now."

Emotions shimmered in Leo's deep blue eyes as he wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

I knew exactly what was weighing on his mind.

Having an ordinary ex-husband was one thing, but having one who was richer than most countries? That was a whole different kind of pressure.

And now he had shown up with a child he claimed was ours, wanting to reconnect.

I leaned into Leo's arms, but my gaze turned cold.

Did William really think I'd still be waiting for him after six years?

Did he think success and money could undo what he'd done?

Did he think showing up with a kid would make me change my mind?

That was naive.

*****

The next day, I took Leo and Mickey to Edrine Island for some diving.

Sure enough, William wouldn't leave us alone. He showed up, too.

He'd swapped his sharp suit for casual clothes, but that elite vibe still made him stick out like a sore thumb among the tourists.

He didn't try to get close to me anymore. He stood off to the side, his eyes locked on Mickey.

His gaze was a tangled web of emotions, filled with shock, regret, pain, and a flicker of wild joy he was desperately trying to hide.

I guessed he probably thought Mickey was the baby I never aborted back then.

He must have believed I had lied to him, secretly gave birth to his son, and then found a new partner to raise the child.

That idea tormented him, but at the same time, it sparked a twisted hope for reconciliation.

I couldn't be bothered with William. I simply enjoyed myself with Leo and Mickey.

We went diving, and William hung around on the shore.

We hopped on jet skis, and he watched us from the sand.

We had a seafood feast at a seaside restaurant, and William sat at a table not far from us, sipping coffee, never taking his eyes off us.

He looked like a stray dog left out in the cold, hoping its owner would come back.

Mickey got creeped out by his stare and whispered to me, "Mummy, why does that weird guy keep staring at me? Do I have something funny on my face?"

I wiped the corner of Mickey's mouth with a napkin and said softly, "Ignore him. He's probably jealous because you're the coolest kid on the beach."

Mickey immediately puffed out his chest, beaming with pride.

Leo offered me a prawn, holding it up to my lips and whispering, "Want me to go have a word with him?"

"Don't bother," I replied, swallowing the prawn and shooting William a frosty glance. "Let him look. I'm curious to see what kind of drama he thinks he's gonna uncover."

I wanted him to see it all.

To see how in love I was with another man.

To see how happy I was being a mom to someone else's kid.

To see the life we had built without him.

This kind of pain cut deeper than any revenge ever could.

When our vacation was over, we flew back to Zomond City.

William's private jet was parked right next to our plane.

He must've timed it perfectly, because he "happened" to show up as we were getting off the plane.

This time, he cut me off, stepping right in front of me.

"Sandra, we need to talk," he said, his voice raspy and tired. There were dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he'd been through hell these past few days.

"Mr. Dodson, I don't think there's anything left for us to talk about," I said, slipping on my sunglasses, my tone cool and distant.

"It's about our son." William's voice was raw, his eyes burning as he stared at Mickey by my side. "He's my son, isn't he? Why did you lie to me? Why won't you let him call me Dad?"

He was so sure of himself, it actually made me burst out laughing.

"William, has being the richest guy for too long messed with your head?

"My son is Micah Durham. His dad's Leo Durham, and he's standing right here," I said, tightening my grip on Leo's arm. "Say one more crazy thing and I'll sue you for slander."

Leo matched my energy, his expression icy, and his presence was every bit as intimidating as William's.

William's gaze flicked back and forth between Leo and Mickey, trying to spot anything that might prove they weren't really father and son.

But it was useless. Mickey looked so much like Leo. Anyone would swear they were family.

"No, this can't be." William reeled backward, his eyes blazing with disbelief and a touch of madness. "You're lying. You must be."

All at once, he lunged forward, making a grab for Mickey's hand.

Quick as a flash, Leo pulled Mickey into his arms and turned to block William, shielding him protectively.

"Back off, Mr. Dodson," Leo said coldly.

The airport security noticed the commotion and quickly moved in.

I gave him a cold stare. "William, stop acting crazy in public. You're making a fool of yourself."