Chapter2:ShadowsofthePast
994 Words
“So, what’s your plan?” Dan asked, her voice tinged with concern as she sipped her coffee.
I glanced at her, hesitating for a moment. How could I possibly explain the turmoil in my heart?
“Honestly, I’m planning to take him away,” I finally admitted, my voice steady despite the storm brewing within me.
Dan’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you sure about that? Nathan isn’t just anyone. You know he has connections. Sooner or later, he’ll find out.”
I sighed deeply, staring into my mug. “I know. But I don’t care. I’m not going to let my son grow up knowing he wasn’t wanted. Nathan didn’t even give him a chance.”
The weight of my words hung heavy in the air, pulling me into the memory I tried so hard to bury.
Flashback
I stood nervously outside Nathan’s apartment door, clutching my phone like a lifeline. The faint sound of music and laughter spilled into the hallway.
A girl opened the door, her eyes scanning me from head to toe.
“Who are you?” she asked bluntly.
“I’m looking for Nathan. Is he here?” I asked, my voice shaking.
She raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. “Are you one of his flings?”
Her words stung, but I forced myself to stay calm.
“Listen,” she continued, her tone casual yet cutting, “if you’re here to tell him you’re pregnant, don’t bother. He’ll just tell you to get rid of it. That’s his usual response.”
Her words made my heart drop. I wanted to speak, to defend myself, but my voice failed me.
“Nathan!” she yelled over her shoulder. “Someone’s here for you!”
I waited, hoping—praying—that he would come to the door. But instead, his voice echoed from inside.
“If it’s a girl, tell her to get lost.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned away. The girl called after me, but I didn’t look back.
At home, I cradled my belly, sobbing quietly. “Your daddy doesn’t want you,” I whispered, “but I do. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”
End of Flashback
Dan’s voice pulled me back to the present. “So, you’re resigning and moving to another country?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yes. I’ve already started preparing. John is helping me with the paperwork.”
“This is for the best,” I said, more to myself than to her. “Nathaniel deserves a fresh start, far away from all of this.”
Dan didn’t say anything for a moment, then sighed. “Well, if you’re set on this, you’d better act fast. He’s bound to figure it out eventually.”
That afternoon, we took Nathaniel to the shopping center. He was in high spirits, tugging at my hand.
“Momma, why are we here?” he asked, his wide eyes full of curiosity.
“We’re shopping, baby. Do you want anything?” I asked with a smile.
He looked thoughtful for a moment, then turned to Dan. “Auntie Dan, can I get a book?”
Dan laughed. “Of course, sweetheart. What kind of book do you want?”
While they talked, I followed them quietly, feeling a rare moment of peace.
But that peace shattered when Nathaniel suddenly bolted out of the bookstore.
“Nathaniel!” I called, panic rising as I chased after him.
He ran into a luxury boutique, and I finally caught up to him. “Nathaniel, what are you doing?” I scolded gently.
“Momma, look!” he said, pointing at a tall man in a suit.
My heart stopped when the man turned to face us.
It was Nathan.
“Look, Momma,” Nathaniel said innocently. “We look alike!”
My knees went weak, and I instinctively took a step back, clutching my son tightly. “No, you don’t,” I said firmly, my voice trembling.
Nathan’s sharp eyes locked onto mine, and a cold smirk spread across his face.
Back in the car, I couldn’t shake the encounter from my mind.
“We have to leave. Now,” I told Dan as she drove.
“What happened?” she asked, glancing at me with concern.
“Nathan saw Nathaniel,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. We can’t stay here anymore. It’s only a matter of time before he puts the pieces together.”
Dan didn’t argue. She simply nodded and drove faster.
That night, Dan convinced me to go out for drinks, saying I needed to clear my head. Reluctantly, I agreed.
The club was loud and chaotic, the air thick with the scent of smoke and alcohol. Dan dragged me to the VIP section, where the noise was slightly less overwhelming.
As I sat there, staring blankly at the crowd below, my heart dropped.
Nathan was here.
He stood on the opposite side of the room, holding a glass of whiskey, his sharp eyes scanning the dance floor. I panicked, but then reminded myself: Nathaniel wasn’t here. He couldn’t possibly connect the dots.
But then Nathan turned, his gaze landing squarely on me.
I froze as he made his way toward me, his strides confident and commanding.
Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist, his grip firm.
“Stand up,” he ordered, his voice low and dangerous.
I yanked my hand back. “Let me go,” I said, trying to sound braver than I felt.
But Nathan didn’t budge. “We have unfinished business,” he said, his smirk sending a chill down my spine.
“I don’t think so,” I replied, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.
His eyes darkened. “Oh, we do. And trust me, I’m not letting you run away this time.”
- Writer
