THE SON BETWEEN US

UNWANTED PAST

I looked through the peep hole and saw it was Ethan, he was waiting alone. How did he get to know the hotel I lodge? Why is he here?

I didn’t open the door, I just stood there for a long moment and placed my hand on the handle. I could hear my heartbeat loud in my ear. On the other side, Ethan remained silent, he stopped knocking and calling my name, maybe he was just waiting.

“Mommy?” Leo murmured sleepily from the bed. I turned away from the door instantly and went to him and patted his back gently. “It’s nothing,” I whispered. “Just go back to sleep.” He nodded, he obeyed me as he always does and closed his eyes again. I stayed beside him until I was sure that he was deeply asleep before returning to the door.

By the time I looked through the peephole again, the passage was empty, it seems he got tired of waiting and left. At this point I did not know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.

*****

The next morning, the city looked pale and I felt immediately that something was going to go wrong.

It was a very busy day for me, meetings were coming one after another, though I forced my mind to stay sharp and focused. I was really good at negotiating, analyzing and staying three steps ahead of the massive work, at least It was easier than dealing with emotions that don't give me gain but this time his face kept interrupting.

The way his expression changed immediately he set his eyes on Leo, he looked so shocked and confused, I could actually see the pain in his eyes but that doesn't matter to me at this point.

I pushed that thought aside and told myself that it's time to work and focus on making money to provide for my son and whatever Ethan Blackwood was feeling was no longer my responsibility.

During lunch, my phone buzzed, it was an unfamiliar number but I ignored it and then it buzzed all over again.

Finally, a message appeared: ‘we need to talk about him.’ My fingers went cold as I typed slowly. ‘There is nothing to talk about.’

He replied almost immediately. ‘You can’t expect me to believe this is a coincidence.’

I switched off my phone and slid it into my bag, I would not do this, not now or never.

That evening, as I was leaving the office building with Leo, someone stepped into our path, it was Sienna.

She looked exactly the same as she had three years ago so polished, elegant and just so confident but her smile was sharper now.

“Ava,” she said pleasantly, as if we were old friends. “It’s been a long time.” She smiled at me but I didn't smile back at her, then Leo tightened his grip on my hand. “Move.” I told Leo.

Her gaze dropped to my son and her sharp smile faltered immediately. I know what she would have thought about within her because the resemblance was just so impossible to ignore.

“So,” she said slowly, “this is him.”

I stepped forward protectively. “You have no business with my child.” She laughed softly. “Relax, I’m just curious.”

“Curiosity can be dangerous,” I replied evenly, then she came closer and lowered her voice. “You disappeared so suddenly and now you return with… this.” her gaze dropped on my son again.

I began to get irritated by her presence. “Say what you came to say, else I'll leave” I said as she straightened. “Ethan has not slept since yesterday.” I didn’t react because I was expecting that.

“He is distracted and irritable,” she paused and studied my face. “You’ve always had that effect on him.” she continued, “That is no longer my problem,” I said. “It will be.” Her smile thinned.

I didn’t wait for her to say more, I just held my son's hand and left. I could feel her sharp and dangerous gaze behind me but I don't give a f**k.

That night, the buzzing on my phone started again with calls, text messages, silence and more calls. I didn’t answer any of them but Ethan surely didn’t stop, I could feel how pained and regretful he would be.

By the third day, I could feel his presence everywhere, the hotel entrance, outside my office building even across the street when I picked Leo up.

On the fourth evening, he finally spoke again. “I just want five minutes,” he said quietly when I crossed paths with him in the parking spot. “Five minutes of honesty.” he said as I met his gaze coldly. “You already had three years of my honesty.” I said boldly. “This is different,” he said. “Ava please it feels like I’m losing my mind.” he said and I studied him really well now.

The man who once looked untouchable and powerful now seems frayed. “You should stop imagining things,” I said calmly. “It is really unhealthy.” his jaw clenched. “Then swear it, Ava Collins” “Swear what?” I asked as my heart began to beat fast again but I didn't act like I was furious. “That he’s not mine.” those words hung heavily between us, I didn’t answer, right now I didn’t need to, my silence was enough answer he needed.

Later that night, after Leo had gone to bed I was alone in my room, the fear that I had never wanted finally crept in, not for myself but for Leo, my son , the actual source of my happiness.

I had to go through a whole lot because of my son and no one will take him away from me now, not even Ethan.

I told myself that I was being paranoid but then my phone buzzed again, but this time, it wasn’t Ethan.

It was a message from an unknown number. ‘You should have stayed gone.’

My breath caught and immediately another mess

age followed. ‘Some secrets destroy everyone involved.’