Second Chance with the Billionaire

02. Homecoming

“MOMMY, WHERE ARE WE?”

A heavy breath escapes my lips as I set the baggages aside to make sure the place wouldn’t look cramped with all our bags. It is easy to say that I have practically almost packed all of my things and just left some unnecessary ones that I wouldn’t need anymore while I packed most of Kathleen’s clothes, shoes, and bags as well.

“This is Mommy’s secret place, baby. This is where I used to live alone while I was still studying.” I answered, pulling her closer to me as we sat on the couch. “Don’t you love it here? I have a spare room where you can put your toys too.”

“But my toys are already in the storage back home. Why are we bringing it here? Are we not going back to the house, Mommy?” She questions innocently, making me speechless.

How should one tell their child that their father cheated on their mother? Now, their mother wants a divorce and it also means a broken family for her? How?

“How about we go to have some quick grocery for now so we can have some food to eat?” I said in a more cheerful tone so my avoidance to her question wouldn’t bother her that much.

“Okay, Mommy!”

As planned, we went out and did some grocery shopping that was enough to not make my child hungry for two days. It’s not like I am planning to stay in the condo where Gael can come freely and reach us anyway. I just need to settle some things before I leave and go to my family’s home.

“Granny!”

I almost jumped when Kathleen shouted across the hall while making our way back to the unit. My gaze went to the woman dressed in such a luxurious way with a branded bag as she stood in front of my door, obviously getting impatient.

“My princess, how are you?” She greets my daughter warmly as the latter nods excitedly.

“Mother,” I said in a small, well-mannered voice as my mother-in-law stood in front of me. She changed her attention to me and the warm smile immediately disappeared as I expected. “How about you go inside first, baby? Granny and I will just talk.”

Kathleen followed, leaving me alone with my Mother-in-law. I guess Gael already informed them about my demand.

“I figured you would be here.” She says in a straight face. “Gael told us that you want a divorce. Is that true?”

I cleared my throat and nodded my head, bravely. “I was thinking of giving you a call once we settled here, but your son is quicker to tell his parents about the news.” I explained with a bit of sarcasm, earning a raise of brow from her. “I believe he also told you the reason why I want a divorce?”

She sighs heavily. “He said that you caught him cheating, so now you want to leave with his child and divorce him.” She said as if it was nothing while I remained silent. “What a foolish man. I always knew he was bound to mess this marriage up, but I didn’t know that you would be the one to ask for a divorce instead.”

My brows furrowed. “What… do you mean?”

“What I mean is, you can divorce him,” It is like a huge relief fills me until her next word comes. “However, you need to leave your child to us.”

“What are you talking about? I am not letting my child stay with a cheating bastard.” I harshly pointed out, earning a wide eye from her. “It is already bad enough that I had to lie about his whereabouts this holiday because of his damn affair. I won’t let my child grow up along with that man and teach her how to mess things up like what he did in his life.”

Just like that, I felt a sting in my cheek as my Mother-in-law’s hand came in contact with it. It was so hard and loud that I can only wish that Kathleen didn’t hear it at all. I should have expected this.

“I should have known that it was a bad idea to get him to marry you in the first place. You are an ungrateful child!” She scolded, raising her voice. “My son was the one who worked hard for you and your child to live well. Now that he made one mistake, you are quick to demand a divorce and call him names after everything he did for you?”

“My child that you were talking about was his child.” I empathize. “And I was a fool as well to think that you will be the first one to scold your son for ruining his marriage, when in fact, you are the one who actually wanted this marriage to end.”

I always knew that Gael’s parents are not fond of me. Since the very beginning when he first introduced me to them as his girlfriend, they never really see me as someone their child would want to be with. Maybe it was wrong that a part of me hoped that maybe one day I would impress them.

“Please tell your son that I will be sending the divorce papers as soon as the holiday is over, and I would appreciate it if you push him to sign it. That way, you wouldn’t need to see me again as well.” I bravely said.

I was about to pass by her but she held me in my arms, stopping me.

“If you continue this stupid act, you will be the one to lose it all,” She made me face her as she smirks. “Including your daughter.”

My knees felt weak with the mention of my child. They can’t possibly think that I will allow them to have my child after all of this. It was her father who started this mess, and I would do my best to keep her away from the mess he created.

“Do whatever you want but you will never have custody for my daughter.”

After that, I immediately shut the door in front of her face and stare blankly. For the first time, I felt lonely in the middle of the fight against my mother-in-law.

For many years, she always made me feel like the undeserving one—the person who never deserved her son. During those times, it was easier for me to bear it all and just disregard all of her negative comments because I know that Gael was there to cheer me up, and his validation was enough for me. It was his love that was enough to keep me facing my in-laws during family gatherings.

But now, she made me realize that it wasn’t me who was at fault, it was them.

“Mommy, are you okay?”

I heard Kathleen’s little voice as she stood just meters away from me while holding her doll and looking at me with those worried eyes. I gestured her to come closer and instantly gave her a tight hug.

As long as I have her, then it is enough.

“Mommy’s okay, baby. Mommy’s okay.”

If a peaceful life with my daughter is being threatened after my proud husband cheated on me, there is only one place where I could go. And I know, in there, I can only feel their support and their true love that will ensure that my daughter will grow up properly.

“Are you ready to meet Mamu and Papu again, dear?” I said while holding Kathleen’s small hand.

“Yes, Mommy! I miss them already!” She exclaims, making me smile widely.

I instantly knocked into the door and waited for anyone to open it for us. My smile grew wider the moment the door knob turned as I expected the grandest welcome from my parents after a long time.

…only to be disappointed.

“Mackenzie.”

My eyes widened a bit with the sight of him. What is he doing here?

“Uncle Ezekiel!”