Billionaire's Secret heir

Chapter 5: The Shocking Revelation

Far from the brilliant ballroom and its curious eyes, Alexander had selected a quiet, private room. Both Alexander and Natalie ignored the brilliant New York skyline that was visible via floor-to-ceiling windows. The distance between them was heavy with the weight of unspoken facts.

Liam held Natalie's hand while standing at her side, unaware of the strain. Between his mother and the commanding man in the suit, his big, inquisitive eyes darted.

With his piercing blue eyes focused on Natalie, Alexander inhaled deeply. "Six years," he murmured in a low, steely voice. "He is six years of age."

Natalie tightened her hold on Liam's hand. "Yes," she said softly.

Each piece landed with the force of a sledgehammer as it fell into place in Alexander's head. There was only one indisputable conclusion to be drawn from the timing, the similarity, and the reserved way Natalie had previously regarded him.

"Is he mine?" Alexander inquired, sounding no more than a whisper as if saying the words out loud made them seem too real.

The question struck Natalie like a punch, causing her to freeze. For years, she had dreaded this moment, speculating about a hundred possible outcomes. Her heart hurt for the suffering she knew this disclosure would create, but none of those scenarios could have prepared her for the unadulterated passion in Alexander's eyes.

"Yes," she finally answered, her voice shaking. "He is your son."

Alexander's normally calm exterior cracked as he stumbled back a step. His mind spinning, he ran a hand through his dark hair. He had a son. A child he had never heard of.

He spoke softly but angrily and incredulously, "You kept him from me." "You never felt I deserved to know all these years?"

Even though Natalie's eyes were watering, she wouldn't take her eyes off of them. Alexander, it wasn't that easy. You were traversing the world, constructing your empire, and working nonstop. And I didn't think you had room for us in your life after—after the way we ended.

At his sides, Alexander's hands tensed. "You didn't believe that my son had a place in my life? You didn't make that decision!

Liam pulled at Natalie's hand as he could feel the strain. "Mom? What's the matter?

Natalie knelt and caressed Liam's hair while speaking softly. "Nothin', my love. Everything is fine.

Alexander lowered himself to Liam's level as well. He gave the youngster his whole attention for the first time. His green eyes glowed with interest and innocence; they were the same color as Natalie's. However, there was another element, a distinctly familiar one.

As he talked, Alexander's heart ached. "Hello, Liam."

Liam studied him with a tilt of his head. "Are you friends with my mom?"

Alexander said before Natalie had a chance to reply. His voice grew softer as he added, "Something like that." "Are you a toy fan?"

Liam's expression brightened. Indeed! Have you got any?

Alexander smiled a little to himself. "There may be something I can find for you."

With a mixture of comfort and anxiety, Natalie observed the conversation. Liam's innocence served as a barrier, but it was temporary.

Alexander turned back to Natalie after one of the event staff members had given Liam a coloring book and a box of crayons, his eyes burning with unasked questions.

His voice was forceful but now lower as he replied, "You owe me an explanation."

Natalie folded her arms across her chest and nodded. "You're correct. You have a right to know everything.

She paused to collect her thoughts. "I was afraid when I learned I was expecting. I was unsure of how to inform you that we had recently broken up. I didn't want to be the one to ruin your career since you were so focused on it.

"You believe I would have abandoned you?" Alexander's rage flared once more as he demanded.

Natalie acknowledged, "I'm not sure what you would have done." However, I am aware of the amount of stress and burden you were already bearing. And eventually, it seemed like too much time had gone by. I was unsure of how to inform you without causing resentment.

Alexander's mouth clenched. "So you've chosen to hide him?"

"I didn't make a snap decision," Natalie remarked, her voice cracking. I acted in Liam's best interests. I have attempted to provide him with a secure and contented life.

"And what about my parental rights?" Alexander's voice was rough with emotion as he inquired.

Unable to look him in the eye, Natalie cast her gaze downward. "I was mistaken," she muttered. "I ought to have informed you. However, I was unsure of how.

As he struggled to take in the shocking news, Alexander turned aside and wiped his face. His thoughts were racing: How would he compensate for the six years he had lost? How could he reconcile his current self with the role of father Liam required of him?

With a determined gaze, he turned back to Natalie. "Natalie, things will get better. I won't play a supporting role in his life. I want to be a part of Liam's world since he is my son.

Natalie felt her heart tighten. "Please, Alexander—"

His tone was stern but not rude as he stated, "This isn't up for debate." "I'm not leaving him, but we'll work it out." Not right now. Never.

With tears welling up in her eyes, Natalie nodded. It felt as though the ground was moving beneath her feet, even though she knew this time would arrive someday.

Liam happily displayed his coloring page as he jumped over to them as the talk came to an end. "Look, Mom! Look, sir!

Alexander knelt once more and examined the artwork with a sincere smile. "Liam, that's excellent. Did you create this entirely on your own?

"Yes!" Liam grinned as he spoke. "Are you fond of it?"

Alexander softened his voice and replied, "I adore it." "You're incredibly gifted."

With a twinge of regret in her heart, Natalie observed the exchange. Despite her concerns about Alexander's response, it was evident that he was concerned. Despite her want to keep Liam safe, she was Wunable to deny him the opportunity to get to know his father.

For the first time in years, Natalie felt as though she was on the brink of something new, something both exciting and frightening.