The Billionaire's Forgotten Heir

pay a visit

"Daddy?"

Damon paused, his hands mid-stretched towards the door. He turned slowly; his dark, brooding eyes rested on the small figure now seated up in the hospital bed, his eyes wide.

The little boy sat up straighter, his eyes lighting up in surprise.

"You came!" he said, then looked around quickly.

"Where's Mummy?"

He looked at Damon with clear, eager eyes, and for a moment, the once cold and aloof man found it difficult to speak to a five-year-old.

He looked away and cleared his throat. "I'm not—"

He hadn't finished speaking when the little boy seemed to realize something, and the light in his eyes went dim.

Damon couldn't tell why that suddenly hurt.

"Sorry I mistook you for my dad. Mummy always tells me about him. Look, I made a drawing of him right here."

He shuffled slightly on the bed, then brought out a piece of neatly folded paper beneath his pillow and held it out to Damon.

Damon's gaze fell on the drawing. It was of a really tall man with very tiny legs and a turtle-like neck.

Damon coughed and looked away.

It really did look like Nathan.

Before Liam could ask how his drawing looked, the door opened slightly from the outside, and Elli's head popped in.

"I think we should get going now, sir," he said, his voice a low whisper.

Damon didn't waste any more time; he turned to leave but not before giving one last look at Liam. The boy was staring at him, his eyes still wide. Damon's jaw ticked slightly as he sauntered out like he was never there.

No sooner had Damon left than Skyler stepped in, her smile growing the moment she saw Liam sitting up.

She walked over and ruffled his hair slightly but noticed he was clutching the sketch he made of his father, his eyes still fixed ahead on the door.

Skyler had always described Damon to the best of her knowledge to Liam, and Liam would always make a sketch of him every night. It helped him sleep calmly.

"Liam, what are you looking at?"

Liam turned to her, mouth slightly agape, and said in a voice low enough to be almost a whisper, "Mummy, that uncle looks like Daddy, doesn't he?"

Skyler paused; then she noticed his eyes move towards the door again.

"What uncle?"

Liam gave her a glance.

"He was here a moment ago. Did you not see him leave, Mummy?"

Skyler didn't say more; she just held him close, knowing he must be hallucinating again. She whispered into his ear, "I love you, Liam; Mummy will always love you." She couldn't tell him that his father was married to another woman.

She couldn't bring herself to tell the truth. Although Liam didn't show it, she could see how much the absence of his father affected him. Whatever happens, she promised to give him all the love he could ever need.

That night, she sent a message to Carter's group, explaining why she had left so quickly. Hopefully, they would understand.

The day passed eventually, and Skyler couldn't tell if it was fast or slow. All she knew was that she had Liam in her arms the whole time.

*

"Skyler, Skyler..."

Skyler's eyes shot open at the voice calling her. She looked up to find a pair of big blue eyes peering down at her.

Skyler jumped, startled, only to find Clara standing there with a playful smile on her face.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it back last night," Clara apologized as she flopped down in the seat beside her.

"Adrian was making a fuss," she added.

"It's nothing. You really should spend some time at home," Skyler replied.

"What is that supposed to mean? Home is where the heart is, and my heart is right here. Besides—" she hesitated, her fingers curling slightly.

"Adrian's mom has been getting really agitated over the weeks. I have to stay away for my own sanity."

Clara pushed back the tears threatening to fall, and Skyler placed a hand on hers, squeezing slightly.

She didn't push it.

It was Clara's life and her decision after all; she had to support her and not interfere. She could only wish Clara would find the courage she needed to dump that scumbag of a man she loved.

Thinking about that, her eyes unconsciously fell on Liam. He was still fast asleep. Sunlight seeped in from the window, casting a soft glow over his features and making him incredibly handsome.

"Okay, enough thinking; today is supposed to be a special day."

Clara chirped, her voice gaining its vigor once again.

Skyler nodded, then put on a smile. It was indeed a special day, and she shouldn't let her thoughts ruin it.

She pushed herself up and gave Clara a smile.

"Call me if you need anything."

Although the doctor said Liam was stable for now, Skyler couldn't afford any risk. She stepped out of the hospital gates, the cool breeze hitting her face as she did.

A black sports car suddenly pulled up beside her, and the window rolled down to reveal Mark's face.

"Morning, boss!" he chimed, that boyish smile spreading across his face. Skyler hopped in immediately.

"Home?" Mark asked. He had already taken the initiative to rent her an apartment in advance.

Skyler pursed her lips, her gaze traveling out the window for a moment before she said,

"Drop me at a flower shop." Mark seemed confused but quickly understood.

"Yes, boss," he replied and stepped on it. The car roared to life then zoomed across the street while Skyler sat back, relaxing into the seat.

Today was her second day in Green City. She should pay her mom a visit. Over the years, she hadn't been able to keep up with the routine.

She could only imagine how much weeds had grown around there since her absence. A pang hit her chest before she could stop it.

When her mom died, her father swore he would never forget her. But who would have thought that barely two months after her death, he would come home with a wife and a daughter just Skyler's age?

With that in mind, she added, "And also, let's stop at a garden store. I need to get some hand weeder."