His bet, Her baby

“Darian Wolfie is getting married to Sienna Miller. According to reports, the two have been in a relationship for over five years—” A female reporter’s voice echoed from the TV, and a blurry photo flashed on the screen—Darian and Sienna, smiling together like a perfect couple. My heart stilled. My legs moved before I could think. “Leo! What are you watching?” I asked sharply, walking quickly toward the sofa. There he was—my little boy, sitting cross-legged with the remote still in his tiny hands. His big eyes went wide the moment he saw me, pure panic flickering across his innocent face. Those eyes… black like polished gems. Just like his. His soft pink lips parted, and his chubby cheeks puffed a little as he spoke. “Sorry, Mama… I didn’t know how the channel changed, I swear!” he said quickly, curling his fingers like he was bracing for scolding. His voice was small, so sweet and honest that a sting of guilt hit my chest. How could I ever raise my voice at him? I let out a shaky breath, kneeling in front of him. “I’m sorry, baby,” I whispered, brushing his soft black curls away from his forehead. “Mama didn’t mean to shout.” He blinked up at me, forgiving in a second, like children always are. And I— I turned the TV off. I didn’t want my son to see the man who never cared he existed. Not on screen. Not in real life. Not ever. “Mama, can I watch for a few more minutes…?” Leo looked up at me with those soft, pleading eyes and his most adorable face, the remote still resting on his lap like a forgotten toy. I took a breath, gently cupping his cheek with my palm. “No, sweetheart. You’ve already had enough screen time today. Don’t you remember what Mama told you?” He blinked, and then nodded seriously, his baby voice soft and proud. “Yes, Mama. Watching TV or phone gives blue light… and blue light makes eyes sick.” I smiled, unable to hold back my laughter as I leaned in and smothered his chubby cheeks with kisses. “Smart boy,” I whispered. “My little sunshine.” He giggled and wriggled in my arms, his joy so pure it made my heart ache. “We’re not watching TV anymore. Why don’t you go play with Max?” I suggested. Immediately, his eyes lit up like stars. “MAX!” he shouted and jumped off the couch like a little rocket. Max was our golden retriever—a gentle, goofy boy I adopted when Leo turned one. I wanted my baby to have a friend, someone loyal and loving who could keep him company even when the world outside got too loud. And Max became more than just a dog. He became family. Leo ran to the back door, already calling Max’s name. I watched as the two of them raced into our little yard—Leo chasing butterflies with giggles, and Max barking playfully, wagging his tail like he understood every word. I leaned back on the sofa with a tired smile. It was a small house. Nothing fancy. The paint was old, the furniture secondhand, and the walls sometimes creaked with the wind. But it was ours. Fully fenced, safe, and warm. And for a single mother, safety always comes first. Buying this house almost emptied everything I had. I had to let go of the apartment I once shared with… him. The place that held too many ghosts and too little peace. I moved here to give Leo better. And I’d do it all over again because he deserves a life with sunshine, laughter, and love.