Chapter 09
Emily’s POV
Keith’s jaw tightened. “Cancel it. I’m driving.”
I felt the anger rise in me, the old frustration of him trying to control every situation bubbling to the surface. “You don’t get to order me around anymore, Keith. Not after everything.”
Zane looked back and forth between us, his expression shifting from excitement to distress. “Mommy, why are you and Daddy fighting?”
I cursed under my breath, realizing how our argument was affecting Zane. Keith, noticing Zane’s upset expression, turned the situation to his advantage. “Dear, I just want to drive you to the airport. But, Mommy doesn’t want to ride with us.”
Zane’s lip quivered, and I could see the tears forming again. I sighed, defeated. “Fine,” I muttered. “Let’s just get going.”
I began loading the luggage into the trunk, aware of Keith standing nearby, watching me with a look that suggested he wanted to help but something held him back–perhaps my stubbornness, or maybe his own uncertainty.
Chap 09
My arm, still sore from the injury, protested with every movement. As I reached for the suitcase, my injured arm gave way, and the luggage slipped from my grasp, hitting the floor with a dull thud. I winced in pain, instinctively reaching for my shoulder.
Before I could react, Keith was already by my side, picking up the suitcase. “I’ve got it,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“I can manage,” I protested, trying to take the suitcase from him, but he held it firmly.
“Emily, don’t argue,” Keith replied, his voice firm but not unkind. “You’re hurt. Let me do this.”
I was taken aback. This wasn’t the Keith I was used to–the man who always seemed too preoccupied to notice the small things, let alone help with them. But here he was, loading the luggage into the car without a word of complaint.
I watched him, surprised and a little confused. He had never helped me with my luggage before, not even when we were married. It was such a small thing, but it made me pause, wondering what had changed.
Was it guilt? Responsibility? Or was it just an empty gesture, a last- ditch effort to smooth over the cracks in our shattered
relationship?
Chapter 09
Whatever it was, I didn’t argue further. Instead, I simply nodded, keeping my thoughts to myself as he closed the trunk with a soft click.
The ride to the airport was tense. Keith kept trying to start a conversation, but I wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. “Why don’t you just ignore me like you always did before?” I snapped, staring out the window.
His expression darkened, but he stayed silent after that, leaving the car in an uncomfortable quiet that matched the storm brewing inside me.
When we arrived at the airport, the police were already there, ready to escort Zane and his grandparents. And there she was–Lily. She stood off to the side, a serene smile on her face as if she hadn’t a care in the world.
Keith went straight to Lily, wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her forehead. The sight made my stomach churn, but I focused on Zane, trying to keep my composure.
“Say goodbye to Lily, Zane,” Keith instructed, his tone almost commanding.
Zane glanced at Lily but then turned back to me. “Bye, Mommy,” he said, running into my arms again. “I’ll call you every day, just like you said.”
Chapter
My heart swelled with love for my son, and I held him close, ignoring the irritated look on Lily’s face. “I’ll be waiting for your calls, sweetheart,” I whispered, kissing the top of his head.
As Zane pulled away and walked toward the police officers, I noticed my mother standing a few steps away, ready to go with them. Her eyes were filled with tears as she approached me, hesitating as if she wanted to hug me.
“Emily…” she began, her voice trembling.
I looked at her, the distance between us feeling greater than ever. I couldn’t remember the last time we had shared a hug. The thought made something inside me harden, and I took a small step back. “Take care of yourself, Mom,” I said, keeping my tone even. “And please, look after Zane.”
Shebi
She blinked back tears, nodding slowly. “We will,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
With one last look at her tear–filled eyes, I watched as she turned away, following Zane and the others toward the plane. Zane’s small figure looked even smaller next to the towering adults. I stayed rooted in place until the plane took off, my heart heavy as I watched it disappear into the clouds.
As I turned to leave the airport, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Keith’s name flashed on the screen, but I didn’t even hesitate before ending the call. I didn’t need his pity or his concern. Not anymore.
