Chapter 30
Emily’s POV
After Frank and I shared that kiss, a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time. lingered with me. Later, when he invited me to his apartment for dinner, I hesitated for a brief moment but ultimately couldn’t say no.
The idea of spending more time with him felt right, even if part of me still wondered if this was moving too fast. It had been so long since I’d felt this kind of connection, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to let it slip away.
As soon as Frank left my house, I picked up the phone and called Nina. I needed to talk to someone, to make sense of the emotions swirling inside me. Nina listened patiently as I recounted everything, from the kiss to the dinner invitation. But her response, though supportive, was tinged with
caution.
“Emily, are you sure you’re ready for this?” Nina asked gently. “I’m happy for you, I really am. But using one man to forget another… it never ends. well. It might just complicate things.”
Her concern made sense. It was valid, even. But I couldn’t ignore the fact that Frank made me feel something I hadn’t felt in a long time. With him, I could push away the lingering thoughts of Keith-at least for a little while.
“I know, Nina,” I admitted, my voice soft. “But I’m tired of feeling lonely.
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Frank makes me feel… wanted. And maybe, just maybe, this could be more than just a fling.”
Nina’s voice softened even further. “I understand, Emily. Just be careful, okay? I want you to be happy, but I also want you to protect your heart.”
“I will,” I promised, though I couldn’t shake the feeling lingered in the back of my mind.
certainty that
As the day slipped by, I found myself dreading the upcoming parent- teacher meeting. A meeting on a Saturday felt like some kind of cruel joke, but I knew Zane needed me there, and I wouldn’t let him down. No. matter wha
was happening in my personal life, he came first.
As I drove to the school, my thoughts kept swirling, bouncing between Frank, Keith, and everything else in between. Was I really ready to move
on?
When I pulled into the school parking lot, those thoughts lingered, but a new wave of unease washed over me. The rows of luxury cars lined up like a display of wealth, making my modest vehicle stand out more than
ever.
I could feel the weight of judgmental stares from some of the parents, their whispers just out of earshot but their meaning unmistakable. They didn’t even try to hide their contempt. To them, money was the only measure of worth, and by their standards, I fell short. But I had never let their opinions define me.
Growing up around wealth had taught me one thing: The value of a
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Chapter 30
person isn’t measured by the size of their bank account but by the
kindness in their heart, the integrity of their actions, and the love they share with others.
The minutes ticked by, and parents and children started filing into the building. I kept glancing at the clock, waiting for Keith. By three o’clock, there was still no sign of him, and my frustration grew. He had promised Zane he would be here, and yet he was nowhere to be found.
I dialed his number, but it went straight to voicemail. Anger bubbled up inside me, and I could feel my patience wearing thin. This was important to Zane, and Keith was blowing it off.
With no other option, I called Seth. I hadn’t spoken to him much since the divorce, and I was surprised he even had my number saved.
His voice was apologetic when he picked up. “Emily, I’m sorry. I’ve been trying to reach Keith too. He went out with Lily, and now no one can find them.”
My frustration turned to disbelief. How could he forget something as important as this? For Zane, this was a big deal, and Keith had chosen to spend the day with Lily instead.
Mrs. Smith, Zane’s teacher, came out to meet me. Her warm smile was comforting, but it did little to ease the disappointment I felt.
She invited me into the classroom, and we started the meeting without Keith. Soon, we video–called Zane as he couldn’t be physically present. The moment he realized his dad wasn’t there, his little face crumpled, and
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it broke my heart.
“Where’s Dad?” Zane’s voice was small, filled with sadness. He looked so hopeful when he asked, and it made the ache in my chest deepen.
“He’s busy today, sweetheart,” I said, trying to sound reassuring. “But he’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
Zane nodded, but his eyes were wet with unshed tears. “He promised he would come, Mommy.”
Hearing him say that nearly shattered me. I hated seeing him so disappointed, knowing that Keith had let him down yet again. “I know, Zane. He’ll make it up to you. He loves you very much.”
But Zane wasn’t convinced. The tears spilled over, and all I could do was try to comfort him through the screen. After we wrapped up the meeting, I gathered my things and headed out, feeling more deflated than ever.
As I walked out of the building, I saw Keith’s Mercedes pull into the parking lot. He hurried out of the car, looking around frantically, as if hoping he wasn’t too late. But he was. The look of regret on his face didn‘ t soften my anger. He came up to me, his eyes filled with apology.
“Emily, I’m so sorry,” he began, but I wasn’t interested in his excuses.
“Do you know how long Zane waited for you?” I cut him off, my voice low but laced with anger. “He was looking forward to this all week; Keith. And where were you?”
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Keith’s face fell, and he tried to reach out to me, but I stepped back. “Emily, I swear, I didn’t mean to miss it. I just lost track of time.”
“Lost track of time?” I repeated, incredulous. “This was important to your son, Keith. He cried because of you. If you keep hurting him like this. I will take full custody.”
My words seemed to hit him hard, and he looked genuinely shocked. “Emily, you don’t mean that.”
“Oh, I do,” I shot back. “Zane deserves better than this. If you want to be a part of his life, you need to start showing up, or I will make sure you don’t get the chance to disappoint him again.”
Keith opened his mouth to say something, but the words seemed to die in
his throat.
Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving Keith standing there in the parking lot, looking like he had just lost everything.
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