Chapter 15
With time to spare before the court hearing, Melissa finally got a break from Hugh’s infuriating calls. The quiet was a welcome relief, giving her the space to focus on what mattered most-taking care of Curtis.
Curtis was recovering well. Meanwhile, Bradley, buried in work, was spending less time at the hospital, which Melissa secretly appreciated.
With Bradley out of the way, she could have Curtis all to herself, savoring these rare moments without feeling like she was under constant scrutiny.
For Curtis, life couldn’t get any better. His mom was always by his side, and she hadn’t said a word about leaving.
Even better, he had a dad now-a strong, fearless dad who could take down bad guys and protect his mom. Life felt perfect to him.
As Melissa peeled an orange and handed Curtis a slice, she said casually, “You’ve got to get better soon, Curtis. Daddy already got your little backpack ready. You’re going to preschool.”
She hoped the excitement of school and new friends would help case some of Curtis’s dependency on her.
Curtis’s eyes lit up. “Mommy, there’ll be lots of kids there, right?”
Melissa smiled. “Of course! You’ll make so many new friends. You’re gonna love it.”
But Curtis’s smile faded, and his voice dropped. “But I don’t wanna play with them. They say mean stuff…
Melissa’s chest tightened. She knew what he was talking about. Back in Lachlan, the neighborhood kids had teased him about not having a dad, leaving scars deeper than any child should bear.
She leaned forward and ruffled his hair. “Listen, Curtis. You don’t need to care what anyone says about you, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong. If they’re being mean, that’s on them-it just shows they’re rude and don’t know any better. Got it?”
Curtis hesitated, but then nodded slowly. Melissa grinned and added playfully, mimicking his tone, “And besides, you’ve got a dad now! A dad who’s tall, strong, and super cool. Nobody’s gonna say you don’t have a dad anymore.”
That got him. Curtis’s face lit up again, his grin wide and toothy. “Yeah! I’ve got a dad now! And if anyone says anything bad about you or me, I’ll tell Dad, and he’ll take care of them!”
He looked at her with absolute adoration. “Mom, Dad said he’ll always protect you.”
Melissa laughed softly. “Wow, really? Daddy’s so amazing-like a superhero.
Standing just outside the room, Bradley had just returned from a brutal day of back-to-back meetings. Exhaustion tugged at his features, but overhearing their conversation made the corner of his lips twitch upward. At least Melissa had the good sense to talk him up in front of Curtis.
With a folder under his arm, he pushed the door open.
Curtis’s head shot up, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Daddy!” he shouted, practically bouncing on the bed.
Bradley walked over, setting the folder aside. “Were you good today? No trouble?”
Curtis puffed out his chest. “I was super good! Mommy took me to the garden, and I even walked a little by myself! The doctor said my leg’s gonna get all better soon!”
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11:57 Sat, 19 Jui
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Chapter 15
Melissa quietly stood, giving Bradley her seat without a word. She picked up the fruit plate and slipped away to the sink, giving them space.
As she washed the plate, the sound of their laughter floated in from the other room. She stood still for a moment, staring at the suds and letting her thoughts drift.
A few minutes later, Bradley appeared behind her, holding out the folder. “The DNA results are in.”
Melissa froze, her hands gripping the edge of the counter. She already knew what the report would say-she’d known for years. But hearing it confirmed out loud felt like the floor had just dropped out from under her.
Her fingers trembled as she took the folder and opened it. The numbers on the page were clear and undeniable: Curtis was
his.
Her grip tightened on the counter, and she felt her knees wobble. The results weren’t a surprise, yet they left her completely drained, as if all the energy had been sucked out of her.
She handed the folder back with shaky hands, her voice flat and lifeless. “Got it.”
Bradley watched her, his sharp gaze softening for a moment. He felt an unexpected pang of sympathy but shoved it down quickly. The boy was his, and he wasn’t about to share.
His tone was firm. “I’ve already made arrangements-school and a private tutor.”
Melissa looked up, frowning. “He’s only three. He’s still recovering. Do you really think he can handle both preschool and tutoring?”
Bradley’s expression hardened. “Do you have any idea how far behind he is? You hid him for three years. Do you think that won’t come with consequences? If we don’t catch up now, when will we?”
