Daman understood immediately. His face darkened, mit he sighed with exasperation.||
“Don’t listen to her nonsense. 1 never planned on giving you a stepmother. You know this… I’ve never stopped searching for your biological mom. Not for a single day.“}
“You’re not marrying her Rick asked again, voler tense
Not marrying.”
“You swear?
Damien met his son’s gare, unwavering. swear.“]
Hearing that, Rick’s expression finally softened a little. “I don’t like her.“]
Daminodded without hessation. “I don’t like her either:”
Rick’s lips moved slightly. “Any news about Mommy?
“Not yet” Damenadmitted, “but trust me… if there’s even the slightest lead. it be the first to tell you.“]]
When it came to that woman, Damien’s feelings were complicated equal parts love and hate.]
She had once been his salvation quite literally the antidote that saved his life. For that, he was grateful.]
And Damien wain’t the kind of man who took intimacy lightly. He believed in commitment, in one person for life
Since she was the only one he’d ever touched, then she was the only one who would ever matter. He had planned to find her, marry her, and spend the rest of his days in peace with her.]
But everything changed when fick appeared our of nowhere.
Damien new he’d never touched another women. Rick could only be their child. A child born of love, yet she had left him. And left their son
If it hadn’t been for Nanty discovering Back by acrident, the Loy might’ve died… right there at Baren’s doorstep
She had abandoned him. Worse, she had abandoned their child.||
How could she be so cruel?
Damien dendied his fists lit silent frustration. He watched as lus son’s emotions slowly calused. Then, walking over, he knelt beside him and gently cupped the boy’s fate in his hands ||
His voice softened||
“Rick, I want to find her just as much as you du. I wish she could walk through that door right now. But some things cant be forced just because we miss her doesn’t mean we can have her
No one would believe it id he said it out loud…[]
The two wealthiest men in the country, he and his son, were also the loneliest and most heartbroken]
Both had been abandoned by the same woman ||
Hicks brows furrowed tighter
“Why didn’t Mommy waist you in? Was it because I wasn’t good enough? because you weren 17
chis head firmly. “You were put a newborn. It was never about you. You’re amazing. You’re my pride.
Then it must’ve been you.” Rick’s voice was quiet, but accusatory: “Did you bully her? Make her mad? Is that why she left?–||
Dambenopened his mouth to defend himself… but guilt settled in his throat ||
Back then, he hadn’t made it to the hospital. He had no choice.. if he’d walked away, he would’ve died.
But she had resisted. She had cried and struggled with all her strength ||
He had forced her. There was no denying it.||
Maybe that’s why she disappeared.
Damien closed his eyes for a beat.]
Twas wrong. There were things I should’ve done differently. But Rick, I swear, I’ve always wanted to make it right. That night, I told your mother face to face… that i’d make her the happiest, most cherished woman in the world. And still, she left. You miss her and so du 1.
Rick stared at him for a long moment, then abruptly armed away and walked over to the window.
ne climbed onto the cushioned bench and sat down, his back straight, eyes glued to the villa’s tron gates.]
Damien’s heart denched.
His son did this often… sat there by himself, quietly watching the door, just in case_
Just in case she came home.
Damien’s chest felt right.
Every time he saw his son like this, the anger boiled up again ||
Where the hell are you?
The boy’s health was deteriorating because he missed her so much, and she still hadn’t shown up]
She left them both. Just disappeared. Didn’t her heart ache even the s slightest bin?
