I used to think it was fate. That I was meant to find him.
But no.
Stuart had planned everything. He dumped Peter here, knowing I would be the one to take him in.
So it had already begun.
Fate had thrown me back to the turning point of my life.
***
The baby’s cries didn’t stir a single emotion in me.
If anything, knowing that the one wailing in the cold was Peter filled me with satisfaction.
I used to love him so much. Stayed up countless nights when he was sick. Picked him up from school, rain or shine. Once, when the temperature suddenly dropped, I gave him my coat—ended up with a fever but still dragged myself out of bed to make sure he got to school.
How ridiculous.
I scanned the area. No one in sight. Just Peter, bawling by the roadside.
Of course. Stuart was too careful to leave loose ends. He hid this from me for over twenty years—why risk letting someone witness it?
And how confident had he been in my kindness? Confident enough to abandon his son in the freezing cold, certain I’d pick him up?
A cold laugh escaped me.
Without a second glance at the crying baby, I turned and walked away.
Since you were so sure of yourself, Stuart…
Let’s see how you bring your illegitimate child home without me.
……
I was trying on a beautiful dress at Quinte Mall when Stuart called.
Of course, it was pricey.
Back then, I actually fell for his whole “let’s save money and build a future together” speech—meanwhile, he was blowing cash on cigarettes. I even stopped shopping at my favorite mall, all for the sake of our so-called family.
And after adopting Peter? Forget it. I barely bought myself a single outfit each year. Every penny went to that kid.
And for what? To feed an ungrateful snake?
The thought alone made my blood boil.
My phone wouldn’t stop ringing. I stared at the screen for a second, then picked up with a blank face.
Stuart’s voice came through, tight but anxious. “Elaine, your boss said you left a while ago. Why aren’t you home yet?”
