Chapter 45: Chapter 45

If before I was full of fear for my son, now my chest is beating with nervousness as we enter my ex-husband’s mansion. I didn't think he would take us here, I thought he would take us home to the condo so I didn't hesitate to go with him earlier.

He was still carrying Erom who until now was silent and hugging him. As the minutes passed, I gradually thought of an idea regarding what my son was doing. It was as if my heart was being caressed as I looked to both of them. I raised Erom with a recognized father so that he would not feel jealous of others, but maybe not everything will be solved with a simple solution.

We silently sat on the couch. Valjerome simply motioned to the scattered maids and staff. At that point, there was a little joy inside me at Valjerome’s decision not to openly show his world to my son. Yes, Erom is smart, understanding and a good observant but that doesn't mean he has to deal with everything at his young age.

"Son," trying to get his attention.

He remained silent and not moving. Valjerome and I looked at each other, I could see the surprise in his eyes. Maybe he didn't expect my son to treat him like this after what happened to him and Chaos last time.

Without getting any answer from him, Valjerome heaved a sigh and then turned his attention to my son. Slowly and carefully, he stroked Erom's back. It was like that is his way to connect with my son. Soon we were both stunned to hear Erom's faint sobs.

"Are you hurt, baby?" Valjerome's gently asked despite his wary eyes.

Erom shook his head, still burying his face on Valjerome's chest.

"Is there a problem? You can tell me. I'll do everything to make you at ease," he assured.

Erom did not answer immediately. He tightened his grip on Valjerome even more and continued to cry.

"D-Daddy..." I heard him murmured.

I bit my lower lip as Valjerome's hand stopped caressing. There was a look of shock on his face when he heard the words my son uttered.

"Daddy," Erom repeated, though the whisper was loud enough to be heard.

Valjerome's eyes searched for mine. I nodded slowly to confirm of what he was thinking and then averted my gaze.

"Oh my Lord," Valjerome whispered and tightly hugged my son. "My child," he growled and kissed Erom on the head.

The path of his tears did not escape my sight. I secretly pinched my fingers and restrained myself from crying at the current sce

"Daddy, y-you're not mad," Erom said.

Valjerome shook his head quickly and moved slightly away from my son. He held Erom's face and wiped his tears.

"I will never be angry with you, son. I can't do that," he claimed.

"I-I'm sorry, Daddy. I'm sorry for what I did before. I knew, I hurt you back then," Erom said with a hiccup.

Although I wanted to console my son, I did not want to interfere in their conversation with the father. Even though it wasn’t that easy for me to let Valjerome into my son’s life but I had to accept it¾for Erom, for the silence of all and for a fresh start.

"Ssshhh. Don't think about that, I’m fine. It is your Da--" Valjerome trailed off and swallowed hard. "Daddy’s fault," he continued what he would say.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Daddy. I love you," Erom said then hugged his father again.

There I could not stop crying. Valjerome immediately returned my son's hug and then kissed him on the head.

"I love you too. I love you so much. It was me who needs to apologize, baby. I'm sorry," Valjerome said emotionally then his eyes went to me. "I am sorry. I'm sorry for everything," he said while not taking his eyes off me.

I secretly clenched my fist and averted my eyes. I cleared my throat and stood up from my seat.

"I-I will just get some water for the kid," I said and without waiting for him to speak, I left them on the sofa and went to the kitchen.

As if I was like a burning candle when I reached the kitchen sink. There I let myself cry. I don’t know why I’m crying¾in resentment? In pain? In regret? Even myself I don’t understand well at this point. All I knew was that was haing a heay heart.

"Dear, are you okay?" Manang approached.

I tried to laugh, but my voice cracked. "Manang…Am I not ready yet to forgive?" I said hoarsely as my tears fell. "It's still hurting, Manang. It's still heavy inside me to accept everything."

The old lady quickly hugged me and comforted me. "You will get through all of this soon, Jazzie. Trust in yourself and in the Lord. He won't give you a trial that you can't handle," she consoled.

I didn't speak anymore. I just kept crying until I was completely exhausted.

"Thank you, Manang," I said to the lady when I calmed down a bit.

She smiled at me and then gently stroked my face. "I know, you are still full of questions and fears today. I am also not in a position to interfere your problems. But I just want to tell you, dear...this family loves you. I witness how everyone treat you so good, Señior may have been bad to you ever since you got married but believe it or not, since the day you disappeared, it's like your husband’s life has died. He goes to your room every night to drink or sleep there. I thought then he didn't have the slightest interest in you but I seem to have made a mistake, you are his life, sweetie. In this family, in your husband's family, you are the most important. "

I was stunned and processed every line Manang said. The memories came back to me when I questioned the kindness shown to me by Valjerome's parents, the day I return to my room, the familiar smell of him in my bed and so on.

I smiled bitterly at last. "Whatever his reason was, Manang, he still cheated on me, he is still a womanizer."

Manang sighed then groped his robe. From there, she pulled out a phone and handed it to me.

"Watch that when you get well. You don't have to forgive right away, Jazzie. Just take it easy, we're not in a hurry. You’ll get through it all too," she said then gently tapped me on the shoulder.

Confused as to what the phone was for, I just put it in my pocket. I nodded sparingly to Manang and forced a smile.

"Mommy?"

I gazed at the opening of the kitchen when I heard my son's voice. He and Valjerome were standing there, holding hands, Erom left for a while and then walked towards me. I immediately lowered to approach him. I hugged him tightly and then kissed his forehead.

"I am sorry, son. Mommy is so careless, you are almost got in trouble," I said.

Erom walked away a little then stared at me. There was hope in his eyes so I focused my attention on him.

"Is there a problem, son? Are hurt somewhere?" I worried curiously and examined her body.

"Mom..." he uttered and bit his lower lip.

"Yes, my prince? Tell me, what is the problem?" I kindly asked.

"Can we ... stay with Dad for a while?"