Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The plane taxied down the runway, climbed into the sky, and disappeared into the clouds. I was starting over, with hope.

Three years later, I never would’ve come back if work hadn’t forced me. This place had almost killed me.

“Mommy, I’m hungry.”

“I know, baby. Let’s get food.”

The little boy in my arms—my son—looked exactly like Owen. Every night, after he fell asleep, I’d study his face and chuckle. How did I end up having a mini Owen?

I prayed I wouldn’t run into him. But fate had other plans.

“Clara Bennett. You think you can leave whenever you want, then come back?” Owen’s eyes were bloodshot. He pinned me against the wall, gripping my wrists tightly.

“Let go! You’re hurting me!” My wrists throbbed—I frowned in pain.

He 甩开 my hand and wiped his palm with a handkerchief. The gesture stabbed me—but I wasn’t surprised. Two years could change a person’s habits, their tastes.

“What are you doing here?” He spat the words.

“Work.” I turned to leave, eager to end the confrontation.

By nightfall, I was home. Aunt May, our nanny, was watching my son sleep. “You can go now, Aunt May—thank you.”

“Of course, miss. Try not to stay up late. Milo cried when he woke up and didn’t see you.”

I washed up and climbed into bed. Milo snuggled into my arms, sleeping soundly. But I couldn’t close my eyes. I stroked his warm head, worrying. We’ll run into Owen again. Will he take Milo away? But I didn’t want to hide Milo—he was my baby, not a secret.

After hours of 纠结，I decided: if we met, I’d tell the truth. I just didn’t expect that moment to come so soon.