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Chapter 5
After returning from the cemetery, I went straight to a law firm to consult about fighting for custody of my son after the breakup. The news was devastating. Once a child reached the age of two, custody could only be determined through mutual agreement, and the Birch family would never allow me to take Aiden. Leaving was easy, but I couldn't bear to leave him behind. Aiden was too young to grow up in such a toxic environment. I had to take him with me.
I went back to the villa in a daze and moved my things into the guest room. Three days later, Nolan found me there. Perhaps feeling guilty about my mother's death, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, his voice smooth and soothing in my ear.
"Don't be mad. How about I go with you to see Aiden tomorrow?"
I didn't respond, disgust flooding me as I tried to pull away. But he held me tighter.
"Don't want to see Aiden anymore?" he teased.
I stopped struggling. He always knew how to manipulate me using Aiden. His words were calculated, and he always seemed to get what he wanted.
"Why not just be good?" he said, his tone commanding.
I suddenly calmed down, feeling like I had no choice but to comply. "Nolan, do you still love me?"
"Of course," he blurted out without thinking. "Why else would I still want to get a marriage license?"
I clutched his hand, pleading, "If you really love me, can you give me Aiden back?"
His face darkened instantly.
"Scarlett, don't push it too far."
He stormed out, slamming the door behind him. I couldn't hold it in any longer and broke down in tears.
The next day, I followed Nolan back to his family home. Amanda and a few of her friends were sipping coffee in the yard. When she saw me, she rolled her eyes and sneered, "Some people, born lowly, still dreaming of becoming a phoenix. If it weren't for my grandson, she wouldn't even be worthy to carry Nolan's shoes."
The others laughed, and I felt the sting of humiliation again. I bit my lip to keep from reacting, but Nolan, finally showing some displeasure, spoke up.
"Mom, please, watch what you say."
Amanda just snorted and fell silent. Nolan went to his room, and I headed for the backyard to find Aiden.
Aiden and Aria were playing by the lake. All the bitterness and resentment I'd been feeling seemed to melt away when I saw Aiden. I rushed toward him, excited to hug him, but he pulled away with a look of unfamiliar fear, running into Aria's arms. My heart shattered. My child, who used to be so close to me, was now a stranger.
"Baby, I'm your mommy," I said, reaching out to him.
Aiden, holding onto Aria, looked up at me and said, "Aunt Aria is my mommy."
Aria patted his head with a smile, "You're so smart! What do we do when we meet a bad person?"
"Kick them out!" Aiden declared, swinging a broom at me.
It wasn't hard, but it felt like a blade slicing through my heart. Aria clapped her hands, grinning.
"Aiden is truly a man," she said, as if proud of him.
Aiden smiled back at her, pleased with the praise. At four years old, he couldn't understand what was really happening. Aria was deliberately manipulating him. Anger surged in me, and before I could stop myself, I lunged at her. We grappled, and in the chaos, we both tumbled into the lake.
Aiden started crying, and Nolan came running at the sound. There we were, Aria and I, struggling in the water. Nolan had to choose who to save. I didn't have any illusions that he'd choose me. As expected, without hesitation, he dove in, swam toward Aria, and pulled her out.
At that moment, I didn't want to fight anymore. The cold lake water filled my lungs, and my eyes blurred with tears. I didn't know if it was the water or my own tears, but it didn't matter. I felt my body sinking deeper, the weight of everything crashing down on me. All the pain, the helplessness, and the regret. A life that felt empty, hopeless.
The water closed over my eyes, and I let myself drift, closing them. If I were to die like this, maybe it would be for the best.
Suddenly, a large hand grasped mine.