Before Allison even registered the movement, she shot upright, her attention locked on Kyle as he crossed the room.

Confusion and disbelief overtook any remnants of surprise or longing inside her.

Watching Kyle lean over the little boy, his features softened by worry, she saw the same tenderness he once reserved for Lucas.

Nearly four years and a month had passed since their marriage ended. That child was just three years and seven months old—evidence that the other woman had been expecting before their split was official.

Gripping the hospital bed's metal rail, Allison squeezed until her knuckles drained of color. Her whole frame began to shake.

Betrayal stung like nothing else—a pain sharper than any wound—especially when it came from the man you once loved.

No matter how much time passed, the pain still bit just as hard.

All this time, she had blamed the divorce on Kyle's weakness, his inability to stand up to his mother. Never had it crossed her mind that the soft-spoken man she had trusted had betrayed her before their marriage was even over.

That day came rushing back—her memory sharp as ever—Kyle holding her in a tight embrace, his voice raw with guilt as he whispered his apology.

Only now did she finally see what that apology had been hiding.

Rage and humiliation crashed through her, draining the warmth from her body and leaving her feeling as though she might float away.

Derek caught sight of her unraveling the moment her posture faltered. She hadn't been herself since the new neighbors took over the next bed, her nerves stretched thin.

He wasn't one for interfering, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

Just a few minutes ago, Allison wanted nothing more than to tear into Kyle for cheating on her. Then another woman darted into the room, and for a split second, Allison felt the urge to lash out at them both.

A striking woman hurried over in heels that clicked across the floor, concern coloring her words as she called out, "Honey, is our son all right?"

Without meeting her eyes, Kyle fussed over the child's pillow, steady and attentive. "The doctor told me it's only mild pneumonia. They'll keep him here a little longer to be safe," he replied.

As Allison's eyes settled on the woman's face, her entire body went rigid. Recognition flashed instantly—she'd know Haylee Nash anywhere.

Memories crowded in. Years ago, Kyle used to dote on Haylee. Haylee had spent years working overseas, yet every homecoming meant a trip to see Kyle's mother, who cherished her as though she were family.

Allison's eyes burned red. She almost wished someone would hand her a knife right then.

Pride had carried her through so much. Now, all she could feel was humiliation—she'd been deceived by the person she trusted most.

After making sure the boy was settled, Kyle finally turned and met her stare. A flicker of surprise broke across his face when he realized who stood in front of him.

Fighting to hold herself together, Allison forced her features into a mask of serenity, even adding a small, polite smile. She refused to let anyone see her broken or defeated.

Kyle stood frozen, a jumble of guilt, panic, and disbelief warring across his features. His lips parted, but nothing came out.

Haylee's own glare was ready, clearly annoyed by Kyle's wandering attention, but the moment she saw Allison, that irritation vanished.

"Allie… is that you? When did you get back?" Kyle stammered.

No answer came from Allison. She understood him better than he realized—always weak, forever bending to his mother's wishes. Likely, the affair hadn't been his idea, but he'd never stopped it, either.

The more Allison kept her silence, the more anxious Kyle appeared.

Haylee's face turned red, and her words came out barely above a whisper. "A-Allie..."

Allison smiled faintly, still silent, giving the cheating pair plenty of time to squirm.

The realization finally hit Derek, watching it all unfold. Former lovers crossing paths—no wonder the mood had shifted so sharply.

Suddenly, Allison felt a hand come to rest on her back, brief but steady. The faint warmth seeped through her blouse, grounding her, helping her regain her composure.

It wasn't Derek's style to meddle, but she was responsible for his son now. He didn't want her shaken.

Besides, he had always carried that protective edge, believing anyone who looked after his child for so long somehow belonged under his shield.

He figured caring for her was no different than watching over a trusted employee or long-serving housekeeper.

Taking a quick breath to steady herself, Allison made her voice sound light. "Looks like your son's grown up a lot, Kyle."

For one reckless moment, she felt the urge to cross the room and slap him—maybe then he'd understand how deep the hurt ran.

But that fire wasn't for him anymore. He didn't deserve her anger or embarrassment.

This was a hospital, after all. Two children lay nearby, and a public outburst would only make her seem small.

Even more so in front of Derek—a man who, despite his involvement, remained an outsider.

Kyle's cheeks flushed crimson. His lips parted, searching for an explanation he couldn't find. "Allie..."

Right then, Lucas's eyes fluttered open. Spotting Allison close by, he squeezed her hand. "Mom, who is that man?"

The hardness in Allison's eyes vanished. She bent down, brushing his forehead, relieved to find it cooler. "It's alright, sweetheart. He's just an old friend of mine."

The answer made Kyle pause, realization flickering in his eyes. He knew she wasn't able to have children. His gaze moved from Lucas to Derek, who stood quietly near them.

Observing the boy's closeness to her, along with the quiet support of the other man, gave Kyle a sliver of relief. He told himself that as long as she looked content, maybe that was enough—even if it meant she was just the boy's stepmother.

Allison paid him no attention. Keeping herself calm was the only way forward, especially for Lucas's sake.

Good manners could keep her in check, but pretending nothing had happened would be asking too much.

Lucas's fever finally broke with the help of the IV, and as the hospital's crowding worsened, they were released by afternoon.

Upon returning to Derek's estate, Allison tucked Lucas into bed. She stepped outside, determined to pick up some necessities from her old apartment—she hadn't brought a thing with her to Streley, thanks to the unexpected trip.

Lucas's illness meant she couldn't stay away for long, so she intended to return right after gathering her essentials.

Declining Derek's suggestion to send a driver, she called a cab and rode alone to the apartment she'd abandoned four years back.

The keypad showed only the faintest traces of dust, nothing like what she expected from a place left untouched. A sliver of suspicion crept in, yet she punched in the code and stepped inside.

At the threshold, a pair of unfamiliar women's slippers greeted her. She stopped cold, scanning the room. The furniture arrangement had changed, and strange belongings littered the space. It was obvious someone had made themselves at home here.

Disbelief pressed down on her, turning her thoughts to static and squeezing her chest with a sick ache.

She raced to the bedroom. Resting on the nightstand sat a photo of Kyle, Haylee, and their child, all smiles in a neat frame. The truth landed with a sting.

Acting on pure instinct, she seized the picture and hurled it to the floor. Glass exploded across the wood, echoing the breaking inside her.

Her composure vanished. Only bitterness and heartbreak remained.

Suddenly, she felt just like every other woman who'd been betrayed. Why claim to love her while sharing a bed with another? Why fake grief at their divorce? How could he dare invite his mistress and their child into what had once been their home, even their bed? How could the man she'd loved with all her heart be such a scumbag? The deeper the love had been, the more pathetic it felt now.

She kept asking herself, how could someone sink so low?

Grief gave way to anger as she tore through the room, shattering whatever she could reach. Tears ran hot down her face. Only when she had reduced the space to ruins did her energy drain away, leaving her slumped and hollow.

Holding back in the hospital had been for Lucas's sake—she'd wanted to spare Kyle. After all, over the past two years, she had indeed moved on.

But the image of that happy trio beside her own bed stripped away any compassion. She had nothing left to give.

When the storm finally passed, she dried her tears, splashed water on her face, grabbed her phone, and dialed the police.

Kyle burst through the front door, having rushed back the moment he got a call. The sight that greeted him was nothing like he'd imagined: Allison reclined on the couch, sipping water, her posture almost regal. A crisp property deed lay on the table, while two uniformed police officers sat across from her, quietly watching the scene unfold.

He immediately understood what was happening.

With barely concealed frustration, he strode toward her. "Allie, can't we handle this like adults? Let's talk in private."

Without a hint of emotion, Allison set her glass aside and regarded him in silence.

One of the officers stood and spoke up, voice polite but firm. "Sir, could I see your identification, please? Ms. Wade has reported that you entered her home without permission. We need your cooperation."

Flustered, Kyle scrambled for his wallet and handed over his driver's license. "This is all a misunderstanding, officer. We know each other, I promise," he explained quickly.

Turning back to Allison, he tried to pull her aside, relying on old habits, but she raised a hand, stopping him cold. "If you've got something to say, you can say it right here, in front of the police."

Kyle's jaw clenched as he lowered his voice, leaning in. "Look, you moved out. The place was empty, and since it's closer to Haylee's work, we moved in for a bit. Now that you're back, we'll leave, no harm done. Was it really necessary to call the police? Besides, my mother paid for this apartment."

This was the home Allison and Kyle once shared after their wedding, but the property had been transferred into her name as part of the divorce agreement.

Never in her wildest dreams had she expected that Kyle and Haylee would waltz right in the second she was gone. His family owned more than enough homes in Streley. There was no reason for them to choose this one—unless they meant to get under her skin.

It was obvious to Allison: Kyle's mother was behind it, hoping to unsettle her, maybe even push her into giving up the apartment. Perhaps they still believed she held out hope for a reunion, or that they could strong-arm her into moving out.

Rage simmered in her chest. She refused to hide it. Her voice rang out, sharp and clear. "Kyle Clark, why don't you look at the deed sitting right in front of you? My name is the only one on it. Not yours, not your mother's, not Haylee's. None of you had the right to barge in here without asking. That's trespassing, plain and simple."

Kyle fumbled for an excuse. "I tried to tell you, but I couldn't reach you... Your phone was off..."

But Allison was done listening. If he had truly wanted to get in touch, he could have found a way.

Now, everything about him, every excuse, every word, made her stomach turn.

"You can explain everything to the police," Allison retorted, her patience worn thin. She wasn't about to argue with him for another second.

The officers exchanged a quick look. They'd seen plenty of messy disputes like this, and none ever ended cleanly. Usually, their job was just to keep the peace.

Kyle's mind raced, desperate to avoid a trip to the station and a permanent blot on his record. If he hadn't listened to his mother and picked a different place, none of this would be happening. The crushing weight of that regret settled over him now.

His last hope was to persuade Allison. He knew stubborn was her default setting—after all, she'd never backed down from a fight with his mother. Reluctantly, he forced himself to beg. "Allie, what do you want from me? Just name it, and I'll do whatever you say," he begged, voice strained.

Allison watched him with cold detachment, barely able to recall what she'd ever seen in him.

"I have nothing to say to you. Let's follow the law and let the officers sort it out," she replied, eager for the ordeal to be over.

The officers kept their distance, hoping the two would work it out without needing their help.

Kyle tried again, "After everything we've been through, can't you give me a chance to fix this? I'll agree to anything—just tell me what you want."

Her expression soured. To her, bringing up old memories now was almost laughable. "Isn't it a little late to play the nostalgia card?"

Defeated, Kyle hung his head, searching for any last thread of hope.

One officer stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Mr. Clark, you'll need to come with us for further questioning at the station."

Kyle was desperate to stall. "Can't we just resolve this here? She's my ex-wife; we can work it out if you give us a moment."

Allison rolled her eyes at his pathetic excuse.

Just then, her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number.

She picked up, and Lucas's small voice rang through. "Mom, when are you coming back?"

Allison stepped out onto the balcony, her tone instantly softer. "I'm finishing up, sweetheart. I'll be back soon. Did you eat? Remember, you need a good meal to keep those muscles growing."

Ever since Derek had turned up, Lucas had been on edge, constantly checking the clock, worried that his mom might vanish without warning. Holding Derek's phone in both hands, he pleaded, "Mom, I finished my food just like you said... Where are you? I can come pick you up if you want!"

With Lucas still battling a fever, Allison couldn't risk him outside in the chill. She had to finish arguing with Kyle. "Stay inside and wait for me. I'll be back soon."

From the other end, Derek's voice cut in, steady and cold. "Want me to send a car for you?"

Watching his son's anxious expression, Derek knew he couldn't let Allison slip away again.

Allison steadied her nerves. "No, things are wrapping up here."

Derek asked, his tone unchanged, "Did something happen?"

Allison had no idea how he'd picked up on the tension in her voice, but she didn't need anyone else meddling. "Everything's fine. I'll head back in a bit. Please just keep an eye on Luc, especially if his fever spikes."

She ended the call, then faced Kyle. "I have somewhere to be. If you have more to say, you can explain it to the officers."

Kyle fidgeted, refusing to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry. My son is still in the hospital... You've got your own child now, too. For the kids' sake, and whatever happened before, it was my family's fault, not yours. Please, tell me what you want. I'll do anything."

For a split second, Allison's anger faltered. She'd involved the police hoping to make the Clark family finally respect her boundaries. She knew what it would mean for them—jail time, public shame, reputations ruined.

But she also knew Kyle's mother would never let her go if things ended like this.

Staring at Kyle now, all Allison felt was disgust. She wanted every last tie to him severed.

"Here's what's going to happen," she said, voice firm. "You'll pay me four years' rent at market rate, cover the repairs for any damage, pack up your things, and move out by the end of the week. After that, I never want to see you or anyone from your family again."

Kyle nodded quickly, desperate to put the mess behind him. "Absolutely. Thank you."

Turning to the officers, Allison dipped her head. "Sorry for the trouble, officers. We'll settle this ourselves."

The officers, more than happy to leave, gave them a few parting words and slipped out the door.

Within minutes, Kyle transferred the money and promised to be gone in forty-eight hours.

Before stepping out, Allison stopped, the question that had haunted her for years finally pushing to the surface. "Kyle, why did you choose her back then?"

She wanted answers, even if they hurt.

Kyle's eyes stayed fixed on the floor as he struggled to get the words out. "It wasn't intentional. You were away on a trip for work, and I drank more than I should have. I honestly thought she was you. Things got out of hand, and then she ended up pregnant. My mom always dreamed of having a grandchild—you know how she is..."

Allison raised her hand, cutting him off. "That's enough. Just leave."

She pressed her back to the door after he left, her strength draining away.

The plan was only to grab a change of clothes, but it felt as if her whole life had already been erased from these walls.

The stale air suffocated her, pressing in from every side. There was nothing here for her now.

Without taking anything, she stepped out into the hallway, only to find Derek standing by the entrance. His presence surprised her. "What are you doing here?"

Derek's gaze dropped to her empty hands, no luggage in sight. He remembered crossing paths with Kyle, who had left looking completely defeated.

He didn't bother with any questions. "I'm here to drive you home."

The look on his face was resigned, as if this whole errand was someone else's idea.

In truth, it had been. His son had looked him straight in the eye and insisted, "Go pick up Mom."

The ride was quiet, with neither of them finding much to say.

Aside from Lucas, there was nothing to discuss, and Allison didn't have the energy for small talk.

When the car passed a mall, she finally spoke. "Could you pull over? I need to buy a few things."

Derek replied, "Anything you need, you'll find at the house."

Allison didn't bother to argue. She had no plans to stay at his residence for long, anyway.

Sinking back into the seat, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Tricia. "I'm back."

Tricia's call lit up the screen before Allison had time to sit down.

"Why did you sneak back without telling me? I thought you weren't due back for two months. Is Luc with you? Are you both staying here now, or is this just a pit stop? Where are you, by the way? I'll swing by after work and drag you out for dinner!" Tricia's words tumbled out in a single breath, loud enough that Derek could hear.

Allison, too worn out to keep up appearances, kept her reply short. "Plans changed. I had to come home early. Could you help me put my apartment up for sale? I need it gone fast—just get me a decent price."

Tricia's network stretched across the city. If anyone could move the place quickly, it was her.

She didn't hesitate, assuming Allison was ready to close that chapter.

Allison held her phone tight, careful not to say too much. She didn't want Tricia asking questions she wasn't ready to answer. "Luc's down with a fever. That's about all I can handle right now. Give me a few days, then we'll catch up."

Tricia's tone softened. "Is he alright? Maybe I should come check on you both."

"It's just a cold," Allison said. "We already saw the doctor, so you don't have to worry. I just need some quiet for a bit, but I'll call you soon."

Picking up on Allison's exhaustion, Tricia insisted, "Alright, but take care of yourself, okay? And if you need anything, just call."

Later, when Allison walked through the door, Lucas darted straight to her and wrapped his arms around her neck. She knelt, hugging him close and feeling some of her worries slip away as his small hands clung to her.

"Where were you, Mom?" Lucas asked, his voice trembling as he tried not to cry.

"I went back to my old place for a while," Allison answered, brushing a hand through his hair.

Lucas leaned in, whispering, "Can you take me there when I feel better? I really don't want to stay here."

Derek heard every word but kept his distance, letting them have their moment.

Allison set Lucas gently on the sofa, giving them both a bit of space. "This house is wonderful, isn't it? The rooms are huge, there are more toys than you can count, and the cook makes the best food. Maybe we can get used to it, at least for a little while."

Lucas pressed his cheek against Allison's arm, his voice small but unwavering. "I just want to be wherever you are. If you're staying here, then I'll stay here too."

Out in the garden, Derek stood with his hands in his pockets. "When do you plan to tell him everything?"

He expected Allison to break the news, to be the one to disappoint the boy.

She shook her head. "Not while he's still under the weather. He needs to get better first."

His gaze lingered on the house. "Have you considered what I suggested earlier? Staying a while, just until he's settled?"

"I've thought about it," she admitted. "Once he's healthy, I'll get him started at preschool. New routines, new friends—that should help him settle in. After a couple of weeks, he'll barely notice I'm gone."

Those days would give her time to sort out her heart, find work, and finish the sale of her apartment. She hoped Lucas would ease into his new world.

Derek nodded, his approval clear. "The offer I made still stands. Two million, if you stay and help with the transition."

Allison smiled faintly and shook her head. "I never raised Lucas for a payday, and I never wanted anything from his family."

Derek's eyes narrowed a little, searching her face.

Allison explained quickly, "Please don't take this the wrong way. I don't expect him to repay me in the future, and I'm not going to turn up here, asking for visits. Just let him call me sometimes, if he wants. That's all I'll ever ask."

Derek's posture relaxed, satisfied with her answer.

"I still have his guardianship papers," Allison added. "Once he's feeling better, I'll head back to Blirson and get everything transferred to you officially."

Derek accepted this with a nod, unsurprised.

The previous offer of two million had done nothing to move her, and he had assumed she was being difficult. Now, it turned out that she was quite reasonable.

That evening, Lucas curled up beside Allison. His cheeks were still flushed from the fever, and Allison had no heart to refuse him, so she pulled the blanket over them both.

With the lights dim and the house quiet, they whispered in the safety of their little cocoon.

It was the first moment they'd had to themselves since leaving Blirson.

Lucas pressed his face into her shoulder. "Mom, is that man really my dad?"

She had hoped to wait a bit longer before having this talk, but since he asked, she decided to be honest.

"Yes, he is your father," she replied, her voice soft.

Lucas hesitated, searching her face in the dark. "Then why aren't you two together? Why does he want me to stay with him now?"

Allison reached for a story he'd remember. "Do you remember the little white kitten we found in the alley last spring?"

Lucas's brow furrowed, but he nodded. "The one we fed every day, right?"

"That's the one," she said. "Remember how we took care of her for nearly a week, and then the neighbor from the next block came looking for her?"

Lucas remembered. "She said it was her cat, and it had wandered too far to get back home on its own."

Allison smiled, squeezing his hand. "You built that little bed for her with your old T-shirts, and you were so sad to let her go when the neighbor came."

That little kitten popped into Lucas's mind, and his chest tightened. "She had a home. That was her family, not me."

Letting out a quiet breath, Allison continued, "For days, that old woman searched every corner, desperate to find her pet after it went missing."

Drawing him closer, she waited until his eyes met hers.

"You have to hear this, Luc. A long time ago, your dad lost you by accident, and I was the one who found you. I raised you with all my heart. Now that he's come back, it's my turn to let you go and reunite you with him. Does that make sense?"

Lucas turned her words over in his head, confusion flickering across his face. Her gentle tone and sad eyes told him this was something heavy.

Tears threatened, but he kept them back. "Mom, I still don't get why things have to change."

Truth always finds its way into a child's heart, no matter how young or old, and it never fails to leave a mark.

Even though Lucas had always acted older than his years, this time he wasn't going to get the luxury of extra time to sort out his feelings.

Allison reached for his gaze, her words quiet but unyielding. "Luc, listen closely. I didn't bring you into this world—I found you. Because I couldn't have a baby, I kept you for myself and pretended I could be your mother. Your real dad never stopped searching. It wasn't because he didn't love you. He just couldn't find you, since I kept you hidden away."

Forcing herself to stay composed, she managed to say, "I'm the one at fault here."

She held back her tears, desperate to keep her voice steady for his sake.

Choking back sobs, Lucas shook his head. "That's not true! You're my mom, you have to be! You're the one who brought me into the world!"

Turning away quickly, Allison brushed her face and pressed on, doing her best to play the part everyone would hate, "I spent four years raising you, spent nearly every penny. But now, I can't afford to keep you any longer. Your father will take care of you and give you whatever you want."

His face crumpled with pain and rage. He tried to fling himself into her arms, but she kept him at arm's length. "I don't want him! I want you, Mom!"

She kept her features stiff, hiding every crack in her heart.

"Think about the neighbors downstairs," she said. "Remember how they would talk behind our backs? Always saying that I was the divorced woman with a kid, that no one would want to marry me because of you."

She mimicked their words, her tone cold and harsh. "They used to tell you, 'Your mom's still young and pretty. If you weren't around, she'd have remarried. Even Fred Hardy likes her, but he's a bit old—thirty-nine. Would you want a man like that as your new dad?'"

That memory burned in Lucas's mind—he remembered spitting in disgust, thinking how messy and gruff Fred Hardy was. His mom deserved better than that.

Allison's tone turned stern, her softness vanishing. "I have to work from now on. I need to provide for myself."

Lucas broke down, sobbing harder, believing she was really leaving him behind.

When Allison refused to pull him close, he pounded the blanket with both fists. "I hate this! Why can't Dad just take care of you, too?"

At that moment, Derek stepped into the room, wearing pajamas and hearing Lucas's desperate plea.