Chapter 4

"Are you okay?" His voice was low, deep, and filled with concern.

He had such immense presence that I couldn't speak. I just nodded.

"Thank you." Somehow, I managed to say the word, and he unwrapped his arm from around my waist. Within a second, I felt cold. He didn't say anything further and left.

Although I didn't know who the man was, I had to admit he looked older than Sebastian. He had a calm and mature charm, the kind that made people feel safe. In a way, he was even more attractive than Sebastian.

Still, I had more important things to worry about.

I thanked him for his help, but my mind was stuck on Jordan and everything that had happened, so I turned my full attention to my son.

A doctor walked over and gave us a good news.

"Jordan can be discharged today," he said with a smile. "He is good to go." He turned to Jordan and said, "Jordan, you have to be careful about what you eat, okay?"

Jordan smiled at the doctor and I let out a relieved breath. "Thank you, Doctor."

After I finished the discharge process, I took Jordan home, hoping things would be better. But he refused to speak to me the entire ride.

He stared out the window, arms crossed, ignoring me completely. By the time we arrived, I was exhausted. His silence, his attitude—it was too much.

I turned to him and said firmly, "Jordan, this has to stop. I need to understand why you're acting like this."

Jordan didn't respond. He just looked down at his lap, pouting.

I sighed, trying to stay calm. I knew where this was coming from. Children learn from the adults around them, and I had no doubt that my mother-in-law had been filling his head with ideas. Catherine had never approved of me.

To her, I was just a woman from a humble background, unworthy of marrying Sebastian. She had made it clear from the start that she thought I wasn't good enough. And now, with Sebastian's first love back in the picture, Jordan was drifting even further away from me.

But if Sebastian wanted to be with Joey so badly, why was he still holding onto me?

I pushed the thought away and focused on my son.

Taking a deep breath, I gently said, "Jordan, on your birthday… I didn't miss your party on purpose. Your grandmother was in the hospital, and I had to be with her."

Jordan's eyes widened in shock. "Grandma was sick?"

I nodded. "She needed me, Jordan. That's why I wasn't there."

He frowned, looking confused. "Then… why didn't Dad tell me?"

My heart ached at his question.

Because Sebastian hadn't told him the truth. He let Jordan believe I had abandoned him, while Joey swooped in and became the "perfect mom" in my place.

Jordan looked down and muttered, "I was waiting for you, Mom."

His voice was small, and I could hear the sadness in it.

"When my friends asked about you, I didn't know what to say," he continued. "I was embarrassed."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Oh, sweetheart…"

"But then Joey came," he went on, his eyes lighting up. "She's so cool! All my friends thought she was amazing. She did everything so perfectly."

He hesitated, then looked at me with innocent eyes. "Mom… can you learn from Joey? Can you be a perfect mom too?"

His words felt like a slap. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

I wasn't perfect. I knew that. But hearing it from my own son… it hurt more than I could describe.

I couldn't continue this conversation. Not now. I took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "Jordan, go get some rest, okay? We'll talk later."

He nodded and went to his room. But inside, I was shaking.

I stayed in the living room for a long time. My head was full of every single word that Jordan and Sebastian had said to me. On one hand, my son was drifting away, and on the other hand, my husband had assured me that it was okay. Although I had no idea what he was doing behind my back. It felt like my home—that I had built with so much love—was crumbling.

That evening, I was in the kitchen, preparing dinner when Sebastian came home.

I didn't turn to greet him. I couldn't. My mind was too full of everything Jordan had said.

But Sebastian, as always, made his presence known.

He came up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. His breath was warm against my shoulder as he murmured, "Mmm… something smells good."

Usually, this kind of touch made me feel safe. But tonight, I felt nothing.

I placed the knife down and turned around to face him.

"Sebastian," I said, my voice trembling. "Am I an embarrassment to you?"

He blinked in confusion. "What?"

I swallowed hard. "Do I embarrass you?"

His expression darkened. "Haley, what are you talking about?"

I shook my head. "Jordan told me today that he was embarrassed when his friends asked about me. He said Joey was the 'perfect mom.' That he wished I could be more like her."

Sebastian frowned, running a hand through his hair. "Haley—"

"Why didn't you tell him the truth?" I interrupted. "Why didn't you tell him I missed his birthday because I was taking care of your mother? Instead, you let him believe I just didn't care."

"You want Joey to replace me faster, so you can have your new family sooner, right?" I pressed again.

The sight of him made me furious instantly.