Words, words, and more words—do they even mean anything? Was everything I lived a lie? It feels too deep, too painful. My soul aches in a way that's hard to bear.
The little boy sleeps in the bed. Amara watches him, her heart heavy. "My son," she whispers. "He is your son," Max repeats, stepping closer. "Don't?" Amara says, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Max pauses. "We need to leave after breakfast," he says.
Morning has already come, and neither Max nor Amara has slept a moment. Amara gazes at her son, while Max's eyes remain fixed on her.
"Breakfast?" Amara asks, turning to him.
"Yes, we're the guests. We should eat," Max replies.
"In the dining room?" Amara inquires.
"You need to get dressed," Max says, and a maid appears, almost as if she were waiting for his instruction.
"Blue dress," Amara decides.
"Like I promised," Max responds, as she leaves the room, her eyes lingering on the dress.
"I know you're awake, Axel," Max said, looking at the little boy. Axel opened his eyes slowly, guilt written on his face.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Don't," Max replied, moving closer and giving him a kiss. "Thank you," he added, smiling sincerely at Axel.
"Why?" Axel asked, confusion in his eyes.
Max smiled again but didn't answer.
"Dad, is she really her.. her ?" Axel asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, she is your mother," Max replied. Axel understood but didn't react.
"I don't want her to come home, Dad. She doesn't deserve this," he said.
"Axel, she is your mother," Max insisted.
"I don't care! Let's give her what she wants—her freedom. That's what she wants!" Axel's voice began to rise.
"Axel, this is—" Max tried to calm him down but struggled to find the right words.
"Dad, she left us! She could do it again. What about Zara? If Zara knows, I can't—" Axel's voice trembled with emotion.
"Axel, she won't leave," Max said firmly.
"She can," Axel shot back.
"But she won't," Max repeated.
"She hates us!" Axel yelled.
"She loves you and Zara," Max insisted.
"I won't believe you," Axel replied, frustration evident in his tone. Max looked at him, took a deep breath, and pulled him into a hug.
"She loves you. Believe me one last time. Just believe me," Max said softly, then left the room.