Chapter 8
Frank Parker was not a man who hesitated often, but tonight, as he sat in his car outside Emma's modest apartment building, doubt gnawed at him. He had faced countless challenges in the corporate world, bested rivals, and closed deals worth billions. Yet, standing here, at this unassuming crossroads in his life, was proving to be one of the most nerve-wracking moments he'd ever faced.
For weeks, Frank had been replaying Emma's words in his mind: "You don't just get to come into his life and walk away when it gets hard." Those words had shaken him to his core. Frank knew he couldn't undo the mistakes of the past, but he could change the man he was moving forward. That change started now.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of his car and approached the door. His reflection in the glass caught his eye—dressed casually in a plain gray sweater and jeans, he looked less like the untouchable CEO and more like a man determined to right his wrongs.
When Emma opened the door, her expression was guarded, but Frank could see the flicker of curiosity in her eyes.
"Frank," she said, her tone neutral.
"Emma," he replied, his voice steady but soft. "I know it's late, but I needed to see you."
Her brows furrowed slightly. "What for?"
"To talk. About Liam, about us…about everything."
Emma glanced over her shoulder into the apartment. "He's asleep," she said. "But if you're here to talk, fine. Come in."
Frank stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the cozy space. It was simple, yet warm and inviting—so unlike the cold, opulent surroundings he was accustomed to. Toys were scattered neatly in a corner, and a faint aroma of vanilla lingered in the air. It felt like home, something Frank hadn't realized he'd been missing.
Emma gestured toward the couch, and Frank sat down, feeling more like a nervous schoolboy than a billionaire. Emma didn't join him right away; instead, she leaned against the counter, watching him with an unreadable expression.
"So," she said, crossing her arms. "What do you want, Frank?"
"I want to make things right," he began. "With Liam. With you."
Emma's expression didn't change. "You keep saying that, but words don't mean much to me. Not after everything."
"I know," Frank admitted, leaning forward slightly. "And I don't blame you for doubting me. I let you down before, and I'll regret that for the rest of my life. But I'm here now, and I'm not leaving."
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Not leaving? What does that even mean? Do you think you can just walk in and fix things overnight?"
"No," he said firmly. "I know this won't be easy. I know it'll take time. But I want to be a part of Liam's life. I need to be."
Emma shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "Do you even know what that means, Frank? Being a father isn't just about showing up when it's convenient. It's about being there through the tantrums, the sleepless nights, the scraped knees. It's hard work. And it's constant."
"I'm ready for that," Frank said.
"Are you?" she challenged. "Because Liam doesn't need a part-time father. He needs someone who's going to stay, even when things get messy."
"I'll stay," Frank promised. "I'll stay because he's my son. And because…I care about you, Emma. More than I realized."
The admission caught her off guard, but Emma quickly masked her surprise. "This isn't about me, Frank. It's about Liam."
Frank nodded, though his heart ached at her dismissal. "Then tell me what I can do to prove myself. I'll do whatever it takes."
Emma sighed, her defenses wavering slightly. "Start by spending time with him," she said. "Get to know him. Show him that you're here for the long haul."
"When can I meet him?" Frank asked, his voice laced with both hope and fear.
Emma hesitated, glancing toward Liam's bedroom. "Tomorrow," she said finally. "But, Frank, if you let him down, you'll break more than his heart. You'll break mine, too. And I won't give you another chance."
"I won't let him down," Frank said, his voice resolute.
"We'll see," Emma replied softly, though a small part of her wanted to believe him.
Frank left the apartment that night with a mixture of relief and trepidation. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of his journey to becoming the father Liam deserved.
Back inside, Emma sank onto the couch, her emotions swirling. Frank's words had stirred something in her—a tiny flicker of hope she wasn't ready to admit aloud. She wanted to believe he could change, but trust was something that had to be earned.
For now, all she could do was wait and see if Frank was truly ready to fight for his son.