Chapter 12
The following week unfolded with its usual rhythm of meetings and business calls for Frank, but his thoughts often strayed to Liam and Emma.
Every day, his connection with Liam deepened, and he felt a sense of pride he hadn't experienced before. Yet, the one thing that remained as an obstacle was Emma's hesitation. Her guarded nature wasn't something Frank could simply charm away.
No matter how much he wanted her to see him as more than just a wealthy businessman, there were invisible walls between them that Frank couldn't break through.
As he sat in his office, staring at the contracts in front of him, Frank found his mind wandering again. Emma's words from the previous evening echoed in his mind: "I just don't want him to get hurt. He's been through enough already."
It was clear that Emma's concern was driven by love for her son, and for herself. She had fought hard to build a life for Liam, and allowing Frank into that life was like opening a door to a future that wasn't yet clear.
But Frank wasn't about to give up. Not now, and not after everything he had been through. He had made promises to both Emma and Liam, and he intended to keep them.
That evening, after work, Frank found himself once again in front of Emma's apartment, his heart racing with anticipation.
He wasn't sure what to expect this time whether things would feel like progress or if the familiar distance between them would continue to grow. But he was determined to make the effort. It was no longer about impressing Emma with his wealth or status.
It was about showing her that he was here for the long haul, that he was ready to be the father Liam deserved, regardless of the past.
When Emma opened the door, she didn't greet him with the warmth he hoped for, but she didn't close it in his face either. Her face was neutral, unreadable.
"Hi," she said softly, stepping aside to let him in.
"Hi, Emma," Frank replied, his voice gentle. "How's Liam?"
"Good," Emma replied, her tone a little more guarded than usual. "He's finishing his dinner."
Frank nodded, his eyes scanning the living room as he took a step inside. He wasn't sure why, but there was a sense of tension in the air. Something felt different this time, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Is everything okay?" Frank asked, noticing how Emma avoided his gaze.
Emma hesitated, clearly weighing her words before responding. "We need to talk, Frank."
Frank's stomach tightened, but he nodded. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
She led him to the couch, and they both sat down, a comfortable distance apart. The silence that hung between them felt heavy, like there were unspoken words lingering in the air, waiting for the right moment to be said.
"I've been thinking," Emma began slowly, her eyes finally meeting his. "About Liam. About you. And about all of this. And I have to be honest with you, Frank." She took a deep breath, her expression serious. "I'm not sure I can trust you. Not yet."
Frank's heart sank, but he kept his expression steady. He had expected this. It was the inevitable result of his past mistakes, of the time he had spent away from both Emma and Liam.
"I understand," Frank said softly, his voice thick with sincerity. "And I'm not asking you to trust me immediately. I just want the chance to prove that I'm here for both of you."
Emma shook her head, her lips trembling slightly. "It's not just that. It's not just about trust. It's about what's at stake here. Liam's happiness. My happiness. I've spent years building a life for us, Frank. A life that doesn't depend on anyone else. I don't know if I can let that go."
Frank felt a pang in his chest. He understood what she was saying. She had been through so much on her own, and now that he was back in the picture, it was a threat to everything she had worked so hard to create.
"I'm not asking you to let go of your life, Emma," Frank said, his voice full of conviction. "I'm asking for a chance to be a part of it. To be there for you and Liam. To help. To make things easier, not harder."
Emma's eyes softened for a brief moment, but the walls she had built around her heart remained intact. "It's not that simple. What if this doesn't work out, Frank? What if Liam gets hurt again? I can't risk that."
Frank reached out, placing his hand on hers. The touch was tentative, gentle, but it felt like the most significant gesture he had made in a long time.
"I understand your fear, Emma," Frank said, his voice tender. "But you don't have to do this alone anymore. You don't have to carry everything on your shoulders. Let me help. Let me prove that I'm here to stay."
Emma looked down at their hands, her breath shaky. "I don't know if I can believe that, Frank. I don't know if I can believe you."
The words stung, but Frank didn't pull away. He had already made the decision. He wasn't going anywhere. He would fight for Liam and Emma, no matter how long it took.
"I don't expect you to believe me right now," Frank said quietly. "But I'm asking for a chance. A chance to show you that I can be who you need me to be. For you. For Liam."
The room fell silent again, and for a long moment, Emma didn't speak. Finally, she looked up at Frank, her expression still uncertain but less guarded than before.
"I don't know what's going to happen, Frank," she said softly. "But I'm willing to let you try. For Liam's sake."
Frank felt a weight lift from his chest, though he knew this was just the beginning. Trust couldn't be rebuilt overnight. But it was a start. And Frank was ready to do whatever it took to prove himself worthy of that trust.