Chapter 14
Frank paced the spacious living room of his penthouse, the tension in his chest building with every passing second. It had been a week since he last saw Emma and Liam, and the emptiness in his heart had become unbearable.
His thoughts were consumed by the little boy who had stolen his heart and the strong-willed woman who had unknowingly captured his soul. He knew it wasn't enough to just visit them anymore he wanted more. But could he convince Emma to let him into their lives permanently?
Meanwhile, Emma sat at the kitchen table in her small apartment, watching Liam color his favorite superhero book. She smiled softly at his enthusiasm, but her mind was clouded with unease. Frank's visits were becoming more frequent, and while Liam was overjoyed, Emma couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability creeping in.
She couldn't deny the changes in Frank the way he seemed genuinely interested in Liam, how he took the time to understand the little quirks that made their son so special.
But what did it mean for her? Was Frank really trying to mend the wounds of the past, or was this just another fleeting interest for a man used to getting what he wanted?
"Mommy, look!" Liam's voice broke through her thoughts as he held up his drawing. It was a bright, colorful depiction of himself, Emma, and Frank holding hands under a big sun.
Emma's heart clenched. "It's beautiful, sweetheart," she said, pulling him close and kissing his forehead. But the picture only deepened her uncertainty.
That evening, Frank arrived at the apartment with a box of Liam's favorite pastries. As he stepped inside, the familiar warmth of the modest home embraced him. It was such a stark contrast to his sterile, luxurious penthouse.
"Daddy!" Liam ran to him, wrapping his small arms around Frank's leg.
"Hey, champ!" Frank scooped him up effortlessly, spinning him around until Liam's giggles filled the room. For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Emma watched the scene from the doorway, her arms crossed. She couldn't deny the bond forming between Frank and Liam, but it scared her how easily he was fitting into their lives.
After Liam went to bed, Frank and Emma sat across from each other at the dining table. The air was thick with unspoken words.
"I want to talk," Frank began, his voice steady but filled with vulnerability.
Emma raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"About us," he said. "And Liam. I want to be part of his life, Emma. Not just a visitor who shows up with gifts. I want to be his father in every sense of the word."
Emma sighed, leaning back in her chair. "It's not that simple, Frank. You can't just walk in and out of his life. He's a child. He needs stability, consistency. Can you promise that?"
"I can," Frank said without hesitation. "I've made mistakes, Emma. I know that. But I've changed. I'm not the man I was four years ago. I want to be here for Liam, and for you."
Emma's heart skipped a beat at his words. For her? She wasn't sure she could believe that.
"I don't know if I can trust you, Frank," she admitted softly. "You've hurt me before. How do I know you won't do it again?"
Frank leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "I'll prove it to you," he said. "Not with words, but with actions. I'll do whatever it takes, Emma. Just give me a chance."
Emma looked away, her emotions swirling. She wanted to believe him, but the scars of the past were still fresh. "We'll see," she said finally, standing up and walking to the kitchen.
Frank watched her go, determination shining in his eyes. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to fight for the family he had almost lost.
As the days passed, Frank began making small changes to show his commitment. He adjusted his work schedule to spend more time with Liam, joined them for family meals, and even helped with bedtime routines. Slowly but surely, Emma began to see glimpses of the man she could trust.
But just as things seemed to be improving, an unexpected visitor arrived at Emma's door one evening.
It was a woman, impeccably dressed, her expression cold and calculating. "I'm here to speak with Frank Parker," she said, her voice sharp.
Emma's stomach churned. "Who are you?"
The woman smirked. "Let's just say I'm someone who knows Frank very well. And I think it's time you understood the kind of man you're letting back into your life."
Emma's heart sank as the woman's words lingered in the air. Was Frank hiding something from her?
To be continued...