5 YEARS AFTER
Time flew by in a blur. Just yesterday, she cradled her newborn son, Eli, now bursting with energy and almost five years old. His laughter echoed in the house, and his tiny feet raced around, reminding her of that sweet moment of his birth.
So much has changed. Victor strode confidently in tailored suits, his every move reflecting his success. Business meetings often crowded his calendar, and countless investors lined up to work with him, a proof to his new status.
Determined to stand on her own, she poured herself into work. No longer just a shadow, she organized her projects, showcasing her talent. She shared expenses yet felt a weight in her chest, fearing his judgment every time she opened her purse.
After Eli's birth, she juggled working from home with diaper changes and midnight feedings. She saved every penny, nurturing her dreams into an agency for graphic designers. Though small, her team thrived, proving to herself—and others—that she could rise without Victor's support.
Thanks to her efforts, Eli's days were filled with joy. Yet, the emptiness at home was palpable. Victor walked by as if she were a stranger, leaving her longing for that love they once had.
The mansion felt desolate without her husband's presence. Even when he was home, he avoided eye contact and conversation. She reached for him, hoping for a spark of connection, but he remained unyielding, like a stone wall.
Whispers of his interest in another woman reached her ears, but she pushed the thought aside. The ring on her finger was a reminder of her commitment. She held on, believing that one day, he might forgive her and return to her side.
A lot of people called her foolish for clinging to a love that was nearly gone. Yet, deep down, she understood Victor's feelings. Her heart held hope that one day, their love would find its way back, mending the broken pieces.
Victor had refused to let her use his last name for Eli. She hesitated to use Dante's surname, knowing it would stir old wounds. Torn between choices and fearing Victor's wrath, she finally gave Eli her maiden name, a part of her that felt safe to all the things that's happening.
She was lost in her work on the balcony, typing away on her laptop when soft arms wrapped around her waist. The warmth pulled her from her thoughts.
"Mommy, mommy! I have something to tell you!" Eli's bright eyes sparkled with excitement, and a wide grin stretched across his face as he spoke.
How could she forget Dante when she looked at Eli? He was a mini version of the man—his smile, those expressive eyes. Sometimes she felt it was Dante standing there, as if they were just two halves of the same fruit. Eli's gentle nature mirrored his father's kindness.
Yet, she realized she barely knew Dante. Their time together was brief—a single night—but the thought of what he may have passed down weighed on her mind in silence.
Despite her painful history, gratitude washed over her. God and her mother's wisdom guided her to keep her child. She couldn't imagine life without Eli's sweet laughter lighting up her days.
A warm smile spread across her face. "What is it, sweetheart?"
"This coming friday, it's family day at my school, Mommy. My teacher said we need to invite our parents. Mommy, I know you will join… but I want us to be with Daddy too!" His eyes sparkled with hope, and her heart ached at his words.
Eli believed Victor was his father, unaware of the truth hidden beneath the surface. She thought they might reveal it, but instead, they kept the illusion intact, leaving Eli with the only father he knew.
A father who barely glanced his way, a father who never showed him what love felt like.
A frown tugged at her lips, and she hesitated, searching for the right words. "Eli, of course, Mommy will join family day. But, you know your daddy is busy, right? He's the CEO of his company," she replied, hoping to soften the truth.
Eli's face fell, disappointment clouding his bright eyes. "I know he's busy and has lots of responsibilities. But Mommy, I want him with us. So we can have a family picture like my classmates do. It's like he doesn't want me with him. Doesn't he love me, Mommy?" he asked, his voice wavering.
Julia felt a lump rise in her throat at her son's question. She hadn't thought he would ponder such heavy things at his age. His innocent face showed he felt the emptiness his father left behind.
Just as she opened her mouth, heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway. "You're right there. I don't love you. So I have no plans of going to that family day; it's pointless anyway. We're not a family," Victor's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp.
Julia's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected him home. When was the last time he stepped into this mansion? A whirlwind of days passed, maybe even a month! He felt more like a stranger than a husband.
But as his words sank in, a fire ignited within her. "Eli, please leave us alone for a moment," she said, her voice trembling with anger and urgency.
With tears glistening in his eyes, Eli slowly walked away, leaving them in uneasy silence. Victor, dressed in tailored suits and expensive shoes, exuded wealth, but his cold demeanor felt like a heavy shroud hanging over them.
He raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "How long will you hide from your bastard child that he is not really my son?" he shot back, disdain dripping from his words.
Julia took a deep breath, steadying herself against his piercing gaze. "Victor, I know you don't like my son, and I know your anger towards me won't probably disappear. But do you really have to be harsh with Eli? Do you have to tell him you don't love him? You could just choose to ignore him," she said, each word measured to maintain her composure.
His expression hardened, jaw tight with resolve. "It's better this way so he can understand early on that he is not my son, and I can't accept him. Be thankful I only said that to him. Honestly, I could throw him out of my house anytime," he replied, arrogance lacing his tone.
Julia's fists tightened at her sides. "You can't do this to me, Victor. I'm still your wife, even if you always say it's just on paper. Legally, I have all the rights. No matter how much you've been hurt by what happened, I am a victim of bitter circumstances. I am innocent. My child is innocent. Have you become so heartless that you would treat an innocent child this way?" she retorted.
His eyes narrowed, irritation etched on his face. "You've grown bold. Over the past year, you've become bolder. Is it because you have some pocket money now? Is it because you have a business that makes you feel superior to me?" he sneered, a smug grin spreading.
"It's true my business doesn't compare to yours," she replied, chin up, defiance in her eyes. "But you have no right to belittle what I do. I built it with my own blood and sweat. I worked hard to set up my agency. I didn't take a cent from your money." Her voice rang with pride.
He paused, his expression shifting as he considered her words. "You're right. You know, if there's one thing I like about you? It's that you're not gold-digger. You could have milked money from me, but you didn't. In fairness, you have principles. You made your own money. I admire you for that." His words caught Julia off guard, leaving her confused about how to feel.
Was that a compliment or just another irritating remark?
He stepped closer, lifting her chin gently, forcing her gaze to meet his. Her eyes widened in surprise; it had been five long years since he had approached her this closely. His touch sent a jolt through her, reminding her of their painful "night."
"And… I can say that over the past year, you've become more beautiful. You've become sexier. You've grown into a very beautiful woman, Julia. You aged like a fine wine. That's why I can't leave you; you make a good trophy wife." He paused, his eyes softening for a moment. "If only that hadn't happened to you… I would worship you now. It's like you're on a pedestal that I would honor… what a shame," he said, regret lacing his voice.
Julia opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She could see the hurt swimming in Victor's eyes, and the weight of his feelings made her heart ache.
If only he had been more understanding and shown her a shred of sympathy, maybe things would have been different, and their relationship could have blossomed into something beautiful.
He released her chin, stepping back as confusion washed over her. "Anyway, don't you want to make it up to me?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his tone.
One eyebrow arched in surprise as hope flickered within her. She had longed for this conversation, wishing for a chance to show him her love and commitment. Was this finally the moment she had been waiting for?
Before she could respond, he leaned in slightly. "I came here to let you know that I want you to come with me to a party. It's a charity event. Rich people, celebrities, and businessmen will be there. They all know I'm married, so even though I don't want to invite you, I have no choice." His smile felt tight. "Don't worry; I'll take care of everything you'll need for the party. I want everyone to envy me, especially since my new business partner will be there," he added, his sharp gaze fixed on her.
Her heart raced, anticipation bubbling inside her. Could this be the sign she's been waiting for? Was this the path to mending their broken marriage?