Chapter 5 % Get dressed and come with me .
I brought Eleanor and Orion back today so you could spend some time together .
When I didnt move , he frowned , grabbed a coat , and forcibly draped it over me , zipping it up without giving me a chance to resist .
His voice was firm , leaving no room for argument .
And dont say anything reckless again .
As for Orions name , Ill explain another day .
When we arrived , Charles pushed Orion into my arms.§ Get to know him first .

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& Then , he bent down , his voice turning gentle , just as it always was with Eleanor .
Orion , today youll play with Aunt Natalie .
Daddy and Mommy are going to buy you clothes and toys , okay ? } Orion nodded eagerly , his eyes lighting up with excitement .
I followed along numbly as he led me to the other side of the food street .
Like all children , he was drawn to the golden crisp of fried food .
I hesitated , unsure if he was allowed to eat it .
Instinctively , I reached for my phone , dialing Charles .
No answer .
Before I could decide what to do , Orion turned to me , his small face darkening as sharp words spilled from his lips .
My dad and mom are on a date .
Why are you calling to disturb them ? His voice carried an unexpected sting , his eyes cold and unyielding .
Youre not my mom .
Why do you care whether I can eat this or not ? Dad told you to take me out to play , so whatever I want to eat or do , just do it .
Dont interfere .
A sudden tightness gripped my chest , pressing down like an invisible weight .
I opened my mouth , but no words came .
On the way back , Orion clutched his stomach and let out a sharp cry .
His face turned deathly pale .
Eleanors eyes widened in horror before she broke into sobs .
Charles , his usual composure shattered , slammed his foot on the gas and sped toward the hospital .
After a series of tests , the doctor confirmed acute gastroenteritis , severe enough to warrant IV fluids and hospitalization .
Orion lay weakly on the hospital bed , his small frame trembling as he whimpered for his mother .
When his gaze met mine , fear flickered in his eyes .
I told her my stomach is sensitive… I told her I couldnt eat fried sugar cakes … but Aunt Natalie said she wanted one .
She bought one for herself and gave me one as big as a fist , saying I should eat it , too .
After I did … it started hurting … > His words were barely above a whisper , yet each one struck like a whip .
Eleanors tears spilled over as she turned to me , her voice shaking with desperation .
Sister Natalie , its my fault .
I never should have fallen in love with Charles … never should have appeared in front of you .
If you hold a grudge , take it out on me .
But please , dont hurt my Orion … He was in my womb for ten months ; hes my life ! > I realized something was wrong and rushed to explain .
But before I could utter a word , Charless palm struck my face .
A sharp sting bloomed across my cheek , but the pain was nothing compared to the fire raging in his eyes , blazing , unforgiving , as if he wanted to tear me apart .
I told you , if you have a problem , take it out on me ! I never expected you to go after an innocent child ! } I clenched my jaw , forcing back the bitterness rising in my throat .
} It wasnt me ! He wanted to eat it himself ! I even tried calling you to ask if he could , but you didnt pick up ! } Enough , shut up ! Charless gaze was ice cold , devoid of warmth .
I remember youve always loved fried sugar cakes .
Natalie , you really arent fit to be a mother .
} The words cut through me like a blade , sharp and merciless .
A death sentence .
A condemnation .
Disappointment darkened his face as he pulled a folded document from his pocket , his fingers steady as he signed it with the hospitals pen .
Isnt divorce what youve always wanted ? Then lets do it first .
I dont trust you to live with them while youre in this unstable state .
Once youve adjusted , well talk about remarriage .
A strange sense of relief washed over me .
The fight drained from my body .
Without another word , I bent down , picked up the divorce agreement from the floor , folded it neatly , and tucked it away .
Before leaving , I cast one last look at Charles , my voice eerily calm .
Charles , I stopped eating fried sugar cakes ten years ago .
My teeth ache whenever I have something sweet .
Did you forget ? His lips parted slightly , his face clouded with disbelief .
But not a single word left his mouth .