Chapter 8 Where are they? Amelias voice trembled as she glanced around the nearly empty schoolyard, her heart hammering in her chest.
She had arrived right on time to pick up Damien and Debby, but they were nowhere in sight.
The headmaster, who was locking up the main doors, looked at her with mild concern.
Oh, Ms.
Blake, no need to worry.
The children already left with someone.
They seemed very happy.
Amelias face blanched.
Left? With whom? The headmaster frowned slightly, sensing her alarm.
I assumed it was their father.
He seemed familiar to them, and they left with him without hesitation.
The world around Amelia seemed to blur, panic clutching at her throat.
Ryan.
He had taken them without her permission.
She could hardly breathe, her mind racing with terrifying thoughts.
Her fingers tightened on her car keys, and without another word, she turned and ran toward the car.
The police station.
She needed to report this immediately.
She fumbled with her phone, ready to dial as she raced across the parking lot.
But before she could, a familiar sound stopped her in her tracksa soft, delighted giggle.
Debby.
She spun around, scanning the sidewalk until her gaze fell upon the ice cream store across the street.
There, beside the bright sign, stood Damien and Debby, each holding an ice cream cone, laughing and looking up at a tall figure.
Ryan.
He was watching them, a proud smile on his face as he tousled Damiens hair.
The sight was surreal, a picture she had never imagined: her children standing happily beside the man who had once abandoned them.
Ryan caught her gaze across the street, and his face lit up with a smile, as if this was a normal, joyful family moment.
He raised a hand, waving at her, as if inviting her to join.
Amelias blood boiled.
Her fear and relief morphed into a rage she could barely contain.
She crossed the street, moving swiftly toward them, her heart pounding, her hands clenched at her sides.
She stopped just inches from him, her eyes blazing.
Amelia Ryan began, his smile faltering.
Without thinking, she slapped him, the sound sharp and echoing.
Her hand stung, but she didnt care.
He needed to feel some fraction of the pain shed endured.
How dare you, she hissed, her voice low, seething with anger.
You think you can just take my children without even telling me? Ryans face darkened, his cheek red from the slap.
He glanced at Damien and Debby, who were watching in stunned silence, their ice cream cones forgotten in their hands.
I wanted to spend time with my kids, Amelia, he said, his voice measured but firm.
I have a right to see them.
A right? She laughed bitterly, her eyes flashing.
You lost any right the moment you walked out on us.
You dont get to walk back in and take them whenever you feel like it.
Mom? Debbys small voice cut through the tension, her eyes wide with confusion.
Why are you mad at him? Amelia softened for a moment, glancing down at her daughters innocent face.
She took a steadying breath, forcing a smile.
Come on, sweetie.
Lets go home.
But were having fun with Dad! Damien protested, stepping closer to Ryan, who gave Amelia a defiant look, a silent challenge in his eyes.
Not anymore, Amelia said firmly, placing a hand on each of her childrens shoulders.
Lets go.
Now.
Damien and Debby looked up at her, their expressions a mix of confusion and disappointment.
Mom, why cant we stay? Damien asked, tugging against her grip.
Because I said so, she replied, her voice firm, though her heart ached at the hurt in their eyes.
She knew this was confusing for them, but there was no way she would allow Ryan to overstep his boundaries again.
She guided them back toward her car, ignoring their protests.
Ryan took a step forward, his eyes flashing with anger.
You cant keep them from me, Amelia.
They deserve to know their father.
She turned back to him, her jaw tight.
They deserve stability, Ryan.
They deserve someone who wont walk away the moment things get hard.

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His gaze softened, a hint of regret flickering in his eyes.
I made mistakes.
But Im here now.
Dont you think they deserve to have both their parents? She laughed bitterly.
Dont try to play the hero now, Ryan.
Its too late for that.
Before he could respond, she helped Damien and Debby into the backseat of the car, buckling them in despite their protests.
Debbys face was scrunched in confusion, her earlier happiness fading.
She started the car, gripping the wheel tightly as she pulled away, leaving Ryan standing on the sidewalk, watching as they drove off.
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