I’m not doing this. She turned to leave, but Eleanor stopped her with a subtle movement, barely a brush on her arm. Not so fast, she whispered.
You haven’t forgotten what we talked about three years ago, have you? Amelia felt nauseous. You lied to me. You told me Daniel had another life, that he didn’t care.
Eleanor smiled humorlessly. And wasn’t it easier that way? For everyone, for you, not for us. Eleanor’s eyes hardened.
Don’t make this more difficult, Amelia. Difficult for whom? For you? For Leo? Eleanor said softly. Don’t think Daniel can handle this.
His life isn’t made for a child. Do you really want your son to go through everything it means to be a Brooks? Amelia felt a lump in her throat. I don’t care what you think.
You should, because if you continue with this, he’ll take him from you. Fear hit her like a punch. He wouldn’t.
Are you not sure? Because I am. Amelia felt her heart race. Eleanor looked at her calmly as if she already knew she had won.
I’m going to give you one chance, Amelia, to do the right thing. Amelia felt the trembling in her hands, but didn’t let it show. I’m not leaving.
Eleanor sighed. Then get ready to lose. And without another word, she walked away.
Amelia stood there, feeling the ground sink beneath her feet, because she knew Eleanor Brooks did not make empty threats. Amelia closed her apartment door, her heart pounding. Her hands had been cold since she met Eleanor.
She couldn’t get her words out of her head, her calculating tone, the certainty with which she had said he’ll take him from you. She leaned her back against the door and took a deep breath. She couldn’t panic.
She couldn’t afford to tremble. Her instinct screamed at her to run, that she had to disappear before Eleanor carried out her threat. But she couldn’t.
Leo already knew Daniel. He already saw him leaving his life. Leaving again was not an option, but neither could she stand idly by.
Daniel arrived the next day knowing nothing. What’s wrong? He asked as soon as he saw her. Amelia couldn’t completely hide it.
She looked more tense, more tired. Nothing, she replied, looking away. Daniel frowned.
Don’t lie to me. Something happened. She wasn’t sure if she should tell him, but then she remembered that Daniel wasn’t the same man as three years ago.
Your mother came to see me. Daniel fell silent. His gaze changed immediately.
What did she say? That I should leave. That I should do the right thing. Daniel let out a low laugh, but not of amusement.
Of course she did. Amelia crossed her arms. She was serious, Daniel.
I also know I’m not going to let her win. Amelia felt a chill. It’s not a game.
Daniel looked at her intently. Do you think I don’t know that? The atmosphere between them was heavy, but neither looked away. Leave it to me, he finally said.
I’ll fix this. Amelia let out an incredulous laugh. You can’t fix your mother, but I can make sure she doesn’t come near you again.
How? Daniel smiled, but it was a cold smile. Leave it to me. The showdown and a calculated retreat Daniel didn’t waste time.
He called her that same afternoon. Mother? Daniel said. Alexander? Eleanor replied calmly.
What a surprise. We’ll skip the pleasantries. I know you spoke with Amelia.
Eleanor said nothing for a moment. Then her tone changed. Because I’m worried.
Daniel clenched his jaw. Don’t give me that. You did it because you hate not being in control.
I’m thinking about your future. No, he interrupted her. You’re thinking about yours.
There was a long silence. That child doesn’t fit into your life, Daniel. Daniel felt something break inside him.
Are you really saying that? I’m not saying you don’t want him. I’m saying he’s not your son. He’s not part of what you’ve built.
Daniel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Listen carefully, mom. I’m going to make this clear so there are no misunderstandings.
Leo is my son and you will not interfere in his life or mine again. Eleanor sighed. Don’t be dramatic.
I’m not. I’m setting boundaries. That’s what you think.