But in the end, Daniel, for the first time, Eleanor remained silent and for the first time in his life, Daniel felt that she didn’t have the upper hand. Do what you want, she said coldly, but don’t be surprised when things get complicated. Things are already complicated and even so, I prefer this rather than continuing to be the obedient son you want.
He hung up before she could reply. For the first time, he felt he had landed the first blow, but he knew Eleanor Brooks would not stand idly by. Daniel closed his eyes and exhaled sharply.
He had justified Eleanor Brooks, something very few had done without consequences. But this time, he wasn’t going to back down. He ran a hand over his face and then looked at his phone.
He had to focus on what was important. Amelia. The last thing he wanted was his son to suffer because of his mother’s manipulations.
He had to strengthen his relationship with him. He had to show Amelia that he was here to stay and he knew exactly how to start. Do you want us three to go together? Amelia frowned, surprised by Daniel’s proposal.
Just to the park, he clarified. I’m not saying we should move in together. Amelia crossed her arms.
Why do you suddenly want to do this? I can’t leave Leo in his own environment without him feeling like I’m forcing him into something. She sighed, hesitating. Daniel didn’t blame her but after a long silence, she nodded.
All right. The park was full of children running and playing on the swings. Leo let go of his mother’s hand and approached with curiosity.
Daniel followed him with his gaze, not knowing quite what to do. You’ve never dealt with children, have you? It shows. She watched him for a moment and then sighed.
Just follow him. Let him set the pace. Daniel didn’t answer but walked to where Leo was playing in the sand.
What are you building? Leo replied, not looking up. Can I help you? The boy looked up, thoughtful and then nodded. Daniel knelt down and picked up some sand, not knowing exactly what to do with it.
Not like that, Leo said impatiently. First you have to make a base. Daniel smiled unknowingly.
And how do I do that? Leo sighed as if he were talking to an absolute beginner. I’ll show you. And for the next half hour, Daniel listened carefully to each of his instructions.
Amelia watched them from afar. The way Leo spoke without fear. How Daniel listened patiently.
How he laughed at the small things. She never imagined seeing them like this. And against all odds, her son seemed to trust him naturally.
That was what scared her the most. Because if Leo started to love him, if he started to see him as part of his life, she couldn’t afford to lose Daniel again. Because if he left again, this time he wouldn’t only break her heart, he would also break his son’s.
The slow bloom of trust. Amelia couldn’t stop watching them. Daniel and Leo were still in the sand, now trying to build a tower taller than the previous one.
Leo laughed every time the structure collapsed, while Daniel feigned frustration. It was a simple scene, but the feeling it provoked in Amelia was anything but simple. It was fear.
Not because Daniel was failing. But because he seemed to be doing too well. Too well.
Every day, Leo became more accustomed to his presence, sought him out with more confidence, no longer seemed shy when Daniel arrived. And although Amelia knew it was what should happen, she couldn’t ignore the worry that gnawed at her chest. What would happen if Daniel got tired? If he decided this was too much for him? If, after all, he ended up being just a visitor in Leo’s life? Are you tense again? Daniel’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
He stood in front of her, with Leo running around the yard. Amelia looked away. I’m fine.
No, you’re not, he said directly. What’s wrong? She took a moment to respond. I’m scared, she confessed softly.
Daniel narrowed his eyes. Of what? Amelia swallowed before looking at him. That this won’t last.
Daniel’s face hardened. I’m not leaving. You say that now.
I say that because it’s the truth. Amelia shook her head. Daniel, you have another life.
Businesses, trips, commitments. I don’t know how long you can keep this up. Daniel crossed his arms.