She Erased Him, For Her Son

n, and the backbone of his company. But on our son Leo's fifth bi

d me and our son to move out of our home so Che

king me to move a plant. "She's a colleague, and she's

ift for Leo-a toy snake. He didn't remember that our son i

is heart breaking. "You don

er. I had already filed for divorce,

man who never truly saw us. As we drove to the airport, I block

pte

Cook

ough the polished lobby of Melton Tech and tore straight into my chest. He was supposed to be celebrating Leo' s fifth birthday with us, but instead, he was here, making plans for a lavish industry dinner with

ntaining my resignation. A cold,

ce the email f

tood in my doorway, the email open on his tablet, his brow furrowed in genuine confusion. Not

alm, almost emotionless. It was a lie, a thin veil over a gaping wound, but it

our timing is... unfortunate. You know how crucial your role is, Elsie. You're practically th

n my mouth. Soon, I wouldn't be anyo

his newest prodigy, his shiny new toy, was walking towards us, her arm linked casually through his. S

assistant by day, his hidden partner by night. It started with a mistake

fueled by caffeine and an unexpected camaraderie. One t

olishly believing that love would eventually conquer all, that he' d eventually want to claim his family. Fiv

ear that made him smile, a soft, intimate gesture he

ible, pressed down on me, heavy and suffocating. It

sper, hoping to catch his attention bef

orporate mask. "Yes, Elsie? Something about the Q3 rep

ve. We don't want any loose ends." He glanced pointedl

y throat. He was telling

d, my voice flat. The words fe

e put a hand on her back, guiding her towards the elevators. "Great. Now, Che

fth birthday. But of course, work came first

Gable, Leo' s nanny. "Leo' s so excited for his birthda

lijah. He was still talking to Chelsi, his h

ayfully nudged his arm. He smiled down at her, a

l be there soon, Mrs. Gable. And yes, a special guest will be joining us." I

ed at the screen, and then, without a flicker of emotion,

him of Leo' s party. Or maybe it was Mrs. Gable' s. It didn' t matter.

slightly. I took a deep, shuddering breath,

ely wanted it. And he would have i

had a doctor's appointment. The lie felt natural now. I drove to Mrs.

my legs. "Mommy! Is Daddy really coming? Mrs. Gable said he might be busy." His bi

ne world oblivious to the war waging inside me. I forced a smile, my hands squee

time, it was from Elijah. A

. "See? He just said he's running late! But he's coming!" I knelt, hu

oming! My birthday is the best day ever!" His pure joy was a kn