Lost in madness

41

Dabe

I took a deep breath as Nico and I walked into the grand wedding hall, Christian's hand on my back guiding me forward. We had arrived early and quickly found our reserved seats in the front row, right up close to where Ike and his soon-to-be wife would be exchanging their vows.

"Nico, honey, please sit down," I whispered, trying to get my fidgety son to stay put. He squirmed in his seat, clearly uninterested in the formal atmosphere.

Just then, a commotion at the entrance caught my attention. I turned, my heart sinking as I saw Sally and Andrew walking in. *Of course they showed up*, I thought bitterly. *So much for hoping, they wouldn't*.

Christian must have sensed my unease because he pulled me close, his strong arms wrapping around my waist protectively. "You okay?" he murmured in my ear. I nodded, grateful for his presence, but I couldn't shake the feeling of a particular pair of eyes burning into my back.

"Whoever made this seating arrangement needs to be fired immediately," Sally muttered as she and Andrew took their seats behind us. For once, I found myself in complete agreement with her.

"You're so fucking shameless," she hissed, loud enough for me to hear. "I hate you so much." I wasn't sure who that was meant for, but I had a pretty good guess.

The ceremony began, and Christian's hands remained firmly on my waist, grounding me. But I couldn't help feeling on edge, constantly aware of Andrew's presence just a few rows back.

Suddenly, Nico tugged on my sleeve. "Mommy, I need to pee," he stage-whispered, loud enough for nearby guests to hear. A few chuckled quietly.

Relieved for the excuse to step away, I whispered back, "Okay, sweetie. Let's go." To Christian, I added, "We'll be right back."

As I made my way out of the row, I could feel Andrew's eyes on me the entire time. Once in the hallway, I leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart. *Pull yourself together*, I thought. *This is Ike's day. Don't ruin it with your drama*.

When we returned, my heart lurched. Nico was firmly in Andrew's arms, chattering away happily. Sally didn't look pleased either, her brow furrowed as she watched the interaction.

"Nico, come here," I said, forcing a smile and holding out my hand.

Nico shook his head. "But Mr. was telling me about his cool car!"

I felt the blood drain from my face. "Nico, now," I said more firmly, feeling Sally's eyes boring into me. He refused, It be your own kids.

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Christian's hands never left my waist, while Nico kept glancing back at Andrew, as if the men in my life had conspired to give me a heart attack. I barely registered Ike and his wife exchanging their vows, my focus entirely on the men in my life and the precarious balance I was trying to maintain.

Finally, it was time for the reception. Christian swept me onto the dance floor, moving with surprising grace. "I think we should get married here," he said, his eyes twinkling.

"Yeah, it's beautiful," I replied distractedly, my eyes constantly drifting towards Andrew. The man had my entire life in his hands. How could I look away?

After congratulating the newlyweds, Christian and I made our way through the crowd to leave. Suddenly, I realized with growing panic that Nico was nowhere to be seen. "Christian," I gasped, "where's Nico?"

We frantically scanned the room until I spotted him – still in Andrew's arms. I rushed over, scooping Nico up and holding him close.

As I turned to leave, Andrew grasped my arm. "Dabe, I missed—"

"Get your hands off me," I snarled, wrenching away from his touch.

"I just want us to talk," he pleaded, his voice low and urgent.

"There's nothing to talk about," I hissed, my voice shaking. "Stay away from me and my son. Are we clear?"

Andrew's eyes flashed. "Dabe, I know I'm a shameless asshole, and you can hate me all you want – I deserve it. But if there's something I can do to make things right, tell me. I'll do whatever it takes."

I scoffed. "Why are you even here? You don't even know Ike."

"I needed to see you," he admitted.

"You had five years for that," I shot back.

"You disappeared!" Andrew's voice rose slightly. "And after you came back, I've been trying to show you how much I wanted to see you."

I laughed bitterly. "With those stupid flowers? You think that would make me want to see you after the way you humiliated me?"

"Can we just go somewhere and talk?" he pleaded, people were starting to take notice.

"It's been five years, Andrew. Whatever's left to be said isn't relevant anymore."

His gaze shifted to Nico, and he ruffled the boy's hair. "I highly doubt that's the case."

My blood ran cold. "I don't know what you're thinking, but he's not yours," I said quickly, tightening my hold on Nico.

Andrew's eyes bored into mine. "Meet me at our place tomorrow."

"I don't ever want to see you again," I spat. "Stay away from me and my son, and any more of those stupid flowers. I'll file a restraining order. Don't push me, Andrew."

I turned and nearly collided with Christian. His eyes darted between Andrew and me, concern etched on his face. "You okay, babe?" he asked. To Andrew, he said coolly, "And you are?"

"Andrew Williams," Andrew replied, extending a hand that Christian pointedly ignored.

Andrew scoffed. "I'll be waiting, Dabe," he said before walking away.

My heart was pounding. "I just want to go home," I whispered to Christian, clinging to Nico.

He nodded, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and guiding us towards the car. I could feel Andrew's gaze burning into my back, but I refused to look back.

The drive home was tense and silent. I knew I owed Christian an explanation, but the words wouldn't come. As we pulled into the driveway, I turned to him, my eyes brimming with tears. "I'm so sorry we had to leave like that."

Christian pulled me into his arms. "It's okay," he murmured. "But you're going to have to explain what happened back there. Who was that guy?"

I took a shaky breath. "I will, I promise. Just... not today. I'm exhausted."

He nodded, but I could see the hurt and frustration in his eyes as he turned away. We made our way inside, where Nico curled up on the couch, already fast asleep. I watched him, my heart aching. He was so innocent, so unaware of the storm that was about to hit our lives.

As I stood there, lost in thought, Christian's voice broke through my reverie. "Dabe," he said softly, "whatever it is, we'll face it together. Okay?" I nodded, wanting desperately to believe him.