What He Really Wants

Chapter sixteen

EDNA
"He's mine, isn't he?"

Alexander's voice didn't sound angry, or even calm. It was something in between—cold, unreadable. And somehow, that made it scarier.

"I was going to tell you," I said quietly, rising from the bed and wrapping a robe around me.

"When, Edna? When was that supposed to happen? Let me guess—never?"

"Oh, save me your victim speech, Laurent," I snapped, anger rising now. He had no right—no right—to be upset with me. "You're in no position to ride in on some moral high horse. Do you want me to remind you how things ended four years ago? I probably saved my son a lifetime of shame and heartbreak—being the kid of the so-called whore who tried to scam the rich billionaire for child support!"

"Edna, I would never—"

"I think we can both agree that I don't believe a damn thing you say," I cut in, my voice cracking despite my effort to hold the tears back. "And since you do know now, let me make one thing clear—I won't let Peter be dragged through custody battles or used as some trophy in your power games—"

"Edna," he interrupted.

"I can't stop you from being in his life, Alexander. You're his father, and that matters to him—not to me."

"I'm sorry," he said gently. "I'm sorry for everything you had to go through... because of me."

"Oh, so it's my fault, right? That's what you were going to say?"

"Edna..." He got up from the bed and reached for my hand. "I'm truly sorry."

"It doesn't matter what you say anymore."

I pulled my hand away and fled into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I turned on the shower, stepped in, and let the warm water mask my tears.

I don't understand him. I never really did.

Our relationship had always been built on adrenaline and secrecy—a messy little office affair. Of course I mistook the attention for love. Who wouldn't? But in the end, I didn't deserve the way he discarded me. Not after everything.

⸻

ALEX
"Is Alex really my daddy?"

Peter's excited voice echoed through the dining room.

Edna nodded, her smile faint. It didn't quite reach her eyes, but it was still beautiful. I was officially smitten.

"Will he put me to bed and read me stories like the other daddies?"

I leaned forward, catching his gaze. "I'm right here, little man—and yes, I'll do all that and more."

Peter's face lit up in a goofy grin.

"Will you live with Mommy and me forever and ever and ever?" he asked, eyes wide and hopeful.

Behind him, Edna rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"Of course. Anything for you."

"Yay! Thank you, Mommy!"

He ran off, probably to play with the dog. They'd become pretty attached lately, and watching them together always made me smile.

When I turned back, Edna was still looking at me.

"Is there a problem, Edna?" I asked.

"Should there be one?" Her tone was sharp, defensive.

"You were staring."

"Don't mind me, hun," she said coolly. "I was just trying to figure out how long it'll take this time."

"Excuse me?"

"The excitement of having a son."

My jaw tightened. Her words stung—but the emotion behind them? That was pure agony.

"Is that what you think this is?"

"What else could it be?" she shot back. "You're not fit to be a father to my son, Laurent. And I'm just waiting for you to figure that out and kick us both to the curb. You know—your specialty."

She stormed off before I could say anything. And honestly? I let her.

Because she was right.

And I was just too selfish to let her go.

⸻

AUTHOR'S NOTE

We are baaaaaaaaaack... kind of. We guess.

Short chapter? Yeah, we know. We're trying! 😭
School and writing two books at once have kept us spinning—but we're so thankful for everyone sticking around.

Two thousand reads?? Y'all are the best. 🥹❤️

Don't forget to vote, comment, follow, and tell your friends! We really want to hear your thoughts:

🌶️ Is Edna overreacting?
😤 What do you think about big ol' Lex?
🥹 And can we all agree Peter is the best kid ever?

We'll see you soon. Until then—stay safe, stay awesome.

Byeeeeee! 🫶