HEALING THE SCARS

CHAPTER 42

DYLAN

Penelope looks stunning in her dress, the kind of beauty that takes my breath away. But it's not just how she looks; there's something about the way she carries herself, something I can't quite put my finger on. As soon as Jason sees me, he breaks into a sprint, his small arms wrapping around me tightly.

"Hey, buddy! I missed you so much," I say, lifting him off the ground as he clings to me.

"I missed you too, Daddy," Jason says, his voice filled with the kind of pure, unfiltered love that only a child can offer. He hugs me again, squeezing as hard as his little arms can manage. I can't help but smile, remembering how different I was at his age—always scowling, always angry at the world.

I turn to Penelope, feeling a wave of emotions I didn't expect. "Hi, Penelope. You look... beautiful," I say softly, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Her skin is warm, and the faint scent of her perfume pulls me back to memories of us—better times, perhaps, or maybe just the ones I've romanticized over the years. The way she looks tonight, it's impossible not to notice. I catch sight of a few people snapping pictures of us from a distance, probably some nosy bloggers who've been tailing me since I got back to New York. I hate that they're here, hate the thought of them turning Jason into some media spectacle. He deserves better than that.

"Hi, Dylan. Thank you," she replies, her voice polite but distant. There's a wall between us, one that's been there for a long time now.

We step into the private elevator, and I press the button for the 45th floor. I've got a surprise planned for tonight—a little something to make up for all the time I've missed, all the mistakes I've made. I bought Jason the toy car he's been asking for, and I've arranged for a chef to cook his favorite meal. For Penelope and me, I've got the best wine money can buy. I just want tonight to be perfect because tomorrow, I'm leaving for the Hamptons, and I don't know when I'll be back.

When we arrive, I hand Jason the car, and his eyes light up with pure joy. "Oh wow! Thank you, Daddy! It's just like the one I saw in the store!" he exclaims, already busy trying to figure out how to make it go. Watching him, I feel a warmth in my chest that I haven't felt in a long time. He's such a great kid—so full of life and curiosity. I wish I could be around more, wish I could be the father he deserves.

Dinner is a quiet affair, punctuated by Jason's excited chatter about school and his friends. He talks about his favorite teacher, the games he plays during recess, and the new kid who just moved to town. Penelope listens, her eyes sparkling with that familiar light that's been missing for so long. She's beautiful tonight, but it's not just about how she looks. It's something deeper, something that reminds me of the day I let her visit her brother before our fake honeymoon. I've always regretted that trip, always wished we'd stayed home instead. Maybe things would've turned out differently.

"Mum?" Jason interrupts my thoughts, his voice hesitant.

"Yes, honey?" Penelope responds, turning to him with that gentle smile that makes her such an incredible mother.

"Is Daddy going to stay with us forever? Are you, Daddy?" Jason asks, looking at me with those wide, innocent eyes. My heart twists painfully in my chest. What am I supposed to say? How do I explain to him that I want to be here, that I want to be his father, but that life isn't that simple?

"Honey, finish your food first, and then we can watch *Frozen* together, okay?" Penelope says, her voice carefully controlled, trying to steer the conversation away from dangerous waters.

"But Mum..." Jason begins, but she gently cuts him off.

"No buts, honey. Eat up," she insists, her tone leaving no room for argument. I watch her handle him with such grace, such care. She's always known how to balance firmness with love, something I've always admired about her.