Chapter 73
Chapter 5
Julian stood in the doorway and watched Clara leave, his face unreadable.
Even after everything, Leo took a few steps after her before he caught himself.
He stopped at the door.
He turned to Julian, his voice low.
“Dad, is Mom coming back p>
Julian forced a smile and ruffled Leo’s hair.
“It’s fine. You know how she is. She’ll come around p>
“When she does, just apologize p>
But the words sounded hollow the moment he said them.
His eyes snagged on the blood she’d left on the floor, and something cinched tight in his chest.
Leo shrugged it off just as fast, laughing as if nothing had happened.
Julian took out his phone and texted Clara.
[It’s Leo’s birthday and his friends are here. Stop throwing a tantrum and ruining his day p>
[Come back after the kids leave p>
After he sent the texts, he wired her another transfer.
Over the years, he had fallen into the habit of settling things by throwing money at them.
At first, Clara would push back, saying it felt like an insult.
But lately, she’d stopped trying to hold him to any of it.
Even her jealousy had faded, or at least she’d stopped showing it.
His phone rang before he could think any further. Tiffany.
“Julian, I got Leo a gift, I’ll be there in a few minutes p>
Leo lit up the moment he heard Tiffany’s voice. He spun around to his friends.
He lifted his chin, all swagger.
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“My mom’s been really busy, but she’s almost here, and she’s bringing gifts p>
Julian heard every word.
He told himself he should’ve been happy about this.
By every measure that mattered, Tiffany was the better choice.
She was young, beautiful, and never caused any drama.
When he was out with friends, Tiffany was the one he showed off. He never brought Clara up.
But the happiness he expected wasn’t there.
Thirty minutes later, Tiffany arrived with gifts.
Leo ran to her and threw his arms around her.
“Mom! You’re finally here p>
As soon as Tiffany walked in, the other kids swarmed her.
“Leo, is this your mom? She’s so pretty p>
“You’re so lucky! Your mom got you the best presents p>
That went straight to Leo’s head. He crossed his arms, puffing up.
“See? I told you, that woman isn’t my mom. This is my real mom p>
Something shifted in Julian’s chest when he heard that, something he couldn’t quite name.
He was about to say something when a kid’s voice cut in.
“Your mom and dad look so good together p>
“Leo, I’m so jealous, your parents are like, perfect p>
Whatever he’d been about to say caught in his throat.
It was always like this when he was out with Tiffany, compliments, approving looks.
There were ten years between them, but you’d never know it.
Being with Tiffany made him feel younger, too.
Tiffany drew people in effortlessly. Clara was serious, precise at work, and exactly the same way at home.
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Tiffany knew how to have fun. And besides, Leo liked her more.
“Julian, was Clara here earlier p>
She must’ve passed Clara on her way in, and Leo’s little speech had put the pieces together for her.
Leo hadn’t acknowledged Clara as his mother.
Julian nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor.
He didn’t snap out of it until Tiffany said his name again. He pulled himself together and smiled.
“Yeah. She stopped by. She didn’t cause any trouble p>
Warm satisfaction spread through Tiffany’s chest when he said that.
They had both chosen her. Again.
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Chapter 5
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