A LOVE FORGOTTEN

Emily's POV

The morning air was crisp as I drove Alex to school for the parent-teacher meeting. He sat in the backseat, excitedly swinging his legs, completely unaware of the nerves twisting in my stomach.

"Mommy, do you think my teacher will say good things about me?" he asked, his big brown eyes—so much like Ethan's—shining with curiosity.

I smiled, reaching back to squeeze his hand. "Of course, sweetheart. Your teacher adores you."

And I wasn't wrong.

During the meeting, Ms. David, his teacher, beamed as she spoke about him.

"Alex is a remarkable child, Emily. He's not just intelligent—he's gifted. His problem-solving skills, his comprehension level, and his ability to think critically are far beyond his peers. I really think you should consider enrolling him in a school for gifted children. He needs to be challenged."

I let out a small sigh, already anticipating this conversation. "I appreciate that, Ms. David. Truly, I do. But I just want Alex to be a kid—to play, to make friends, to enjoy childhood. I don't want to take that away from him."

She nodded in understanding. "I get that. But if you ever reconsider, I have some recommendations."

The meeting went on, touching on other aspects of Alex's progress. I was so proud of him. He wasn't just smart—he was kind, compassionate, and full of life.

After the meeting, I made my way to the playground to pick him up. The air buzzed with laughter and chatter as kids ran around, their joy unfiltered and free. But among the happy voices, there were whispers—sharp, hushed words laced with judgment.

I didn't have to strain to hear them.

"She doesn't even have a husband."

"I heard she doesn't even know who the father is."

"Well, what do you expect from a woman like that? Loose and desperate."

I froze for a second, the words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. But I had heard them all before. They never changed.

Alex, however, did hear them.

He was standing a few feet away, his little fists clenched, his face red with anger. "That's not true! My mommy is the best mommy! And my daddy is a doctor—he's saving lives!"

I quickly walked over and knelt in front of him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Alex, sweetheart, don't let them get to you. People will always say what they want. We know the truth, and that's all that matters, okay?"

His little lips trembled, but he nodded. "Okay, Mommy."

I took his hand, leading him to the car. But just as I opened the door for him, he asked the question I had been dreading.

"Mommy, why isn't Daddy here? Why is he not in my life like the other kids' dads?"

I swallowed hard, forcing a soft smile. "Your daddy is a big surgeon, sweetheart. He's in another country saving lives. But he'll be back soon, and you'll get to meet him."

Alex's brows furrowed. "You always say that, but I never get to talk to him. Not even on the phone."

I hesitated before answering. "That's because where he is, there's no network."

It was a weak excuse, and I knew it. But what else could I say? That his father was right here in the same city, unknowingly walking around with no idea that he had a son?

Alex sighed, clearly not satisfied with my answer. But then he brightened. "Mommy, since you have a day off, can we go to the amusement park? And have ice cream?"

I exhaled in relief, grateful for the change of topic. "Of course, baby. Let's go have some fun."

The amusement park was exactly what we needed.

Alex laughed as he rode all his favorite rides, his worries from earlier forgotten in the thrill of the moment. I watched him, my heart swelling with love and guilt all at once.

He deserved to know his father.

Ethan deserved to know his son.

As Alex enjoyed his chocolate ice cream, I found myself absentmindedly checking my phone. I had been waiting all day for Ethan's call. He had my number now, but there was nothing—no text, no missed call.

Maybe he doesn't need my help anymore.

Or maybe he had already found help elsewhere.

A certain woman from the seminar had been vying for his attention. I had noticed her—tall, elegant, confident. The kind of woman who fit perfectly into his world.

Maybe she was the one he was spending time with.

I pushed the thought away. It shouldn't matter.