Married for Inheritance-Divorced for Freedom

At age ten Ethan was still gullible where Charmaine was concerned. One night Darrian and Hannah heard him crying out in his sleep. As Darrian stood beside Ethan's bed, the moonlight filtering through the curtains cast a soft glow over the room. Ethan's chest's gentle rise and fall was punctuated by his muffled cries for Charmaine, a name that hung heavy in the air. In that moment, Darrian felt a pang of empathy mixed with frustration. Charmaine had been a source of turmoil in their lives; her self-centeredness and manipulative behaviours had left scars on all their hearts. Yet, Ethan was vulnerable and yearning for the person who had caused them so much pain. "What do I do?" Darrian whispered more to himself than Hannah, who lingered just behind him, her arms wrapped around herself as if holding onto the warmth of their shared love. She could see her son struggling, and it broke her heart to know that despite the evident bond she shared with him, he still longed for someone else.

"I think we need to let him see her," Hannah finally said, her voice steady but laced with concern. "It hurts me to say it, but maybe it's what he needs." Her mind raced back to all the nights they'd spent discussing Charmaine - the arguments, the tension, the disappointment. Charmaine's presence in their lives had always felt like a dark cloud looming over them, but her absence had revealed a deeper wound in Ethan that couldn't be ignored.noveldrama

Darrian turned to face Hannah, searching her eyes for confirmation. "You think that's a good idea? What if she messes with his head again?"

Hannah nodded slowly, weighing the consequences. "We can't shield him from the truth forever, Darrian. He loves her in a way that's innocent and pure. He doesn't see her flaws like we do. But we must be there, ready to catch him if she lets him down again."

He sighed heavily, the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. "Okay. Let's do it."

They arranged to visit her at the Police Station the next day, their hearts filled with hope and dread. As they drove to Charmaine's apartment, the car was silent except for the gentle hum of the engine. Ethan sat in the back seat, lost in his world, clutching a small toy a token of solace amidst his inner turmoil. Darrian stole glances at him in the rearview mirror, noting the mixture of excitement and trepidation painted across the boy's face.

When they arrived, Darrian met with the captain and told him what he needed. The Officer was unsure he understood why Darrian and Hannah would bring their son, whom Charmaine had kidnapped, to see her. Seconds felt like hours as they waited for Charmaine to answer. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing Charmaine in her prison outfit, her hair cascading around her shoulders. For a moment, a flicker of nostalgia crossed her face as she caught sight of Ethan.

"Ethan!" she exclaimed, dropping to her knees to embrace him. "I've missed you so much!"

Ethan melted into her arms, surrendering to her warmth like a child seeking refuge from the storm. Darrian and Hannah exchanged glances, a mix of relief and apprehension flooding their hearts. This was the moment they had anticipated-a chance for Ethan to reconnect with Charmaine and a potential flashpoint for old wounds to reopen.

"Mommy," Ethan murmured, nestled against her, the word spilling out so effortlessly as though it was the only thing that mattered in the world. "I thought you forgot about me."

Charmaine pulled back slightly, her expression shifting as she brushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. "How could I ever forget you? You're my everything." Her voice was sincere, but Darrian couldn't shake off the feeling of cautiousness. It was like watching a pendulum swing, unsure where it would land.

Hannah hovered nearby, her protective instincts kicking in. "We just wanted to make sure you're doing okay, Charmaine," she said, her tone even but firm. "Ethan has been through so much, and he wanted to see you."

"Of course, I understand," Charmaine replied, straightening up with an air of defensiveness. "I'm here for him, just like I've always been. I want to make things right."

As the afternoon unfolded, moments of laughter echoed in stark contrast to the tense undercurrent between the adults. Ethan showed Charmaine his drawings and stories, filled with fantastical creatures and brave heroes. His face lit up with joy, wholly engrossed, while Hannah and Darrian exchanged worried glances.

But as time passed, Darrian noticed subtle shifts-a snide remark slipped from Charmaine's lips, a fleeting impatience when Ethan didn't pay her full attention. Darrian's gut twisted tighter as the realisation dawned on him: some habits died hard. That night, Darrian sat on the edge of his son's bed, absorbing the weight of their conversation. The air felt thick with unspoken emotions, and he could see the gears turning in Ethan's mind as he processed his father's words. After their visit with Charmaine, a surge of conflicting feelings had washed over Darrian. He wanted to protect his son from the pain that Charmaine often brought, but he also understood the deep-seated yearning that resided within Ethan's heart."Ethan," Darrian began gently, choosing his words carefully, "I know you miss Charmaine. She was once a big part of your life. But sometimes, missing someone doesn't mean they're good for us. Do you understand what I'm saying?" He watched Ethan's brow furrowed, confusion flickering in his blue eyes.

"Sort of," Ethan replied, his voice small but steady. "But... she makes me feel happy sometimes."

Darrian sighed, feeling the mixture of frustration and love swell within him. "I get that. Some memories and moments make us feel good. But think about it this way: touching something hot might feel warm at first, but it can burn you. People can be like that, too, Ethan. Charmaine might make you feel good, but sometimes, her presence can lead to pain later. You need to think about what's best for you, not just in the moment but for the future."

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Ethan nodded slowly, clearly wrestling with the information. "So, it's about being careful with my heart?" His voice held a soft disbelief as if he was still digesting the complexities of adult wisdom.

"Exactly," Darrian encouraged, feeling a flicker of hope at Ethan's understanding. "Your heart is precious, and you have to protect it. Just because you miss her doesn't mean you should welcome her back into your life unquestioningly. It's okay to remember the good times, but you must also acknowledge the bad ones. They matter, too." "What if I just want to see her?" Ethan asked, his gaze hopeful yet cautious, as though testing the waters of his father's understanding.

Darrian paused, weighing the implications of Ethan's question. "Wanting to see her is natural. I understand, but you must also ask yourself whether seeing her will bring you peace or more confusion. Remember how things were when she was around? Were you truly happy or just holding onto the idea of happiness?"

Ethan blinked slowly, processing the inquiry. After a moment's contemplation, he murmured, "I guess... I wasn't always happy. Sometimes, I felt sad."

"That's important to acknowledge, son." Darrian leaned in closer, his tone encouraging. "It's crucial to differentiate between longing for someone and realising how they impact your life. You deserve people around you who lift you, not just those who fill a void temporarily. Many people love you-your mom, me, sister and brother who want to see you thrive."

"I know," Ethan said softly, glancing down at the comforter, tracing abstract patterns with his fingers. "I just wish things were different. I wish... I wish she could be the mom I wanted her to be."

Darrian felt a pang of sorrow at his son's admission. "I know it's hard, buddy. We all want things to be perfect. But life is messy, and sometimes, the people we want the most aren't the ones who can give us what we need. It's okay to wish for things to change, but you'll also have to come to terms with reality. Remember, she is not your real Mom."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Ethan looked up, his expression a mix of resolve and uncertainty. "What do I do if I miss her again?"

"That's completely understandable," Darrian replied gently. "If you find yourself missing her, it's okay to acknowledge it. Talk to me or your mom about it. Express those feelings.

Ethan nodded slowly, appearing more at ease as he absorbed his father's insights. "Okay, I think I get it. I'll try to remember what you said."

Darrian smiled, feeling a swell of pride for his son. "That's all I ask. Just remember that you're not alone in this. We're here to help you navigate through the tough parts."

"Thanks, Dad," Ethan said quietly, a small smile breaking through his earlier seriousness. "I know you care about me."

"Of course I do,"

My Beloved Readers,

Poor Etan cannot overcome his love for a devious woman he calls his mom. This must

be difficult for Hannah, his biological mother.

Love always,

Your author.