The car door swung open, and Briony stepped out with Irwin at her side.
Across the driveway, the driver’s side of a black Mercedes popped open, and Carl hurried over to meet them.
“Ms. Kensington, I’m so sorry for all the trouble,” he apologized, sounding genuinely contrite.
Carl, of course, had no idea that Stewart and Briony were secretly married.
But Briony didn’t care about Carl’s attitude; after handing Irwin over to him, she turned on her heel and headed inside.
James slipped out of the car and jogged a few steps to catch up with her.
Meanwhile, Carl took Irwin by the hand and led him toward the Mercedes. As he glanced back over his shoulder, Irwin caught a glimpse of James and Briony side by side, disappearing into the elevator together. Irwin frowned, a shadow of resentment flickering in his wide, expressive eyes.
Lunar Heights Estate.
The black Mercedes rolled to a stop in the driveway. Carl got out, circled around to the back, and unbuckled Irwin, lifting him gently out of the car.
Hearing the engine, Rosita hurried out to greet them.
Irwin, still in Carl’s arms, spotted Rosita and gave a dismissive little huff, turning away to bury his face in Carl’s shoulder. He made it clear he didn’t want anything to do with her.
Rosita paused, a little
sweetheart?”
Irwin didn’t answer.
taken aback, but quickly moved closer and ruffled Irwin’s hair. “Are you upset,
Rosita shot Carl an awkward look. “Carl, could you please help me bring Irwin inside?”
“Of course.”
Carl carried Irwin into the house.
Irwin, still sulking, grumbled that he just wanted to go upstairs and sleep.
Carl glanced at Rosita for guidance.
She forced a smile, resigned. “He’s just having a tantrum. Would you mind taking him up to his room?”
Carl nodded and did as he was told.
After settling Irwin onto his small bed, Carl quietly excused himself.
Rosita closed the door behind him, then sat on the edge of the bed.
Irwin pulled the covers over his head, curling up into a tight little ball.
“Irwin, honey, I know I made a mistake. Won’t you come out?” Rosita gently tugged at the blanket. “It’s stuffy under there, and I’ll worry if you’re uncomfortable.”
Irwin scowled beneath the covers, still seething.
“You always say you love me, but you left me behind and just walked away!” he shouted from under the blanket. “Mr. Delaney saw you leave me, and he laughed at me!”
Rosita’s voice trembled, edged with tears. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I was just trying to help you.” That made Irwin pause.
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Chapter 124
Help him?
Curiosity got the better of him. He pushed the blanket aside and sat up, gazing at Rosita. “What do you mean, help me?”
Rosita lowered her gaze, tears slipping down her cheeks. “You care about Mom Bryn, don’t you?”
She wiped her eyes, her voice soft and raw. “If I’d stayed, your Mom Bryn would’ve kept her distance because of me. She doesn’t like me, and I couldn’t stand to see you so sad. So I left, because I knew she wouldn’t ignore you–you’re just a child. She would never abandon you.”
Irwin stared at her, stunned.
So Mom left for his sake?
A pang of guilt twisted in his chest as he watched Rosita quietly weep.
“I’m sorry, Mom, I misunderstood you!” He scrambled to her side, flinging his arms around her. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you. Please don’t cry, I was wrong. I’m sorry!”
Rosita hugged him back tightly.
“Irwin, you don’t have to apologize,” she murmured, stroking his hair. “Everything I do is for you. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I want.”
Irwin’s guilt only deepened.
“Please don’t cry, Mom. It hurts me to see you sad.” He let go, grabbed a handful of tissues, and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.
Rosita dried her eyes, her gaze warm and loving. “I’m alright now,” she said with a watery smile. “I just thought tonight you’d finally get your wish to stay with Mom Bryn.”
At that, Irwin’s mood soured again.
He huffed. “She’s changed. She doesn’t love me the way she used to.”
Rosita’s brow furrowed, disbelief coloring her features. “That can’t be true. She raised you–of course she still loves you.”
“No, she doesn’t!” Irwin pouted. “She said she and Dad aren’t together anymore, and we’re not a family now.” Rosita sighed. “Your Grandma Julia isn’t here anymore, and since Mom Bryn was the one who took care of you, that makes you her family too.”
She paused, then added gently, “But if she really insists on pushing you away, there’s only one explanation.” Irwin blinked. “What do you mean?”
Rosita looked at him tenderly, brushing a hand across his soft cheek. “I think your Mom Bryn might be having a baby.”
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