“Irwin”
Rosita grabbed Irwin’s arm. “You can’t go!”
He frowned. “Why not?”
“Because your dad doesn’t know yet.”
“Then I’ll go tell him and ask him to talk to Mom Bryn about it!”
Irwin huffed, frustration flashing across his face. “Dad always says I’ll be his only child for life. If he finds out Mom Bryn is having a new baby, he’ll definitely tell her not to keep it!”
A flicker of anxiety crossed Rosita’s eyes, but seeing how young Irwin was, she quickly calmed herself.
“Irwin, sweetheart, don’t get upset.” She pulled him close and held him tightly. “Mommy’s not well, you know that. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here with you. If something happens to me, I worry so much… What will happen to my little Irwin?”
Her voice broke, trembling with emotion.
Irwin’s face paled, fear rooting him in place. “Mom, don’t say that. Dad will make lots of money–he’ll find you the best doctors. You’ll get better, I know it…”
She smiled sadly. “I know, darling. But Mommy is so tired.”
Rosita closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Irwin, I just don’t know how much longer I can hold on But what scares me most is leaving you behind. If your dad and Mom Bryn have a new baby, they won’t love you like they do now.”
“That’s not true…” Irwin shook his head, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Dad loves me a lot. He wouldn’t stop just because there’s a new baby. Mom, you don’t have to worry.”
His heart ached for her, and he wrapped his small arms around Rosita’s waist, hugging her tight.
“Don’t be sad, Mom. You don’t have to worry about me. Mom Bryn is actually really nice–she’s just upset right now. Dad says once she calms down, she’ll love me just like before.”
A shadow flickered in Rosita’s tearful eyes–something cold and venomous lurking beneath the sadness.
“If Mom Bryn didn’t have a child of her own, I’d believe she could keep loving you like before. But I’m just afraid what if she really does have a baby?”
Irwin’s brow furrowed. He was quiet for a long moment before he finally asked, “So how can I know if Mom Bryn is really having a baby?”
Rosita’s lips curved upward, her voice still trembling from crying but now soft and gentle. “Listen carefully. sweetheart. What I’m going to tell you is our secret, okay? You can’t tell anyone–not even your dad. Do you understand?”
“Why not tell Dad?”
“Because if your dad knows about the new baby, he’ll be just like Mom Bryn. As soon as there’s a new baby. they’ll both start ignoring you.”
Irwin felt panic welling up inside him, making his chest tight.
If Dad and Mom both loved the new baby and forgot about him what would he do?
“I won’t tell!” Irwin was terrified, clinging to Rosita. “I won’t say a word! I don’t want the new baby to take my mom and dad away from me!”
Rosita let him go, looking down at his innocent little face with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
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Chapter 145
Her gaze glittered with a poisonous resolve. “Irwin, you’re the best kid in the world. Mommy won’t let anyone steal the love that belongs to you. I promise–I’ll always fight for you.”
Irwin’s eyes shone with tears. “Mom, you’re so good to me Don’t worry, no matter how many moms I have, you’ll always be my favorite!”
Rosita laughed softly, pulling him into her arms and gently patting his small shoulder.
“And you’ll always be Mommy’s favorite, forever.”
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Chapter 146
