"You still know how to come back? Why didn't you just die out there somewhere? Then you wouldn't have to cook for me and Mom anymore."
I knew he was angry because I hadn't prepared his three meals that day. After all, Weston had a delicate and picky appetite and very few people could satisfy him without upsetting his stomach. To take care of his health, I had explicitly taken cooking classes and meticulously prepared every meal for him as he grew up.
Back then, Weston would always hug me with a smile and say, "Daddy, you're the most amazing chef! I want to eat your food forever."
I never knew when his attitude towards me started to turn sour. Until now, he would curse me to die every time he saw me.
Suddenly, the sky flashed with lightning and thunder and a heavy rain poured down without warning. I had nowhere to take shelter and was instantly soaked to the bone.
I looked up and said to Weston in a pleading tone.
"Weston, can you let me in? Otherwise, I'll catch a cold."
"What does your cold have to do with me? You brought this on yourself. Since you like it outside so much, just stay out there," Weston sneered.
"Weston, who are you talking to?"
Just then, a crisp male voice came from inside the house. Mason Skyler walked over in leather shoes and gently put his arm around Weston's shoulders.
When Mason saw me, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh, I thought it was someone important. It's just you, Zion. Sorry, Mrs. Claire always said she wanted to spend the evening with me, so you'll have to rough it outside tonight."
"Come on, Weston. Let's go eat. Your mom's waiting."
Weston happily took Mason's hand, beaming.
"Yay! I love eating with Uncle Mason the most! Uncle Mason is the best to me!"
I stared at their affectionate silhouettes, a tightness growing in my chest.
The child I raised with all my efforts turned a blind eye to my efforts but was so close to a man Fiona brought home, a man who used to be a male escort. Just because he vaguely resembles Jayden, he's willing to let him be his "dad."
At this hour, it was impossible to hail a cab and the rain was coming down harder. I could only huddle like a stray dog in the corner by the gate, hoping to shield myself from some of the downpours.
Just when I thought I'd be stuck here all night, the front gate creaked open. The butler came out holding an umbrella.
"Sir, Mrs. Claire asked me to bring you inside."