Children's laughter filled the air as the sun shone brightly that morning, casting golden light across the park trails. However, Lorna experienced that peculiar tingling sensation at the nape of her neck once more.
like eyes observing her.
She turned quietly, looking at the benches, the trees, and the passersby. Nothing. Just the typical Saturday morning commotion. A short distance away, Jason and two other kids were having a good time digging in the sandbox while Marjorie took a call.
She forced her muscles to relax and told herself to get a grip.
But her world had started to change yesterday, ever since he had returned. It had felt like entering a dream she had long since buried under the weight of responsibility, marriage, and motherhood to see Michael Hudson again. Five years of separation had been broken in a matter of seconds by a single glimpse of him.
She detested the ease with which her heart had recalled the cadence of his presence.
Jason's voice cut through her whirlpool of thoughts, "Mommy." With gravel and leaves in his hands, he ran up. "Can I construct a spaceship?"
Crouching, Lorna grinned. She asked, removing a twig from his curls, "You mean with that?"
"Oh, I see. similar to the one my father showed me last evening.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Jason's face brightened as he went on, "He said I'll build big machines when I grow up." similar to him. "I'm a little genius," he said.
Lorna gave a tight smile. Yes, dear. Daddy is really intelligent.
Jason had been treated well by Lucas Madden. Be patient. Participant. He loved the boy as though he were his own biological son, and Jason reciprocated his love without conditions. On some nights, Lorna stayed up wondering how she was going to be able to tell her son the truth. Or if she ought to.
She gently smoothed Jason's hair while gazing down into his wide, trusting eyes. "You're a tiny genius." Okay, now go build that spaceship.
Her smile vanished as he ran away.
When the truth cannot be kept hidden, what happens?
In her pocket, her phone buzzed. Lucas sent a message.
Tonight's board dinner will be held at the Carlton. Would you be able to bring Jason? Their eagerness to meet the "brainy boy" I boast about is evident.
Lorna gazed at the display. Her marriage, her flawless appearance, her well-crafted success story—all of this had always been a decision. a shield. One she had painstakingly created after her entire world fell apart. And now—just one glance at Michael had caused fissures to appear all over.
Marjorie came back wearing sunglasses. Are you alright? You fell asleep.
Lorna lied, "I'm fine."
She felt that whisper in the breeze once more, though, as she stood there wiping sand from her jeans. a nod to the past. Something she hadn't mentioned.
She looked around the park again.
Michael wasn't present.
However, the past was.
Furthermore, it wasn't yet done with her.