Chapter 7 You Have to Believe Me
Roger hurriedly interjected, “It’s just something I accidentally got on me. Felicity, you have to believe me.”
I lowered my gaze, my gaze calm.
“How can I believe you?
“A hint of women’s perfume, light brown hair… Roger, what do these signs imply?”
I ultimately didn’t voice the word “adultery“.
Roger’s lips twitched, but he couldn’t muster any words.
Seeing him so flustered brought me an odd sense of comfort.
I used to take out my frustrations on him over Lillian’s existence.
But each time, Roger had worn an expression of utter exasperation, as if he couldn’t bear to explain himself to me.
I felt echoes of his impatient voice ringing in my ears.
“Felicity, how many times do I have to say this?
“I have no relationship with Lillian; it’s just a normal superior–subordinate dynamic.
“You’re becoming so paranoid, it’s like you’re losing your mind.”
In my moments of despair, Roger would stand there as if he were an unaffected outsider, calmly watching me unravel.
It was only when I smashed one of his favorite vases in a fit of rage that Roger finally intervened, his annoyance palpable.
He had said, “Fine, next time I’ll change, okay?”
It felt like he was doing me a favor.
Yet, Roger seemed to forget that he had made me a promise.
“Felicity, I’ll only ever treat you well.”
Back then, the flush on his cheeks spoke more than any grand declaration of love.
Perhaps he still had feelings for me, but he was also smitten with Lillian.
His affection couldn’t be exclusive, so I didn’t want it
anymore.
“Roger, just take Orion and go.” I said, my patience worn thin.
I did not care to exchange another word.
Orion was the first to react.
His big eyes blinked, and the tears began to spill.
“Mom, do you not want me anymore?”
From his first babbling sounds to the moment he uttered “mom” for the first time, from his first shaky steps to running around like a pro, taking care of Orion had become my entire life.
I had cradled him countless times, gently kissing his cheeks.
Orion had once trusted me completely, showering me with love.
He was the child I had fought tooth and nail to bring into this world, even at the cost of my own self.
But the pain of betrayal lingered in my heart like a thousand tiny needles.
I still remembered the day I was getting ready, applying makeup in front of the mirror while Orion curiously peeked around.
Just when I thought he’d remark how pretty I looked, he frowned and said, “Mom, maybe you shouldn’t wear makeup.
Even with it on, you’re not as pretty as Ms. Miller.”
Following that, he scrutinized me head to toe.
“Look, you’re not as beautiful as Ms. Miller. You have so many pimples on your face.”
They said children spoke without a filter, but those innocent words could cut the deepest.
Especially when they came from a cherubic face, dropping hurtful truths.
Orion had even pointed out the stretch marks on my stomach from carrying him.
He had said they were ugly and scary.
Orion chose Lillian himself.
Memories flickered through my mind like a fast–paced movie reel.
At that moment, I heard Mia’s voice from behind me.
“Mom, I’m so tired of this song already!”
I turned around to see Mia peeking her little head out from her room, her eyes glued to me.
I smiled at her, then turned back to the father–son duo at the door and said, “I’m going to teach my daughter piano. Goodbye.”
Just as the door was about to close, I heard Orion’s quivering voice ask, “Dad, didn’t you say that if I didn’t throw a fit, Mom could come back?”
