08
Barry bit his lip, looking at me with a hint of hurt in his eyes. I was taken aback.
I thought, “Isn’t he the one who hates it when I show him any public affection? Who is this for?
Besides, I have no ties to him anymore.” So, I didn’t even glance their way.
But Mia stepped in front of me, standing her ground. “You bad guys, don’t bully my
Godmother!”
13:06 Tue, 24 Dec M
46%
At that moment, Barry, still just a kid at heart, lost his cool. He shouted at Mia, ‘She’s my Mom,
not yours!”
This was the first time he had publicly acknowledged me as his mother. But I knew better, to
him, I was just a possession he didn’t want anyone else to claim. This wasn’t love.
As he moved to push Mia aside, I quickly stepped in between them, but he stumbled and
fell to the ground. I didn’t even look back. If he wanted to act like a bully, he could deal with the
consequences.
“Don’t! We’ve severed our mother–son relationship. I’m not your mom anymore.”
With that, I turned and walked away with Mia.
For the next month, my life revolved around the lab and the daily grind. Meanwhile, Gavin
was like a bad penny, always turning up. He confronted me about the incident at the sports
meet, blocking my way outside the lab.
“Freya, you’ve really crossed the line! You pushed Barry in front of everyone for some outsider,
and you were so harsh with your words. Do you have any idea how heartbroken he is?”
I kept my expression neutral, responding calmly, “Gavin, I never realized how annoying you
could be. Let me remind you. We’re no longer connected in any way.”
He gritted his teeth, a bitter smile creeping onto his face. “Freya, are you really okay with
Barry calling someone else ‘Mom‘ after we divorce?”
I realized I had been too lenient with both him and Barry, which led him to believe I couldn’t
live without them.
I straightened my clothes, unyielding. “I’m sure. And I think Lisa would be more than happy to step into that role.”
Gavin tried to defend himself, “How many times do I have to say it? There’s nothing going on
between Lisa and me!”
I didn’t want to hear it anymore; my patience was wearing thin. “Have your assistant
schedule a court date. I’m done discussing this.”
I turned to leave, but he grabbed my sleeve again, desperation in his voice. “Freya, do you
really want to leave me?”
This wasn’t like Gavin at all. He was usually so composed. I shook his hand off, not looking
back. “No one is indispensable.”
Since taking over the family business, Gavin had changed.
He became increasingly domineering, treating me like an underling rather than a partner. I couldn’t even remember the last time we shared a casual meal together.
This was his first attempt to keep me around, but I no longer needed him.
When I wasn’t working, I enjoyed my newfound freedom, often hanging out with colleagues. One evening, halfway through dinner with friends, I received a text from Barry: [Mom, Dad isn’t home again, and Amanda’s cooking is terrible. Can I come over?]
I stared at the message for a moment before letting out a laugh. He’d gotten so used to
viewing me as a nanny.
Treplied: [No time. You can order takeout.]
13:06 Tue, 24 Dec M
The response left him silent on the other end. I had always been strict about takeout, deeming it unhealthy. Gavin would sneak him out for fast food, and when I found out, they treated my concerns like I was overreacting.
“Freya, can you chill? It’s just one meal. You’re acting like it’s the end of the world.”
Now, he could eat whatever he wanted.
I put my phone down, engrossed in conversation with my friends, and forgot about the message entirely.
But when I returned home with Mia, I was shocked to find Barry sitting on my doorstep.
