Chapter 13
Nathan’s gaze sharpened instantly as he moved closer to Meredith, questioning. “You’ve seen Cassidy?”
Meredith stared blankly at him, suddenly speechless.
Nathan narrowed his eyes slightly. “You knew all along that she was alive? When did you find out?” She knew, but she didn’t tell
him
“Not long ago. If I had known earlier, how could I not have told you?” Meredith said tearfully. “Have you two been together all this time? No wonder she flaunted her power in front of me. Nathan, you have no idea how smug she was. She couldn’t wait to rub it in my face, saying she came back to steal you away from me.”
“Is that really what she said?” Nathan found it hard to believe. If so, why did Cassidy act indifferent and avoidant around him?
Meredith said sadly. “Nathan, don’t fall into her trap. She’s back for revenge. She hates us so much, and she would seek revenge on us. If you break off our engagement, wouldn’t that be playing into her plan?”
Nathan’s face turned cold suddenly. “Even if she didn’t come back, I wouldn’t marry you.”
Meredith froze. Nathan reminded her coldly, “Meredith, you know better than anyone why I agreed to our engagement five
years ago.
Meredith lost control completely. “I don’t know! Nathan, if you’re deceiving me, please keep deceiving me forever. Cassidy might be back to take revenge on me, but I’m not scared. I can give her everything–money, fame, status, even everything from the Jensen family. I don’t need any of it, but I can’t lose you Nathan, please don’t do this to me. I can’t handle it I can’t lose you… Her voice weakened as she
As she spoke, she leaned in softly towards Nathan, who stepped back. She sank to her knees on the bed, rears streaming down her face. Then she pursed her lips, gently dabbing at the corners of her eyes, and said. “Fine. If you’re determined to end our engagement, what about Jayden?”
She raised her head defiantly and continued, “I can accept that you want to break it off, but Jayden’s custody must be mine. I can let you go to Cassidy, but not Jayden!” She knew Nathan wouldn’t agree. But without Jayden, there would be no chance between them. She couldn’t bear that.
Nathan frowned and said flatly, “Are you trying to negotiate terms with me?”
Meredith’s expression froze.
“You have no say in Jayden’s custody, Nathan declared, his voice laced with ice.
Meredith’s eyes widened in disbelief. It took her a moment to gather herself before she could speak. “Nathan, please, can’t you show some compassion? Can you bear to see Jayden lose his mother?”
Given her heart condition and the life–threatening risks of pregnancy, the Jensen family had arranged for Cassidy to be a surrogate for her and Nathan’s child. Jayden is mine! Cassidy is merely a tool. If I have no rights to his custody, then who does? Cassidy? Meredith shouted in her heart, unable to accept the situation.
“He will only have one mother, and it’s not you” Nathan stated coldly.
Meredith stiffened and collapsed onto the bed. “You want him to acknowledge Cassidy? Nathan, you’re so heartless. Jayden is our child, and you let him accept another woman? You-
Nathan cut her off sternly. “I’ve warned you not to bring this up again.”
Meredith finally understood the situation. The Howell and Jensen families had planned everything, hiding the truth from Cassidy. When Nathan realized this, it was too late. Cassidy was already over seven months pregnant. Ending the pregnancy would threaten Meredith’s life, so Nathan had no choice but to allow Cassidy to continue with the birth.
Meredith had been thrilled about using the child to solidify her place in the Howell family. But over the years, the engagement was continually delayed, and Nathan had prevented her from being close to Jayden. It became clear that he had no intention of marrying her at all.
“No, I don’t want this! You can’t treat me like this, Nathan. You can’t! I won’t marry anyone else but you. You can’t abandon me. You and Jayden are my whole world!” Meredith screamed hysterically.
Chapter 13
“You’d better calm down.” Nathan turned to leave, ignoring Meredith’s cries of despair behind.
When he reached the door, he bumped into Samantha, who smiled, “It’s quite windy outside. I came to fetch Mr. David Howell’s coat- Her voice cut off as she caught Meredith’s sobs. She hesitated for a sec before rushing in, spotting Meredith in tears by the headboard.
“I still got things to handle. Gotta go,” Nathan stated, making a quick exit. Meredith watched him leave, feeling helpless as her tears flowed even more.
Samantha approached the bed and embraced Meredith, asking. “What happened? Did you two fight?”
Meredith sobbed uncontrollably in Samantha’s arms. “Mom, Nathan doesn’t want me anymore!”
“How can that be, silly girl? Did you argue? Maybe he didn’t mean it, Samantha consoled.
Meredith continued crying. “It’s true. He doesn’t want me anymore. Mom, what should I do? Cassidy is back. Nathan wants Cassidy, not me…
Samantha looked at her in disbelief, her eyes widening. “H–How is that possible?”
At the Howell residence, Nathan parked the car in the garage and entered the house. A butler greeted him, “Welcome back, Mr. Howell”
“Where’s Jayden?” Nathan inquired.
“He’s upstairs, the butler replied.
Nathan casually took off his blazer and handed it to the servant before heading upstairs. He hadn’t been home for two nights. Opening the study door, he found Jayden seated at the desk, Jayden turned around as soon as he saw him. “Daddy
Nathan approached him, noticing Jayden struggling with his art homework. His drawing skills were lacking. On the paper lay a depiction of a man and a boy with oversized heads, difficult to praise Jayden had started with a large circle and added four uneven smaller circles inside, attempting to depict eyes and nostrils, resembling a small pig at first glance.
Nathan softened his expression slightly, sitting down and taking Jayden in his arms. “What are you doing?”
“Doing homework, Jayden replied
“What kind of homework?” Nathan asked gently.
Jayden answered simply, “Family portrait.”
“Okay. Nathan glanced at the drawing, managing to recognize himself and Jayden. “Where’s Mommy?”
Jayden’s expression turned indifferent as he thought of Meredith. “I don’t want to draw her.”
“Don’t you like Mommy?” Nathan inquired further.
“No.” Jayden shook his head. Despite being told Meredith was his mother, he had never felt any fondness for her and couldn’t bring himself to feel any attachment.
H
