Should I Stay or Leave? novel Chapter 42

"I am sorry," Acwell said in a low voice.

Kai cried. And I felt terrible that I scared him, so I picked him up.

"Sssssh... I am sorry. Mommy is not angry at you," I said in a low voice, trying to calm Kai.

I went to his room, leaving Acwell in the kitchen. I sat on his bed, humming a song, and he stopped crying. After 10 minutes, he slept. I lay him on the bed and went back to the kitchen. Acwell was still there.

"Are you done eating?" I asked.

"Yes, thank you," he said.

I started clearing the table, and he stood to help me.

"There is no need to help me. I can take care of this."

But he continued to do so. I was about to wash the dishes, but Acwell started talking.

"That night, I was not able to come home early. My daughter was sick, and we had to take her to the hospital. Catrina was scared to be alone with her. But I did not know she sent that message. I am so sorry for what she said."

"First of all, you did not tell me that they are in Dubai. Secondly, if you have told me that they are there and you want to see your daughter, I will not deny you that. It is your right, and so is your daughters. No matter how hurt and angry I am, I will keep it to myself. But you will never hear me say no. And for her to accuse me as I forbid you to see your daughter hurts a lot. I almost want to call and yell at her. But I thought of your daughter. We left for us not to be a hindrance."

"I know that."

"Why did you not tell me that they are there?"

"I did not want to hurt you. I know you will allow me to do it, but your eyes will not tell me how much pain it would cause you. And I don't want to see that."

"And you think by lying, I will not get hurt?"

"I know it was wrong. I was having a hard time deciding what I should do. I wanted to see my daughter act like a father, but I also don't want to hurt you. It was one of the reasons that I have been drinking."

"Acwell, either way, I am hurt."

"I know. I am so sorry. I was waiting for the right time to tell you. And when I told Catrina that I am already married, I was planning to tell you about them, too. But Amara got sick, and the next day you left."

"Why did it took you a long time to tell me?"

"Catrina and I are constantly arguing. Whenever I visit Amara, we always end up fighting that I regret going there. I mostly ignored her calls and messages. But thinking of my daughter hurts me. So, no matter how I hate Catrina, I still go there for my daughter."

"For sure, the reason you two fight is because of me and Kai, right?"

"Yes."

I dried my tears because I didn't want Kai to see or hear me cry. I washed the dishes and prepared Kai's bottle of milk. Then, I lay down beside my son until I fell asleep.

I woke up and acted liked as if nothing had happened. I had to go to work even if I was feeling broken. I have to keep going. I cannot stop just because I am hurt.

I went to work and did the usual thing I had to do. I smiled and greeted the customer. I want to be busy, so I will not think of Acwell.

The next day, I found Acwell outside my door. He smiled at me as if I did not shout at him yesterday.

"Why are you here again?" I asked.

"I still have rights to see my son, don't I?" he replied.

I sighed and opened the door. Selene and Kai were in the living room playing.

"Hi, Selene!" I greeted.

"Oh, he came back," Selene said, surprised to see Acwell behind me.

"Was he the one who came yesterday?"