“I told you not to come,” Liam said, voice steady.
Zach blinked, stunned. “I know. I missed you, buddy. I just thought maybe you want us to bond like we used to.”
“How could you do that when you’re with her?” he asked in a soft, low sheepish voice.
“Liam, I can always find time for you, you know that, right?”
“I doubt it. Tell me, Dad, are you gonna marry your assistant now?”
Silence wafted in the air. My son’s question was direct, unfiltered, and a jab to his innocent heart. I was hurt by the raw pain I saw in his eyes, yet I had to compose myself.
Zach cleared his throat. “It’s complicated, Liam.”
“I’m sick and you made Mom cry.” Liam sobbed, eyes misting from tears. “I hate you, Dad!”
Zach opened his mouth, but no words came out. He tried to step inside the foyer but I stopped him.
“You should go now.”
Zach’s jaw clenched. “Arianne, he’s my son.”
“Exactly.” My voice shook, but I held the line. “He’s not your PR redemption arc. He’s not your pity project now that your scandal broke into a million headlines. He’s a child. And you don't get to drop in like this and pretend like you didn't torch our entire lives.”