Two Times the Charm

Chapter 423

Aiden’s question left Clara speechless. She was unsure of how to respond. “Do you believe what Grandma says?”

Aiden vigorously shook his head. “Of course I don’t! Mom, you love me and Alex more than anything in the world. You would never abandon us!”

“That’s my boy.” Clara felt touched. “Listen, I might have to leave tomorrow, but I’ll be back soon to take you guys with me.”

“Take us with you?” Aiden was perplexed. “Why? Don’t you want Dad anymore?”

Clara bit her lip as she hugged her son tightly. “When you’re a bit older, I’ll explain everything to you. For now, your dad and I have some misunderstandings and complications that I can’t share with you.”

Aiden blinked, then asked, “Is it because of Grandma? She always picks on you. Alex and I talked about it. We thought if Grandma knew you were our real mom, she would start liking you. She disliked you because she thought you were our stepmom and wouldn’t care for us.”

“Aiden, my dear.” Clara quickly responded. “This is a secret you must keep. Don’t tell anyone, not even your dad, okay? Otherwise, you might lose your dad forever.”

!

The concept of ‘forever’ was too abstract for Aiden to grasp. Clara chose not to explain further. She didn’t want to burden his innocent mind.

Despite not fully understanding what was going on, Aiden obediently nodded. “I got it, Mom. Don’t worry, I’ll tell Alex not to tell anyone.”

Clara felt a wave of bitterness wash over her as she watched her son be so obedient. If only she hadn’t trusted Leah, if only she hadn’t involved herself in this deceptive play, she wouldn’t be in this predicament.

Mother and son tightly embraced for a while longer before Clara reluctantly said, “You should go home now. They might start getting suspicious.”

“But… I don’t want to leave you, Mom.”

Aiden furrowed his brows. He looked so much like Emmett when he did that.

“Sweetie, didn’t you hear me? I’ll come back for you and Alex soon.”

Aiden tilted his head. “When? So, I can tell Alex. He misses you more than me. He even calls for you in his dreams.”

“I… I can’t give you an exact date.” Clara didn’t want to lie to her son. “But I promise that I will come back.”

“Alright then. I understand that you must have your reasons, Mom.” Aiden smiled and gave his mother a kiss on the neck. “I’ll go home now.” “Remember, don’t tell anyone about seeing me today, especially not Alex. He’s a bit naive and might let something slip if Grandma asks.” NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

“I understand.”

Aiden knew that Grandma would soon discover that he had disappeared, so it was only a matter of time before he was discovered. If he went home now, he could at least pretend he had lost his way.