on a loop in my head. I didn't know what condition my son was in

of the situation. I looked around, trying to hail a cab, but there were no taxis in sight. My hands trembled as I bit my lip and tried dialing Sebastian's

ack Mercedes pull up in front of our house. My breath caught in my throat-the person looked so familiar, and suddenly it hit me. He was the sam

nic in every step. I threw open the door and gasped, "Please..

glance before nodding. "Where to?

ipped the door frame as I slipped into the backseat. He didn't say anything

, the man drove smoothly, effortlessly, as if he knew the streets as well as his own skin. I couldn't help but notice the sharpn

t a surge of relief and panic all at once. I opened the door qu

I paused and

said, his tone neutral, as if it were

had been so frantic that I had forgotten to take it with me. I

I would've done without you. Thank you. Thank you so much

nearly giving out beneath me as I sprinted through t

m, the sharp, accusing voice of my m

e sooner! What kind of mother are you?" she

Before I could react, a strong, familiar arm blocked her hand. I looked up in

aid in a low, firm voice, his

her! Always!" she spat. "I'm done with this. I'll be

turmoil in my heart. I wasn't going to let her take my place, not now, not ever. "I am his mother and

but firmly pulling her away. "We need to see Jor

I had no idea what I would find-whether my son was hurt, or whether the tension in our family w

opening it. I caught the brief flicker of concern in his eyes, bu

d in bandages from a few minor scrapes. His face w

I whispered, my voice trembling. "I'm s

ned asleep. Sebastian and I b

stian turned to me. "Joey's arm

appened to Joey?" I asked, a

ct Jordan," he explained, his voice strained. "She pushed him out of the way when

that she had been so involved with my son. But at the same time, she

eart thudding in my chest. This was the woman Sebastian had once loved. The woman who had w

nk that's a good idea," he said, his voice tight. "Sh

the door. "I'm going to thank her. For Jor

jaw clenched. He didn't stop me,

bed, her arm in a cast. She looked up as I en

ened before... it doesn't matter now. I ju

ho stood just behind me in the doorway

ur husband might be worried," I a

ain, her lips pressed tightly together. Then, after a long silence,

go back to Jordan," he said, his tone final. He didn

last time, before I turned and followed Sebas

is big brown eyes met mine, but there was no warmt

d, his words so cold that cut through me lik

in my throat. I