Chapter 31: No One Can Take My Child
After leaving Nathan in the study, Olivia retreated to her room. The moment she stepped inside, an uncontrollable shiver ran through her body. Waves of emotions surged, and her mind replayed the tragic events from five years ago, over and over again.
“Why?”
Why should I let him take my child away? She thought bitterly. I had been cast out mercilessly back then. But I fought hard to bring Liam into this world, raising him to be clever and sensible. Now, with just a few words, he wants to claim my son? Did he expect me to hand over Liam without a fight?
Olivia clenched her fists, gradually regaining her composure. Her frustration was replaced with cold resolve. She told herself it wouldn’t matter, even if Nathan knew the truth. She would not let anyone—especially him—take her child away.
Meanwhile, Nathan remained silent in the back of the car, the events of the previous night echoing relentlessly in his mind. Olivia’s words had cut him deeper than he expected.
She had admitted the child was his, but then she had been so heartless—so cold in the way she pushed him away. Nathan couldn’t help but reflect on the last few days, questioning whether he had been wrong to insist on taking Liam from her. When Olivia had left the Carter family all those years ago, she had vanished without a trace. He had given her a plane ticket, a card—everything she might need to reach out—but she had never used them. All these years, Nathan had no idea how she had managed to raise their child, how she had built a life for herself abroad, or how she had climbed to her current position.
The blank five years between them were like a barrier. It felt insurmountable.
Thinking about it made Nathan uneasy. He tugged at his tie, trying to ease the discomfort growing within him. At that moment, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen. Emma Patel. Nathan furrowed his brows and immediately ended the call. But Emma didn’t give up. She called several more times, and then sent a message: “Nate, can we meet and talk?”
Nathan deleted the message without hesitation, pretending he hadn’t seen it. He didn’t need to think to know what Emma wanted to discuss. His internal resistance was so strong that the air around him seemed to thicken. Ethan, sitting in the driver’s seat, dared not speak, sensing the tension building in the car.
The next morning, Olivia didn’t feel well when she got out of bed. She had barely slept the previous night, and the alcohol from the night before had left her with a pounding headache.
As she descended the stairs, she found Liam already seated at the dining table, eating his breakfast. When he saw her tired appearance, his face softened with concern.
“Mommy, did you not sleep well? You look pale. Come and have something to eat,” he said sweetly.
Olivia smiled and walked over to him, pinching his cheek. “I’m fine. How about you? Are you feeling okay now? Any discomfort?”
“No, I’m fine now. I’m all better!” Liam replied, his voice full of enthusiasm. He poured milk for her with a careful hand. “Mommy, have some. Mr. Valtor warmed up this milk. It’ll make you feel better!”
Olivia accepted the milk, grateful for her son’s sweetness. She took a sip and then glanced curiously at his face. Surprisingly, he didn’t seem interested in asking about his father today.
Her heart softened as she looked at him. My sweet Liam, she thought fondly. Always so endearing and sensible.
Seizing the moment, Olivia suggested, “How about we go to the new school for enrollment today? We registered a few days ago, and it’s time to meet the teachers and classmates. I’ll take you there later, okay?”
Liam’s face immediately pouted at the thought. “Do I have to go?” His voice was filled with reluctance.
Olivia chuckled and gave him a playful but firm look. “No protests. You have to go.”
Liam sniffled but relented. “Okay, I’ll listen to you, Mommy.”
He finished his meal obediently, not uttering another word, but Olivia couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more behind his compliance.
What Olivia didn’t know was that Liam had witnessed her emotional breakdown after she returned to her room the previous day. Seeing his mother so distressed had made Liam determined not to cause her any more sorrow. The little boy, so young but wise beyond his years, understood more than she realized.
He had already decided—he would be strong for her. No one would take Mommy’s happiness away, not if he could help it. And as much as he longed to know his father, Liam would protect his mother at all costs.
