Chance at Dreams 1

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on December 27, 2024

Chaptert She Walks Away

Chapterl: She Walks Away

The rain hammered against the windows of the upscale hotel ballroom, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Evelyn Reed. Her daughter, Lily, clutched her hand, both of them seeking shelter from the downpour. Evelyn’s dress was clinging to her like a second skin, getting her chilled to the bone. Inside, the birthday party of her five–year–old son, Tommy, was in full swing.

Her husband, Caleb Reed, stood beside Tommy. The flickering candlelight was illuminating Tommy’s cherubic face. His tiny hands were clasped together as he made a wish.“I wish Aunt Savannah could be my new mommy,” he whispered.

Evelyn’s breath hitched. Savannah Hayes, Caleb’s childhood friend, erupted in a boisterous laugh.“I’ve told you a million times, kiddo! Call me Sav! Me and your dad are like brothers… I’m so masculine that I can only be your other dad, haha!”

Her laughter echoed through the room, bouncing off the opulent decor. Caleb’s friends, a gaggle of successful businessmen, joined in. Only Savannah dared to tease Caleb like that.

Savannah rubbed Tommy’s face and asked, “Why do you suddenly want a new mommy?” Tommy answered with his bright, innocent. eyes, “Because Daddy likes Sav!” Savannah scooped him into her lap, her arm draped casually over Caleb’s shoulder. She winked at him with triumphant glint in her eyes. Tommy’s got good eyes, right? Caleb frowned. “He’s just a kid,” he said to everyone, attempting to deny it. But children wouldn’t lie, and everyone knew the history between Caleb and Savannah childhood sweethearts. However, Caleb’s parents had always disapproved of Savannah’s free–spirited, almost boyish

nature.

a

Evelyn, rescued from a difficult childhood by her family at 18, had married Caleb with the weight. of her family’s hopes on her shoulders and given birth to two children for him. The guys began to tease. Tommy, who do you love more, your mommy or Say?” Tommy, without hesitation, blurted, “Sav! Mommy’s… well, she’s kind of a country bumpkin!” An imperceptible sneer flickered across Savannah’s face as she kissed Tommy’s forehead. Evelyn felt her blood run cold. Tommy, usually averse to physical contact, readily snuggled into. Savannah’s arms. The tenderness in Caleb’s gaze towards Savannah was something Evelyn had never seen before. They looked like a family.

“Mommy, Lily’s soft voice pulled Evelyn back to reality.

Evelyn looked down at her daughter, tears blurring her vision. “What’s your birthday wish, sweetie?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“I just want Mommy,” Lily whispered.

“What about Daddy and Tommy?” Evelyn’s voice cracked.

Hot tears spilled onto Lily’s hand. Lily’s eyes widened in alarm.“Mommy, don’t cry! I’ll talk to Tommy and ask him to stop saying that.”

Lily and Tommy were twins. Evelyn remembered the terrifying childbirth, the hemorrhage, the phone call to Caleb… It was answered by Savannah.“Caleb went to get me popcorn; he’s watching fireworks at Disney with me. Just focus on your delivering, okay?”

The memory

shattered.

of exploding fireworks echoed in Evelyn’s ears. Since that day, her heart had

Chapter: She Walks Away

Evelyn took Lily’s hand, pushing open the door. Silence fell over the room.“Mrs. Reed? What brings you here?” Someone murmured, the undercurrent of astonishment palpable. Evelyn’s presence was unexpected, unwanted, a disruption to the original harmony. Savannah held Tommy protectively – it was a silent declaration of ownership.

Evelyn placed the cake box on the table, raindrops still clinging to her hair. Tommy looked up, his gaze shifting from the impeccably made–up Savannah to his rain–soaked mother. His lips. pursed in displeasure.

Evelyn opened the box, revealing the cake she’d painstakingly decorated with hand–drawn patterns of Tommy and Lily. Her hands shook as she cut it in half, pushing a piece towards

ommy.

“Tommy, I’m granting your wish. From today, I’m no longer your mommy.”

“What the hell are you doing?” Caleb’s voice was icy.

Evelyn met his gaze, the lingering affection gone.“We’re getting a divorce. Lily stays with me, Tommy’s yours.”

“Mommy, are you throwing a tantrum?” Tommy’s perceptive gaze mirrored Caleb’s chilling indifference.“I don’t want to celebrate my birthday with you because you always nag me about. eating!” He glanced at the cake. “It’s ugly! I

ugly! I want the cake

cake Sav got me!”

Lily cried out, “Tommy! You can’t eat that cake! You’re allergic!”

“It doesn’t have much milk, Savannah interjected, a note of reprimand in her voice. Tommy’s a boy! You can’t raise him like a girl, Evelyn. He’s allergic only because you’re too cautious. You don’t even allow him to have dairy products!” Savannah leaned down, whispering to Tommy, “Tommy, will you trust me? You need dairy to build up your immunity, then be, allergic anymore!”

you

won’t

Tommy nodded vigorously.“I trust you, Sav! Mommy’s a country bumpkin; she doesn’t know anything!”

Evelyn gave a bitter smile, a blood taste filling her mouth. Seven years of marriage to Caleb, five years of raising Tommy. the child she gave birth to turned into a weapon used against her. “If you don’t like my cake, throw it away,” she whispered, her throat tight with unshed. tears. “Tommy, I’ve always tried to give you everything you want. You want a new mom? Fine, Savannah is your mom now.” She looked at her son.“This is the last time, Mommy wishes you a happy birthday.”

Evelyn took Lily’s hand.“Let’s go. Her son, her husband… she didn’t want them anymore. “Evelyn,” Caleb called out, his handsome face frozen in a mask of anger. “You’re taking a child’s words seriously?”

“Yes, I am. Three o’clock tomorrow afternoon, the courthouse. Don’t be late,” she said, her eyes.

Damon resolute. Turning away, she saw a tall, imposing man standing by the entrance Sterling, the ultimate kingpin of high society, a man who was publicly friendly with Caleb, yet secretly his rival. The fact that Damon was here at Tommy and Lily’s birthday, a gathering of the city’s elite, stunned her.

Savannah quickly placed Tommy back in his high chair, her face beaming.“Hey, Damon! I called and you came!”

“I didn’t come for you,” Damon replied, his eyes not even on Savannah. He looked back, only to find that Evelyn had already left. A slow, knowing smile stretched his lips, revealing a captivating dimple. He turned to Caleb. So, your wife’s leaving you… does that mean she’s no longer Mrs.