Chapter 2 A Stranger In His Father's House

Mia sat in the backseat of the black SUV, Liam curled beside her with a stuffed bear in his arms. The soft hum of the engine couldn't drown the nervous pounding in her chest.

Elias hadn't spoken since they left the hospital.

His jaw clenched. His eyes stared straight ahead. A man carved from stone.

Liam, oblivious to the storm, yawned and leaned against Mia's shoulder. "Mommy, where are we going?"

She brushed his cheek gently. "Somewhere safe, baby. A very big house with lots of rooms."

"And toys?" he asked sleepily.

Mia hesitated. "Maybe."

Elias didn't flinch, but Mia could see his hands tighten on his thighs.

After thirty minutes of driving through upper Manhattan, the SUV pulled through a private gate and up a long driveway. The mansion appeared like a dream-or a warning. Cold, pristine, and massive. Stone pillars. Tall windows. It looked like no child had ever laughed here.

Liam's eyes widened. "Is this a castle?"

Elias finally spoke. "It's your home. For now."

The car door opened, and Mia helped Liam out. Her legs felt weak, her pulse rapid.

Elias walked ahead without looking back. Staff moved quickly to greet them-guards, maids, a butler in a tailored suit. Elias gave a single nod and headed inside.

Mia followed, clutching Liam's hand tightly.

Inside, the house smelled of leather and pine. The ceilings were high, the walls lined with art. A chandelier sparkled above them like falling stars.

"This way, Ms. Adams," the butler said, gesturing up the stairs.

"Where's Elias-Mr. Kingston?" she asked.

"In his office. He asked not to be disturbed."

Mia nodded stiffly and followed the butler to the guest wing.

The room was massive. Two beds. A balcony. Cream walls. It felt too luxurious for someone who'd been living on takeout and bunk beds.

"This will be yours and the boy's room," the butler said. "If you need anything, press this." He gestured to a button near the door.

Mia waited until he left before exhaling.

Liam bounced on one of the beds. "It's soft! Mommy, look!"

"I see, baby." She smiled, her heart still heavy.

This was going to be harder than she thought.

Two hours later, she found Elias in the sunroom, seated with a whiskey in one hand and a tablet in the other. His suit jacket was off, sleeves rolled, but his guard wasn't down.

"I just came to say thank you," Mia said quietly.

He didn't look up. "I didn't do it for you."

"I know."

"I have my lawyer drawing up documents." His voice was brisk. "Temporary custody access. A doctor has already been scheduled to review Liam's files tomorrow."

Her chest tightened. "You're taking control of everything."

"I always do," he replied coolly. "It's the only way to win."

She walked to the window, folding her arms. "This isn't a game, Elias."

He stood abruptly, moving toward her until the space between them pulsed with tension. "No. But five years ago, you played me like it was."

"I was protecting Liam!"

"You lied."

"I was surviving!"

His breath hitched, just barely.

"You should've told me," he said, softer now. "I had a right to know."

Her lips parted, but no words came.

"Is he... is Liam okay?" His voice cracked slightly.

"He's strong. But the treatments are tough. I couldn't watch him suffer without trying everything."

His expression shifted-less cold, more human.

"I want to meet him. Tonight."

Mia hesitated.

"I won't scare him," Elias said. "I just... I need to see him."

She nodded slowly.

"I'll bring him."

Liam sat on the rug, building towers with wooden blocks. Mia had bathed him, fed him, and explained that someone important wanted to meet him.

When Elias stepped into the room, everything stopped.

Liam looked up, his big brown eyes meeting gray ones that mirrored his own.

Elias froze.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Mia's breath caught as father and son stared at each other for the first time.

"Hi," Liam said, holding up a block. "I'm building a castle."

Elias crouched slowly. "Is that right? May I help?"

Liam smiled shyly. "Okay."

They built in silence at first-stacking, balancing, laughing when it tumbled down.

Mia watched from the corner, heart twisting.

Elias wasn't cold with Liam. He was gentle. Awkward, yes, but present. Focused.

"I like your house," Liam said suddenly. "Do you live here alone?"

"I do."

"Mommy says we'll stay here for a while."

"Yes," Elias said. "I hope that's okay."

Liam nodded. "Do you like superheroes?"

Elias blinked. "I haven't met many."

"I'll show you my drawings later. I draw superheroes all the time."

"I'd like that," Elias said, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

Mia felt tears threaten. She turned away.

Later that night, when Liam was asleep, Elias returned to the hallway. Mia stood by the window.

"He's..." Elias exhaled. "He's perfect."

"I know."

They stood in silence.

"You can stay as long as it takes," he said.

Mia nodded.

But what she didn't say-what she couldn't say-was that staying here meant more than sharing space.

It meant confronting every emotion she buried.

And every lie she told.

End of Chapter Two.