My Ex-husband And Son Wants Me Back After Divorce

Haley's POV

"Daddy, can you divorce Mommy?"

I stood outside my son's hospital room, frozen in place as his dissatisfied voice hit me like a hammer.

I was stunned.

My fingers clutched the door frame tightly, and a sharp pain pierced my chest.

What had happened?

I had just gone to the doctor's office to ask why Jordan had suddenly developed acute gastroenteritis.

I had always been extremely cautious about his diet. His stomach was very sensitive-fragile, even-so I always kept a close eye on what he ate.

Thank God, he was now in stable condition.

I couldn't wait to tell him-and my husband.

What had I done wrong?

"Why would you say that?" Sebastian asked gently.

"Because Mom isn't like Aunt Joey. She lets me eat whatever I want," Jordan said.

Aunt Joey? My stomach dropped. She was back?

Joey Mondéz. The woman Sebastian once loved. The woman who left him for a richer man and moved to France. When did she return?

I clenched my fists, my breath shaky.

"Hey, buddy," Sebastian said in a calm voice. "Don't mention Aunt Joey in front of your mom. Your mom loves you very much."

My nails dug into my palms. Why did he have to tell Jordan to hide it from me?

Jordan pouted. "But-"

"Listen, sweetheart," Sebastian cut him off. "You need to rest now."

I felt my chest tighten. Jordan was just a child. He didn't know how much his words had hurt me. I had always been strict with his food because of his weak stomach. Was that why he didn't like me anymore? Had I been too hard on him? Perhaps I needed to be gentler in my approach. After all, his sensitive stomach had always been a concern. I believed that once he recovered, we would return to our close bond.

I forced myself to push the door open. Sebastian turned to me, looking surprised. I walked straight to him and kissed him lightly. Sebastian was a man who naturally drew attention. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a strong, commanding presence that made people take him seriously the moment he walked into a room. His dark hair was always neatly styled, and his sharp facial features-chiseled jawline, straight nose, and deep-set amber eyes-made him truly handsome. It was his gaze, intense and almost unreadable, that made him stand out. To outsiders, he looked like the perfect husband, charming and composed. But right now, I wasn't sure about anything.

"The doctor said Jordan would be fine. We just need to keep an eye on his inflammation tomorrow," I said softly.

Sebastian wrapped his arms around me. "Sweetheart, you worry too much. No one has ever doubted your love for Jordan."

His words gave me comfort, melting some of my pain. My husband loved me, understood me. Tears welled up in my eyes as he cupped my face. I composed myself, not wanting to cry in front of my son. Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe things weren't as bad as they seemed. Moreover, there was no way Sebastian would rekindle anything with Joey. We were married, and whatever they had was in the past. I loosened my clenched fists.

Jordan was only five-he didn't understand the weight of his words. I had been strict, but it was only because of his sensitive stomach. I needed to reflect on my approach, to find a balance between discipline and understanding.

I walked to Jordan's bed and reached to kiss his forehead, but he turned away from me. My heart cracked, but I told myself he was just tired.

"Sweetheart, get some rest. I'm leaving now," I whispered.

Sebastian followed me outside and pulled me into a hug. "Look at me. Jordan is just upset because of your rules. I'll talk to him."

I nodded, though my heart felt heavy.

That night, I lay in bed, unable to sleep. I picked up my tablet, planning to scroll through old photos of Jordan and me, to remind myself of our happy moments.

Then, a notification popped up.

Group Chat: Happy Little Family.

My stomach twisted. I hesitated before clicking it.

When the chat opened, I saw a picture that shattered my world.

It was a photo of three people-my son, a woman, and my husband, Sebastian Steele.

I zoomed in, my hands trembling.

The woman held Jordan in one arm and a large ice cream cone in the other. She was smiling, looking utterly relaxed, utterly happy. Sebastian stood beside her, his large hand wrapped around her waist.

They looked like a perfect family.

The way Sebastian looked at Joey-

it was exactly how he used to look at me-full of admiration and longing.

My breathing quickened.

Then I saw the word Jordan had used to address her-Mommy.

Jordan had called her Mommy.

The sleeping pills slipped from my fingers and scattered across the floor.

My body went numb, and a wave of nausea surged through me.

Joey Mondéz. She was beautiful, confident, everything I wasn't. My mind flashed back to my wedding night. The night Sebastian had whispered her name instead of mine.

I had convinced myself I had misheard him.

But I hadn't.

I picked up the tablet again, scrolling through the messages, each one cutting me deeper.

One message made my hands go ice cold.

Joey: "Sweetheart, you told me you wished I could be your mom. You said anyone but your current mom would do."

Tears blurred my vision. I tapped on a voice message.

Joey's voice was sweet and teasing. "You just want to be happy, right? I get it. Your mom is too strict-she doesn't let you eat what you want or play when you want. But don't worry, darling. In this family, I'll be your new mom."

Then Jordan's voice came through, full of excitement.

"Daddy, my birthday wish is to live with Joey as my mom! Can you make it happen?"

Sebastian's reply was soft but clear.

"Of course. Just give it some time... Daddy promises."

A broken sob escaped my lips.

He had promised.

He had promised to replace me.

Then, Jordan's next message sent the final dagger into my heart.

"Ugh, it's because of Mom, isn't it? She's just a housewife. She didn't even come to my birthday. I don't like her! She's not as pretty as Joey, and she always smells like sauce. She embarrasses me!"

I gasped for air.

Yes, I was a stay-at-home mom, and the endless chores left me no time to change out of my cooking clothes. I never thought Jordan would resent me for it. I read the messages over and over, unable to believe that the child I had raised, the child I had poured my heart into, could say such things.

Tears streamed down my face as I remembered the countless times I had carefully planned Jordan's meals, trying to protect his sensitive stomach. The times he had been hospitalized as a toddler for gastroenteritis. All my efforts, all my love-reduced to a list of grievances in his eyes.

On his birthday, I had been with Sebastian's mother because she was sick. Sebastian told me he would explain it to Jordan. But he never did.

I looked down at my hands, the same hands that had cooked for Jordan every day, that had held him through every illness, every nightmare.

And he hated me for it. Tears streamed down my face. I had done everything for my son. I loved him more than anything.

And now he wanted me gone.

Sebastian had comforted me at the hospital, but behind my back, he was planning my replacement. Was this why Joey came back? Was this why Sebastian never stopped her? Was he secretly planning our divorce? Why was he so cruel? Why was he taking my son away from me?

Tears streamed down my face, unstoppable. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart. I couldn't breathe. I clutched my chest, struggling to breathe.

My son had betrayed me.

My husband had betrayed me.

And now, I was completely alone.

I didn't know how I made it through the night. My tears had dried up, but the pain in my chest remained. In just one day, my happy life had turned into a lie.

Sebastian was planning everything behind my back. His first step was to make Jordan give up on me, so he wouldn't have to fight me for custody in court.

I had to be strong. I needed to find a job, but not right now.

I got out of bed, my body numb. No matter what, I still had to check on Jordan at the hospital. Even if he didn't want me as his mother anymore, I needed to make sure he was okay.

It was six in the morning. I could still prepare breakfast before eight, but Jordan's cruel words echoed in my mind. I shook them off and focused on cooking. I made sure to follow his diet, careful about his weak stomach.

Just as I finished, the door opened. It was Sebastian.

"My mom is with Jordan at the hospital," he said. "You don't have to go. You need rest."

I stared at him. Rest? After what I had found out yesterday?

I didn't want to talk to him, but he noticed my red eyes right away. He pulled me into his arms and asked, "What's wrong?"

I looked up at him. His eyes were warm, full of concern. He had always been a busy man, but he had never made me feel small for being a stay-at-home mom. He always stood by me.

But now? After what I had seen on the tablet?

I felt sick.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "Do you want to divorce me?"

His eyes widened in shock. "What?! Haley, are you crazy?"

He looked so confused, so innocent-I almost believed him.

But I couldn't.

I turned and rushed to his study, my pulse racing. I grabbed the tablet and threw it onto his desk.

Sebastian followed me. "Haley? What is this-"

"Open it." My voice was sharp.

He hesitated before picking it up. His jaw clenched as he read the messages.

"Explain," I demanded.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. "This is a group Jordan made."

I let out a bitter laugh. "And you just went along with it? Letting our son believe another woman is his mother?"

Sebastian's expression darkened. "Watch your tone."

"Or what?" I stepped closer, my anger rising. "Are you going to lie again? Pretend you don't know why our son is calling your ex 'Mom'?"

His face remained calm. "I won't lie to you, Haley Reed."

"Then tell me why Joey is in that group! Why was I excluded from my own son's birthday?"

Sebastian exhaled, then stood up. His presence filled the room, making it hard to breathe.

"You think I'd let someone replace you?" His voice was low, firm. "Let another woman take what's yours?"

"Then what is this?!" I snapped. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks exactly like that."

His jaw twitched. "I'll handle it."

"That's not an answer."

"I don't give answers. I give results."

His fingers wrapped around my wrist-not harshly, but firm enough that I could feel his warmth.

"Joey doesn't matter," he said. "You do. So does Jordan."

"Then act like it!" I pulled my hand away. "Because right now, you're failing at both."

His eyes flashed, and suddenly, he moved.

Before I could react, my back hit the wall. He trapped me with his arms, his breath warm against my skin.

"You think I don't know what I'm doing?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Haley, let me make something clear to you right now."

His hands rested on my shoulders, his amber eyes burning into mine. I swallowed hard, but I couldn't look away.

I shook my head. "Tell me the truth, Sebastian. Don't treat me like a fool!"

Sebastian sighed. His voice softened. "Do you remember your thyroid cancer surgery six months ago?"

I froze.

Of course, I remembered.

When I was scared, it was Sebastian who held my hand. He was the one who reassured me that it was just a small surgery, that everything would be fine.

I had never doubted him. I had never thought he would betray me.

But now.

He continued, "The doctor said your thyroid cancer might have been caused by severe postpartum depression. It's linked to emotions, Haley."

I stiffened. I had struggled with postpartum depression after giving birth to Jordan. I thought I had moved past it, but.

Sebastian's voice was steady. "So, when Joey showed up and offered to help with Jordan, I agreed. I thought it would take some stress off you."

My breath caught.

"And the messages you saw." He hesitated. "I didn't want Jordan to be unhappy on his birthday. That's all."

I wanted to believe him.

I wanted to believe that everything he had done was for my sake.

"But the group chat." My voice was small, unsure.

"I'll delete it right now." Sebastian grabbed his phone and dissolved the chat. He even blocked Joey's .

I blinked in surprise. That was it? Just like that?

The tension in my shoulders eased a little, but before I could ask what he planned to tell Jordan-

Sebastian suddenly grabbed my chin and kissed me.

I gasped, but he didn't give me a chance to pull away.

His hands tightened around my waist, pulling me against him. The kiss wasn't soft or sweet. It was raw, angry, filled with frustration.

I should have pushed him away. I should have fought back.

But I didn't.

Because deep down, underneath all the betrayal and anger.

I still wanted him.

And I hated myself for it.

Sebastian felt my hesitation and took advantage of it. He lifted me effortlessly, setting me on his desk. Papers scattered to the floor.

His hands ran over my body, possessive. His breath was shaky, revealing just how much control he was losing.

"You're mine," he whispered, pressing his forehead against mine. "No one can replace you. Ever."

I should have pushed him away. I should have screamed at him.

But the pain, the frustration, the betrayal.

It all melted away in his touch.

Sebastian had already left for work, but I couldn't shake the heaviness in my chest. My mind kept looping back to the messages, to Jordan's words, to the way Sebastian had hesitated instead of giving me a clear answer last night. Every moment, every breath, felt like a weight pressing down on me, and it was suffocating.

Just as I was about to head out, my phone buzzed with a message from Jordan.

"Bring me the tablet."

No greeting. No "Mom." Just a cold command. Like I was nothing but a servant to him.

I stared at the screen, my stomach twisting. He had never spoken to me like this before-not with such disrespect and defiance. But what did I expect? He no longer saw me as his mother.

A lump formed in my throat, my eyes watered, but somehow I swallowed back my emotions, grabbed the tablet, shoved it into my bag, and headed out the door.

Soon, I arrived at the hospital. The moment I stepped inside the hospital ward, I heard the clicking of sharp heels against the tile. I barely had time to register the movement before a sharp sting exploded across my cheek.

The impact sent my head snapping to the side, and I staggered back. A burning sensation crept across my skin, and my fingers flew to my cheek in shock as I looked up to see who it was.

My jaw dropped when I saw it was none other than Catherine Steele. My mother-in-law. Meanwhile, Jordan's gaze darted between us, his small fingers clutching the bed sheets. He looked uncomfortable, as if he were trying to disappear.

"You useless woman!" she seethed, her eyes blazing with fury. "You can't even take care of your own son!"

A gasp escaped me, not just from the pain but from the way she was treating me. I glanced at Jordan, who was sitting up in his hospital bed and looked startled, his mouth slightly open.

I forced myself to stay calm, not wanting to frighten him further. This was not a good scene, and I did not want my son to witness it at all. So, I stepped forward, took the tablet from my bag, and handed it to him. It was a futile attempt to distract him. Then I took my mother-in-law by the arm and led her to the corner. "Mom, this isn't the place for this."

Her voice was sharp as a dagger; it pierced through the room. "The time and space? The time was when you let my grandson end up in a hospital bed!" She turned to Jordan, her expression twisting into something pitiful. "My poor baby, having to suffer because of his mother's incompetence."

I clenched my jaw. "I would never intentionally hurt my son. You know that. I am his mother. Everything I do is for his best interest."

Catherine scoffed. "For his interest? Is this why he is in the hospital? You should have taken better care of him from the start. Why did you let the situation escalate to the point where he had to be admitted into the hospital?"

I took a steady breath. "That's enough."

She crossed her arms, her lips curling. "Enough? Oh no, we're just getting started. You don't deserve to be a mother."

At her words, I stiffened. How could she say this to me when she was a mother herself? That was when my patience snapped. "Joey is the reason Jordan is in this hospital," I stated, and at this new piece of information, color drained from Catherine's face.

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "She took him out for ice cream, despite knowing he has a sensitive stomach. You want to blame someone? Blame her."

For a second, she faltered. But then, like a snake coiling to strike, she leaned in. "And whose fault is it that his stomach is so weak in the first place?"

A sharp, cruel smile spread across her lips. "From the moment he was born, you have been coddling him, smothering him, turning him into this fragile little thing. If he were my son, he would be stronger."

Something inside me snapped.

"You weren't there when he was a baby," I shot back. "You weren't the one sitting beside his crib when he cried from stomach pain. You weren't the one rushing him to the ER in the middle of the night. I was! I was the one taking care of him!"

Catherine's nostrils flared. "And look where that got him."

I clenched my fists. "Leave."

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

I took a step closer. "You do not get to come here and insult me in front of my son. Either you leave on your own, or I'll make sure you won't see Jordan again. As his mother, I have that right."

Her face contorted with rage. "You wouldn't dare-"

"Try me," I said coldly.

She pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen. "Let's see what my son has to say about this."

I watched as she dialed Sebastian's number. The moment he picked up, her voice turned sickly sweet. "Sebastian, dear, your wife is throwing me out of the hospital. Can you believe that? Me, your own mother."

There was silence on the other end. Then, finally, Sebastian spoke.

"If she told you to leave, then leave."

Catherine's expression froze. "Sebastian-"

"I don't want to hear it, Mom," he said firmly. "I trust her. She must have her reasons. Just go home."

A victorious satisfaction swelled in my chest. It felt good to know that Sebastian was with me. Catherine stood there, stunned, before her lips curled in disgust.

"You viper," she hissed under her breath. "Stealing my son away. I swear, you will regret this."

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the hospital room.

After Catherine had left, I went to check on my son. Jordan turned to me, his eyes burning with anger. There was something suspicious about this. "Why did you delete Joey's contact?" he demanded.

Okay. It was about Joey again. I frowned. "I didn't delete anything."

"Liar!" he shouted. "Why won't you just divorce Dad ? He doesn't love you! Everyone knows it!" And those words hit me harder than Catherine's slap.

I took a shaky breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Jordan, that's not true."

"Yes, it is!" His little fists balled up in frustration. "Joey said you were just a housewife who doesn't do anything. She said you kept me locked up and made my life miserable!"

My heart twisted painfully. "I only want what's best for you, sweetheart."

His lip quivered, but he stubbornly turned away from me. "I wish Joey were my mom."

I felt something inside me break. Hearing such a thing from him shattered me.

I forced a smile, even as my chest caved in. "I see." My voice wavered, but I refuse to let him see me crumble. "You should rest now, Jordan."

But I knew. There was no resting from this. He said all that because Sebastian had told him. Otherwise, how would he have known? It was all lies. Everything Sebastian said to me yesterday was a lie, and the idea exhausted me. Just as I was about to stumble, the hospital door opened, and a tall figure stepped inside.

His arm slipped around my waist, keeping me in place. I looked up, his sharp eyes locked onto mine. He exuded a quiet authority, his presence filling the room instantly.

"Are you okay?" His voice was low and deep and filled with concern.