Chapter 14
Caspar’s POV:
I drove straight from the gallery back to the Long Island estate, abandoning my usual schedule of heading to the office.
The wheels crunched over the cobblestone driveway, the sound doing nothing to quiet the restlessness churning inside me.
Audrey Lane’s words cut through me like a blade—“You might own half of Wall Street, but you don’t seem to be winning any Father of the Year awards.”
Edward greeted me in the foyer, clearly taken aback by my early return.
A flash of surprise crossed his face.
“Mr. Thornton, you’re home quite early today.” He took my coat, concern evident in his tone. “Is everything alright?”
I shook my head and walked straight to the living room, pouring myself a whiskey.
The alcohol burned down my throat, but it couldn’t burn away the words echoing in
my
mind.
“Edward,” I stared at the amber liquid in my glass, suddenly speaking up, “Do you think I’m a good father? Have I been neglecting Noah’s emotional needs?
Edward set aside what he was doing and approached me.
This man who had cared for me since childhood wore a gentle smile.
*Sir, you manage a vast financial empire–being swamped comes with the territory.”
I swirled the glass gently, ice cubes clinking against each other.
“Being busy isn’t an excuse for neglecting my son,” I said with a bitter laugh. “I didn’t even notice how Vanessa was treating Noah. Just how buried in work
was I?”
I poured myself another whiskey, then another, downing each one.
The alcohol kicked in quickly, bringing a wave of exhaustion.
My eyelids grew heavy beyond control.
I leaned back on the sofa, the glass slipping from my loosened fingers onto the carpet as I drifted into unconsciousness.
I don’t know how much time passed before the doorbell jolted me awake. I rubbed my temples as Edward headed toward the front door.
“It’s Ms. Lane and Master Noah,” Edward informed me with a glance back.
Audrey stood at the door holding Noah’s hand, while Noah clutched a drawing tightly.
Seeing me, Audrey visibly tensed, her eyes flickering as if she regretted her earlier bluntness at the gallery.
“Mr. Thornton,‘ she said softly, “about what happened this morning, I want to apologize. I overstepped.”
1/3
8:04 pm
Chapter 14
I studied her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes.
Noah pressed close to her side, clearly holding his latest artwork.
“No,” I replied, surprising myself, ‘you were right. I do need to reassess my priorities.”
I paused. ‘I’ve decided to restructure my work schedule to spend more time with Noah.”
Audrey’s expression was clearly somewhat surprised as well. As Noah ran off to put down his backpack, I lowered my voice.
“However, I still maintain that I don’t want you bringing up his mother in front of Noah.”
“Noah’s existence was just an accident, not the product of love.
I don’t even know who that woman was to this day.
Telling Noah would only hurt his tender heart. *
The thoughts swirled in my mind, but I couldn’t voice them.
Audrey nodded quietly without pressing further.
“Of course,
perhaps you have your reasons.”
After Audrey left, I approached Noah and squatted down, gently ruffling his hair.
“Noah, I’m sorry about how I acted at the gallery today.”
his
Noah looked up at me with those grape–dark eyes, then ran to fetch his drawing.
When he showed it to me, I was stunned to see that besides his signature starry sky, there was a tall male silhouette–clearly meant to be me.
“This is… me?” I could hardly believe it.
Noah rarely included people in his artwork.
Noah nodded, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly. Then he pointed to another figure holding hands with the first–his own image.
“Love Daddy,” Noah said softly.
These were the first words he’d spoken to me since his selective mutism began.
What surprised me even more was when Noah leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek. That small kiss sent an indescribable warmth flooding
through me.
Perhaps it was time to reconsider things. Noah really did need a mother–a female presence who could bring him warmth and care.
Just then, my phone rang. The caller ID showed my grandmother, Dorothy.
“Caspar,” Grandmother’s voice was as active as ever, ‘regarding next month’s Thornton charity gala, I’d like to invite Miss Bailey to attend.”
2/3
8:04 pm P M
Chapter 14
1 frowned, thinking of that contract wife I had on paper.
Grandmother continued matter of factly, “It’s high time you met her properly. Stop dragging your feet.”
1 gripped the phone tighter, Audrey’s words about Noah’s heed for maternal love echoing in my mind. After a moment’s consideration, I replied. “Til make
the arrangements.”
After hanging up, I stood by the window, gazing into the distant night. My thoughts were as deep and complex as that starry expanse.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
