Chapter 31

I stare at my trembling hands. My mother’s voice is soft but firm. "I’m sorry, Ethan, but Liam refuses to speak to you."

The pain is sharper than any wound I’ve ever felt. Not even when Isabella walked out on me years ago. Liam is furious, ignoring my calls, shutting me out completely. Sophia was right—Liam should always come first, and I failed him.

I had taken Isabella out on my yacht, hoping the privacy would help smooth things over. She was still upset after learning I’d rushed to Sophia’s side instead of staying with her. It was supposed to be my grand gesture, my way of making amends. But I lost track of time, and my phone died.

I’d never seen Sophia truly angry before yesterday. The way she stood up for Liam, calling me out on my neglect, left me stunned—and weirdly proud. She had a spine after all.

"Ethan?" My mother’s voice pulls me back. "I’m going to hang up now."

"No, please—just put him on the phone. I need to apologize."

Liam had never refused to speak to me before. The weight of my broken promise crushed me.

Mom sighs. "You hurt him, Ethan. He was so excited for you to hear about his achievements. After the meeting, he cried while talking to Sophia. Liam never cries, and yet you brought him to tears."

I press my forehead against the wall, feeling like the lowest scum on earth. No excuses. I should’ve been there. Instead, I was too busy begging Isabella for forgiveness—again.

"I know," I mutter, defeated.

"Do you? You didn’t have to watch him break down. I’m glad Isabella’s back, and I understand you’re trying to fix things, but that doesn’t mean you abandon your responsibilities. Liam comes first, Ethan. Always."

"You don’t have to tell me. Sophia already ripped into me yesterday." I drag a hand through my hair.

"As she should. Mothers protect their children, even from their own fathers." Her words shock me.

My mother had never taken Sophia’s side before. If anyone had been against her from the start, it was Mom.

"I get it. But please, just try to convince him to talk to me?" I beg—something I never do.

After a pause, she agrees. Minutes crawl by. I’m about to hang up when—

"Hello?" Liam’s small voice cracks through the line.

"Hey, buddy." My throat tightens. "I’m so sorry I missed your meeting. I lost track of time, but I heard—"

He cuts me off.

"It’s because of her, isn’t it? Mommy’s sister. She’s why you weren’t there."

The accusation hits like a punch. Anger flares. Did Sophia poison him against Isabella?

"Who told you that? Your mother?" I force my voice steady.

"I’m eight, not stupid, Dad. Mommy didn’t say anything." His tone shifts, and I frown.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw her at your house when I called. What was she doing there at night if she’s not your girlfriend? Mommy said I should ask you."

My stomach drops. Isabella had been to my place twice. I didn’t know Liam had seen her. I thought I had more time before this conversation.

"Buddy—"

"I don’t like her. I’ll never accept her if you marry her." His voice is steel.

Damn it. Why did I think Liam would just welcome her? He’s loyal to Sophia—sometimes I think he loves her more than me.

"Is it because she’s not your mom?" Maybe he just resents her for taking Sophia’s place.

"I just don’t like her. And she’s Mommy’s sister. That’s wrong, Dad."

The eerie similarity to Sophia’s dislike for Isabella makes me wonder—has she been turning him against her?

"Listen, Liam. I’m dating Isabella, and I expect you to respect her. One day, I might marry her. She’ll be your stepmother. You’ll have to get used to her."

I needed to shut this down now.

"Never!" he shouts.

"Liam—"

"If you like her, fine. But I’ll never accept her. She’ll never be any kind of mother to me."

The line goes dead. I call back—straight to voicemail.

What the hell just happened?

Liam’s never been hateful. But he loathes Isabella without even knowing her.

I’ve made everything worse.

Before I can spiral, the front door opens. Isabella walks in, smiling. I gave her a key weeks ago.

She’s beautiful. After all this time, we’re finally together. But instead of everything falling into place, it’s all falling apart.

"Ethan?"

"What, Isabella?" My frustration bleeds into my voice.

How can I be with her if my son hates her? What the hell am I supposed to do?

"Talk to me. I’m here for you." Her voice cracks.

I rake a hand through my hair. "Liam and I had a fight."

Her face falls. "About yesterday?"

"Partly. But mostly because he saw you here. He doesn’t like you. How am I supposed to handle this? I love you both. I won’t choose. But how can we be together if he hates you?"

She’s silent for a long moment.

"Is this why you’ve been distant?" Her blue eyes search mine. "I’ve been back for months, and you haven’t kissed me. Not once. Is Liam holding you back?"

What do I say? Every time I try, something stops me. I pull away, settling for cheek pecks instead.

I’ve wanted her since I was twenty-one. Now that I have her, I can’t even kiss her.

"Yes," I lie.

The silence between us is suffocating.

And I have no idea how to fix any of it.