Chapter 30: His Absence–2
“Yeah?” he answered.
“Hi Damien, it’s Thea-”
“I know it’s you, Thea. I have your number.”
I paused, surprised he’d kept my contact info considering how he’d blamed me for ruining his brother’s life and happiness with Aurora.
“Oh. Right.” I fumbled before recovering. “Listen, I’m looking for Sebastian. Is he with you? We were supposed to meet Leo’s teacher. He hasn’t shown up and his phone’s off. I’ve been waiting three hours. Mrs. Ravencroft has seen all other parents and is ready to
leave.”
I’d begged her for a few more minutes to contact Sebastian when she’d said she needed to
- go.
“He’s not here. He took Aurora somewhere.” His tone held an almost apologetic note, but I
didn’t need his pity.
“Okay, thanks.” I hung up before he could say more.
I felt numb. How could Sebastian forget something this important?
When Mrs. Ravencroft called again, I went in. Sebastian clearly wasn’t coming.
Since Leo wasn’t here, unlike other pups, we video called him. He started excited but deflated visibly when he realized Sebastian wasn’t there.
Throughout Mrs. Ravencroft’s glowing report of Leo’s performance, my anger kept building. Leo was heartbroken – I could see it all over his face. I hated seeing him like
this.
I forced a smile, thanked his teacher, and left the classroom.
“Why didn’t Dad come? He promised. I wanted him to hear how good I am. I’m top of the class.” His voice quivered, eyes glistening.
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Chapter 30: His Absence–2
I ached to hold him, but he was miles away.
I’m sorry, baby… maybe work kept him busy.”
“But he promised!” he shouted through the screen. “He said he never breaks promises, but he did!” He was fully crying now, breaking my heart.
Sebastian’s father’s Beta Theron and Sebastian’s mother moved to comfort him. I wished I
could be there, but I couldn’t.
“He’ll make it up to you, sweetheart… remember he loves you. He’s never missed anything
of yours before.” I tried to soothe him.
He didn’t respond, just stared into space with tear–filled eyes, looking lost. When he wouldn’t move or speak, Theron told me they’d take care of him and ended the call.
I stormed out toward the parking lot, fuming. Most cars were gone.
Just as I reached my car, Sebastian’s vehicle pulled in. He parked and rushed over.
He wore casual clothes – unusual for him. “I’m so sorry I’m late… did I miss the meeting?”
“Obviously you did, since it’s almost six–thirty… four hours after you were supposed to be
here! I shouted.
I was murderous with rage.
“I know you’re angry, but-”
“Angry doesn’t begin to cover what I’m feeling, Sebastian.”
“Thea-”
“No! Do you know I had to call Damien? Imagine my shock when I learned you were out with Aurora. I don’t care that you’re with her. But you promised you’d be here. I waited like an idiot while you were with her, and this was about our son who’s been looking
forward to this!”
A teacher passed by. She waved, then got in her car. I tried to smile but couldn’t manage
- it.
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Chapter 30: His Absence–2
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” He looked genuinely remorseful.
“What’s happening, Sebastian? You’ve never forgotten anything about Leo before. Now that Aurora’s back, is she the priority? Important enough to make you forget Leo? Is this how it’s going to be now that she’s back?”
“This won’t happen again.” His fists clenched as he spoke firmly.
“The problem is it already did happen, and who’s to say it won’t again?”
He didn’t answer, just stared at me, face thunderous, eyes blazing with anger.
“I won’t let you hurt my son, Sebastian, intentionally or not. Leo comes first, and if you
can’t put him first, then give me full custody. I had to watch his heart break when he realized you weren’t coming. Let this be the first and last time you hurt him, because if you do it again, I will fight you.”
“Leo is my son, my whole world. Hurt him again, and I’ll forget you’re his father. I don’t
care how powerful you are in this city, I will make your life hell and make you regret ever meeting me. Don’t fuck with me.”
He looked startled by my outburst and threat, staring like he didn’t recognize me. I ignored the look.
With that final warning, I got in my car and drove away, heading to the one person I knew
could heal the pain and anger I was feeling right now.
