Chapter 4 - THE FIRST VISIT
Anna was leaving the rehabilitation center on Tuesday afternoon when she saw Vincent standing beside the entrance.
Her steps stopped.
He wore a dark coat, no tie, and no visible security detail. But she knew better than to assume he was alone.
“Anna.”
She looked toward the parking lot.
“Why are you here?”
“I wanted to speak to you.”
“I told you not to approach me.”
“You blocked my number. I didn't know how else to ask.”
“Then you should have respected the answer.”
His expression tightened.
“You're right.”
That response unsettled her more than an argument would have.
Vincent glanced toward the glass doors.
“Is Leo here?”
“He's at preschool.”
“Can I see him?”
“No.”
“Anna—”
“You don't get to walk back into his life because you discovered he exists.”
“I know.”
“You left me on a plane while I was pregnant.”
His eyes lowered.
“I know.”
“You chose Sophia.”
“I made a terrible decision.”
“You made a decision. Don't make it sound like an accident.”
He accepted the words without defending himself.
A group of patients came through the entrance. Anna stepped aside to let them pass.
“I heard you were injured after the crash,” Vincent said. “I need to understand what happened.”
“You don't need to understand. You need to accept that I survived without you.”
He looked as though she had struck him.
Then he nodded.
“May I ask one question?”
“You've already asked enough.”
“Was Leo born safely?”
Anna's anger faltered.
“He was premature. He spent eleven days in neonatal care. I was still recovering from my injuries.”
Vincent closed his eyes.
“I'm sorry.”
“Don't apologize for things you can't change.”
“I can apologize for leaving.”
She looked at him for a long moment.
“I heard you shouting from outside. I heard you say my name. Then the plane exploded. For months, I woke up thinking I was still trapped inside it.”
Vincent's face went pale.
“I never stopped looking.”
“You held a funeral.”
“Because they told me you were dead.”
“You moved on.”
“I thought you were gone.”
“And Sophia?”
He looked away.
“I thought I had lost everything. She was there. She helped with the funeral arrangements. I let her stay close because I couldn't stand being alone.”
“You gave her my place.”
“I know.”
“You gave her my necklace.”
“I did.”
“You let the world believe she was the woman who stood beside you.”
“I did.”
Anna's eyes filled, but she refused to let the tears fall.
“Then you understand why I don't trust you.”
“Yes.”
A small voice called from the parking lot.
“Mommy!”
Grace was walking toward them with Leo holding her hand. He saw Vincent and stopped.
“That's the man from the party.”
Anna crouched.
“Yes, sweetheart.”
Vincent remained several feet away.
“Hello, Leo.”
The boy studied him.
“Do you know my mommy?”
“Yes,” Vincent said. “A long time ago.”
“Are you her friend?”
Vincent looked at Anna.
“I hope I can be.”
Anna stood.
“Not today.”
She took Leo's hand and walked toward the car.
Vincent did not follow.
But as they drove away, Leo looked through the rear window.
“Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“Why did that man look sad?”
May you like
Anna kept her eyes on the road.
“Because sometimes grown-ups understand too late that they made a mistake.”
