Erase 61

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(,),

D# 56 vouchers

Cassia and Arthur sat at the breakfast table, the quiet between them louder than any words. Cassia stirred her spoon absentmindedly, glancing at her son. His head was lowered, fingers twisting together. The weight on his small shoulders was too obvious.

“Arthur,” she called softly.

He hummed in response, eyes still fixed on his hands.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Her voice trembled slightly.

Arthur lifted his gaze, searching her face, his little brow furrowed as though he was trying to see past her walls. “Did Alpha Aiden hurt you in the past?”

The question hit her chest like a stone. She froze. He’d asked before, and she’d brushed it aside, calling it complicated.

“Arthur… you wouldn’t understand.” Her throat tightened.

“I would, Mommy.” His voice was firmer this time. “I know he rejected you. And I know you had a daughter… Eva. She’s gone.”

Cassia’s breath caught. Her eyes widened, her mouth parted in shock. “Arthur…where did you hear that?” Her voice shook, sharp and unsteady.

Arthur bowed his head, silent. The truth dawned on her. He must have overheard that fight between her and Aiden the other day.

“Jeez.” She pressed a hand to her temple, dragging the other down her hair in frustration.

“I’m sorry, Mommy. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

Her stomach twisted. She forced a thin smile, reaching across the table. “I’m not mad at you. And stop apologizing…you’ll only make me feel worse.” Her voice cracked despite herself.

Arthur’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry I made you feel bad.”

Tears stung Cassia’s eyes. She blinked fast, then opened her arms. “Come here.”

He slipped off his chair and into her embrace. She crouched to his level, clinging to him. “You know I love you, right? I love you more than anything, and I couldn’t live without you.” Her tears slid freely, but she quickly wiped them away with a shaky laugh. “Mommy’s just being dramatic today.”

Arthur studied her. “Are you on your period?”

Cassia blinked. “What?”

“Grandma said when women are on their period, their emotions get heightened. They feel things thrice as much, and they need care.”

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Cassia let out a shaky laugh, her chest tightening at the thought of Seraphina teaching him these things. “Grandma’s right. But I’m not on my period.”

Arthur sighed in relief, “Good. I was worried.”

“You are so funny. Arthur.” They both burst into laughter. For a moment, the heaviness lifted, and Cassia let herself breathe. But the thought still gnawed at her, today was the day her period should have started. Maybe that explained the flood of emotions.

When they settled back at the chair, Arthur grinned. “You’re not funny, Mommy. I must’ve gotten it from my dad.”

The smile drained from Cassia’s face. Her stomach tightened painfully.

“Mommy who is my daddy?” Arthur asked.

Cassia’s heart pounded against her ribs. She’d avoided this question for seven years, and now it sat between them, heavy and relentless.

“Did he hurt you like Alpha Aiden did?” Arthur’s voice softened when she stayed silent. He sensed her change in mood and backed off, chewing on his lip. But a part of him wondered… What if Alpha Aiden is my dad? We look alike. Maybe that’s why Mom doesn’t want me near him.

Cassia’s hands curled into fists under the table. She couldn’t tell him. Not yet. Maybe not ever. The truth would only endanger him. Still, the guilt pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

“If you won’t tell me about my father,” Arthur said carefully, “then at least tell me about you and Alpha Aiden. Please, Mommy. I want to understand.”

Cassia drew in a shaky breath. “Aiden and I were once married. But he rejected me, Arthur. He left, and I had to go. So…. everything you overheard that night was true.”

Arthur’s eyes glistened. “So…. he really hurt you. I’m sorry, Mommy. I’m sorry he made you cry. And I’m sorry you lost Eva.”

Cassia smiled sadly, brushing a hand through his hair. Memories of Eva clawed at her heart…her little girl who should’ve been here. She sighed.

“Aiden made mistakes that cut me deeply. But I don’t want you to hate him, Arthur. Hatred destroys, I want you to grow with love, not bitterness.”

Arthur frowned “But you told me to stay away from him.”

Her chest ached. She forced herself to steady her voice. “I’m lifting that ban. I saw how unhappy it made you. You can be near him if you want, but promise me whatever we talk about stays between us.”

Arthur nodded quickly. “I promise A smile finally tugged his lips.

Cassia’s phone rang then. She checked the screen… “Uncle Damien.”

Arthur’s whole face lit up. “Uncle Damien!” he cheered, bouncing in place.

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Cassia smiled at his joy, but as she went to answer, her phone screen went black.

“Damn it she muttered “My phone’s dead.”

Arthur giggled. Oops. We’ll call him back later.”

“Yes she nodded, senting the phone down.

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“Mommy. Arthur asked after a pause, his tone curious, “when is Uncle Damien coming back? I miss him already

Cassia’s heart softened. “I don’t know, sweetheart. Not until his father gets well. I miss him too.”

Arthur tilted his head, giving her a look that was far too knowing for his age. “Mommy… do you love Uncle Damien?”

The question knocked the air from her chest. “Why do you ask?”

Arthur grinned mischievously. “Because you kissed him. And I know he likes you.”

“Arthur…..” she warned gently.

He only shrugged. “It’s obvious. He makes you happy. He makes me happy too.”

Cassia’s lips parted, but no words came.

Arthur leaned forward. “And what if you married him one day? Honestly, I’d be glad. At least then I’d finally have a daddy. And I know he’d protect us both and never hurt us.”

Cassia’s throat tightened. She couldn’t respond.

her son’s innocent wish cut deeper than any blade.

TBC

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