Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 156

Chapter 139

Claim

Chapter 139

(Sabrina’s POV)

“But I’m divorced-”

“So is half the country.”

“With a child from another man-”

“Who Ethan loves and has already given his name.”

“But the board won’t see it that way.”

Sophia is quiet for a moment. Then she says, gently: “Ethan chose you knowing all of this. The divorce. Jake. As a businessman, he should’ve already anticipated these complications. But he still chose you anyway. In front of five hundred people at a charity gala, he declared you his future wife.”

“He wasn’t thinking clearly. His feelings got the best of him. Once they fade and he returns to

his senses—”

“Sabrina. Listen to yourself. You’re spiraling. Someone is deliberately trying to manipulate you and you’re letting them. Since when have you ever cared about what people think and say?”

I shake my head. “Soph. You don’t understand. This isn’t about what people think or say. This is about Ethan. I’ll never forgive myself if his years of hard-work gets undermined because of

me.”

She pulls me into a hug. “Baby, nothing of that sort will happen. And even if it does, you need to trust your man. Do you think a man like Ethan Hale got to where he is today because he gave importance to what people say about him? Trust me. He can deal with whatever comes his way.”

I want to believe Sophia. Want to push away the doubt and trust that love is enough.

But every time I close my eyes, I see Ethan’s face. His career. Everything he’s built.

And I wonder if I’m worth the risk.

That night, Ethan and I attend a Hale Global company dinner. Small gathering. Just senior executives and their spouses.

I wear the right dress. Say the right things. Smile at the right moments.

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But I see it now. The looks I didn’t notice before. The whispered conversations that stop

when I approach. The way some of the wives assess me-my dress, my background, my suitability.

One woman-Margaret, wife of the CFO-corners me by the dessert table.

“Sabrina, darling. How are you handling all the attention?”

“What attention?”

“From the media. That video Jake posted. It was quite… revealing.”

The way she says revealing makes it sound like it’s an unspeakable scandal.

“Jake was just being himself.”

“Of course. Children are so honest, aren’t they? No filter.” She sips her wine. “Must be difficult, though. Having your family dynamics broadcast to millions.”

“We’re managing.”

“I’m sure. And the wedding is still scheduled? Despite everything?”

“Despite what?”

“Oh, nothing specific. Just the usual concerns when someone marries into a prominent family. The scrutiny. The expectations. The pressure on the company’s image.” She smiles. It doesn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sure you and Ethan have discussed all that.”

She walks away before I can respond.

Leaving me standing by the dessert table with a new weight in my chest.

Are people really concerned? Or is Margaret just echoing Rosalie’s planted doubts?

I don’t know.

And that’s the problem.

Across the room, Ethan is talking to Douglas, the board member. They’re laughing about something. Relaxed. Easy.

Then Douglas glances my way. The laughter fades. He says something to Ethan I can’t hear.

Ethan’s face hardens. He responds sharply. Douglas holds up his hands in surrender.

What did he say? What concern did he raise that got Ethan riled up?

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I don’t ask. Can’t ask. Because I’m afraid of the answer.

Jake notices something’s wrong at breakfast the next morning.

He’s been quiet lately. More observant. Like he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Mom,” he says, pushing his cereal around his bowl. “You’re sad again.”

“I’m not sad, baby.”

“You are. You have your sad face. The one you had after Bad Dad left.”

The comparison stings.

“I’m just thinking about grown-up things.”

“Did Granny Kate say something mean again? She’s not a bad person. She must’ve just had a bad day, and said something she didn’t mean to. Mommy, if she’s mean to you…”

“No. Your Granny Kate didn’t say something mean to me. She’s actually been… better. Nicer.” And she has, surprisingly. After that video Jake made, the woman hasn’t accepted me, but she also isn’t as hostile as she used to be in the past.

“Then why are you sad?”

“I’m just thinking about what’s best for everyone,” I say.

Jake’s spoon clatters into his bowl. “You’re not thinking about leaving daddy, are you?”

“Jake-”

“You promised! You promised we’d be a family! You promised we’d live together in the big house and he’d be my real dad from now on!”

“Sweetie, I’m not-”

“You are! You’re thinking about leaving! I can tell!” He’s crying now. Full breakdown. “Please don’t leave daddy. If Granny Kate is being mean, I’ll talk to her. I’ll tell her I’ll do better. I’ll use better manners. I’ll sit still at dinners. I’ll-”

“Jake, stop.” I pull him into my arms. “This isn’t about you. You’re perfect. You don’t need to change anything.”

“Then why are you thinking about leaving?”

“I haven’t decided anything. I’m just thinking-”

“Thinking about leaving is the same as leaving!”

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He pulls away from me. Runs to his room. Slams the door.

I sit at the kitchen table. Alone. With the echo of my son’s fear filling the apartment.

He’s right.

Claim

Thinking about leaving is the same as leaving. Because once doubt takes root, it’s almost impossible to pull it out.

Fuck!

I can’t do this anymore.

I can’t make this decision based on anonymous emails and overheard conversations and my own spiral of doubt.

I need to speak to someone who isn’t Sophia who is always on my side.

I need to talk to someone who knows Ethan. Who understands what this marriage could cost him. Who will tell me the truth even if it hurts.

I need Kate.

I pick up my phone. Text her.

Can we meet? Just you and me. I need to talk to you.

Her response comes immediately.

Tomorrow. 10 AM. I’ll see you at the estate.

I confirm.

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