Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 79

(Sabrina’s POV)

We wake Jake at seven-thirty, keeping our voices light and cheerful.

But the second we walk into his room, his eyes find mine and narrow with suspicion.

“Something’s wrong,” he announces. Not a question. A statement.

“Nothing’s wrong, baby. We’re just going to do a special livestream today at your school-”

“Why?” He sits up, clutching his dinosaur. “Did something bad happen?”

I exchange glances with Sophia. We agreed not to tell him about Jessica’s posts. Didn’t want to upset him before the livestream.

But Jake’s too smart for his own good.

“Mom.” His voice is firmer now. “Tell me what happened. I’m a big boy now, remember?”

I sigh, sitting on the edge of his bed. “Some people said mean things about you online. About your art. They said I was making it for you instead of you making it yourself.”

His face goes through several emotions-confusion, hurt, then blazing anger. “That’s just mean! Who would say stuff like that about you?”

Ah? Am I missing something? Shouldn’t he be mad people are questioning his talent, rather than angry at what they’re saying about me?

Jake scrambles out of bed, already heading for his tablet. “I’m going to tell everyone right now that you only help me get my supplies together. They can’t say bad stuff without proof-”

“Wait.” I catch his arm gently. “That’s why we’re doing the livestream today. You’re going to show everyone at your school that you make your own art. With your teachers watching. And some art experts. So nobody can say it’s fake.”

He processes this, his small face set with determination. “Okay. Let’s do it. I’m going to prove they’re all liars.”

The fierce protectiveness in his voice-like he’s defending me instead of the other way around-leaves me wanting to cry but unable to, and wanting to laugh, yet the situation being unsuitable for it.

We arrive at Jake’s school at eight-forty-five. Principal Davidson is waiting in the main office with Mrs. Hamilton, both looking concerned but supportive.

“I’ve cleared one of the art rooms for you,” Principal Davidson says. “And Mrs Hamilton has agreed to supervise the entire session.”.

“Thank you.” I shake both their hands. “I know this is unusual-”

“Sabrina, Jake is one of our brightest students. If someone’s questioning his abilities, we want to help set the record straight.” Mrs. Hamilton crouches down to Jake’s level. Are

ready to show everyone how talented you are?”

Jake nods solemnly. “I’m ready. I’m going to paint a dinosaur kingdom, like the one I won award for last week.”

“That sounds perfect.”

The art room cleared out is perfect-large windows providing natural light, easels already set up, supplies organized on tables.

The two art experts Sophia invited are already waiting. Dr. Chen, a professor from the city’s most prestigious art college. And Marcus Webb, a children’s art therapist who’s published three books on creative development in young children.

Both shake my hand, their expressions kind but professional.

“We’re here to provide objective evaluation,” Dr. Chen says. “Whatever Jake creates today, we’ll assess it honestly based on developmental standards and artistic merit.”

“That’s all I’m asking for.”

Jake is bouncing with nervous energy as we set up the camera. Sophia adjusts the angle, making sure the easel, Jake’s hands, and his face are all visible.

“Okay, buddy,” she says. “When we go live, you just do what you always do. Paint what you want to paint. Don’t worry about anything else.”

“Can I tell people about the mean lady who said Mom was faking my art?”

I hesitate. Part of me wants to shield him from the ugliness. But another part knows he deserves to defend himself.

Besides, for obvious reasons, Jake never liked Jessica. Even if I say no, I doubt he’d listen to

“You can say whatever you want,” I tell him finally. “This is your stream. But make sure you only say the truth, and nothing else.”

I don’t want him picking up bad habits like lying.

“Okay, mom. Thank you!”

Sophia starts the countdown. Three. Two One.

We’re live

Within seconds, viewers start flooding in. A hundred. Five hundred. A thousand Jake’s regular followers joining alongside curious newcomers who’ve heard about the controversy.

Jake waves at the camera, his smile bright despite the circumstances.

“Hi everyone! I’m Jake, and I’m five and three-quarters years old. Today I’m going to paint a dinosaur kingdom to prove my mom doesn’t do my art for me. I make everything myself. Mom just helps me when I need to reach high things or when I spill paint everywhere.”

The comments section explodes.

We love you, Jake!

We believe you, buddy! Don’t pay attention to the hate comments of jealous women!

Hey! Not all women are petty and jealous! I also believe in Jake!

Me three!

Show them what you can do!

Your mom is lucky to have you!

Jessica Morgan is a liar!

But there are also comments like: Still seems fake. Prove it for me to believe it. Otherwise…

Yeah, otherwise, you’re just another liar, like your opportunistic mom.

Jake takes a breath and picks up his brush. “Okay. I’m going to start now. And Mrs. Hamilton is here-Mrs. Hamilton is my teacher! Please say hi!-and there are also some art experts Aunt Sophia invited. They’re going to watch me the whole time so nobody can say my mom does my art.”

And then he starts painting.

I watch, mesmerized like I always am, as my five-year-old son creates magic.

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