Regrets Come Too Late (Sierra and Johnny) novel Chapter 13

“You’ve seen the news about the wealthy finding their kids, haven’t you?” John asked his parents.

To him, everything was all about the money.

“Every one of those kids is overjoyed to learn they have a rich biological dad.”

Danny and Agnes paused. Clearly, they hadn’t thought that far ahead.

“When he grows up, he’ll know what the best choice really is,” John said, like he was simply discussing business. “Besides, I’ll be there as he grows up. I won’t miss any important moments.”

“But Tommy’s not that kind of boy,” Agnes said hesitantly, thinking about how Tommy had always been well–behaved and never cared about money or compared himself to others. “What if he’s not like what you think?”

“I’ll be there for him as he grows up,” John repeated.

“And don’t go bothering her about the boy anymore,” he added, not wanting them getting involved in his affairs. “The more you interfere, the more Tommy will resent it. Just treat everything as before.”

Only now did Sierra understand why John hadn’t tried to fight for custody and why people always said he was so calculating and

ruthless.

She had to admit, some of what he said just now was impossible to argue with. As long as he visited Tommy sometimes, showed up for birthdays and holidays with gifts, he would always be a good dad from Tommy’s perspective.

It didn’t matter to him if Tommy lived with him or not. Only she was the one truly hurt by his betrayal. He still loved Tommy, and his role as a father was never really at risk.

“What if she doesn’t let us visit?” Agnes said, remembering Sierra’s attitude.

“I’m the father. I have visitation rights,” John replied, his tone mild but with an edge. “If she tries to stop me, I’ll make sure she loses everything.”

Sierra’s lips pressed into a tight line, her heart growing colder and colder. There was no such thing as a free lunch. The light you saw when you were at the end of the tunnel wasn’t always salvation. Instead, it might be a train coming right at you.

“Fine,” Danny said, his voice heavy, but he agreed with John’s logic.

Meanwhile, John didn’t say anything more and hung up.

The living room was silent.

“If John hasn’t spoken for you, you’ll never have gotten custody,” Agnes said, getting to her feet and ready to leave. “A woman like you can never raise Tommy well when all you do is scheming to marry rich.”

Danny gave Sierra a cold glance on his way out, his tone commanding. “If anything happens to Tommy while he’s with you, I’ll hold you responsible.”

Sierra didn’t respond.

Later on, Sierra didn’t even know how she made it upstairs. Suddenly, she found herself in Tommy’s little study, staring at a photo of the three of them together. Memories of their happy moments came rushing back.

She felt a pang of guilt. She had made this decision for Tommy without ever asking what he wanted.

“Mommy,” a childish voice suddenly called out.

Sierra turned and saw Tommy standing at the door. Before she could say anything, he hurried over and hugged her tightly.

Trying to act like nothing was wrong, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

Chapter 13

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“Nothing. I just wanted to hug you,” Tommy’s soft voice was extra warm. “I wanted you to know that you’re the most important person in my world.”

He had watched everything unfold in the living room through the security cameras. He had seen his grandparents attack his mom, heard his dad’s aloofness, and realized how much his mom had suffered for him.

Sierra froze for a second, not understanding why he had suddenly said these things.

“Did someone tell you something?”

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