Waking up with my nemesis baby novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

“It’s alright, sweetheart. Whatever’s going on, I’m here for you.

Always.”

Her words seemed to reach him. Kevin’s small hands smoothed

out the wrinkled drawing.

Madeleine glanced at it, remembering Nanette’s earlier

remarks. A wave of discomfort swept through her.

But Kevin pointed with his chubby finger and explained, “This is Dad, this is me, and this…

“This is you, Mommy.”

Madeleine’s breath caught.

She stared at the figure on the page, her eyes wide with

disbelief.

She almost thought she had misheard.

Kevin had called that figure “Mom.”

“Say that again, Kev,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

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Kevin sniffled, his voice soft but clear. “It’s me, Daddy, and

Mommy walking together. You’re holding my hand, and we’re on

the street.”

“Oh, my…”

Madeleine’s heart swelled, a rush of emotion crashing over her.

Tears pricked her eyes as she pulled Kevin into a fierce hug, her

arms wrapping around him tightly.

“Baby, I knew you had me in your heart,” she murmured, her

voice thick with love.

She squeezed him so hard that Kevin squirmed, gasping,

“Mommy… I can’t breathe…”

Madeleine laughed, loosening her grip with an embarrassed

smile.

“Oops, sorry, sweetheart. I got carried away. I was so happy… I

thought you saw me as some dark, scary thing in your heart.”

Kevin’s cheeks flushed, and he shook his head frantically.

“No, no, Mommy’s not scary! You’re not…”

His voice faltered. He knew she’d seen his earlier drawings–the

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ones that had painted a far harsher picture.

Tears spilled over again, splashing onto Madeleine’s hand.

“Oh, Kev, don’t cry,” she said, gently wiping his cheeks.

“What’s wrong, honey?”

“Mommy,” Kevin sobbed, his shoulders shaking. “Did you see

those other drawings? Are you mad at me? Do you… not like me

anymore?”

Madeleine froze, her heart breaking as she realized the source of his pain.

His tears kept coming, endless, no matter how much she wiped

them away.

“I’ll never draw again,” Kevin hiccuped, his voice small and

broken. “I’m sorry, Mommy. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

“Kev,” Madeleine said, her tone soft but firm, carrying a quiet

strength.

“Stop crying for a second and look at me, okay?”

Kevin sniffled, forcing his teary eyes to meet hers. His little body still trembled, but he tried so hard to hold back the sobs,

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his effort both funny and heart–wrenching.

“Sweetheart, I completely understand why you drew those

things before,” Madeleine said, brushing away another tear.

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine–for not being the mom you

needed, for not making you feel safe.”

Kevin clung to her sleeve, his small hands trembling.

“But… I made you look so scary.”

“Because I was harsh with you back then, wasn’t I?”

Madeleine pulled him close, patting his back gently. “I promise,

from now on, I’ll smile more. I’ll play with you and be there for

you. How’s that sound?”

Kevin’s eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, burrowing into her

embrace.

Then, as if remembering something, he lifted his head. “But Dr.

Clark said…”

Madeleine’s expression sharpened, though she quickly

softened it.

“What did Dr. Clark say, honey?”

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Kevin hesitated, biting his lip.

It was a secret, one he’d promised not to share. But this was his

mom.

“Dr. Clark said… you don’t like me. She said I should stay with

her instead.”

Madeleine’s heart plummeted, a cold fury rising in her chest.

She forced it down, keeping her voice gentle. “Do you believe

her, Kev?”

He shook his head, nuzzling closer. “No… you hugged me so

many times today. You said you’d play with me…”

“That’s right,” Madeleine said, kissing the top of his head. “No

matter what anyone says, always remember: Mommy loves you

more than anything.”

Outside the door, Roderick stood frozen, having overheard

every word.

His eyes grew colder, a storm brewing within them. He turned

and strode toward his study.

It was time to dig into Nanette’s true motives.

Nanette must have said something to Kevin, but whatever it

was, it hadn’t loosened his newfound attachment to Madeleine.

After dinner, he trailed her like a shadow, his little feet pattering

wherever she went.

“I’m heading to the bathroom,” Madeleine said, pausing at the door and glancing back at the small boy gazing up at her with

wide, earnest eyes.

“You coming in too?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Kevin frowned. He remembered his kindergarten teacher saying

that boys weren’t supposed to watch when girls went to the

bathroom.

He shook his head and said seriously, “I’ll stand guard for you

outside.”

“Stand guard?” Madeleine raised a brow.

“I have to stop Dad from going in,” Kevin replied with utter

conviction.

From across the room, Roderick, mid–sip of water, choked and

sputtered, coughing loudly.

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Why would he ever go spy on Madeleine in the bathroom? What

kind of pervert did the kid think he was?

Chapter 32

Chapter 32