Chapter 6
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. I looked at Julianna.“Ms. Dawson, are you truly Kevin’s mother?”
Julianna met my gaze, a gentle smile playing on her lips.“Five years ago, my relationship with Kevin had to remain a secret, due to my contract and career.”
My breath hitched. “And Kevin’s father…”
“Kevin is Joshua’s and my child.”
Her voice was soft, but her words were like a blade, piercing my heart. A wave of nausea washed over me, a suffocating pain constricting my chest, leaving me pale and breathless.
Five years. Five years I’d poured my heart and soul into raising Kevin, believing him to be my son. He was Joshua’s and Julianna’s child. Joshua had lied. Not a betrayal through infidelity, but a deception from the very beginning. He’d used me.
“Ms. Copeland, I apologize for the secrecy. Initially, I urged Joshua to tell you, but he felt it was best to keep it from you.”
Her words echoed in my mind. An outsider. Five years, raising a child together, a bond I’d believed was genuine, even if lacking romantic love. But to Joshua, I was nothing more than an outsider, someone to be kept at arm’s length. I couldn’t comprehend his deceit. If he’d told me the truth, I wouldn’t have fallen for him.
“Ms. Copeland, thank you for caring for Kevin these past five years. Joshua and I are deeply grateful.” Julianna’s tone was sincere.“You’ve raised him wonderfully. As his mother, I thank you.”
I stared at her, my lips pale, a strained calmness masking the tremor in my hands as I held Kevin close.
“No! You’re lying! I only have one mom! I only want *my* mom!”
Kevin’s voice erupted, filled with anger.“You wicked woman! Who do you think you are? I don’t want you!”
17.23
