chapter 8

I took a deep breath and began to tell my mother everything. From the fake marriage to Damian's true intentions, I left nothing out. My mother listened intently, her expression changing from shock to anger to sadness.

When I finished, she pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, sweetie," she whispered. "I had no idea. We'll get through this together, I promise."

But as we hugged, I knew that I still had to face Damian. I had to protect my child and myself from his toxic influence.

"Mom, I need to do something," I said, pulling back. "I need to make sure Damian can't hurt us."

My mother nodded. "What do you have in mind?"

I took a deep breath, a plan forming in my mind. "I'll go to the press. I'll tell them everything. Damian's father, the fake marriage, the pregnancy...everything."

My mother's eyes widened. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

I nodded. "It's the only way to protect ourselves. We can't let them silence us."

And with that, I knew what I had to do. I would take back control of my life, no matter what it took.

I understood my mother's concerns, but I knew I had to take a stand. "Mom, I understand, but I can't just sit back and do nothing. Damian's father is a powerful man, and he'll stop at nothing to keep his secrets safe. If I don't speak out now, I may never have the chance again."

My mother's face was etched with worry. "But think about your baby, sweetie. You're not just putting yourself in danger, you're putting your child's life at risk too. Please, just wait until after the baby is born. We'll figure something out then."

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that my mother was right. I was putting my unborn child in harm's way. But I also knew that I couldn't just sit back and wait for something to happen. I had to take control of my life, no matter how scary it seemed.

"Okay, Mom," I said finally. "I'll wait until after the baby is born. But I'm not promising that I won't do anything. I have to protect myself and my child."

My mother nodded, relief washing over her face. "That's all I can ask for, sweetie. Let's just focus on getting you through this pregnancy safely, and then we'll figure out what to do next."

I nodded, knowing that my mother was just trying to protect me. But I also knew that I couldn't keep silent forever. I would have to find a way to expose Damian's father and his secrets, no matter how dangerous it seemed.

As I held Liam in my arms for the first time, I felt a wave of love wash over me. He was perfect, with his tiny nose and lips, and his soft, fluffy hair. And as I gazed into his eyes, I saw a glimmer of Damian's piercing gaze staring back at me.

But despite the circumstances of his birth, I knew I would never regret having Liam. He was my child, my flesh and blood, and I would do anything to protect him.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, Liam grew stronger and more alert. And as he grew, the resemblance to Damian became more striking. He had the same piercing blue eyes, the same chiseled features, and even the same mischievous grin.

But there was one thing that set Liam apart from his father - a small birthmark on his left cheek, shaped like a crescent moon. It was a tiny imperfection, but it made him all the more perfect in my eyes.

As I watched Liam grow and develop, I knew that I had to make a decision about his future. Did I want to keep his true parentage a secret, or did I want to tell him the truth about his father?

And then there was the question of Damian himself. Would he ever find out about Liam? And if he did, what would happen?

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on the present moment. I had my beautiful son, and that was all that mattered. But deep down, I knew that the truth would eventually come out, and when it did, I would have to be ready

As I settled into our new life in a different country, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. I had escaped the toxic influence of Damian and his father, and I could finally start to rebuild my life with my mother and Liam.

But as the months went by, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Damian was still out there, watching me, waiting for me to let my guard down. I had thought that he would come after me, that he would try to find me and Liam, but so far, there had been nothing.

I tried to push the thoughts aside, focusing instead on building a new life for myself and my family. I found a job, made new friends, and started to feel like I was finally moving on from the trauma of my past.

But the question still lingered in my mind - why hadn't Damian come after me? Had he given up, or was he just biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike?

I didn't care, I told myself. I was safe now, and that's all that mattered. I had my son, my mother, and a new life. I didn't need anything else.

But deep down, I knew that I couldn't shake off the past so easily. Damian was still out there, and I knew that eventually, he would come for me. I just had to be ready.

"Mommy, who's my daddy?" Liam asked for the umpteenth time, his big brown eyes looking up at me with curiosity.

I sighed, trying to think of a way to deflect the question again. "Liam, sweetie, we've talked about this before. You don't need to know who your father is right now. Just know that I love you and I'm here for you, okay?"

But Liam was persistent. "But why can't I know? All my friends know their daddies. Why is mine a secret?"

I knelt down beside him, trying to explain in a way that a 5-year-old could understand. "Liam, your father is not a good person. He might hurt us if he finds us. That's why we have to keep it a secret, okay?"

Liam looked up at me with a mix of confusion and fear. "Is he a bad guy?"

I hesitated, not wanting to lie to my child but also not wanting to tell him the truth. "Let's just say that he's not someone we want to be around, okay?"

Liam nodded, seeming to accept my explanation. But I knew that eventually, he would find out the truth. And when that day came, I would have to be prepared to face the consequences.

As I hugged Liam tightly, I knew that I would do anything to protect him from Damian's toxic influence. I would keep his true identity hidden for as long as possible, no matter how hard it got. My child's safety was all that mattered.

I held Liam close, feeling a mix of sadness and determination. I knew that my son deserved to know the truth about his father, but I also knew that the truth could put him in danger.

As I looked into Liam's innocent eyes, I made a vow to myself. I would do everything in my power to protect him from Damian and his evil father. I would stand between them and my child, even if it meant sacrificing my own life.

"Liam, my love," I whispered, "I know you want to know about your father, but I need you to trust me. I'm doing this to keep you safe. Can you do that for me?"

Liam nodded, his small face set in a determined expression. "I trust you, Mommy. But can I ask you one more thing?"

"Of course, baby," I replied, bracing myself for another question.

"Will my daddy ever hurt me?" Liam asked, his voice trembling.

I took a deep breath and hugged him tightly. "No, Liam. I won't let that happen. I promise you, I will always be here to protect you."

As I held my son, I knew that I would fight to the end to keep that promise. I would not let Damian or his father harm Liam. I would give my life to keep my child safe.

As I pondered the situation, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Damian's father was the mastermind behind everything. He was the one who had manipulated Damian into marrying me, who had used his wealth and power to control us. And now, I feared that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted - including using Liam as a pawn in his twisted game.

I thought about Damian's words, about how he wanted to be a good father to Liam, but I couldn't trust him. Not yet. He was still under his father's influence, and I knew that until he broke free from that toxic relationship, he would never be able to be the father Liam deserved.

I made a decision then and there. I would do everything in my power to keep Liam safe from Damian's father, even if it meant keeping him away from Damian too. I would raise my son on my own, without the influence of that evil man.

But as I looked at Liam, playing happily in the park, I knew that it wouldn't be easy. Damian would come looking for us eventually, and when he did, I would have to be ready. I would have to protect my son at all costs.

I steeled myself for the battle ahead, knowing that I would do whatever it took to keep Liam safe. I was his mother, and I would fight to the end to give him the life he deserved.