Chapter 5

Hope flared in my chest. I spun around and saw my son—covered in ash, clothes singed, but alive. I ran over, half-squatted, and hugged my son tightly. Eric stood there as if struck by lightning, utterly dazed. He stared at the little boy, a smaller version of himself, as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. Vivian’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but she quickly forced a shocked expression. "This…" Eric hurried over, grabbed my arm, and asked urgently, "Is this my son? Is he really our son?" I yanked my arm free, full of contempt. "No! He’s mine. He’s only my son." Ever since the day my son was born, I’d treated Eric as if he were dead. He never deserved to be my child’s father. That’s why my son is registered under my name—he carries my last name, Brooks. His full name is Lucas Brooks. Lucas had never seen Eric before. Thinking I was being bullied, he stomped over and pushed Eric with his tiny, dirty hands. "Don’t hurt my mom!" He lifted his little, angry face—looking just like Eri