Anovel of My motherś ex chapter 20 by authoress
Julian stood stiff as Rylee clung to him, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. He had planned to maintain his distance, but the warmth of her embrace melted his resolve. She pulled back, her radiant smile catching him off guard.
“Why are you so grumpy, Professor?” she teased, a sparkle in her eyes.
“I’m not grumpy,” Julian replied, his tone gruff, though his lips twitched with the hint of a smile.
“You are,” Rylee insisted, sitting him down on the sofa. “But it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad to see you.”
He watched her carefully, his eyes scanning her for any signs of lingering weakness. “How’s your health?” he asked, his concern evident.
“I’m fine now,” Rylee assured him. “Really, I’m doing so much better. And I wanted to thank you for everything you did. I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Julian shook his head, brushing off her gratitude. “You should focus on recovering fully, not thanking me.”
They sat in silence for a moment before Rylee’s expression turned somber. “Do you want to know why I hate my mother so much?”
Julian hesitated but nodded. “If you want to tell me, I’m here to listen.”
Rylee’s voice wavered as she began. “She always cared more about my brothers than me. It was like I didn’t exist unless it suited her. She only protected me from the smallest dangers, things she could control. But when it came to the big things—things that really mattered—she wasn’t there.”
Julian’s jaw tightened. “Like what?”
Rylee hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap. “Like when I got my first period. I was so scared, and I didn’t know what to do. It wasn’t my mom who helped me. It was my dad. He went out and bought tampons for me, Julian. My dad.”
Julian’s chest tightened with anger and sorrow as he listened. “Rylee, that’s… I’m so sorry you went through that.”
She shrugged, trying to appear indifferent, but her voice cracked as she continued. “It’s just who she is. She always prioritized my brothers. They were the golden boys who could do no wrong, and I was just… an afterthought.”
Julian’s heart ached for her. He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You didn’t deserve that, Rylee.”
She gave him a faint smile. “No, but I survived. And I’m here now.”
Julian hesitated, then asked, “What are your brothers’ names?”
Rylee tilted her head, slightly puzzled, but replied, “David,Matthew, Lucas, Zachary and Ethan.”
The names hit Julian like a punch to the gut. He froze, memories flooding back to a time long ago.
⏰Flashback:⏰May 30, 1996⏰
Victoria’s baby bump was impossible to miss as she moved around the small apartment Julian had managed to rent. She had been living with him for months now, her family having disowned her the moment they discovered she was pregnant with Daniel’s child.
Julian’s own parents had not taken kindly to the arrangement. They despised Victoria, seeing her as a stain on their family’s reputation.
“You’re throwing your life away for her,” his father had spat one evening, his voice dripping with disdain.
“She’s pregnant and alone,” Julian had argued, his voice firm despite the sting of his father’s words. “I won’t abandon her.”
His mother had been no better, frequently pointing out Victoria’s flaws and questioning her intentions.
“They’re never going to accept me,” Victoria had said one evening, tears streaming down her face.
Julian had cupped her cheeks, his eyes filled with determination. “I don’t care what they think. I love you, and I’ll always stand by you.”
He had been true to his word, working tirelessly to support her with the money he earned tutoring fellow students on campus.
👶👶👶👶👶👶👶
On a warm, sunny day, they visited the clinic for the gender reveal. Victoria clung to Julian’s hand as the doctor performed the ultrasound, her nerves evident.
“It’s a boy,” the doctor announced with a smile.
Victoria’s face lit up with joy, tears streaming down her cheeks. “A boy,” she whispered, turning to Julian. “You’re going to be an amazing dad.”
Julian’s heart clenched. “Even though he’s not mine?” he asked, his voice barely audible.
Victoria reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Blood doesn’t make a father, Julian. You’ve done more for me and this baby than anyone else ever could. He’ll be lucky to have you.”
Her words filled Julian with a sense of purpose. That night, they sat together, brainstorming names for the baby.
“What about Matthew?” Victoria suggested, her voice soft.
Julian blinked in surprise. “That’s my middle name.”
“I know,” she said with a shy smile. “It feels right.”
Julian hugged her tightly, his hand resting on her growing belly. The baby kicked, as if in agreement.
Tears welled in Julian’s eyes as he hugged her tightly, his hand resting on her belly. The baby kicked again, as if to confirm their choice.
💅⏰Present Day
Julian blinked, snapping back to the present. His hands trembled slightly as he stared at Rylee.
“Matthew,” he murmured under his breath, the name heavy with memories.
Rylee tilted her head. “What’s wrong?”
Julian forced a smile, pushing the past aside for now. “Nothing. It’s just… a strong name.”
She studied him for a moment before leaning back against the sofa. “Well, I’m glad you’re here, Julian. You’re the first person who’s made me feel like I truly matter.”
His chest tightened at her words. “You matter, Rylee. Don’t ever doubt that.”
The two sat together, the weight of unspoken truths lingering between them.