Forgotten Wife: My Ex-Husband Regrets It After I Left novel Chapter 121

Sienna’s POV

I looked down, stabbing the bread on my plate with my fork. His words touched the most fragile part of my heart. I’d often felt alone. But hearing him say it like that, I didn’t know if I could fully believe him or if I was just trying to believe him.

“If you take time off, won’t it affect your work?” I asked quietly, still unsure.

Liam shook his head. “Work can always be postponed or finished later. But moments like this are important. I don’t want to miss Noah’s first day at school.”

I looked up and stared at him for a long moment. I glimpsed a sincerity I’d rarely seen before eyes that truly wanted to be there for their child. And I felt the burden I’d been carrying alone ease a little.

I looked down at my plate again. The last bite of toast felt easier to swallow after hearing those words. Somehow, this simple breakfast suddenly became warm not just because of the hot tea or the aroma of coffee still steaming on the table, but because of the different atmosphere.

Noah was still busy with his spoon, scraping the remaining jam off the edge of the plate, then licking his lips contentedly. He occasionally kicked his feet in the air, as if impatient for the day to begin. Liam, meanwhile, sat up straighter, watching him with a look I couldn't quite decipher a mix of pride, relief, and something new.

I realized how rare it was for us to sit like this. One table, three chairs occupied, no one in a hurry to get up. The silence wasn't due to distance, but rather to each of us lost in our own thoughts. A silence that felt strangely complete.

I smoothed the napkin in my lap, then glanced at Liam once more. There were fine lines of fatigue on his face, but also a calmness I'd never seen when he was busy with work. Maybe this wasn't just about Noah. Maybe it was also about him learning to return home not just to home, but to the role he'd lost.

Noah cheered happily, interrupting our solemn atmosphere. "Daddy's coming! Hooray! That means the three of us are going on a trip!"

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him so happy. I stroked his cheek, still stained with milk residue. "Yes, honey. The three of us."

The atmosphere at the dinner table lightened after that. Noah began to tell me about what he imagined at school: a big field, swings in the park, friends who wanted to play ball with him. Liam and I glanced at each other occasionally, occasionally smiling at our son's innocent imagination.

In my heart, I wondered: maybe this was an opportunity. A chance to give Noah a beautiful memory of his family, of his father and mother both present. But on the other hand, I was also afraid. Afraid that this togetherness would be temporary, afraid that I would once again give him hope that would ultimately be shattered.

After breakfast was over, I cleared the table while Liam helped Noah change into more presentable clothes. From a distance, I could hear their voices joking around. Noah laughed loudly, and Liam joined in patiently. A strange, warm feeling crept into my chest.

I paused in the kitchen, staring at my half-empty cup of tea. When they came out of the room, Noah was already wearing a small dinosaur-print shirt and shorts, his hair neatly combed, though a few stray strands remained. Liam stood behind him, his shirt neatly adjusted and tie. But this time, it wasn't for the office. It was for Noah.

"Ready?" he asked, looking at me.

I listened intently, chiming in occasionally. Liam also responded, even joking with Noah until the boy burst out laughing. The car was filled with their voices, and I just sat beside him, letting the warmth seep in.

Between Noah's laughs, my thoughts wandered. Could we really start over? A tired part of me wanted to believe, but another part was afraid this was only temporary. Afraid that one day Liam would doubt himself again, seeking comfort elsewhere. The wounds from before hadn't fully healed, but in front of Noah, I had to appear strong.

I turned to Liam. He focused on driving, occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror to check on Noah in the back seat. There was sincerity there, I could sense it. But was it enough?

“The first school we want to check out is uptown,” Liam said, breaking me out of my reverie. “I heard from a colleague that there’s a great program for kids Noah’s age.”

I paused for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Let’s take a look.”

Noah patted his seat cheerfully. “I can’t wait, Mommy, Daddy!”

I turned to him, smiling. “Remember, honey. School is a place to learn, not just play. But Mommy promises, we’ll find one that will make you feel at home.”

Noah nodded firmly, his face full of enthusiasm.