I froze. "My loss? Yeah, Jeff is my child. You don't deserve to be his father!"
Alain was rendered speechless, and Mabel bowed to me.
"Please let us go," she pleaded dramatically. "Jonathan and I can move to the countryside. Just don't make things difficult for everyone. I shouldn't have fallen in love with Alain or have risked severe bleeding to give birth to Jonathan. It's my fault that Jonathan has to face such scrutiny."
Alain's eyes misted with emotion as he gazed at her, but my heart felt stabbed by needles.
Mabel wiped away her tears, continuing, "I know you come from a rich family with connections. I'm just a poor college student who delayed graduation for the birth. I never intended to compete with you. I just wanted to give Jonathan a complete home."
She looked up at me and begged bitterly, "Let it go, okay?"
Jonathan wriggled out of Alain's embrace and tugged at Mabel's sleeve. "Mom, don't beg her. The baby in you says she doesn't feel well. I'm the big brother now. I won't let her bully either of you."
Alain quickly pulled Mabel to her feet and examined her. Finding her unharmed, he sighed in relief. "You're pregnant now. Should be more careful."
"Didn't you say you hadn't cheated?" I demanded, glaring at him. "So, where did this child come from? Or are you so generous that you're willing to raise another man's child?"
Alain withdrew his hand from Mabel's shoulder, guilt creeping onto his face. "It's not her fault. I got drunk that night."
When he looked up, his eyes flashed with bitterness and resentment. "You've been so distant all these years, and I have needs as a man. This child just came about, and now it's my responsibility."
I laughed through tears. "So, my rejection is the real problem?"
He tugged at his tie, avoiding my gaze. "If you had accepted me sooner, none of this would have happened."
I clenched my fists, raising my voice. "Jeff died because of your affair, and I'm supposed to calmly accept you and your mistress? And help you raise your illegitimate children?"
After a long silence, he spoke quietly. "Jeff's death has nothing to do with Mabel or Jonathan."
"So, it's my fault?" I retorted. "Your infidelity is also my issue? If you resent me so much, why didn't you just divorce me?"
Mabel looked up at him, hiding a flash of joy, but he bowed his head, silent.
Jonathan clutched Alain's leg and wailed, "Dad, I want to go home! She is so mean. I don't like her. I just want to be with you and Mom."
Alain glanced at me with mixed feelings and gently patted Jonathan. "Go home with your mom. I'll visit soon and bring your favorite toys."
Jonathan clutched more tightly, unwilling to let go. "I don't want toys. I just want you and Mom. You said that I'm your favorite in the whole world. Was that a lie?"
Mabel looked pained, gently tugging at him. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's not disturb them anymore."
He shrugged her off, crying, "No, this is my dad! Why do you want to separate us?"
Alain's fingers trembled, and he bent down to embrace Jonathan.
I raised my hand to wipe my tears. "Let's just get a divorce. It's best for both of us."
