Chapter 10 Uninvited

Chapter Ten: Uninvited

The morning after Ethan left was oddly still. No messages. No knocks at the door. No disruption.

Alessia should've been relieved.

Instead, her chest felt too tight, like the quiet had teeth.

She packed Luca's lunch, her movements automatic. He sat at the table, swinging his legs and munching cereal with blue bubblegum yogurt stirred in-his newest obsession.

"Mommy," he said suddenly. "Are you mad at Daddy?"

She froze.

Luca blinked up at her, spoon in hand. "You didn't talk much last night."

Alessia crouched beside him. "I'm not mad, baby. Just... careful."

He frowned. "I like him. He listens when I talk. He doesn't look at his phone."

A stab of guilt hit her. "That's good. I'm glad he's listening."

"Can he come to career day?" Luca asked. "You said I could pick anyone I wanted."

Alessia hesitated. "Let's talk about that later, okay?"

He shrugged, already moving on. "Okay. But only if he knows how to draw a T. rex. Mr. King said parents have to participate."

She smiled, brushing a hand over his hair. "We'll see."

Later that afternoon, the knock on the door came just after lunch.

Alessia opened it expecting Ethan.

It wasn't.

Instead, a tall, elegant woman in designer heels stood at the threshold, eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. Her tailored coat was spotless, her lipstick a perfect red slash across a porcelain face.

"Alessia Donnelley?" the woman asked, voice like frost on glass.

"Yes?"

"I'm Vivienne Carter. Ethan's mother."

Alessia's heart dropped like a stone.

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

Vivienne removed her sunglasses with an air of superiority. Her eyes were cold. Calculating.

"I think it's time we talked," she said.

Without waiting for permission, she stepped inside.

Alessia shut the door slowly behind her, pulse racing. "What could we possibly have to talk about?"

Vivienne looked around the apartment like she was measuring every corner.

"My son has a habit of making reckless decisions. You, unfortunately, were one of them."

Alessia's blood turned to fire.

"Get out."

Vivienne didn't flinch. "Let's not be childish. You've disrupted enough lives already. Whatever money you're looking for, I can provide. Quietly. Permanently."

Alessia stepped closer, trembling with rage. "You think I want your money?"

Vivienne arched a brow. "You showed up at his wedding. You embarrassed him. You brought a child into the public eye-"

"My child," Alessia snapped. "Your grandson. And you don't get to walk in here and act like he's a stain on your perfect little world."

Vivienne's expression didn't change. "You think you've won something? That Ethan will suddenly become husband and father of the year? Let me tell you what men like my son do. They try. They fail. And they disappear."

Alessia's voice dropped, cold and quiet. "Then I'll pick up the pieces like I always have. But he will not disappear from my son's life without a fight."

Vivienne took a breath, eyes narrowing. "You'll regret this."

"No," Alessia said, standing tall. "You will."

The door slammed behind her.

And Alessia-shaking, furious, and protective down to her marrow-stood there realizing something terrifying.

This wasn't just about the past anymore.

It was war.

And this time, she wasn't the one who would break.