004| The Last Straw

~TYLA~

I couldn’t move.

It was as though my legs were rooted to the spot as I watched Olivia immediately bend down to Kenny’s level, ruffling his hair.

Kenny’s giggles were like needles pricking at my skin.

“Hello dear, buddy.” She greeted him, warmly, “Enjoying your snack?”

Kenny nodded. “I love… love it. Aunt Olivia is the best.”

Those were innocent words, yet they did the most damage.

It was as though Benny understood what was happening, she took my hand and gave it a light squeeze.

Maria, Matt’s mom, took that chance. She also bent to Kenny’s level, her lips wide with a smile.

But I could see the mischief in her eyes, clearly whatever she wanted to do wasn’t going to be good.

“Do you like your Aunt Olivia?” She asked, caressing Kenny’s little cheeks.

Kenny giggled again. “I love Aunt Olivia. She is pretty and kind. She is also a great cook.”

I swallowed hard, turning away slightly, my heart racing.

Kenny used to praise my cooking so much. But now, he seemed to have fallen in love with Olivia’s cooking.

Was her cooking that great?

“That is good, grandma loves her too.”

Olivia blushed, looking down shyly.

I looked around for Matt, but he and his father were missing. It seemed they must have gone to see the doctor.

But does him being here change anything at all?

Of course not.

“Kenny, baby, what do you think about making Olivia your new mommy?” Maria asked softly.

My heart stopped.

Benny rushed forward. “Aunt, you… you are going too far.” She exclaimed.

Maria shot her a glare, enough to silence her.

Olivia’s eyes widened for a second, then she gracefully looked away, smiling lightly.

“Aunty, you can’t say that… that is not right.” She mussed, but she was clearly enjoying this drama.

Maria smiled at her. “Come on, child, you are back now. You love birds deserve a chance at love.”

My hands began trembling again, tears threatening to fall. But I couldn’t let it.

Not in front of them.

I fought to stay composed.

Olivia blushed and said nothing.

Maria turned back to Kenny. “What do you say, son?”

Kenny thought for a while and said, “But Grandma, I already have a mommy.”

For a moment, I thought there was hope, one I could cling to… but it faded just as fast.

Maria scoffed. “What about making Olivia your second mommy then?”

This time, Kenny didn’t respond, but he was clearly thinking deeply about it.

Will that make dad keep eating with us?” he suddenly asked.

Maria nodded instantly. “Of course, my little moon, daddy will always be with you and your second mommy.”

I couldn’t take it anymore, I rushed toward them, grabbed Kenny and left with him.

My heart was pounding so hard against my ribcage. I kept walking fast, trying to get as far away from them as possible.

“Tyla, slow down. You are hurting Kenny.” Benny’s voice suddenly called out after me.

I stopped, and only then did I look down.

Kenny had been running to keep up with my pace the whole time, his face looked exhausted.

“I’m sorry, baby. Are you hurt?” I whispered, my voice shaking.

He shook his head calmly. “Mommy, are you okay? You look… sad.”

The tears betrayed me then. They began rushing down my cheek.

“Mommy?”

I pulled him into a hug, my body shaking as I sobbed against his little shoulder.

Benny had followed us out. She stood in a corner, watching us with concern.

After calming down a little, I looked at Kenny’s now sad eyes.

“Baby, will you leave with mommy?” I asked, my voice weak.

He looked confused. “Where are you going, mommy?”

I swallowed hard. “Far, far away from all these.”

For a moment, he didn’t respond.

Then after a while, he asked gently.

“Are Daddy and Aunt Olivia coming too?”

I froze.

“Olivia?”

He nodded. “Are they coming?”

My throat worked, but no words left my lips. I stared at my little son, who bore every resemblance to Matt himself.

“No, son. Just you and I.”

But then, Matt looked a bit concerned. Then he said, softly, scratching his head.

“Can I not go, Mommy. Can I stay with dad and Aunt Olivia till you get back? Then we can be one happy family.”

A sound left my mouth, it sounded like a small cry, and yet like a laugh of disbelief.

Benny rushed forward, helping me up.

“Tyla, he is just a child. He doesn’t know what he is saying. Please, don’t hold it against him.”

I didn’t respond.

Of course, I couldn’t hold it against him.

He was my son.

I went through a lot to bare him.

How could I truly be angry at him?

But I had to make a choice, one that truly involves my happiness.

I forced a smile to my lips. “Thank you for always standing up for me, Benny. But I can’t continue like this?”

Kenny had been one of the reasons I had held on… he had been my solace in the midst of all the pains and hate.

Yet, even he seems to be slipping away from my hold.

Benny took the chance to lead Kenny out, probably to talk some sense into him.

But I didn’t follow, I stood there rethinking all my life choices.

Just then, Olivia showed up. She walked gracefully to where a stood.

With the smile on her face, it was clear she must have overheard the conversation.

“Oh dear, aren’t you pathetic?” She whispered with exaggerated care. “You’ve put in so much care in this family, yet… I don’t have to do anything, and everyone chose me.”

I didn’t respond, I had already turned away. But then, I stopped short.

“You should really try winning, without stealing it first,” I whispered.

But I wanted to leave. She suddenly grabbed my arm, stopping me.

“Where are you going? I am not done with you yet.”

But instead, I pushed her away.

Just then, I heard Matt’s voice as he ran up to her.

“Tyla, are you crazy? Do you want her to lose her baby?”

My heart stopped and so did my body.

She was pregnant.

Olivia was carrying Matt’s child.

This time around, I hurried out of the place, my body trembling as I ran far away from the hospital.

Then I called the number, the one I had been hesitating to call.

“I’m coming to pick up the divorce papers.”