The Ex Who Stole My Delivery Room - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

"Have a seat," she said, nodding toward the couch.
I sank into the cushions, my stomach twisting with nerves. Mom settled across from me, her gaze steady and unreadable.
"Darcy, I know you're still healing from the divorce," she began, her voice gentle but firm. "But I need you to hear me out. Remember that man I once hoped you'd marry?"
I blinked. "Liam's friend?" The memory was hazy—just a vague impression of someone Mom had insisted was perfect for me.
She nodded. "Exactly. I know you weren't interested back then, but think about it now. He's a good man, Darcy. The kind who'd take care of you and Ethan."
A jolt of surprise shot through me. Romance had been the last thing on my mind since the divorce. The idea alone made my skin prickle with discomfort.
"Mom, no," I said flatly. "I'm not putting my heart on the line again. I don't trust men—not after what happened."
She exhaled sharply, frustration flickering across her face. "I get it, sweetheart. But think about Ethan. He's growing up. He needs a father figure."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. My voice wavered as I fired back, "Am I not enough for him? Do I not do everything a father would?"
"You're an amazing mother," she said softly, reaching for my hand. "But you can't be everything, Darcy. He needs—"
"Mom, stop." I cut her off, my chest tight. "Not now."
Just then, Ethan bounded into the room, his big brown eyes lighting up when he saw me. "Mommy!"
I scooped him up, his warmth instantly soothing the storm inside me. "Hey, my love," I murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
But then he looked at me with heartbreaking sincerity and said, "Mommy… I want a daddy."
My breath caught. In that moment, it hit me—no matter how hard I tried, I could never fill that void for him. Every kid deserves both parents.
"I know, baby," I whispered, hugging him close before forcing a light tone. "We'll find you a daddy one day, okay?"
Ethan nodded eagerly. "A daddy who plays with me and takes me to the park!"
I smiled, but determination settled in my bones. If he needed a father, I'd make sure he got the best one possible.
Mom watched us, her expression softening. "It's time, Darcy," she said gently.
I nodded. For Ethan's sake, I had to move on.
Little did I know, the past wasn't done with me yet.
Ethan's small hand gripped mine as we stepped into the orphanage. Today was his birthday, and I wanted to teach him the joy of giving—what better way than celebrating with kids who had so little?
The room buzzed with laughter as we handed out cake and gifts. But then, a commotion near the entrance caught my attention. A crowd had gathered, cameras flashing.
And there he was.
Harris.
Three years had passed, and yet, seeing him felt like a sucker punch. He stood surrounded by people, grinning as he posed for photos, handing presents to the kids like some kind of philanthropist of the year.
But what froze me in place was the little girl beside him—curly brown hair, big doe eyes. And clinging to his arm? Cindy.
My stomach lurched.
Harris bent down, kissing the girl's forehead, whispering something that made her giggle before pulling Cindy closer for the cameras. The perfect little family.
I turned sharply, ready to bolt, but a reporter spotted me first.
"Wait—is that Harris Salvador's ex-wife?" The words rang out, and suddenly, every lens swung toward me.
"Darcy!" Harris's voice cut through the noise. He shoved past Cindy, rushing toward me, his face alight with something like desperation. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you for three years!"
The audacity.
I stared at him, my pulse roaring in my ears.
Game on.