My tears ran out days ago . What remained was a quiet burn . Like embers refusing to die . It's devastating , yet I was trying to move on - slowly . But that photo ... it clawed its way back into my mind at random moments . The handwriting on the back of it was neat , slanted slightly to the right . It reminded me of someone who paid attention to detail . Not vindictive , but intentional . It didn't feel like a threat , but more like a warning . I took it out again , holding it by the edges like it might burn me . I stared at the watermark I hadn't noticed before - GoldPix Studios . That was where Zach used to have his early promo shoots back when his label was just starting out . He mentioned it once said they used to rent a suite at the back for after - parties which I now suspected meant champagne - fueled hookups and egos on full display . The burn in my chest grew into something sharper . Sure , I wanted answers . But more than that , I wanted control over my life again . I was pouring Liam's milk when the headlights flashed across the window . My heart constricted inside my chest . Only one person still drove that matte black Lexus and had the nerve to show up unannounced . The doorbell rang once . Twice . Thrice . I took a breath , gathering all the courage I could muster . My hands trembled slightly as I opened the door . I hated that he could still get under my skin . " Arianne ," he said softly , like my name was a bruise he wanted to press gently . I didn't budge . " What do you want , Zachary ? " " I thought we should talk ," he began . " About Liam . About us . " " There is nothing to talk about ," I said , voice flat . " Not anymore . " He looked down , pulled something from his coat . An envelope . He held it out like a peace offering . " I know you agreed , " he said . " My lawyer was supposed to bring this to you , but I decided to hand it to you in person . Closure ." I gave a hollow laugh . " That's rich coming from someone who got caught on national television . You didn't just ruin a marriage . You made a mockery of it ." Closure . Such a neat little word for a war that wrecked me . I didn't reach for the envelope . I reached for the only thing I had left - my dignity . I was about to slam the door in his face when a quiet voice interrupted us . " Dad ? " I craned my head to look at my son . Liam stood on the staircase in his dinosaur pajamas , rubbing his eyes . Zach's expression softened immediately . " Hey , buddy . " Liam didn't move . " Why are you here ? " he asked flatly . Zach hesitated for a second and continued . " I came to see how you're doing . I brought the- " " I told you not to come , " Liam said , voice steady . Zach blinked , stunned . " I know . I missed you , buddy . I just thought maybe you want us to bond like we used to . " " How could you do that when you're with her? " he asked in a soft , low sheepish voice . " Liam , I can always find time for you , you know that , right ? " " I doubt it . Tell me , Dad , are you gonna marry your assistant now ? " Silence wafted in the air . My son's question was direct , unfiltered, and a jab to his innocent heart . I was hurt by the raw pain I saw in his eyes , yet I had to compose myself . Zach cleared his throat . " It's complicated , Liam . " " I'm sick and you made Mom cry . " Liam sobbed , eyes misting from tears . " I hate you , Dad ! " Zach opened his mouth , but no words came out . He tried to step inside the foyer but I stopped him . " You should go now ." Zach's jaw clenched . " Arianne , he's my son . " " Exactly . " My voice shook , but I held the line . " He's not your PR redemption arc . He's not your pity project now that your scandal broke into a million headlines . He's a child . And you don't get to drop in like this and pretend like you didn't torch our entire lives . " He shifted slightly , one foot still on the welcome mat like he couldn't decide if he was intruding or entitled . " I didn't plan for it to happen like this . Celine - she's a wonderful woman- " I raised a hand , stopping him curtly . " I don't care about your spin . I care about my son's heartbeat not rising every time he hears a car in the driveway ." He looked down , sighing , and finally dropped the envelope on the shoe bench beside the door . " Fine . I'm not here to ask for forgiveness anymore . Just read the terms . " I watched him strode toward his car . Once I locked the door , my phone vibrated in my pocket . A message from an unknown number . You believed he's there for closure ? You should read the fine print , Arianne . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!