Chapter 121

“It is a big deal. They are introducing unnecessary stress to your life. I have told Mandy to keep away from you. You don’t need all of this right now,” Hunter told me and placed another kiss on my hand.

“They don’t know that. At least I don’t think they do. I have lost track of who knows I’m pregnant. It seems the news has a life of its own.”

“It’s because everyone is so excited about it. I should have been as well, I’m sorry.”

“Hey. You were shocked, I get it. Believe me, I was as well. It took Wictor proposing to me to get my brain working again,” I told him.

“He did what?”

“Oh, it was just one of his spontaneous problem solving ideas. If he had taken half a minute to think about it he would have seen how ridiculous it was,” I told him. Hunter shook his head.

“It’s clear that I can’t leave you alone for long. Everyone will try to snatch you away. It’s not surprising as you are amazing. But I need to remember it,” he said, placing a third kiss on my hand. “But, back to the real issue. I will talk to Mandy.”

“You don’t have to, Hunter. I don’t want to stir the pot. I know your relationship with Simon isn’t the best right now. But if things calm down for a bit maybe that can change,” I said.

“You think I would try to mend things with him?”

“He’s your son. Yes, he has done things that most people wouldn’t forgive, and I’m not saying you should forgive him. But you’re his father and he will spend a lot of time in prison. Things like that change someone. Maybe he will be more open to change. I don’t know. I just don’t want you to completely shut the door on it. I have said it before and I will say it again. I will never hold it against you that you love your son. I know you see him for what he is,” I told him and kissed his hand.

“You have too big of a heart, sweetness. You know he and Mandy will find out about the baby sooner or later and I don’t see that going down in a good way,” he told me. I made a face.

“You’re right. That will not be pretty,” I agreed. “Maybe I should just answer a call. Get to know what he wants,” I said.

“No. I don’t want you to put yourself through that.” I shrugged.

“I think it would be less stressful than having it gnawing in the back of my mind. I can always hang up.” Hunter sighed. I liked that he knew me well enough to know when I had made up my mind.

“Fine. But I will be there and you will put the call on speaker.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

“I must be getting old, agreeing to shit like this,” he grumbled as we parked and got out of the car. I threw away the empty cup and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you for bringing me the milkshake, it was amazing. Just what I needed,” I told him. He smiled at me and kissed my forehead. We headed up to my apartment to be greeted by Cuddles. We hadn’t spoken about it, but from the overnight bag Hunter had brought, I knew he was planning to stay. He insisted I sit down on the couch while he fixed dinner. I had expected Cuddles to join me on the couch, but he was a no-show and from the conversation Hunter had in the kitchen, I knew the cat had joined him. Just as Hunter walked into the room, holding two big plates with Chef’s chicken casserole, my phone rang. It was a new number. I answered.

“She answered, go ahead baby.” I heard Mandy’s voice say. I put the call on speaker and Hunter sat down next to me.

“Hana?” Simon asked.

“Yes. Did Mandy get a new number just to arrange a group call?” I asked.

“You didn’t pick up when I called and my mother tells me you have her blocked,” he said.

“You should have taken the hint. I don’t need or want to talk to you. But since you have me on the line; What do you want?” I would never have spoken to Simon like that when we were married. Or even after I had left him. But I felt brave. I had helped put Simon behind bars. I did that. I had the support of my friends, my family. But I had done it, and I wasn’t afraid of him.

“You watch how you speak to me!” he told me in the voice that I knew was the first warning. Hunter tensed, but I shook my head.

“Simon, it’s been a long day and I’m tired. Either we get to the point or I’m hanging up,” I told him. There was a long pause and I could envision him boiling with anger on his end.

“Fine. But don’t expect me to overlook this in the future. As you have ended things with my father, I’m going to be the bigger person in all of this and take you back. It’s not an easy decision, you have betrayed me and you have a lot of making up to do. But I’m willing to give you a chance to do so,” he told me. I looked at the phone and I didn’t know what to say. It sounded like Simon was expecting me to be waiting for this opportunity, like was offering me the deal of a lifetime. I looked up and saw Hunter turn a shade of red.

“Simon, that will never happen. I divorced you for a reason. I will never go back to that life. I have my own life. I’m happy and I’m putting you and everything you did to me behind me. Please don’t call me again,” I told him.

“Hana! You listen to me. You need someone to take care of you, we both know you’re not good at taking care of yourself. I might even be tempted to send my friends to remind you of it,” he said. Hunter had enough.

“For god’s sake son, these conversations are recorded, you idiot. Don't worry about Hana. I’ll make sure she is fine. Not that she needs me for that, but it’s my privilege to do so. And if you send your friends to come for her, I will make sure you regret it. And with that I mean I will make sure the authorities know who made it happen and make sure they listen to this conversation,” he said. I could see how much he was holding back.

“Hunter?” Mandy exclaimed.

“I’m here,” he verified.

“You lied on the stand?” Simon exclaimed.

“Hana would never do something like that. I was an idiot and we split up. The difference between you and me son, is that I realised I was an idiot and did my best to correct that. I’m lucky that she is as forgiving as she is. Now you know. I’m going to expect that you will be smart and leave Hana alone. I will let you cool down and I will come by in a month or two so we can talk,” Hunter said. I knew he would be going to see Simon to tell him about the baby. “And Mandy. I would appreciate it if you didn’t get involved in Simon trying to reach out to Hana. We both know why,” he added.

“Simon, Mandy, it was nice talking to you. I hope this will be the last time in a long while,” I told them and hung up.

“What is that boy up to,” Hunter muttered as he put his arm around me and pulled me to him.

“I think they are after the money. Last I heard all of Simon’s funds have been frozen and Mandy seems desperate to get money for some reason. Do you think the mafia is going after her?” I asked. Hunter thought about it for a while. He reached for the plates of food and made sure I started eating.

“It’s possible,” he told me after a while.

“Will you do something about it?” He hummed as if he was thinking.

“If she asks, I will look into it at least,” he told me.

“You know she will never do that. She is too proud,” I said. He shrugged. “Okay then.” I couldn’t say I was sad about it. I relaxed and finished my dinner. Hunter took the dishes into the kitchen and returned with a beer for him and a big glass of milk for me. We snuggled up on the couch with Cuddles on my lap. We were talking about what to do for the weekend. The show we had been watching was over and the news came on.

“The police are still looking for Mr and Mrs Rodhes in association with several reports of misconduct while being foster parents. The police are asking the public for any information that can lead to the police locating them. It seems they have fled their home after Mr Rodhes’ testimony in a high-profile trial some weeks back. During the trial it was discovered the couple had mistreated one of many foster children. After it became known, several other individuals have now stepped forward with similar stories. If you have any information, the police ask that you call the following number…” the news person read as two black and white photos were shown. I looked at the TV.

“Will they ever be found?” I asked Hunter.

“I would say it’s unlikely,” he said. I smiled.

“I love you,” I told him.

“I love you too, sweetness. I’ll always make sure you are safe. That goes for both of you now,” he told me.

“I know.”