Lawrence didn't say anything more and simply turned into his study.
He dialed Wren's number again.
Still no answer.
A third time, a fourth time.
Until the automated voice confirmed that the subscriber was unavailable.
Lawrence tossed the phone onto his desk, his face thunderously dark.
She actually dared to ignore him.
Back in her Riverside Apartment, Wren wasn't intentionally dodging his calls.
She had left her phone in the living room while she showered, and only saw the string of missed calls when she stepped out.
They were all from Lawrence.
And one was from Leo's smartwatch.
Her heart clenched, and she immediately called Leo back.
The call connected almost instantly.
"Mom?"
Leo's voice was hoarse and tiny.
Wren could tell he had been crying, and a sharp ache gripped her chest.
"Leo, what's wrong?"
Hearing her voice, Leo's tears started falling all over again.
"Mom, I had a nightmare."
Wren walked over to the sofa and sat down, keeping her voice incredibly gentle.
"What did you dream about?"
"I dreamed you didn't want me anymore."
A lump formed in Wren's throat.
She pressed a hand to her forehead, taking a few seconds to compose herself before saying softly, "Mom would never abandon you."
"Then why won't you come home?"
Wren closed her eyes.
Far too many people had asked her that exact question today.
Everyone seemed to equate returning to the Langford estate with loving her child.
As if by refusing to go back, it proved she didn't love Leo.
But she couldn't give her child an answer like that.
She could only say, "Mom just moved to a different place."
Leo sniffled.
"Then can I come live with you?"
Wren froze.
Of course she wanted to say yes.
She wanted to hold Leo as he slept, tuck him in, and make him breakfast with her own hands.


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