Second Life, Second Chance

I took the envelope calmly and tossed it into the fire.

“My superior has tried more than once to have me transferred, but I have Kenneth now. How could I leave?

“It’s just a notice. I’ve already rejected the offer.”

I knew exactly what Damien liked to hear.

The notice, useless now, burned with ease.

He believed it immediately, his expression relaxing.

“That’s good. A married woman should stay home and care for her child. With your skills, you can teach Kenneth well.

“He’s nearly a month old, so I plan to celebrate with a small party. After all, he is the heir of the family.”

I was rather delighted, so I smiled and agreed.

The more lively it was, the better.

Time passed swiftly.

On the day of the celebration, Damien had pulled out all the stops.

He booked the entire restaurant, invited many higher-ups and colleagues, and, of course, family and friends.

He grinned from ear to ear, impeccably dressed as he welcomed the guests.

Vanessa stood beside him in a stylish dress, and together they looked like the perfect couple.

When the event reached its peak, he raised his glass and, with tender affection, addressed me, “Thank you for giving me a son, Tanya. I am a soldier with responsibilities and will soon depart for the base. I leave our son in your hands. I trust you will raise him well.”

Vanessa also smiled brightly.

“As a military doctor, I must accompany Damien. Don’t worry, Tanya—I will look after Damien. You just focus on raising Kenneth.”

Everyone around them praised their loyalty and sacrifice, celebrating the way they placed the country above family.

I clenched my fists.

Damien seemed to have forgotten entirely how he had once urged me to abandon my career and care for the household.

The two expressed such devotion to Kenneth that their superiors appeared satisfied.

“Even Vanessa treats Kenneth as her own. Clearly, your family has a healthy environment for Kenneth to thrive in.

“We entrust you with the mission, Damien. I am confident you’ll be able to pull it off!”

Damien basked in the praise, smiling from ear to ear.

Relatives held the baby, teasing him, studying his little smiling face, and remarked to me:

“Tanya, he looks just like you. I’m sure he’ll grow into a handsome young man.”

Vanessa glared at them angrily when she overheard them and scooped up Kenneth, intending to leave with him.

“Kenneth will certainly resemble his father, just like all Slaters do!”

The relative glanced at me awkwardly.

I smiled but said nothing.

Vanessa wanted a few more moments with Kenneth before leaving, but after only a few minutes, he suddenly started wailing and crying uncontrollably.

Vanessa immediately screamed as the swaddling became soaked.

A relative quickly stepped in to help.

“Oh, he wet himself! I’ll change his diaper.”

Vanessa clearly liked the idea of a child but had no desire to take responsibility.

She wouldn’t have left him in my care otherwise. She recoiled, watching the relative handle the task.

But then her face turned ghostly pale, and she let out a sharp scream.

Damien came over.

“What’s wrong? Why all the noise?”

Vanessa stared at the baby, her voice trembling, “Why doesn’t he have a birthmark?”