Noah stared at his son, and he was suddenly short of words. He didn't know what to tell him except a quick lie that crept into his head.
“I don't know when I'll be returning. I can't say for certain but I will definitely return. I'll speak with you and update you of my whereabouts when I'm out there, okay?”
“Okay daddy. Can you teach me some coding lessons before you go?”
“Sure. Let's go to your room.”
Noah always taught his son a lot on computer, coding and computer programming. That day, he taught the boy so many things and cleared his doubts and confusion in a lot of places. He didn't know how long it would be till the next class but he silently hoped, prayed and wished it wouldn't take too long.
“Daddy, what about this one?” Liam asked, pointing at a section on the laptop.
“No dear. It's advanced. You will learn that one later. Practise the ones I have taught you, and maybe with the knowledge, you will do this one later, okay?”
“Okay daddy. I'll practise very well and make you proud. When you return, I'll show you all the new things I learnt on my own too!”
“That's my baby boy!” Noah smiled and hugged him. Dinner was set, the family had dinner and had a long, warm conversation after dinner. Noah had begged Emily for that one last time.
“Just call a truce for a few hours. Let Liam feel the bond just before I go. I don't want him to get hurt when I leave, and think of any bad things, please.”
Emily thought about it carefully and finally gave in. Surely, it wouldn't be fair to put the growing boy through the troubles of a broken home especially when he was very used having his father around.
Noah got dressed the following morning and grabbed his briefcase. A look at him, one would think he was going to the office as usual, but he wasn't going to only the office. He was leaving the house for good as well. He took none of his clothes or shoes or any other thing from the house aside from the necessary documents he needed. He would get new ones and start again. When he was set, he took his car keys and stopped in front of Emily's room.
“Sweetheart, I'm leaving. Please, take care of Liam. I'm begging you again, please, give this a rethink. I love you and I don't want to ruin this marriage we've built in peace and love for years. Please, take a deep breath and reconsider your thoughts. I know I have no excuse and I'm sorry. But I didn't do it.”
“I'll take care of Liam and I don't need to reconsider my thoughts. Sign the divorce papers!”
“Emily? Fine. If after six months, you haven't changed your mind, I'll sign the papers and leave your life for good.” Noah wanted to pull her into his embrace one last time but he knew better. He looked straight into her eyes and left. Emily on her own wanted to hug him and kiss him, she too would miss him but the acrimony in her heart would not give way for other mild and sweet emotions. He dared to cheat on her and even lie to her face.
Noah knocked on Liam’s door and entered his room. The little boy was getting ready for school when he entered.
“Good morning, daddy. How was your night?”
“Fine, my lovely boy. How was yours?”
“It was fine too, daddy. You are already all set to leave. I'll miss you daddy!” Liam cried and ran into his father's embrace, nearly throwing him off balance.
“I'll miss you too. But hey, it's for our good that daddy has to go on a long trip. If I return, I'll make it up to you, I promise. Just wish daddy well every day you wake up, okay?”
“Okay daddy. I'll miss you. But don't worry, I'll be a good boy and wait for you to return and I will not give mummy any trouble.”
Noah hugged him tighter and kissed his forehead. Then he took off his chain that came in sets and gave one to the boy.
“I'll wear it for you. At least, you can always remember daddy, alright?”
“Okay daddy. That will be great!”
While this boy was excited to have his father put his golden chain on his neck, Noah was a broken mess while he was doing that. He didn't know when he would meet the boy next. Afterwards, he hugged him and left the house for good.
While Noah was unhappy and trying his best to solve the situation, it was a different story for Grace Shields. She was in her house, celebrating her recent success with her friend and adviser, Aria.
“You needed to see the look on his face when I told him that he slept with me. I was scared at the initial time but then, I recalled what you asked me to do then I stood my ground. He even said he was going to take legal action and asked me to go back to his wife and tell her everything while he was still being nice. I didn't flinch because I've got everything mapped out and under control.”
“That's my girl. Meanwhile, how did the whole thing start? What did he say and what was your response?”
“He came into the office, fuming and asked me the meaning of what I'm doing. I looked at him, and pretended to be confused.”
“Don't you dare play cool with me. What games are you playing? What are you saying to my wife?”
“Oh! That? I was only telling her the truth so that she can get ready to accommodate us. I also told her how good you are in bed, you were a king in bed…”
“Oh shut it. What nonsense is that? Have you gone mad? I can never stoop so low as to have anything with you. You had the nerves to drug me at the business meeting. Not only that, you took an immoral picture and sent to my wife, claiming that we are having an affair? Is there something wrong with you?” Noah asked in anger.
“When you were riding me and taking me to cloud 9, you had no idea, now, you want to yell at me. Emily is gone, bear with it. I, Grace Shields, is the rightful person for that title, Mrs Harper.”
Aria laughed so hard that she nearly fell off her seat as her friend was narrating the event.
“And at the end of the day, that young handsome man terminated my contract.”
“You no longer work with him?” Aria pried.
“Yes, but it's only temporary. We must finish this project together. Whether he likes it or not. But for now, the contract is gone.”