Love That Cost A Child

Mia’s  P.O.V

Luke, the product of our marriage had to suffer for my husband's infidelity.

We had managed to keep Luke stable for years after he was diagnosed with a chronic heart hole. Every breath he took made me worried about how fragile he was.

"Don't worry, i'd always be there for you and Luke" i remember my husband Liam, had promised the very first time Luke was diagnosed by the doctor.

Yet every time Luke had an attack, his father never showed up. He would always claim to be busy with work or in a meeting.

The day of Luke’s big school performance, I tried to keep things positive. “Dad will be there to watch, right?” Luke asked with hope shining in his eyes. 

“Of course he will,” I replied, forcing a smile. But Liam had left my countless messages, all unanswered.

Luke dressed up, his little blazer making him look like the gentleman I was raising him to be. In the car, his excitement slowly faded as he checked his phone. “Mum, Dad hasn’t called back, has he?.”

I didn’t want Luke to hate his dad. But I was tired of making excuses. “I’m sure he’s just caught up in a meeting, honey. He hasn’t forgotten.” I tried to reassure him as I dialed Liam again.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally picked up, sounding irritated. “What do you want?”

“Liam,” I started, keeping my voice steady, “it’s Luke’s performance today. He’s been looking forward to seeing you there. I hope you haven’t forgotten.”

“Oh, that. I’m sorry, it slipped my mind. Could you cover for me this time?”

“This would be the fifth time you are letting your son down, Liam,” I snapped, unable to hide my frustration anymore.

“I know, babe, but I’m meeting with some big clients today. This deal is worth millions, especially with Luke’s medical bills…”

Before I could respond, he hung up.

Same line, same excuses.  Liam was fond of doing this, using Luke's ailment as an excuse for his negligence as a father. Even though I was aware of the cost of Luke's treatment and check up, it wasn't so expensive that Liam would have to work all night. We were not poor.

I clenched my fists and glanced at Luke, his innocent face turned toward me in expectancy for his dad’s arrival.

“Luke…” I began softly, not wanting to break his heart.

“Dad is not coming, right?” he asked, his tiny voice shaky.

I couldn’t lie. “I’m sorry, sweetie. But mummy’s here. And Uncle Mark, your dad’s assistant, will be there to cheer you on.”

“No!!!” he cried, tears welling up. “I don’t want Uncle Mark! I want Dad. Why doesn’t he ever come? Does he hate me because I’m sick?”

“Oh, no, Luke. Dad loves you very much,” I whispered, trying to soothe him. But my words barely reached him before his body went limp beside me, and I could barely feel his breath.

Panic surged through me as I raced over to the hospital as fast I could.

It had been two hours since Luke was rushed to the Emergency Room. I sat in the sterile, cold waiting room, drowning in silence.

My calls to Liam went unanswered. Finally, in desperation, I reached out to his assistant, Mark.

“Mark, where is my husband?” I snapped.

“Ma’am, Mr. Wright is at a business dinner,” Mark answered hesitantly.

“I don’t care. Get him on the phone now!” I yelled.

After a pause, Liam’s voice came on the line, his voice trailed with annoyance. “Why are you being so difficult? I thought I asked you to fill in at the performance.”

“Liam,” I said, barely containing my rage, “our son needs you.” I pleaded, trying to hold myself together.

There was a brief silence, which was accompanied by a woman’s voice. “Liam, maybe you should go,” she said, and my heart sank at recognition of her voice. It was Anna.

“Is that Anna?” I asked, my voice trembling with anger.

“Yes,” Liam replied flatly. “She’s helping with our foreign investors. You know she’s fluent in French.”

My hands shook as I swallowed my frustration. “Our son is dying, Liam. And you’re having dinner with Anna?”

Liam laughed bitterly causing my heart to ache more. “Stop being dramatic. I’m sure it’s nothing serious. And don’t use our son to manipulate me.”

“I’m not lying! If you won’t come, at least send the master card to cover his treatment fees. I need—” 

Liam had hung up just as I was about to ask for his credit card to pay for Luke’s surgery. Minutes later, the doctor emerged from the ER, with a sad look on his face.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Wright. We did everything we could but we lost him.”