Part 3Mom’s Two Children

Eleanor Hayes hadn’t thought about that child in a long time. After all, she had long since acted as if she had never given birth to him. If her daughter hadn't brought it up today, she might not have recalled him for a long time, nor would she have thought about her first failed marriage.

She should have cut her losses when her husband started staying out all night. But her repeated concessions allowed that man to test her boundaries again and again. He began to smell of other women’s perfume. He would brazenly take his lovers on trips, claiming to be away on business.

Eleanor was heartbroken. She believed that even if her husband betrayed her, the son she had given half her life to bear would always be on her side. But she was wrong. Despite showering Lucas with boundless patience and tenderness, giving him all the love she could, Lucas ultimately disappointed her.

She heard little Lucas holding that woman’s hand and calling her "Mom." He said his mother was messy and annoying, always nagging him, and that he wished he had a pretty, gentle lady for a mom instead. From that moment, Eleanor understood: Lucas was just like his father, an ungrateful wretch through and through.

She was utterly disillusioned with this family. During the divorce proceedings, Eleanor relinquished custody of Lucas, striving to secure the best possible settlement for herself. She even remembered the reactions of the man and the little boy when she moved out of the Rothwell home. The older one was relieved. The younger one was ecstatic.

"Yes! I can get a new mom! This is great!"

Each cheer was like a thorn, piercing Eleanor’s heart. And like a knife, it severed the last shred of attachment she felt for that son.