Page 31 of Medical Malpractice

Alexis was also what I physically sought out in a sexual partner back then. With long brunette hair and green eyes so like my beloved, Gabriella, it was not farfetched to think that I chased pleasure in the illusion of her.

“Are you… are you sure the child is mine?” I croaked. “Besides my wife, I’ve always used protection. Without fail.”

At this, Alexis gave an errant smile. “I’m sure… Although, I do want to apologise. I tried to find you over the years, but we never exchanged details.” She shook her head, regret thickening her tone. “I had no way to identify you, let alone inform you of a long-lost child. Please believe me, Leonardo. I did try.”

I still felt like I was in an alternate universe, the hits coming at me so fast I didn’t have time to recover from the impact. Why is she apologising to me?

“W-what do you want from me?” Shit. That came out wrong. “I mean, what happens from here?”

“That’s completely up to you. Believe it or not, I’m not here to implode your life or ask anything of you. I just thought you deserved to know.”

“Can you… tell me about them? Do they have a good life?”

Her eyes sparkled emerald with unshed tears. Then she gave a genuine grin, her expression so full of love, I knew that any child of hers was well taken care of.

“Him. You have an eleven-year-old son. Austin Thorne. He is intelligent, the best older brother and the worst town gossip. He has grown up loved, cherished and wants for nothing…”

I stared on in silence as she continued to describe our son. Alexis was a lot younger than me, but she carried herself with a strength I couldn’t help but respect.

Though that didn’t halt the panic steadily taking me over. What about my girls? What about Gabriella? Fuck. My family. I can’t lose them, lose her.

Unaware of my inner turmoil, Alexis persevered, her voice fading into the background, as terror pulled me under.

The barrage of information was a soul-jerking experience. With each word, my heart felt like it was being torn apart, yet, as soon as the pain processed, I could sense the ragged pieces slowly stitching back together.

My mind, heart and soul were clashing, creating a maelstrom of emotions I couldn’t pinpoint or control.

I was confused. Utterly lost for words and any manner of direction. I required space and time to process everything.

I need space. Without thought, I jolted to my feet.

“I-I need time to think,” I blurted, cutting her off. “P-please leave.”

Alexis gasped, and I closed my eyes. I didn’t mean to come across abrupt or insensitive. But I was at the end of my tether, on the brink of an emotional breakdown, the overwhelming need for space taking precedence over anything else.

I could feel the shift in the air as Alexis stood, and when my lids opened, her whole demeanour had transformed into a protective mama bear.

“I know this is all new and has come as a shock, but I haven’t told you these things expecting anything in return. I want to be clear, Leonardo. We don’t need you. Austin lives a meaningful life, surrounded by a family that loves and accepts him. I raised him as a single mother until I remarried my husband, who adopted him at the age of six.”

Fuck. Why did that feel like she’d shot a bullet straight through my chest?

“Austin knows he has a different dad than his siblings, but in all ways that matter, he already has a father. He has younger siblings. A whole community surrounds him, supporting him. You’re more than welcome to join in and be a part of it, but I have one concrete rule. That you be 100 percent sure and committed if you choose to enter his life.”

Pivoting for the exit, Alexis paused at the door. “I will not bother you again. And if you choose to stay away, I completely understand. But do know this. When he’s older, and he asks about you, I will not lie.”

I slumped down in my chair, completely defeated, devoid of any energy or power. Take this pain. Take it all. I don’t want to feel anymore.

Then, Alexis glanced at me over her shoulder, green eyes glistening with running tears. “If we never meet again, I wish you all the happiness, Leonardo. You deserve to live the fullest life with your Gabriella.”

Then she departed, my office door clicking closed behind her as if she were never there to begin with.

We had once been strangers who bonded over our shared heartache, finding momentary comfort in one another instead of the people we desperately yearned for. And in doing so, we had created a child.

I sat mute and unmoving as the sky darkened outside my window. And with the closing of the day came the breaking of my entire being. Uncontrollable sobs broke from my chest as I mourned my lost child, whilst simultaneously fearing the aftermath of such a revelation.

I had a son. Austin Thorne, my son.

Chapter 19