Back to the Present

"Good morning mama."

A soft, sleepy voice greeted me.

I turned my head and smiled. My happy pill. My reason for living.

"Good morning, my love." I pulled my son close and kissed his chubby cheeks.

He pouted, crossing his arms. "I woke up without you again."

I sighed, running my fingers through his soft hair. "I'm sorry, baby. Mama has a lot of work to do."

He huffed but wrapped his small arms around me. "I know, but please don't do it again. I always want to see your beautiful face in the morning."

My heart melted. He was too precious.

"Love you, mama."

"Love you too, my love."

His small arms tightened around me before he pulled back. "Where's Papa?"

I hesitated for a second before answering. "He's in the mexico. I'm sorry, baby. He left without saying goodbye, but he promised he'd be back soon."

His lips curved into a small smile. "Okay, Mom."

I was beyond grateful for my son's understanding heart. Even when he didn't see his father in the morning, he never threw tantrums.

"Mom, I'm hungry."

I chuckled. "Alright, baby. I'll prepare your breakfast."

Thank you!" He grinned, making my heart swell with love.

As I moved around the kitchen, my mind drifted to Jack.

How is he?

I had barely placed the last dish on the table when my son called out to me.

"Mom! Papa wants to talk to you!"

He eagerly handed me my phone, eyes shining with excitement. I took it and held it up to my ear.

"Hey," the familiar deep voice greeted me with a grin.

"Hi," I smiled back. "How's your morning?"

"It's okay. Our little man was in a bad mood when he woke up, though."

Jack chuckled. "Of course. You know he hates waking up without us."

But then his laughter faded, replaced by a deep sigh.

I frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Company problems."

My grip on the phone tightened. "What happened?"

"Someone attacked us. The company's stock value dropped by 60% overnight. I'm already investigating who this 'ILYJ' company is and why they're targeting us."

I bit my lip. "You'll figure it out. I trust you, Jack. You're the best."

He smiled, though it was strained. "You always know how to lift my mood, Stephanie."

"Because I'm your wife, silly Jack!"

He chuckled. "I know. And I love you, my beautiful wife."

"I know, Jack."

"I have to go. I have a meeting soon. Give our little man my kisses. I love you both."

"We love you too."

The call ended, but my heart felt heavy.

Jack was struggling.

And I hated feeling helpless.

What can I do?

Then, an idea sparked in my mind.

I clenched my fists.

Of course, you can help, Stephanie. You have wealth. You have power.

It was time to stop running.

It was time to go home.

And reclaim what was rightfully mine.

Because if there's one thing the world will soon learn—it's that I am no longer the weak, naïve woman they once knew.

I am Stephanie Hernandez.

And I will take back everything they stole from me.