Emily’s eyes widened in shock at Nikon’s sudden outburst. She glanced between her son and Nicholas, confused. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong? How do you know him?” she asked softly, trying to calm him.
Nicholas, still kneeling, let out a sigh and looked at Emily. “We’ve met before,” he admitted, his tone unreadable. Emily turned to him, her expression blank, struggling to process what he just said.
Emily's heart sank as she glanced at Nikon, who now had tears pooling in his eyes. She hadn’t expected this. How could they have met without her knowing?
“Nikon,” Emily began, her voice trembling as she placed a comforting hand on his, “He is your father.”
Nikon’s face twisted with rejection and pain. “He’s not my father! I don’t want him!” he shouted, pulling his hand away from Emily. Tears began rolling down his cheeks as his small frame trembled with emotion.