Novel Palace
56
Los Angeles, Sebastian
The private jet soared through the sky, and I gazed out the window, watching the world below. The gender reveal party had just concluded, and I had to return to Los Angeles immediately due to upcoming meetings the next day. It was a whirlwind day, filled with excitement, laughter, and joy, as we celebrated the revelation of our baby’s gender.
Mia and I had been over the moon with happiness upon learning that we were going to have a baby boy. The thought of a little boy running around in a few months filled me with anticipation and warmth. A smile graced my face as I thought of the incredible journey that lay ahead for us as parents.
“Champagne, Mr. Thornton?” the flight attendant inquired, breaking me from my reverie.
I nodded with gratitude and watched as she deftly poured champagne into a glass, setting it in front of me. I took a sip, the effervescent liquid sparkling on my palate, and leaned back in my chair. The comfort of the private jet was a welcomed reprieve, allowing me to savor the events of the day.
As I relaxed in my seat, my phone buzzed with a message from Patrick. I opened it, curious about the contents. He had mentioned that my mother wasn’t too happy about not being invited to the gender reveal. I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. The strained relationship with my parents had played a significant role in that decision, as well as the tension surrounding Mia’s own family.
Mia and I had chosen to exclude both our parents from the event. Their actions and words had made it clear that they held reservations about our relationship and the impending arrival of our child. The negativity and disapproval they had expressed were not sentiments we wanted to surround ourselves with on such a special day.
I texted Patrick back, reaffirming my stance on the matter. “I know mother isn’t pleased, but Mia and I agreed that it was for the best. We needed today to be about celebrating the love and support we have from our chosen family, friends, and community.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
As I pressed send, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of resolve about the decisions Mia and I had made.
As the private jet continued its journey, I had just settled into my seat and was attempting to unwind when my phone suddenly rang. The caller ID displayed my mother’s name, and a feeling of dread washed over me. I knew her persistence all too well. Reluctantly, I picked up the phone because I was aware she wouldn’t stop calling until I did.
“Sebastian,” she greeted, her voice laced with a feigned sweetness that made my eyes roll involuntarily. “How are you?”
I sighed inwardly, preparing myself for another one of her attempts to manipulate the conversation. “I’m fine, Mother,” I replied curtly. “Is there something I can do for you?”
Her tone quickly shifted as she broached the topic that had been causing a rift between us. “I’ve heard about the gender reveal. It’s sad that we, as the grandparents, aren’t invited,” she said, her voice dripping with insincerity.
I massaged my temples, bracing for the confrontation I knew was inevitable. “Mother,” I said with exasperation, “you don’t even want the baby. You don’t even like Mia. You have no reason to be invited.”
She scoffed, her words veiled in hypocrisy. “Sebastian Thornton, I am over the moon about that baby. The baby that you and Amanda will raise.”
I couldn’t help but let out a resigned sigh. “Mom, Amanda isn’t going to raise any baby. I’m not getting married to Amanda!” I repeated the truth for what felt like the hundredth time.
Her tone turned judgmental as she launched into her well-practiced speech. “Oh, come on, Sebastian. Mia is a devil woman. She doesn’t know how to raise a kid. She will turn the child into the devil’s spawn. Amanda grew up prim and proper. She is a child of God.”
A dry chuckle escaped my lips, a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Don’t ever call me and insult my wife, Mother,” I said firmly, my patience wearing thin. “I promise that I will cut you out of my life forever.”
There was a gasp from the other end of the line as my mother reacted with shock. “Sebastian!” she exclaimed, aghast. “How could you say something like that?!”
I took a deep breath and, with a heavy heart, responded, “Goodbye, Mother.”
I ended the call and placed my phone on the table, frustration coursing through me. My head was dizzy, a mixture of anger, sadness, and exhaustion. Once again, my mother had managed to disrupt my peace and attempt to undermine my relationship with Mia.
As I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my mother’s disapproval and her unrelenting desire to control my life. It was a battle I had been fighting for a long time, and I was determined to protect my relationship with Mia, no matter the cost.