Chapter 108

Grayson’s cries echoed down the hallway, a desperate plea. He watched Paisley walk away, not even glancing back. "Mommy!" he screamed, his voice cracking. "Are you really abandoning me?"

Paisley’s steps faltered, but she didn’t turn. She stepped into the elevator. Grayson, tears streaming, darted after it, the doors beginning to close. He tripped, sprawling onto the cold floor as the doors hissed shut, cutting him off. "Mommy! I'm sorry! Please don't leave me!"

Marissa rushed over, scooping Grayson into her arms. "Sonny, don't cry," she soothed, holding him tight. "I'll always be here for you."

"No! I want Mommy! I need my Mommy!" Grayson sobbed, his tears soaking Marissa's expensive clothes. Inside, Marissa seethed, but maintained a facade of concern. She looked at Dominick. "Dom, do you think Ms. Sutton is upset because of me? Is that why she treated Sonny like this?"

"I swear, I was just worried about Grandpa Paul," Dominick said, "I came to drop off breakfast. Nothing else."

Marissa stroked Grayson's back, her concern feigned. "But Sonny's her child! How could she be so heartless?" She sighed dramatically. "Maybe I should apologize. If that's what it takes for her to accept Sonny…" She started towards the elevator.

"You don't need to do that," Dominick’s voice stopped her.

A flicker of triumph crossed Marissa's face. This was familiar territory. But when she turned, she froze. Dominick wasn't angry; his eyes were red and swollen, tears silently tracing paths down his cheeks.

"Dom," Marissa whispered, disbelief in her voice. He was crying for Paisley.

Dominick quickly wiped his tears, turning away. "There's no point," he said, his voice final. "It's not Sonny she resents. It's me…"

The elevator doors opened on the first floor. Paisley stepped out, her heart heavy. She could still hear Grayson’s cries, but refused to look back. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

"Paisley?" The Sullivan family stood before her, each carrying a gift basket, looking like they were on a mission to visit someone in the hospital. Brittany was dressed to the nines, her oversized sunglasses a clumsy attempt at subtlety. Christina was decked out in designer labels and gold. Gregory was conservatively dressed, but his million-dollar watch caught Paisley’s eye. Had they struck gold? Gregory splurging like that was unbelievable.