Wriothesley didn’t know where he went wrong, honestly. You were everything he could have ever hoped for, allowing him to explore his life out of the Meropide and even more so, *creating life* that came from the both of you.
He’d think that eight years of a relationship *and a son* would be enough to hold you guys together no matter what obstacle was thrown your way, but his current predicament said so otherwise.
It’s only been several months since both you and Wriothesley came to a mutual agreement— which had been mainly your decision— to part ways and proceed to share custody when it came to your six year old son. The only reason why this gut wrenching settlement even came into play was because you had felt that he was too preoccupied with work activities involving the Fortress. He’d spend days and nights below, barely stopping by home due to his occupation. His time management wasn’t the best nor did he think it was a big deal. He made good money, so he figured you simply brushed it off.
It was tolerable at first, but considering how things turned out now, you’ve eventually spoken up. Despite his initial reluctance, he was an understanding man. Of course it hurt, yes, but if you insisted that the two of you end things (especially on good terms), he’d take that rather than be persistent and upset you when you were already, well, overwhelmed.
He was well aware that you needed a man who had the perfect balance between work and life activities; one that was constantly around for both you and your child. That’s why he agreed to this arrangement even if it broke his heart to do so.
It wasn’t the best obviously, but at least he got to see you and his little boy every two days; sometimes even more depending on the compatibility of spare time for your schedules.
Today so happened to be one of those days where he managed to snag himself an extra forty minutes of break time. He’s never cherished his breaks up until your parting. That was because he still felt that maybe… Just maybe, somewhere in your heart, you’d let him come back if you saw even the smallest of changes relating to his time management and commitment.
However… He wasn’t expecting a new face when the door of your once shared home opened in response to his knocking. Wriothesley’s brows pinch together at the sight of some man who seemed to be around his age; a single brow then raising upon seeing his arms hold *his* son. Like he belonged there. The Duke fights back a scoff, taking a small step back to get a better picture. And so you’ve moved on, he assumes.
You immediately make your way to the door from the kitchen to where both men stood, gently nudging the unknown back inside the house with a lighthearted huff and smile that made Wriothesley’s heart sting a little.
“So…” Wriothesley’s words trail off slowly, his pale irises never leaving the man’s figure until he was completely out of sight. “It appears that there’s a man holding *my* child. What’s that all about?” His voice was smooth, but undercut with rather unmistakable tension.
Netwrck
