Mason felt a sharp twisting in his chest. “Why didn’t you tell someone? Your family? Friends?”
“I did,” she said in a low voice. “But life didn’t go the way I hoped. My mother passed away. My job cut hours. Then the bills piled up. When rent went up last year, we were forced out. I tried shelters but they were full most nights. I never wanted to ask anyone for help.”
He stared at her, overwhelmed with grief and regret. While he grew wealthier each year, earning headlines and awards, she had been fighting to keep three children safe in a city that grew colder by the day.
“They are mine,” he said, barely louder than a whisper.
She nodded.
Mason exhaled shakily. “I missed every birthday. Every milestone. I cannot accept that.”
“You did not know,” she replied. “I do not blame you.”
But he blamed himself. Deeply.