**Diary Entry**
*17th May*
Chooseme or your son. He chose her, and by the time he realised his mistake, it was too late.
You little rascal! Ive had enough of you! Emily shouted at two-year-old Oliver.
Daniel, I cant do this anymore! Why should I raise someone elses child? Weve got our own on the way! she snapped at her husband.
Em, hes still my son, Daniel muttered, uneasy.
Exactly! *Yours* and Lucys. That flighty woman swanned off to live her life, and now Im left cleaning up after him! Im exhausted, DanielI can barely keep up at this stage of my pregnancy. Ive had enough. He doesnt belong here! Either we split, or he goes to
Daniel was terrified of losing Emily. He couldnt imagine life without her, especially now they were expecting their own child. Theyd met a year ago, right after his divorce from Lucy, whod been reckless and unreliable. Oliver had only been nine months old when Daniel left, and fate had him crossing paths with Emily soon after. He fell head over heelsshe was strong-willed, always took charge, nothing like his ex.
Then, out of nowhere, Lucy reappeared, handed Oliver over, and signed away her rights. Daniel had no choice but to take the boy in. Emily was livid when she found out, though she reluctantly allowed Oliver to stayfor a while. But the child was heartbroken, crying for his mother, and Emilys patience wore thin. When she gave Daniel the ultimatumher or Oliverhe bundled the boy into the car and drove to his sister Charlottes.
Char, Im sorry to ask, but could you take Oliver for a bit? Emily needs time to calm downshes worn out, hormones all over the place, he defended weakly.
Daniel, how could you? His mother abandoned him, and now youre doing the same? Charlotte scowled.
Im *not* abandoning him! Its just until things settle.
Fine. Leave him. Its not like Emily cares for him anyway.
Thank you, Char. I wont forget this.
Charlotte and her husband, James, had a baby of their own, but they treated Oliver like family. Meanwhile, Daniel and Emily had a daughter, and visits to Charlottes became rare. Oliver stopped calling Daniel “Dad”James was his father now.
Three years later, Charlotte confronted him.
Its been a year, Daniel. When are you taking Oliver back?
Its working fine, Char. I send moneyhes settled here.
Oh, sneaking cash behind Emilys back?
Just dont say anything.
He needs nursery soon. Im going back to work. Soeither take him, or sign over your rights, and well adopt him.
Daniel hesitated. Alright, Char.
*Whats* alright? Whats your decision?
Ill sign.
And he did. Charlotte and James became Olivers parents in every way. Years passedOliver grew up, never suspecting the truth.
One evening, Daniel stood at Charlottes door.
Hey, Uncle Dan! Oliver grinned, then called over his shoulder, Mums insidegotta dash, football practice!
Hi, Char, Daniel said weakly.
Here to moan about your regrets again? You made your choice, Daniel. You cant undo it.
If Id known how itd turn out Emily left me. My daughter barely speaks to me. Let me spend more time with OliverI *know* I failed him.
You want to tell him the truth?
No! Hed hate me.
Charlotte didnt stop them from bonding. Daniel showered Oliver with gifts, desperate to make up for lost time.
When Oliver returned from his military service, Daniel handed him the keys to a brand-new car.
Uncle Dan, youre incredible, but this is too much.
Tears welled in Daniels eyes as he pulled him into a hug.
Take it, please. I always wanted a sonyouve been that for me. Id be crushed if you refused.
Oliver accepted, bragging about his amazing uncle. Daniel ached to hear Dad instead, but hed lost that right. Fear kept him silentwhat if the truth ruined everything? So he clung to what little he had, pretending it was enough.
