War God's Reckoning

You lived a lie

Xavier’s phone rang, distracting him from what he had been doing. It was his son's fourth birthday, and he had gotten everything ready for the celebration with the help of the household staff.

He was currently wrapping up gifts for little Ethan. Nancy might have done him wrong, but his son was his no matter what. Even if they divorced, his boy was coming with him.

“Boss, the divorce couldn't be processed.”

Xavier frowned, sitting up on the wheelchair. “What do you mean?”

“Sir, the government records show you've never been married.”

His hands shook. He had thought he couldn't feel any more hurt than what he had already experienced so far. How wrong he had been!

The fire burning in his chest spread across his body. In an instant, sweat matted every inch of his skin.

“But the madam's profile is showing married.”

“Why did it reflect on hers but not mine?” Even as he asked, he already knew, dreading the answer.

“The groom is Jason Blackwell, not you.” There was a short pause at the other end, and Xavier's breath ceased. “I'm so sorry boss.”

“It's fine. In an hour, come pick me up. Ethan's birthday would be over by then.”

He managed to end the call, and his hand went to his breast pocket. He fished out a marriage certificate. Xavier had treasured it like it was his most prized possession, only to realize it was a cheap fake.

None of the things she showed him was real, he had been the one stuck in his delusion, blind to her lies and living in a fool's paradise.

He tore up the certificate and wheeled himself out, feeling suffocated.

“That cripple is not my father. He's just our housekeeper, doing chores and cooking. Don't you have a nanny at home?”

The voice he heard was Ethan's, his precious son. Sounds of running feet followed, then his signature whine.

“Mommy, when are you going to leave that disgraceful man? He's an embarrassment. My classmates are mocking me because of him.”

Jason chuckled, while Nancy squatted before him.

“Tone it down baby. Your daddy will be hurt. He has been taking care of you since you were born.”

“He's not my daddy.”

Jason smiled and caressed Ethan's hair.

“Exactly, Nana. Our son is already a big boy, you don't need to lie or cover up. Our son no longer wants him, why are you still hesitating? Let's go on with the plan.”

Nancy turned to Ethan. “If I leave your daddy Xavier, are you sure you will not regret it?”

“Yes, I want him to leave immediately and get out of here. He's not my real daddy, all he knows is to embarrass me. I only want daddy Jason.”

Ethan pouted, stamping his feet.

“Other people’s daddy takes them to amusement parks, and teaches them to play basketball. But all he does is cook and clean, he is useless and disgraceful. I don't want a daddy like him.”

Jason looked quite satisfied with himself as he caressed Ethan's hair.

“Alright, my precious baby. After today, that disgraceful uncle will never sully your sight again.”

In the background, Xavier smiled wryly. Even the son he loved more than life wasn't his. The son he has sacrificed everything for hated him.

He chuckled self deprecatingly, and turned to leave. His wheelchair hit a flower pot nearby, attracting everyone’s attention.

Xavier froze. In an instant, the door was thrown wide, and Jason stood there before him. On seeing it was Xavier, he chuckled.

Nancy’s eyes turned wide with shock and she clenched her fists, panicking.

“Oh, big brother, what are you doing snooping by the door?” His words seemed innocent, but the provocation and mockery in his eyes were glaring.

He leaned closer to Xavier. “Did you hear that? My son hates you. Thank you for taking good care of my wife and son for the past five years, but I'm back now. Get lost. As for the company and the joint assets, we will use it well on your behalf.”

Xavier gritted his teeth, his eyes red with rage and resentment. Jason smirked creepily, and suddenly fell down.

“Big brother, why did you push me? I was only trying to help you inside.” He looked aggrieved as he spoke, and the guilt in Nancy's heart dissolved into anger.

“You lowlife, how dare you hit him?”

Nancy rushed to him and gave him a loud slap. Her palm print appeared on his face, and he looked at her in shock.

Ethan burst into tears and rushed to him. He began to pummel Xavier with his small hands crying.

“Bad daddy, I hate you. Leave my daddy Jason alone.”

At that moment, the ache in his chest disappeared. Perhaps, he had gone numb, or his soul had died.

In the lower part of his belly, the seal on his energy core which sealed his cultivation began to crack. The techniques he cultivated were restricted by love and emotions. However, he had willingly shackled himself, choosing love over power.

Now that the love and ties had fractured, naturally, his powers began to return.

He looked at Nancy. “You always believe whatever lies he tells you. After all these years, don't you know what I'm capable of? Nancy, you disappoint me.”

Nancy who had been dusting Jason off turned to him, her expression turning glacial. “Since you heard what our son said, let's get divorced.”

Xavier chuckled. Even now, she was lying, pretending to be married to him. He turned to Ethan who was still pummeling him with little fists, and grabbed his arm, restricting his movements.

“Ethan, even if your mother quarrelled with me, how could you bear to attack a father who had loved you more than his life?”

“You're not my daddy. Uncle Jason is my daddy. I don't want you, leave.”

Xavier nodded. The little cherub face he had adored turned to something else before him. He had truly been a fool, loving people who detested him, treating them like treasures.

“Ethan, I will ask you again, do you really not want to be my son? If I leave today, I will never return, even if you regret it.”

“I won't regret it. You always hurt uncle Jason. Just leave already. We will find a better chef than you. I'm already a big boy, I don't need a nanny.”

“Nanny…” He echoed, laughter bubbling in his chest. Xavier nodded, bitterness filling his heart.

“Cut the crap already. Ethan is my son, can't you see the resemblance? Do you think my son will choose you over his biological parents?”

He looked up at Nancy, his eyes clouded with bitterness. “Fine, prepare the documents.”