“You don’t get to call him your son, he is a stranger to you. Did you notice the way he wasn’t excited to see you, didn’t run into your arms? That’s because he doesn’t know who the hell you are. You want to claim him, be my guest. We can go to the courthouse and start the back pay for five years of child support you owe. But there is no way in hell that you get to talk to me like that. Not any more.” The anger in my voice is eerie – as though I’m listening to a stranger speak.

“I’m not paying shit,” he yells, clearly shocked, “I can’t even be sure he’s mine.”

Six years ago, that would have hurt. Not today. Michael is expecting it to hurt me, he smirks when he speaks thinking he is going to win whatever game he is playing. Instead of shrinking in on myself, begging him to believe me, I stand my ground.

“Oh for god’s sake Michael, you are a pathetic excuse for a man. You are here yelling because I have a new life? You haven’t been around for six years and you think you get a say? You don’t get to make me feel small, I’m worthy of respect. You want to yell and swear because it makes you feel like a big man, I don’t care.” It feels good, regaining my power from him. Liam has given me a landing pad that I never knew I could have. I can rant and rave and yell at my ex and Liam isn’t going to think any less of me.

“So, here’s your choice.” I steel my gaze on his. “Leave me and my family alone, disappear back into whatever hole you crawled out of or take me to court, try and see your son, but be ready for me to take you for all you are worth; not for me, I don’t need anything from you, but for Jack.” The whispers around us intensify but nobody moves. I watch a million emotions flit behind Michael’s eyes. Shock. Anger. I wait for guilt to hit him but it doesn’t, instead he smirks again.

“Fuck you Ellis. I could ruin you! You might think you’re happy but he left you once, now you think he is going to stick around? You’re delusional. He doesn’t want you, you were just an easy piece of ass. Liam will leave you alone, you and that bastard kid.” Michael all but yells that, wanting to embarrass me in front of Liam and the crowd of fans. But I don’t let him.

Beside me, Liam takes a step forward. Silent, jaw clenched. A towering, intimidating athlete. Michael staggers back slightly before turning on his heels and walking away, his pace quickening.