?Chapter 2809:


    “Your mother… she simply can’te for now.”


    Locke stared nkly, confusion clouding his young eyes.


    “Why can’t Mommye to see me?”


    “Because…” Savannah’s voice faltered, torn between what to say and what to withhold.


    He was still so young—how could he possibly understand? And even if he did, would that tender heart of his be able to endure it?


    “Locke.” Savannah hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper.


    “Because… your mother and your father… they can no longer live together.”


    She watched him closely, afraid of what his little face might reveal.


    “But your father… he can’t let go. Does that make sense to you?”


    Locke looked up, his round face suddenly solemn. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he nodded slowly.


    “I get it. Mommy doesn’t want to see Daddy.”


    Savannah’s chest tightened painfully.


    What cruelty it was—to speak such heavy words to someone so small.


    Especially to this little boy, her grandson, the one she had fought so hard to bring into this world.


    Watching him stand there, so still—no tears, no tantrum—how could her heart not ache?


    And yet what she had to say next would wound him even more.


    “Locke.” Her voice wavered, her eyes rimmed red.


    “When your mother left, she couldn’t take you with her. Now… she’s asked Grandma to bring you to her. Will youe with me? Will you go live with your mommy from now on?”


    Locke pressed his lips together, silent as stone.


    He missed her—missed her more than anything. If he could sprout wings, he would have flown to her already.


    But…


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    “Grandma.” His small brows knitted together, his voice trembling.


    “If I go with you… does that mean I can’t be with Daddy anymore?”


    Such a young age—yet his mind was so clear.


    “Daddy and Mommy… I can only pick one, right?”


    Savannah opened her mouth, but for a moment, nothing came out. Then she nodded heavily.


    “Yes… that’s what it means.”


    At that moment, Locke seemed too clever for his own good. Or perhaps too old for his years—shaped by the trials that had marked his childhood.


    Just how much had this little soul endured to grow so calm, so steady?


    “Oh. Okay.” Locke lowered his gaze, his tiny shoulders drooping.


    “I understand.”


    But understanding was not the same as choosing.


    All he had ever wanted was what every child wanted—to have both parents by his side.


    And now, the world demanded a choice.


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