Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 3

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**

**Chapter 3**

Lola was left in a state of shock after Edwin’s emotional eruption. She stood there, her heart racing, as she watched him sob uncontrollably, his small frame shaking with each heave of his chest. Her fingers curled tightly into her palm, her nails digging into her skin as if to anchor herself in the moment. “Edwin,” she said, her voice trembling with desperation, “if I told you I have something incredibly important to give you, would you really not spend even a few minutes with me?”

But Edwin’s response was a wail that pierced through her heart. “I don’t want anything you give me! I just want to stay with Dad. Go away! Leave me here!”

To Edwin, the time spent with Rose had felt like living in a fantasy world. He reveled in the latest gaming consoles, the most extravagant toys, and the freedom to travel wherever his heart desired. He indulged in all his favorite foods without anyone pestering him about healthy eating. With Rose, he felt like a king, surrounded by treasures that made him forget the reality of his situation.

Though he was just a child, he understood the stakes. Everything in this grand house belonged to his father, and if he were to leave with Lola, it would mean relinquishing all of it. The image of a cramped, dilapidated apartment flashed through his mind, a stark contrast to the sprawling mansion he currently inhabited. He envisioned a public school filled with children who had once admired him, now mocking him instead.

That life, he couldn’t bear to even contemplate. No matter what happened, he was determined to remain with the Hudsons.

Lola’s heart sank at the sight of Edwin’s tears. She had nurtured him since the day he was born, yet here he was, refusing to spare her even a fleeting moment of his attention.

Charlie, observing the scene with a furrowed brow, interjected, “If you have something to say, say it to the kid instead of dragging this out.”

Without waiting for her to respond, he seized her wrist, pulling her toward the bedroom with an urgency that made her heart race. Lola, still reeling from Edwin’s rejection, allowed herself to be led until the door clicked shut behind them. It was only then that she mustered the strength to wrench her wrist free, a wave of disgust washing over her. How many times had that hand touched Rose? The very thought made her skin crawl, and she felt an overwhelming urge to tear it off.

For a moment, Charlie merely stared at her, taken aback. She had always been the epitome of composure, the picture of restraint. Throughout their years of marriage, she had never once defied him, never raised her voice, never recoiled in disgust. This was the first time he had seen her look at him with such open disdain.

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