Chapter 2

2.

The next morning, I drove Jamie to school. When we pulled up, I saw a familiar black Mercedes parked near the entrance.

My heart sank. A bad feeling washed over me.

Inside Jamie's classroom, I saw Clara. She was beaming with joy, holding a young boy in her arms. Standing right next to her was Dante Miller.

In that moment, I felt like my blood had turned to ice.

Clara was speaking to the other children with a nervous, protective smile.

"This is my son, Leo. He just moved here from overseas. Please be nice to him, everyone."

As she spoke, she pulled out a large bag of superhero-shaped chocolates. She handed them out to every child. They were identical to the one she had given Jamie.

Jamie stared at the "happy family" in shock. He gripped the single chocolate in his hand until his knuckles turned white. His eyes slowly turned red.

I sensed something was wrong and tried to pull Jamie away, but it was too late.

Jamie's voice trembled with confusion and hurt.

"Daddy, is that the person she likes?"

I stayed silent. I didn't know how to answer him.

"He has the same chocolates."

Jamie's voice dropped to a whisper, as if he were talking to himself.

"She gave him so many. She gave them to everyone. But I only got one."

My heart felt like an invisible hand was squeezing it. I could barely breathe.

Clara noticed us, and the smile vanished from her face instantly. It was replaced by a look of panic and annoyance.

She walked over to us, her eyes flashing a warning. "Silas, what are you doing here?"

I looked at her coldly and said nothing. She didn't even know which school or class her own son attended.

The boy in her arms pouted. "Mommy Clara, who are they?"

Clara soothed him with a gentle voice, but her words were like ice.

"Just an acquaintance and his kid."

Dante gave me a mocking look, his voice full of triumph.

"Clara, let's go to the principal's office. We need to finish Leo's enrollment paperwork."

Clara nodded. She didn't look at Jamie once as she turned and walked away.

The kids in the class started whispering excitedly.

"Wow, Leo's mom is so cool! She just donated five million dollars to the school so no one picks on him!"

"His mom must love him so much!"

"I wish I were her kid!"

I laughed bitterly in my head. Being her child was a nightmare.

I looked down at Jamie. His small body was shaking. He kept his head down, and I saw drops of water hitting the floor.

He was biting his lip so hard it turned white, trying not to make a sound. But those silent tears hurt me more than any scream.

I knelt down and wiped his face. My voice was raspy.

"Jamie, let's go home."

Jamie looked up at me through his tears. "Daddy, am I not a good boy?"

"Jamie, you are the best boy. Your mother is just too blind to see it."