Chapter 3

3

Over the next few weeks, they stopped hiding their true colors.

Caleb was constantly asking for large sums of cash for "processing fees" and "consultants."

My savings started to vanish.

Vivian was at our house almost every day, acting like she was the lady of the manor.

She started criticizing my cooking and telling me the house wasn't clean enough.

She even started "borrowing" my expensive skincare and wearing my designer clothes.

"Elena, this dress is a bit too mature for you. I'm a little slimmer, so it fits me better anyway. We shouldn't let it go to waste."

She posed in front of the mirror in my silk evening gown.

I just nodded. "If you like it, take it."

Jaxson became more disrespectful by the hour.

He wouldn't eat or wear anything unless Vivian approved it first.

Every sentence started with "Auntie Vivian said" or "Auntie Vivian bought me this."

I bought him a limited-edition Lego set, and he threw it in the corner.

"Auntie Vivian is taking me on a trip to Europe! This toy is for babies!"

Caleb didn't even bother to hide his flirting with Vivian in front of me anymore.

One day, I came home early and found Vivian coming out of the master bathroom wearing my robe.

"Oh, Elena, you're back? My water heater is broken, so I just used your shower." Her hair was still wet, and she didn't look sorry at all.

Caleb stepped out of the study and frowned. "Babe, you should call before you come home. You gave us a start."

I stood in the hallway and slowly let my lips curve into a smile.

"Sorry. I'll make sure to call next time."

The house paperwork was finished quickly. We just needed to sign the final deed.

That day, Caleb came home early, and Vivian arrived with a small, frail boy in tow.

The boy kept his head down, wearing dirty, oversized clothes.

On his thin wrist was a faded red silk cord bracelet.

My heart nearly stopped beating.

That was my baby. My real son.

"Who is this?" Caleb asked, his face full of disgust.

Vivian pushed the boy roughly. "Just some stray kid I picked up. He's been a little brat since he was born. No wonder his parents dumped him."

I clenched my fists so hard my nails drew blood.

My biological son was being called a "stray brat" in his own father's house.

Jaxson pinched his nose and screamed. "He smells! Get him out!"

When the boy looked at Jaxson's toys, Jaxson ran over and shoved him.

"Don't touch my stuff, you freak! You probably have diseases!"

I wanted to scream, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"Jaxson, let him play in your room for a bit," I said softly.

"No way!" Jaxson shrieked. "He's not allowed in my room!"

Caleb sighed in annoyance. "Who cares about a stray? Let's get to the paperwork."

Vivian kicked the boy's leg, making him stumble.

"Look what you did! You're bad luck! You made Jaxson upset. Get in the corner!"

I stood up abruptly and moved toward the shaking child.

Caleb looked at me with suspicion. "Elena, why are you hovering over a stranger like that?"

Vivian added snidely, "Yeah, anyone would think he was yours."

The pain in my palms kept me grounded.

I couldn't lose it now. Not yet.

I let go of the boy and forced a stiff smile.

"I just think he looks pathetic. Forget it. Where's the contract?"

I gently nudged the boy away, signaling him to stay out of their sight.

He huddled in the shadows by the wall like a terrified animal.

Seeing him like that broke me in a way I can't describe.

Caleb and Vivian's suspicion faded as they focused on the gold-trimmed documents.

I picked up the pen and signed the name "Jaxson Vance" on the deed.

The pen felt like a weapon.

"It's done," I said, handing it back.

Caleb checked the signature and grinned wider than I'd ever seen.

I walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

As I passed the corner, I slipped a small cupcake into the boy's hand.

He flinched, looking up at me with tears in his eyes, too scared to take it.

I mouthed one word: "Eat."

Then I walked into the kitchen and leaned against the cold counter.

I finally let the tears fall, but I didn't make a sound.

I'm so sorry, my baby.

Just hold on a little longer.

Mommy is going to make them pay for every single tear you've shed!