“Mom, you look so ugly now! Like some low-class thug! Change your hair back right away, or I’ll never let you pick me up from school again!”
I met his gaze, unbothered, my expression unreadable. Seconds stretched between us before I finally spoke.
“Do as you please.”
Jasper’s lips trembled. He hadn’t expected his usual threats to fall flat. The realization sent him into a full-blown tantrum, tears, stomping, wailing.
Ava smiled gently, pulling him into her arms.
“Jasper, don’t cry. If you keep crying, Auntie will feel heartbroken. If you want, I can pick you up from school instead.”
Jasper sniffled, touched by her kindness, and threw himself against her.
“Aunt Ava, you’re the best! I wish you were my mom.”
Then, he turned, glaring at me with resentment.
“Unlike some people, who only care about themselves and completely ignore their responsibilities as a mother. So selfish.”
Hugo’s sharp gaze softened the moment it landed on Ava. His voice, once cold and cutting, turned warm, indulgent.
“I’ve been busy with work and haven’t had time to take care of Jasper. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
Ava’s cheeks flushed instantly. She lowered her gaze, feigning modesty.