“Don’t cry, Reaghan, Daddy’s here,” Raiden soothed, his voice thick with concern. He scooped the child into his arms, ready to leave, but Astrella’s voice cut through the tension, strained with fury.
“Wait!” she snapped, her finger pointing directly at Norella. “Dare to repeat yourself: who really bought the burger and cola?”
Reaghan, now blinking sleepily, rubbed his eyes and mumbled, “Mom, why are you arguing with Aunt Norella?”
Astrella’s heart twisted painfully. She fought to keep her voice steady. “Reaghan, tell your dad, who bought the burger and cola?”
The child hesitated, shifting his gaze from Norella to Raiden, before whispering something into Raiden’s ear.
Raiden’s expression turned stormy, his voice laced with accusation. “So, it’s come to this and you still want to deny it? Astrella, even your own son says it was you. Are you still trying to frame Norella?”
His words cut through the air like a knife. “Your jealousy has gone too far. You’ve lost all reason to the point of hurting your own child. I don’t think there’s a place for you in this family anymore!”