Each word dropped from my mouth like a stone. The taste of blood coated my tongue. He seemed stunned—never once had I, who'd always been obedient, spoken to him like this. His brow furrowed instantly. "Stella, you're being completely unreasonable."
With that, he pulled something from inside his jacket. "I'll trade you this for that worthless box. Happy now?"
It was an exquisite longevity lock pendant—a traditional charm meant to protect a child.
I'd mentioned it to him once, that I wanted to buy one for the baby. He'd only told me to focus on resting and stop worrying about nonsense.
"Isn't this what you've always wanted to give the baby? Here, take it—"
Before he could finish, Cooper cut in with a shriek. "Daddy, that's mine! You had it custom-made for me!"
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Ivan's face, but he composed himself quickly. "Daddy will pick out something even better for you later."
"No!! You can't give away Cooper's things!"
Cooper charged at me and shoved me with all his strength. I wasn't braced for it. My body slammed into the floor, and the box flew from my hands.
"Give it back!"