And every time, Joel would turn cold and snap at me, calling me a hysterical shrew.
After I'd scratched Kay's arm once, he'd banned me from seeing my son for three straight years. Took the boy to Bali with her instead.
I wasn't about to stir up trouble before I left. Quietly, I gave up the front seat.
When we arrived at the mansion, Joel came around to open my door.
He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.
"Kay doesn't know her place sometimes. Don't take what she says to heart."
I nodded and slipped into the kitchen through the side door.
My heart pounded with a fragile hope—maybe Joel still had some real feelings for me after all.
I glanced back, only to see him guide Kay inside with his hand resting tenderly on the small of her back.
The housekeeper bowed respectfully. "Welcome home, Mr. Gilbert, Mrs. Gilbert."
My nails dug into my palms until they stung. I turned away with a quiet, bitter laugh.
The kitchen was overflowing with ingredients—preparing everything would be exhausting. But thinking of the way Johnny's face lit up whenever he ate something he loved, what did a little exhaustion matter?
Then I heard it—a bright, cheerful voice calling out, "Mama!"