CHAPTER 51: BLOOD-SOAKED CLOTH

AXEL’S POV

“I feel like a bad mother,” Isla said, and the sadness in her eyes caused my heart to churn. The stern demeanor I had on dropped that instant.

“The kids hate me. That’s why they are mad at me and why they’re not talking to me and rejecting my food. And things feel so weird.”

“I think you’re overthinking it.” My voice sounded a bit edgy.

“I’m not, Axel. I could feel that distance between us, and Stephanie also communicated their feelings to me.”

“I understand,” I said, feeling her pain. “But you don’t need to let that bother you. I’m sure they would come around.”

“How can I not? My own children hate me,” she continued speaking. “A mother is meant to be a role model to her kids, but I’m nothing of that much.”

“You’re Isla. You have always been a role model to your kids.”

“Well, I don’t think they feel so, and you’re only saying these words to make me feel better.” She sighed sadly, a sign I wasn’t doing an excellent job of helping her feel better.

I wasn’t really good at coax