Chapter 2

She staggered back, clutching the counter for support, her fingers trembling. Her vision blurred, for a moment, the room spun.

Venus covered her face with her hands. The sting of the slap burned across her cheek like fire.

Alexander stayed still in the chair, his tiny hands gripping the edge of his chair. His wide eyes brimmed with tears. “Aunty…” he whispered, voice small and shaking.

Venus turned to him, despite the dizziness. She lowered herself to his level, “Shh… it’s okay, baby. It’s okay…” Her voice shook fragilely.

Annalise’s voice sliced through the room “What do you think you’re doing, feeding my son?!”

Venus stiffened. She turned slowly, she couldn't believe it.

Feeding him? That’s all I did. I was only trying to help. And now she’s screaming at me like I’m a monster.

Annalise stood a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes blazing with anger.

Who gave you the right to touch my son? She questioned her. “You have no right, no right at all to touch him.”

I… I just, he was hungry,” Venus stammered, swallowing the lump in her throat. “He’s a child. He didn’t ask to be caught in any of this, why are you making him suffer more?

Annalise laughs out loud. “I know your type, Venus,” she said mockingly. “Always pretending to be kind. Acting all gentle and selfless.”

She stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Are you trying to kill my son out of jealousy, Venus?“

Venus gasped. The words struck like a blow to the chest.

“Kill him? Me?” I would never think of hurting him! I can’t even imagine it. How could you say something like that? Her voice rose with fury.

Alexander slid off his chair, his hands pressed against her chest, clinging to her as he sniffled.

Venus melted at the touch of his little hands on her chest. She pulled him closer, holding him tight. “I won’t let her hurt you. I promise.”

Annalise’s face turned red, her eyes burning. She screamed! her voice echoing violently through the house. “Leo! Come down here!

Venus’s heart sank. No… no, he can’t believe her lies. He has to see the truth. She turned slightly toward the stairs, fear rising.

Footsteps echoed on the stairs. Leo appeared, His gaze swept the room. Landing on Annalise’s flushed face, Alexander clinging to Venus, then Venus.

“He’s trying to poison my son!” Annalise shrieked. “Your wife is trying to kill our child!”

“Venus!” His voice’s low and cold, is it true?

No!! “Leo, she breathed, shaking her head desperately. I promise you I didn't do anything to him.

Annalise rushed to his side, pointing a finger at Venus. “I saw her feeding him and whispering to him, poisoning his mind against me! She’s jealous of me!”

“That's not true!” “He was hungry!” Venus burst out, her eyes filled with tears. “That’s all. Nothing else!”

Alexander peeked from behind her shoulder, “Daddy… She gave me food… Please don’t be mad.” His voice was small, pleading.

Venus’s heart broke into a thousand pieces. His tiny voice, so trusting, so innocent, was her lifeline in this storm.

She bent down slightly, brushing his hair from his forehead. “See? She pleaded softly. He’s fine. Nothing's wrong.

Annalise’s temper snapped. Leo! She’s dangerous! He is trying to control my son!” she hissed. I won’t let her near him again!”

Her eyes narrowed, lips pressing into a thin line. “Leo, do something! Don't just stand there”

Leo’s face darkened, eyes hard as steel.

Venus looked at him in shock. No… this can’t be happening, he’s really going to believe her? How could she convince him?

“She’s lying!” Venus shouted. “Leo, you know me, I'm not that kind of person. I would never hurt a child! Never!”

Leo didn’t listen to her, he grabbed her arm with a force that made her stumble. Pain flared through her shoulder.

“Leo… she yelled. please! Listen to me, I'm telling you the truth.”

He flung her across the room like she weighed nothing. She hit the wall hard.

pain exploded through her ribs and back. She collapsed to the floor, gasping, her hands shaking, her vision blurred.

“Aunty!” Alexander screamed. His little voice was high and terrified.

She felt pain in her heart worse than the physical pain. He’s crying because of me.

She tried to rise, but her body wouldn’t let her. She pressed a hand to the floor, looking at Alexander, wanting to go to him.

Annalise stepped forward, snatching him up roughly.

“No!!” Venus sobbed. Stop!

Annalise rocked him as he howled, his small fists pounding uselessly against her chest, reaching for Venus.

Venus’s tears spilled freely. The boy’s sobs shredded her heart.

Believe me Leo! Please!. Her voice broke into sobs, pleading with Leo to see the truth.

Leo’s jaw tickled “You tried to hurt my son. You couldn't bear me not even one for seven years and now you want to kill my only child. I can’t let you stay here.”

Venus pressed her hands to the floor, quivering. No! Leo, don't do this. I didn't do anything wrong. How could you even think I will hurt a child? How could you even believe her?

He dragged her towards the door. Her heart raced, fear and disbelief twisting inside her.

Alexander slipped from Annalise’s arms, ran to her, clutching her shirt, tears flooded his sight.

Venus lifts him into her arms. He buried his face against her shoulder.. “Aunty Don’t leave me, Please!”

Venus’s heart shattered. “I’m here, baby!

Annalise tore him from her arms, holding him tight. You stay here with me!

Leo opened the door, gripped her arm, firm and cold and pushed her outside the door.

The cold air hit her face, pain from the wall still raw in her body. She stumbled, trying to keep balance.

The door slammed shut behind her.

Alexander cries filled the room, echoing in her ears.

She fell to her knees on the driveway. Her body ached.

Annalise’s triumphant laughter rang through the door.

Venus pressed her hands to her face, tears spilling freely. Pain, rage, and heartbreak crashing together.

“NO!” she screamed into the night.