Chapter 4

Yolanda’s POV

“Hmm, finally…” I murmured, sipping my wine.

Standing at the mansion’s floor-to-ceiling window, with a view of the garden below, makes my mood. Carter was sitting in an accent chair, his eyes fixed on the outside.

“I’m with you, and we’re no longer out in hiding. Henry is with me, and Madelyn is out of this mansion.” I sighed contentedly. “I’ve never felt so satisfied with my life.”

This is a win. My win. And today is another day to savor the feeling.

I looked at Carter when he didn’t say a word, and noticed his knees kept bouncing restlessly.

I frowned. 

He has been acting weird and jittery since Madelyn left this mansion, and it bothers me.

“You looked troubled, Carter. What’s wrong?” I asked.

He looked at me and blinked twice. Was he not listening to the words I said? 

Carter rubbed a palm over his face.

“I don’t know. I…” he sighed. “Don’t you think we went too far?”

My frown deepened. I know he was talking about Madelyn, and that's what's been making him uneasy these past few days.

It’s infuriating.

I masked the anger boiling inside me with a coy smirk and faced him completely.

“Oh, Carter, don’t tell me you’re feeling guilty? Turning soft, huh?”

“No… I just–”

“You better not be. Don’t forget that you agreed to use my dumb stepsister’s womb so we could complete our family.” I reminded him.

Is he having second thoughts? He can’t be regretting all we did to Madelyn. I won’t let her divide Carter’s attention.

“Wait, have you developed real feelings for her?” I accused, smirking when Carter paled. He never wanted me to be jealous or hate him, and I know it.

“I’m not! I’m just… all this has been…” He was lost for words, and that added flame to my rousing anger.

I can’t let Madelyn affect our family even without her in our lives!

Pouting, I put on an act like I was hurting. “I can’t blame you, you’re with her for five years. It's not impossible you caught feelings for Madelyn.” I staged tears forming in my eyes.

Carter was stunned seeing me cry. He stood up and went to me, touching my arms gently.

“I don’t have feelings for Madelyn, Yolanda. You know you’re the only woman I love.”

“Then why are you acting reluctant? We’ve come this far, we’re finally united as a family!” I sounded like I was in deep pain.

That’s it, Carter. Forget about Madelyn! Just focus on us. Your real family.

“I know, and I’m so happy we’re all together now,” he sighed. “I was just concerned with our Henry. He was very affected by what happened and had been feeling down for days.”

He pulled me in for an embrace. I smirked while burying my head in his chest, feeling triumphant.

“I’ll talk to Henry,” I stated, wiping my tears, pulling myself out of his arms. “I’ll help him feel better.”

Carter’s face shone in delight. “You’ll do that for him?”

“Of course. I’m his real mother, and our bond is greater than what he had with his fake mother.”

Carter grinned. “You’re right, my love. Always is. He’s in his room right now.”

I placed my glass of wine on the table and strode towards Henry’s room. Madelyn should have no space in my son’s heart, and I must make sure of it.

Henry looked up at me as I went inside his room. I smiled brightly.

“How are you feeling, Henry?” I said in a soft voice.

His chin trembled a bit, on the verge of crying. “I miss my mom.” Even his voice was shaking.

My hand formed a fist, my blood boiling, and I cursed Madelyn inside my head, but I kept the smile on my face and strode towards Henry. I kneeled in front of him and held his face with both my hands.

“Listen, baby, I am your real mom. You should call Madelyn as Aunt Madelyn, not Mom.”

“Aunt Madelyn?” he frowned. “She’s not mom?”

“Yes, because I’m your mom. She’s just Aunt Madelyn to you.”

“But she took care of me and loves me like a mom. Isn’t that what mom does?”

I held back a snort. “Well, she did take care of you, but only for a short amount of time, and because it was her job. You see, Mom was sick and I couldn’t leave you alone, so I asked Aunt Madelyn to watch over you. That’s how much I love you, baby. I couldn’t let the doctors treat Mommy without someone making sure you’re safe.”

Henry looked at me, but I saw it in his eyes that he was processing what I said. I know that look, and given I added a lie of being sick, I know my son believed every word.

Henry pouted. “Are you still sick?”

I laughed, knowing I succeeded. “No, Henry. Mommy’s illness is cured. We will be complete and together from now on. You, me, and your Dad. We are the real family.”

Henry nodded slowly.

“You love that we're all together now, right?” I pouted, putting on a little sulk.

“Yes.”

I smiled and ruffled his hair. “Now, since Aunt Madelyn finished her job of taking care of my cute son,” I pinched his cheek. “She’s helping other babies who need care, and every time you think of Aunt Madelyn, she can’t do her job and always gets sad.”

His eyes widened.

“Do you want Aunt Madelyn to get sad and not do her job well?”

Henry quickly shook his head.

“So stop sulking and locking yourself inside your room, okay?”

Henry nodded, but there was still a bit of hesitation in his eyes.

“That’s good. You’re a very good boy, you know that? Mommy is very proud of you.” I smiled.

My eyes caught his wrist and noticed the familiar smartwatch he wore. I know I’m not mistaken. It was one of the latest technologies for children to have direct contact with their parents or guardians.

My nostril flared. To think of my son having a direct form of communication with Madelyn pisses me off.

I reached for Henry’s wrist and swiftly unclasped the watch from him. “You won’t need this anymore, baby.”

I left the room, happy that I cut every way Madelyn might use to reach my son, but I wasn’t satisfied.

There was a great force in my head, screaming that I must secure my position and future.

“I need to find a way to get rid of Madelyn forever.” I murmured to myself and continued planning my next move.