Chapter 2

A flash of reluctance crossed Alain's face. He glanced at me, keeping his hands at his sides.

Jonathan pouted, his eyes glistening with tears. "Dad, don't you love me anymore?"

Mabel met my gaze and shivered. Her hand quickly clamped over Jonathan's mouth. "I'm sorry, but the kindergarten requires a family photo and a song. I didn't want to intrude, but Alain didn't check his phone. The homework is due tomorrow, so..."

Mabel lowered her eyes, guilt etched on her face. I maintained a stern expression, struggling to contain my anger.

They had been together all day, and now she remembered the homework.

She continued, "Could you do me a favor? I don't want Jonathan to be seen as a fatherless child."

My anger exploded. "Get lost! All of you!"

Jonathan had a father who helped with homework and attended every milestone.

In contrast, Jeff had a father who missed every parent-teacher meeting, never touched his homework, and was never there when he was sick. He was more like a fatherless child.

Alain covered Jonathan's ears, his expression darkening. "There's a child present. Watch your language."

The rims of Mabel's eyes reddened, and she tightened her grip on Jonathan. "Marie, I know you hate me. Hit me or cuss me out. I'll take it all. Just let Jonathan out of it. He is innocent."

Her shoulders shook as she buried her face and wept. "You've been a mother too. I believe you understand how I feel."

Suddenly, Jonathan jumped down and charged at me, slamming his head into my belly. I stumbled, barely managing to steady myself with the table, as pain shot through me.

Before I could react, his fists began to rain down on me, each blow amplifying my discomfort. "Don't bully my mom, you witch! I won't let you steal my dad!"

I pushed him away despite the pain, my face pale as I clutched my belly.

He fell to the ground, wailing, "I hate you! You took my dad away and bullied my mom. My family fell apart because of you. I'm not a happy little boy anymore."

Alain scooped him up, patting his back. "Don't cry, Jonathan. I will protect you."

His cold gaze sliced toward me. "Bullying my son comes with a price!"

"I'm sorry for putting you into this, sweetheart," Mabel sobbed, clutching Jonathan. "We're going home."

Alain's expression softened. He pulled them both into his arms. "No, don't go. This is your home now."

I watched their display of family affection with bitter sarcasm. The sharp pain in my belly made every detail painfully clear.

Sensing my gaze, Alain awkwardly released Mabel and shouted at me. "Marie, you're vicious! Why take adult problems out on a child? He is too young to understand anything."

Tears blurred my vision as I glanced at the boy in his arms. While Alain wasn't paying attention, Jonathan stuck his tongue out at me.

"What kind of child demands to sleep with you at night?" I shot back. "What kind of child pushes others and looks for praise? Sure enough, a mistress's child only knows dirty tricks!"

Veins bulged on Alain's forehead. "Enough! He just misses his dad and wants to protect his mom. I know you can't get over your loss, but that doesn't mean you can vent it on anyone."