Chapter 16
10 youchers
When Logan walked back into the preschool, Samuel’s tearful shouting still rang clearly through the hall.
“Why is it wrong, Isabella? You told me that’s how it was done! I even asked you yesterday–why what you said was different from what Mom said. You said Mom was the one who was too dumb to teach it right. So how come everything you taught is wrong?
You said Mom was the one who was too dumb to teach it right. So how come everything you taught is wrong? So which is it? Do you not know how, or do the teachers not know?
‘I want first place! I have to be first! Grandpa will scold me if I’m not. He’ll say I can’t even get this right. He’ll praise my cousins, and then he’ll say I’ve inherited mom’s stupidity, making me a useless fool who can’t even get first.
‘I don’t want Grandpa to say those things. If he does, everyone will laugh at me. They’ll all join in and make fun of me for having a dummy for a mom.
“Why did I have to get a mom like this? Why do I have to get scolded because of her?
“And you! You said it wouldn’t be wrong. Why is everything wrong? Are you as stupid as a pig too?”
In the six months since Isabella had been back, this was the first time Samuel had ever shouted at her like this. She was stunned, frozen in place.
She was just about to snap back when she heard footsteps behind her. Swallowing her anger instantly, she forced her voice into a wounded, gentle tone. “Samuel, I’m sorry, sweetheart. It’s my fault…”
Before she could finish, Logan’s voice cut through the air from the doorway. “Samuel! Who taught you to speak that way?”
Already upset, Samuel only cried harder at his father’s shout. His little body, still not fully recovered, shook with sobs that turned into dry heaves. A red rash began blooming on his skin.
‘Logan, what’s wrong with him?” Logan’s own eyes flashed with alarm. He scooped the boy up without another word and headed for the exit.
Only after he was out the office door did he seem to remember Isabella. He threw the words over his shoulder. “Tell his teacher he’s sick. I’m taking him to the hospital.”
Isabella stopped, then turned mechanically back toward the classrooms. Samuel’s jab had hit its mark.
She’d thought winning the kid over with snacks and playtime would buy her more moments with Logan. She never dreamed a five–year–old could be this much work.
No wonder Eliana skipped town so fast, she thought bitterly. Dumping this handful on someone else? I’d be grinning too.
But she was in too deep now. If she wanted Logan back, this was part of the deal.
In the car, the driver sped toward the hospital while Logan held his son in the backseat. Samuel’s words echoed in his head, leaving a heavy, sick feeling in his chest.
He looked down at the boy, now quiet but sniffling. “Samuel,” he said softly. “Did Grandpa really say those things?”
Samuel’s face went pale. Fresh tears spilled over. “Grandpa doesn’t like Mommy. I don’t like Mommy either.”
Then Samuel added, “Grandpa says she’s the worst daughter–in–law he has. That her family is useless to ours. He said it would be okay if she was smart, but she had to go and have a dumb kid like me.
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2:23 am P
Chapter 16
12:10 vouchers
“Every time I get a bad score, he says that. He makes me sleep in the study as punishment. Tells me to think hard. Says I’ll run the family company someday and I shouldn’t wreck it like the Lyonses did.
Samuel’s voice broke into a sob. He clutched Logan’s sleeve. “Daddy, I didn’t get first place this time. When we go to Grandpa’s for New Year’s, he’s gonna yell at me again. I don’t wanna go. I’m scared.
“Daddy, can you get me a different mom? If my mom was smart and good, Grandpa wouldn’t yell.
“Grandma says they all like Auntie Isabella. She says Auntie Isabella should’ve been my mom.
“If Isabella was my mom, would Grandpa stop? Would I not have to sleep in the study anymore?”
Each word, spoken in that small, tear–clogged voice, was a hammer blow to Logan’s conscience.
Eliana had tried to tell him about this. He’d never really listened. What family didn’t have some in–law drama? He’d written it off as her being overly sensitive.
But hearing it now, straight from his son–the fear, the shame–it twisted something inside him. A strange, sharp ache spread through his chest, so unfamiliar it left him cold.
“Daddy? Can Isabella be my mom?” Samuel asked.
Logan pulled his son closer. “Samuel, you can’t think like that. Eliana is your mother. She gave birth to you. She raised you.” Logan replied.
“If you’re scared of Grandpa, you don’t have to go this year. But don’t ever talk about changing mothers again.”
Samuel’s wet eyes widened. “Really? Really, Daddy? I don’t have to go?”
Logan nodded, a pang of guilt hitting him. He’d been so hands–off. Eliana had handled everything so seamlessly he’d just checked out. Focused on work. It was a marriage of convenience to begin with, so he’d never bothered to look closer.
Only now did he glimpse the loneliness she must have carried. The ache in his chest was confusing. One thing was clear, though: he’d never actually wanted a divorce.
But begging her to come back? Out of the question. He’d give her time. She’d come to her senses. When she did, he wouldn’t make it hard for her.
The next day, he was home with Samuel, who was on sick leave. When the front door opened and Eliana walked in, a stupid wave of relief washed over him.
Before he could speak, Isabella emerged from the kitchen, all smiles. “Lunch is ready! I’m no chef, but be kind?”
He saw Eliana’s brow furrow slightly. His first instinct was to explain. But Eliana’s eyes slid right past him. She walked around them and started up the stairs without a word.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
