“Come home now,” my mother snapped. “Bring the child.”
“Why?” I said, still holding Ryle.
“Don’t play dumb,” she barked. “If you don’t show up today, you’ll regret it.”
The call ended.
I didn’t argue. I took Ryle and went.
....
Their house was nothing like before. New gates. Guards. Expensive cars lined up like trophies. Power everywhere. That was where the Vanderbilt favor went.
The moment I stepped inside, my mother slapped me. Hard. My head snapped to the side.
She spat at me.
“You shameless thing! How dare you upset Roxanne while she’s pregnant. Do you want to kill her babies?”
Babies. Plural.
“You went online,” she screamed. “You made her bleed. She’s carrying twins. If anything happens, I’ll bury you myself.”
Ryle shook beside me. He bowed his head.
“I’m sorry, Grandma,” he whispered. “I’ll be good. Please don’t hit Mommy. Please don’t hit me.”
Something inside me shattered.
My father kicked me in the stomach. I crashed to the floor, coughing blood.
“You should’ve stayed with your criminal lover,” he roared. “You ruined David and Roxanne’s happiness.”
The door opened.
Roxanne.
My mother’s face changed instantly. She shoved me aside and rushed to her.
“Are you scared? Did she hurt you?”