Chapter 2

"What are you talking about?" Alexander's voice boomed.

I saw his expression darken with rage.

The air grew thick with tension.

But I refused to back down.

"It's been eight years, Alexander. I want out," I stated clearly.

He glared at me. "What's wrong with you? Why cause trouble now? I told you Liam is just a kid. Don't take his actions personally. It's his birthday today. Come with me. I'll deal with him later."

Alexander reached for my hand, pulling me toward the door.

I snatched my hand back. "You promised I could leave when he turned eight. So why am I the one causing trouble?" I challenged.

Before he could respond, an angry voice cut through the air.

"Rachel, you have no shame! Always making everything about you, even on my grandson's special day!"

I recognized that voice instantly.

Victoria. My stepmother. Liam's grandmother.

She was the one who made the deal with Alexander. Eight years, then freedom.

So why were they acting like this now?

"I'm not making it about me, Victoria. You said I could leave after eight years," I reminded her.

She laughed mockingly. "Did you have to bring this up today?"

"It's fine. I'm sure Rachel didn't mean any harm," Alexander interrupted.

In the past, his defense would have made me blush.

Now I knew better. It was just another pathetic attempt to keep me trapped.

"Come on, let's join the party," Alexander said to me.

I stayed silent, letting him lead me to the ongoing celebration.

Liam and his friends were playing happily.

His smile vanished when he saw me.

"Look, Liam, your mom's here," someone said.

He scoffed loudly. "She's not my mother!"

I stood nearby while Alexander sighed and pulled Liam close.

"We don't say things like that. Rachel is your mother. She's taken good care of you," Alexander stated firmly.

Liam's face twisted with anger. "No! She can never be my mother. Everyone, this woman killed my real mom!"

Whispers spread through the party hall.

All eyes turned to me.

"She's the boy's aunt."

"Why doesn't the boy like her?"

"Clearly she's not treating him well."

"Apologize to her right now," Alexander demanded.

I stopped him. "It's fine. It doesn't matter."

I walked away calmly.

In the past, Liam's words would have shattered me.

But I've accepted the truth.

No matter what I do, Alexander's heart will always belong to Isabella.

Liam will always blame me for taking his mother's place.

"Why did you have to make a scene today?"

Victoria's sharp voice cut through my thoughts.

She stepped into view, glaring.

"What do you want, Victoria? I've played my part for eight years. I'm done," I said.

"You should care for Liam like your own son. Tolerate his behavior. Look after him. If my daughter were alive, he'd be treated much better," she snapped.

I shrugged, exhausted. "Too bad your daughter isn't here."

Victoria raised her hand to strike me.

I caught her wrist. "Don't try it. I'm not in the mood. Eight years ago you forced me to come here and take care of them. The contract is over. Liam is eight. I have every right to leave."

She yanked her hand back, rubbing her sore wrist.

She glared at me. "Do what you want, Rachel. This is why no one will ever love you. Even your father can't stand you!" she hissed before storming off.

A bitter smile touched my lips.

Eight years since I last saw my father.

Since his favorite daughter died and he sent me away.

He never cared to visit.

"I'm sorry. I got you a gift."

A small voice spoke behind me.

I turned to see Liam standing there with an innocent smile.

He held a wrapped gift box.

I smiled. "Aww, you shouldn't have."

He giggled. "I wanted to. Please, open it."

I took the box and opened it.

A foul smell hit my nose.

Inside was the lifeless body of my cat, Oliver, killed with an arrow.

"That will be you soon if you don't leave me and my father alone," Liam giggled.