Astrella had learned everything she needed to know about handling common childhood illnesses from the parenting books she had devoured, memorizing each remedy and emergency treatment. But Norella? A prestigious university graduate, a PhD from the U.S., how could she lie with such shameless ease?
Yet, Raiden believed her.
He began pounding on the door, his frustration growing. “Astrella, explain yourself! What happened?”
The relentless banging echoed through the house, loud enough to disturb the child who had just fallen asleep. Reaghan stirred in his sleep, his tiny face scrunching in discomfort, before letting out a wail that filled the room with heart-wrenching cries.
Raiden’s voice cracked with desperation. “If you have a problem, take it out on me! Don’t take it out on the child!”
With a swift, forceful kick, the door splintered open and the chaos spilled into the room.
Reaghan’s pitiful cry echoed through the space.
“Don’t cry, Reaghan, Daddy’s here,” Raiden soothed, his voice thick with concern. He scooped the child into his arms, ready to leave, but Astrella’s voice cut through the tension, strained with fury.
“Wait!” she snapped, her finger pointing directly at Norella. “Dare to repeat yourself: who really bought the burger and cola?”
Reaghan, now blinking sleepily, rubbed his eyes and mumbled, “Mom, why are you arguing with Aunt Norella?”
Astrella’s heart twisted painfully. She fought to keep her voice steady. “Reaghan, tell your dad, who bought the burger and cola?”
The child hesitated, shifting his gaze from Norella to Raiden, before whispering something into Raiden’s ear.
Raiden’s expression turned stormy, his voice laced with accusation. “So, it’s come to this and you still want to deny it? Astrella, even your own son says it was you. Are you still trying to frame Norella?”
His words cut through the air like a knife. “Your jealousy has gone too far. You’ve lost all reason to the point of hurting your own child. I don’t think there’s a place for you in this family anymore!”
Astrella’s chest tightened painfully, each breath feeling like it was being ripped from her. She couldn’t believe it; her own son was lying to her.
Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. But she fought to keep her composure. “Reaghan,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “why would you lie?”
Her heart shattered as she waited for the answer, her mind racing.