I looked at them—the father and son—then let out a cold, bitter laugh. One after another.
Then, without a word, I stood up and walked toward them.
They must’ve thought I was about to apologize, because both of them smirked, their faces full of mockery.
SMACK. SMACK.
I slapped them both.
Caleb’s eyes widened in shock before he burst into tears, clutching his cheek. “I hate you! You’re the worst mom ever! You’re just a mean, bitter woman—no wonder no one wants you!”
William’s face darkened, his chest rising and falling with rage.
Luna, ever the saint, rushed to play peacemaker. “Susie, Caleb is just a kid! How could you—”
SMACK.
“Shut up.”
I’d been wanting to hit her for a long time.
The second my palm landed, she gasped dramatically, then collapsed in a perfect faint. Caleb’s crying stopped instantly, too shocked to react.
William panicked, scooping her up in his arms. He shot me a venomous glare as he stormed toward the door. “If Luna’s condition gets worse because of this, you’ll pay for it!”
And as if afraid I’d lay a hand on Caleb next, he yanked our son along with him.
Good.
With them gone, the house was finally quiet.
—
That night, after being stuck in the rain all afternoon, I came down with a fever.
Shivering, I dragged myself out of bed, fumbling through the medicine cabinet for something to bring my temperature down.
Through my haze, I sensed someone near me.
Forcing my eyes open, I was met with Luna’s smug, sneering face.
“Look at you, Susie. You’re like a stray dog. Do you really think William would’ve chosen you if I hadn’t left the country?”
