19.12%
Chapter 14
After that day, under Sophia’s subtle cues, the household staff began treating the kids with growing indifference.
No one bothered taking Lucas or Lily to school anymore. Meals weren’t prepared for them either. They had to wait until Sophia was done eating before they could pick at whatever scraps were left.
The summer heat bore down on Sterling Heights like a curse. The air conditioners at Sterling Place hummed softly in every room of the Caldwell home.
Lucas and Lily sprawled on the carpet of the game room, listlessly building a Lego castle. Every so often, they peeked over at Sophia, who was trying on lipstick in front of a full–length vanity.
“Miss Sophia?” Lily piped up softly. “Can we go get ice cream? You said last week we could…”
Last week, after Ethan had surprised Sophia with a new set of jewelry, she’d been in a good mood and had nudged the kids with her heel, saying she’d
take them out for a treat soon.
But now, Sophia didn’t even look at them. “Can’t you see I’m busy?” she said flatly.
“But…” Lucas worked up the courage. “You promised…”
“For God’s sake, are you serious right now?” Sophia spun around, her lipstick smearing across the corner of her mouth like a gash. “All you two ever think about is food! Have you looked at yourselves? You’re both getting fat!”
Startled, the kids flinched and shrank into themselves.
Since Emily had left, Sophia’s smiles had vanished. Gone were the gentle tones and warm expressions. What replaced them were frowns, barking
commands, and an ever–present sense of annoyance.
“Go to your rooms. Now!” Sophia snatched up a tissue and wiped her mouth in sharp, irritated strokes. “You’re giving me a headache just standing
there.”
Lily blinked back tears but didn’t dare make a sound.
The last time she cried, Sophia had pinched her thigh so hard it bruised, then hissed that if she ever told their dad, she’d toss out all her favorite toys.
That evening, Ethan returned home–something that had become increasingly rare.
By the time he arrived, the kids were already in bed. Sophia greeted him in a silk robe, the scent of perfume wafting faintly from her skin, which looked nearly airbrushed after hours of spa treatment.
“Work finally let up enough for you to come home?” she teased, slipping his briefcase from his hand.
“There was a snag in the merger last month,” Ethan said as he loosened his tie. He glanced around, then asked suddenly, “Where are the kids? Haven’t seen them in a while.”
“They went to bed early. Don’t worry, I’ve been taking great care of them,” Sophia said sweetly, looping her arm through his. “Hey… there’s a charity gala tomorrow, and I still need the necklace that matches my dress. Do you think…”
“You can pick it out yourself,” Ethan cut in, clearly distracted. “Just use the black card.”
The next morning at breakfast, he finally saw the kids again.
But something was off.
They were unusually quiet. Their eyes stayed down, their shoulders drawn in. And–had they lost weight?
Ethan set down his coffee, frowning. “What’s going on with you two? Are you feeling sick?”
“N–No!” Lucas blurted out so fast it startled Ethan. His hands trembled slightly as he gripped his spoon. The clink of metal on ceramic rang too loud in the quiet room.
Sophia walked in from the kitchen, carrying a tray of cut fruit. She gave Ethan a calm, reassuring smile.
“Relax, they’re fine. Aren’t you, Lucas?” She leaned down and tousled his hair. Her tone was syrup–sweet, almost convincing.
Lucas stiffened under her touch. “… Yeah,” he mumbled.
Just then, Ethan’s phone rang. He checked the caller ID and stood up. “Work emergency. I’ve got to go.”
As the door clicked shut, Sophia’s mask dropped instantly.
She yanked the milk from Lily’s hands and snapped, “You’re still not done? What are you trying to do, be late again?”
Chapter 14
20.59%
3
MoboReels–Short Dramas&Movies 4.7* FREE
Google Play
INSTALL
A série de televisão que a esposa assiste escondida.
“Listen carefully,” she added, voice low and cold. “Your dad’s home this week, so the both of you better keep your mouths shut and go to school like normal. Don’t start anything. Got it?”
Her threats hit their mark. Lily flinched, grabbed a piece of toast, and stuffed it into her mouth too quickly–only to start coughing and choking as it went
down wrong.
Sophia rolled her eyes. “Pathetic. Just like your useless mother.”
She didn’t even glance at Lily as she turned and stalked off, heels clicking against the hardwood like a warning.
