Chapter 8
“Mom, Grandma’s lying, right? My mom is you! I don’t want anyone else! Just you!” Kevin sobbed, clinging to
- me.
My hand gently caressed his hair. Kevin had always been frail, his asthma a constant worry. Stress, crying, exertion… all triggered his illness. I couldn’t bear to abandon him.
“Kevin, I’d never leave you. Don’t cry, okay?” My only concern was calming him.
Nancy misinterpreted my words. “Gemma, have you no shame? He’s not even your son! Who are you to say that?”
Her usual elegance and composure had vanished, replaced by vitriol. “No wonder he never came to me. No wonder he only sees you as his mother. You’ve brainwashed him!”
Her accusation angered me. My face hardened. “Madam Farley, our marriage wasn’t approved by you.
You dislike me, I understand. But in front of a five–year–old, do you consider the example you’re setting? Who is disrespectful here? Me, or you?”
“What…” Nancy was taken aback by my retort, her anger flaring.“Are you defying me?”
“I’m stating facts,” I said calmly, meeting her gaze directly.“Divorce is between Joshua and me. You can have Kevin; I won’t argue.”
“No! No!” Kevin’s cry pierced the air. He clung tighter, his sobs growing louder.“Mom, don’t leave me! I don’t want to live with Grandma! Not that mean woman! Take me home! Please!”
His voice was hoarse with anguish.
17:24
