Chapter 56
“What? You… you know too?” Martha was completely stunned.
It was only then that Clara, filled with both shame and anger, repeated what she had just realized. “I thought he’d understood his mistake and was ready to settle down and live a good life with you.
“But when those photos of you came out last time, 1… I actually felt a little sorry for him, thinking maybe it was you who had wronged him first.”
At that, Clara slapped herself in frustration. I quickly stopped her. “It’s Dexter’s fault for being so sneaky, don’t blame yourself.”
1 Clara’s eyes were red with fury. “He’s bullying my sister just because there’s no man in our family! Dexter… I can’t believe I ever thought he was a good guy.”
“If he were a good guy, there wouldn’t be any bad guys left in the world,” I said, trying to stay calm.
“Mom, I wasn’t lying to you. The reason I want a divorce is because I found out he has another woman. And not only that- he tried to kill me!
“Otherwise, do you think I’d be hurt like this? He and that woman pushed me down!” I said.
Martha looked horrified. “Really?”
“Of course.”
Clara grew more anxious. “No wonder, when I called the police to look for you those few days, I thought his reaction was weird–he was acting way too eager, almost like he knew you were in danger.
“But Sylvia… when the police came, he had an alibi. The hotel security footage shows him there, and he even brought Juno along.”
I closed my eyes, feeling defeated. “I know.” I thought, ‘If it were that easy to get proof, I wouldn’t be in this situation.
“It’s okay,” I said, trying to regain my composure. Til figure this out slowly. But first, I’m n transferring Juno to a new school.”
going back there. And I’m
Juno couldn’t stay at that kindergarten any longer–Dexter would always have leverage over him there.
Just as we were discussing this, a heart–wrenching cry suddenly echoed from the room. I rushed over and scooped up my little treasure. Juno was crying in his sleep.
His voice was hoarse from crying so hard, and tears were streaming down his face as he sobbed, “No, don’t hurt my Mommy! Mommy’s a good person!”
I froze. I woke him up and held him, comforting him for a long time until he calmed down, When he saw us, he finally stopped crying..
I hugged him tightly. “Juno, can you tell mommy… what happened before? Did Grandma or Daddy say something to you? Mommy’s not a bad person, you know that, right?”
- d. you’re a bad woman, that you’re sleeping with other Little Juno looked at me with tear–swollen eyes. “Mommy, they men and don’t want Daddy anymore. The teacher told the other kids not to play with me. I… I’m all alone in class. I’m so sad…
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14:41 Mon, 17 Feb
Chapter 56
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My heart broke. I felt a wave of pain that nearly made me burst into tears. Then, a rush of anger nearly clouded my mind. I thought. How can this be happening? I didn’t know! My son is being tormented like this, right under my nose!
After taking a few deep breaths, I managed to calm myself down and held him even tighter. “Mommy’s not a bad person. The people saying those things are the bad ones. Don’t be afraid, Juno. Mommy’s back now, and no one’s going to hurt you
anymore.”
“Really?” Juno looked at me with wide, trusting eyes.
“Really.” I held Juno close, feeling a deep ache in my chest that I couldn’t put into words.
The next day. I called in sick for Juno. On the phone with Vivian, I was still polite, I didn’t want to act too hastily until I had a clearer picture of what was going on
Since I was seriously injured and hospitalized earlier, my boss had given me my year–end bonus ahead of time. With my finances now in order, I didn’t have to worry about money.
During the day, Clara had to go to work, and Martha was still recovering, so I asked Holly for help. She introduced me to a part–time cleaner who could come to my house to handle the cleaning, cooking, and other chores.
Holly already had a housekeeper and knew more people in this area than I did. It didn’t take long for her to find someone
for me.
