Chapter 3
Lynley cried, refusing to let Acelynn leave.
My presence felt like a cruel joke.
I watched them playing games as if they were a family, observing my son Lynley laugh heartily.
In the past five years, he hadn’t laughed like this around Keith and me.
He would only ask me in the dead of night why Daddy didn’t like him,
why Daddy didn’t love to play with him.
Chapter 3
+ 5 Points
I would pat his back repeatedly, telling him,
Daddy doesn’t dislike you; he’s just too busy working to support the family.
Now, at five years old, Lynley has felt his father’s love and clings to Keith as if he never wants to let go.
The scene on the playground lingers in my mind.
I hear Lynley chattering excitedly about how wonderful his daddy is, how great Acelynn is.
I want to be angry, but looking at that innocent face, I stifled my frustration.
“Stop talking. After your bath, go to bed.”
2/6
Chapter 3
+ 5 Points
Perhaps being with Acelynn had lifted Keith’s mood, making him more willing to accept Lynley.
I held a bedtime storybook and knocked on Keith’s bedroom door.
There was a murmur of conversation inside, which abruptly stopped, followed by a “Come in.”
Keith was leaning against the headboard with his phone, while Lynley lay in his arms, clearly saying “Goodnight, Mommy.”
They were video chatting with Acelynn.
Upon seeing me, Lynley called out, “Mom.”
4/6
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+ 5 Points
“I said I want to sleep with Daddy”
Children are often poor at hiding their feelings, and his tone mirrored Keith’s
indifference.
I ignored it and raised the book in my hand.
“How about we all sleep together tonight? Mommy will read you a story.”
At my words, Keith gave a sarcastic smile, his large hand resting on Lynley’s head.
“Does Lynley want to sleep with Mom?” His voice was full of allure.
Lynley quickly snuggled closer to Keith.
5/6
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+ 5 Points
“I don’t want to. Mommy already read me a story. I just want to sleep with Daddy. Mom, please go out.”
I didn’t know what Keith had said to Lynley or why Lynley liked Acelynn so much.
“Mommy“, it sounded so affectionate.
Meeting Keith’s mocking gaze, I nodded.
“Alright, then. You both rest. Goodnight.”
