Chapter 2

"This is the Mendoza family's heirloom," Lily said, pulling out a delicate jade bangle. "It was originally meant for Tessa, but since you're now part of our family, you can wear it first."

I froze, totally shocked that Lily would give me something so precious.

But before I could say anything, Tessa suddenly broke down in tears. "Lily, I thought you said this bracelet was for me?"

Lily sighed. "Tessa, don't be upset. When you and Asher..."

"That's enough!" Asher suddenly got to his feet, his expression dark and intense. "Lily, the bracelet should go to Tessa. She's the one who truly deserves it."

Without waiting, he took the bracelet from my hand and slipped it gently onto Tessa's wrist.

"Asher..." Tessa's eyes shimmered with tears, her voice thick with emotion.

I just stood there like the biggest fool, feeling everyone's stares stabbing into me.

'That was the moment I realized that no matter what, I'd always be an outsider in this family,' I thought to myself.

The humiliation from that night kept me tossing and turning all night.

The next morning, I got up early to make breakfast for Joshua, only to find he was burning up with a fever.

Worried, I pressed my hand to his forehead. "Joshua, why are you so hot?"

"Mommy, my head hurts so much..." Joshua said weakly.

I quickly took his temperature—it was 103.1°F. Without a second thought, I scooped him up and rushed him to the hospital.

At the hospital, the doctor ran a full set of tests on Joshua.

"Joshua's case is a little complicated. He'll need a few days of observation here," the doctor said sternly. "And as for payment..."

Nervously, I whipped out my bank card. "It's fine. I can handle the bills," I blurted.

But when I tried to pay, the transaction was declined for insufficient funds.

I was stunned. 'How could this happen? Asher just gave me money for our expenses last month. Where did it all go?' I thought in disbelief.

"Mommy, is it really bad?" Joshua asked, worry clouding his eyes.

"It's okay, sweetheart. I will figure something out," I said, forcing a smile.

I called Asher, and the phone just kept ringing before he finally picked up.

"What is it?" he said, his impatience obvious.

"Asher, Joshua's sick. He's in the hospital and needs to stay, but..." I said, my voice wavering with worry.

"Making up stories again?" Asher sneered. "Milania, if you want cash, just say so. Don't drag Joshua into this."

"I'm not making this up. Joshua is actually sick!" I cried, tears streaming down my face.

"Oh, please. He was totally fine last night—now all of a sudden he's sick? You think I'm that gullible?" Asher snapped.

Then, Tessa's voice drifted sweetly over the line. "Asher, who are you talking to?"

"Nobody. Just some scammer," Asher answered coldly, not missing a beat.

My heart turned cold. To him, I was lower than a scammer.

"I'll send you the doctor's report—just see for yourself!" I choked out, my hands shaking as I snapped a picture and sent it over.

After a moment, Asher texted back. [Impressive Photoshop skills. Milania, why don't you get an honest job for once and quit scheming for my money?]

Staring at his reply, I just felt completely crushed.

He could even believe I'd lie about our own son being sick.

"Mommy, why are you crying?" Joshua asked weakly, his small hand clutching mine. I could feel how frail he was, and my heart ached even more.

I quickly wiped my tears away and forced a smile. "I'm not crying, sweetheart. I'll find a way, I promise," I said, trying to sound brave to him.

That was when desperation struck. I had only one option left: pawning whatever I could.

I slipped off my wedding ring and my only necklace, grabbed them, and hurried over to the nearest pawnshop.

Thank God, I managed to scrape together enough for Joshua's treatment, and at last, he was admitted to the ward.

Staring at Joshua lying there hooked up to tubes, I swore to myself that I'd make sure he pulled through, no matter what.

But nothing in my life ever went smoothly.

The next night, Joshua's fever suddenly spiked again. The doctor said surgery was the only option, and it'd cost 30 thousand dollars.

30 thousand dollars could ruin a normal family for years, but for the Mendoza family? That was barely the cost of a single fancy dinner.

I dialed Asher's number again, desperation flooding through me.

"What is it now?" he said, sounding even more annoyed than before.

"Asher, Joshua needs surgery. Thirty thousand dollars. Please..." I sobbed, unable to hold back my tears.

"Milania, that's enough!" he shouted, fury blazing in his voice. "Listen closely—there's no way you're getting another dime out of me!"

"I'm not lying! Joshua is your son—your own flesh and blood!" I cried, my voice breaking.

"My son?" Asher sneered. "Milania, you climbed into my bed five years ago and had this kid—wasn't it all just for money and status? And now you're playing the victim?"

His words sliced right through me, leaving me bleeding inside.

"Asher, do you even have a heart? That's your son!" I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation.

"My son would never have such a foolish mother," he said coldly, then hung up.