Chapter 1

Aiden's fever wouldn't go down, so I took the only available car and drove to the hospital, causing Rafael to miss his ten-year anniversary with Holland.

In a fit of anger, he locked Aiden and me in the walk-in freezer at home.

"You made me miss my anniversary with Holland. She was hurt, and now you'll pay twice over for it!"

I cradled my son, crying uncontrollably, pleading with him over and over to let us out.

He watched us with cold detachment, indifferent as he walked away.

In the freezer, we endured the biting cold, our bodies turning numb, while he partied every night with his beloved.

When I opened my eyes again, it was the day Aiden's fever returned.

I put down the car keys and changed our flight plans.

He had no clue—I had been preparing to leave for some time now.

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I set down the keys and held my feverish child as we stepped out of the villa. Behind me, Rafael's voice called out.

"I have something important today. Keep your kid in check and don't bother me."

I tightened my hold on Aiden and swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat, replying softly, "Don't worry, soon neither of us will be bothering you ever again."

Rafael seemed satisfied with my answer, his previously furrowed brow relaxing.

Knowing he was in a better mood, I saw no reason to provoke him. I headed toward the door.

"Wait, Holland just mentioned she loved the honey spice cake you made. Can you make some more for her?"

Aiden whimpered in my arms, his eyes shut in discomfort, but Rafael, oblivious, spoke to me in an authoritative tone.

I knew he wouldn’t let us leave unless I complied.

Gently soothing Aiden, I whispered, "Hold on a bit longer, sweetheart. Mommy will get you to the hospital soon."

Saying this, I took a new fever patch from the first aid kit and replaced the one on his forehead, then hurried to the kitchen.

As soon as I finished, Rafael, standing outside the kitchen, received a call from Holland.

He changed his mind, "Holland suddenly wants almond cake instead. Make that."

I glanced at my son lying quietly on the couch, my fists clenching.

A few days ago, Holland wanted to move into our home, and I refused her. That night, Rafael made Aiden stay on his knees in the study for hours as punishment.

He knew exactly how to hurt me and manipulate me.

Without protest, I continued making the cake.

Once done, I placed the pastries carefully in front of him.

Only then did I notice he was in a video call with Holland, openly flirting.

Holland, her face bright with undisguised glee, feigned surprise, "Wow, Lilian, you really are talented. But... I've been feeling off lately, and the doctor advises against trying new foods. Why don't you taste it first?"

I'm allergic to almonds and have suffered anaphylactic shock before.

Rafael's expression remained unchanged, his eyes silently endorsing her words.

I stood frozen, unmoving.

Rafael, however, grew impatient and grabbed Aiden roughly, "If you won't eat it, let the kid take your place."

Aiden inherited my allergy; he's allergic to almonds too.

My face went pale as I quickly said, "No, I’ll eat it..."

Seeing him set Aiden down, I awkwardly knelt by the coffee table, forcing myself to eat the almond cake.

Freshly baked, the cake was still warm, its sweet scent in the air. Yet each bite felt like swallowing nails, piercing my heart.

The allergic reaction didn't take long. Red welts appeared on my skin, the itching unbearable.

Holland widened her eyes, covering her mouth with a giggle, "Rafael, doesn’t Lilian look like a toad?"

Rafael laughed at her words, disdain in his eyes as he looked at me, "She does. She's certainly not as pretty as you."

Facing their mockery, I looked up and said plainly, "Now can I take my child to the hospital?"

This time, he didn't stop me.

Ignoring the itch on my neck and the stabbing pain in my chest, I struggled to pick up Aiden and slowly made my way out.