Chapter 3

The day Aiden was discharged from the hospital, he seemed exhausted and lacked energy.

As soon as we got home, he groggily asked, "Mom, when can we leave here?"

Despite his age, he understood everything. He knew Rafael wasn't fond of him, so he always tried to stay out of his father's sight, clinging to me since he was little.

Before I could answer him, Rafael's voice interrupted from not far away.

His brows furrowed as he brusquely asked, "Where do you think you're going?"

When I was ten, my parents divorced, remarried, and started new families. They weren't fond of me, and we lost contact long ago. My grandmother, who raised me, passed away before I got married.

In his eyes, I had no other option but to stay.

I composed myself and replied coolly, "Wherever we want to go."

Rafael appeared dissatisfied with my response, a flicker of annoyance crossing his eyes.

Just as he was about to speak, Holland emerged from our bedroom wearing my nightgown, yawning. "Rafael, I'm starving. When's breakfast?"

Seeing her speak through a yawn, the annoyance in Rafael's eyes melted away, replaced by a resigned smile as he playfully brushed her nose. "You're just like a kid, always thinking about food."

She stuck out her tongue playfully, nestled into his arm, and reached up for a kiss. Spotting Aiden and me from the corner of her eye, she paused, reflexively hiding behind him.

She lightly tapped his back in jest, "Did you do this on purpose? Not telling me we had company?"

Then she feigned shock, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh, sorry, Mrs. Diaz, I spoke too bluntly. Don't mind me."

Throughout this, I remained composed, calmly saying, "Suit yourself."

Rafael sneered, casting a cold glance at me. "You're not wrong. This is my home, after all. Naturally, you're both outsiders here."

We've known each other for six years, married for four. To him, I'm less than a stranger.

I ignored his words, intending to take Aiden to rest in our room. As we passed Holland, Aiden's face suddenly turned pale, and he vomited uncontrollably, the mess landing squarely on her feet.

Her face turned ashen as she let out a startled scream.

Rafael, alarmed, scooped her up without hesitation, brushing past me and heading for the bathroom in a hurry.

Caught off guard, I stumbled, hitting the wall hard. I instinctively used my hand to shield Aiden's head, ensuring he wasn't hurt. The impact left my hand stinging painfully.

I gasped in pain, while Aiden, frightened, burst into tears. I tried to console him, but Holland's soft sobs reached my ears, "Rafael, does Aiden not like me? Why would he throw up on me?"

"Or maybe Lilian doesn't want me around and is using him to embarrass me. If so, I'll just leave. Why humiliate me like this?"

Rafael suppressed his anger, gently reassuring her, "As long as I'm here, no one can make you leave. This is your home, and you can stay as long as you want."

I didn't care to hear their affectionate exchange, so I carried Aiden back to the room.

After settling him, I intended to clean up the mess. But as soon as I stepped out, Rafael dragged me back to Holland.

His expression was dark, his eyes burning with anger, as he demanded, "Apologize!"

Aiden had caused a mess. I didn't argue and bowed at a ninety-degree angle, apologizing.

Still unsatisfied, Holland continued to cry.

I bowed once more, only to feel a forceful shove from behind that sent me to my knees with a thud.

"Kneeling makes the apology more sincere," Rafael said coldly.

Ignoring the pain in my knees, I obediently knelt and apologized again. Once wasn't enough, so I did it twice.

After today, Rafael and I would be out of each other's lives.