Chapter 2

I'd barely hung up when my phone rang again. This time, it was the building manager.

Daryl had gotten into a scuffle with another boy in the fitness area, and he was the one who threw the first punch.

As soon as I rushed over, the other boy's parents started tearing into me.

"What kind of parenting is this? Your kid's like a mad dog. He bites anyone he sees. My son didn't do anything, and yours just came out swinging. You think we're just easy targets?" his dad said.

"Little punk, if I catch him again, I swear I'll smash him to bits!" Daryl hollered from the side.

The neighbor was absolutely fuming. "I'm calling the cops. Don't even think about settling this quietly!"

I kept my head down, apologized over and over, and swore I'd pay double for all the kid's medical expenses. They finally let it slide.

As we walked out of the manager's office, Daryl shot me a look of utter contempt. "What a wimp. So what if we have to pay up? Dad's loaded. I could've beaten that kid within an inch of his life, and it wouldn't matter."

"You're the one making us look bad. Get home now!" I barked at him.

He just stared for a moment, then gave me a rough shove and stalked off to our apartment.

*****

As soon as we stepped inside, Daryl plopped down on the couch without even sparing me a glance, barking, "I'm starving. Go get me KFC."

Seeing him treat me like I was his hired help, I was so mad that I almost laughed.

In my previous life, I'd bent over backwards to smother him with love, always giving in. He must've thought I was just terrified of his dad and grandparents.

Now, I figured this kid was beyond hope.

"I don't have any money. Go hit up your dad for it," I snapped.

For one, I wasn't letting him gorge himself on fried chicken, soda, and burgers all the time.

But more than that, the way he treated me seriously broke my heart.

Daryl glared at me. "Dad gives you the allowance, doesn't he? Just buy it for me already."

Right then, the doorbell rang. It was Josie, my bestie.

She came in, saw us glaring at each other, and looked surprised. "Whoa, you really pissed off your kid, huh?"

"I want KFC, but this old hag won't buy it for me," Daryl said.

Josie quickly stepped in as the peacemaker, gently guiding Daryl to sit down and soothing him. "If your mom doesn't buy it for you, I will."

With that, she pulled out her phone and handed it right over to Daryl, asking him to order whatever he wanted.

Daryl furiously glared at me while scrolling for food, basically warning me not to utter a word.

He'd been overweight for the past couple of years, and the doctor had suggested he stop eating fried food, especially no fried chicken or soda. I'd been strict about it, but Hiram, his grandparents, and even Josie would get him treats behind my back.

He'd been trying to lose weight for two years, but somehow, he just kept packing on the pounds.

Compared to Daryl's rebellious streak and selfish attitude, Cecilia was a sweet, thoughtful, loving daughter.

Honestly, I couldn't be bothered to deal with Daryl anymore. I headed back with Cecilia to her room and helped her get her art supplies ready. While she was busy drawing, I slipped into the kitchen to whip up dinner.

Out in the living room, Daryl was devouring his food, practically glued to Josie's side, buttering her up with nonstop praise.

He even blurted out, "Josie, you should totally be my mom. I can't deal with that nagging old lady anymore. She ruins everything."

Josie burst out laughing with her hand over her mouth. "Oh, stop it. What nonsense!"

"No, really, Josie! You should be my mom," Daryl insisted.

My hand suddenly went weak, the spatula almost slipping from my grasp as a cold wave washed over me.

I had already gone above and beyond for this marriage and Daryl.

*****

Just then, Hiram walked in, and that scowl Daryl reserved just for me disappeared instantly. He sprang off the couch and ran straight into his dad's arms.

"Dad, you're finally back!" Daryl exclaimed.

Hiram hugged him tightly and laughed. "Son, I missed you like crazy!"

"Dad!" Cecilia jumped up from the table, all excited to hug him, too, but Hiram just pushed her aside coldly.

Her lips puckered into a pout, and she shot me the saddest eyes. I scooped her up in my arms and carried her back to the table.

Meanwhile, Hiram and Daryl completely ignored everything else. Daryl went tattling on me with his finger pointing right at me. "Dad, she won't let me have fried chicken or soda, and she hit me!"

He pointed at his cheek, whining, "It hurts!"

Hiram shot me a glare and then handed Daryl the bucket of fried chicken, raising his voice so I'd hear. "Go ahead. Help yourself. She's spending my money anyway. Nobody's gonna stop my precious son from eating whatever he wants."

Being financially dependent on someone was miserable, and Hiram made sure I felt that every single day.

He figured that since I relied on him for living expenses, he had every right to boss me around.

He pulled Daryl over, barking at me like it was an order. "Apologize to your son. You've crossed the line."

I said firmly, "Not a chance."

He shouted, "If you don't apologize, I'll cut off the money for you and Cecilia. From now on, I only support Daryl."

In his eyes, Daryl belonged to the Zamora family, but Cecilia was just my own daughter.

I never counted on him to look after Cecilia, but hearing him say it so bluntly really hurt.

I stood my ground, my voice unwavering. "You're full of shit."