Chapter 2

The real tipping point came on a Tuesday. My deadbeat mother stormed into my workplace with my lazy brother, both screaming for money because I'd finally refused to bankroll them.

I forced myself to stay strong, begging her to let me keep a shred of dignity. But she smacked me hard. I stumbled backward, cracking my head on a cabinet. Blood poured down my face.

That's when Edward appeared. He somehow convinced my mother to leave and rushed me to the hospital. I was barely conscious.

Watching him take care of everything, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I told him I loved him.

His gaze softened as he let out a yearning sigh. "I've waited so long to hear those words from you."

Then he cupped my face and kissed me.

How could that same man, the one who looked at me with such tenderness, be the reason I ended up with an anxiety disorder so severe that just seeing him again sent me into a full-blown panic attack?

I woke the next morning to an empty house. On the dining table was a plate of my favorite avocado toast and a handwritten note.

Ryan: [Annie, I took Molly to school. Take the day off. Rest. Eat something. Love, R.]

I stepped outside into the gentle sun.

I found a bench and sat, letting the sun soak into my skin, feeling the frantic buzzing in my veins finally quiet down.

After a while, I felt a light sheen of sweat and decided to move. I wandered into a nearby flower shop and bought a bouquet of white lilies. Later I would pick up Molly from school and Ryan from work.

If it hadn't been for the unwelcome visitor, it would've been a perfect day.

"Mom."

Thirteen-year-old Charlie had hit his growth spurt, already 5'7" and built like his father.

From behind, you would think he was an adult, except for that kid's smartwatch on his wrist.

"Sorry, you've got the wrong person," I said coolly, already turning away.

I knew how obsessive he could be, just like Edward. It was better to shut this down fast.

He shouted after me, "You are!

"You're my mom! Why are you so nice to Molly, but you won't even look at me? Why won't you forgive me?

"Mom, I know I was wrong! I'm sorry!"

His heartbroken sobs echoed down the street. People stopped, their heads turning. I could feel their judgmental eyes on me. Clearly, they had already decided I was the monster who abandoned her own child.

My heart started racing, skin prickling with anxiety.

"Do you have any idea what these last five years have been like for me?" Charlie sobbed.

Oblivious to my internal collapse, he cried hard until tears and snot streamed down his face.

I could only feel nothing but bitter amusement. "Funny. I remember you saying you only wanted Jessica Monroe to be your mother. Did you forget all of that?"

His mouth opened to protest, but my next words froze him in place.

"Because I sure as hell haven't forgotten."

Back when Edward was obsessed with taking his company public, his mother, Amanda Fields, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

I was juggling Molly and Charlie at home while making regular trips to the nursing home to check on Amanda, making sure the staff wasn't neglecting her.

But Amanda seemed to save all her worst behavior for me. Around Edward, she was sweet and docile.

The second we were alone, she would turn into a demon, throwing food and screaming obscenities. I kept telling myself it was just the disease and that I couldn't take it personally.

But leaving that place every day, I was always covered in food stains and emotional exhaustion.

One afternoon, she threw some hot soup all over me. I was fuming. But I got a text from Edward, saying he was coming home early. The thought of seeing him spurred me on, and I rushed home.

The front door was ajar. Extra shoes were in the entryway. Clearly, we had guests.

I looked down at my soup-stained clothes, so I decided to sneak upstairs to change, but Charlie's high-pitched voice stopped me in my tracks.

He was whining to someone. "Mom's so strict. She's always on me about studying. But Dad's loaded. Even if I don't, he'll give me money anyway.

"How dare she lecture me? She never dresses up, her voice is awful, and she keeps bragging about how she used to be a singer, but I know she's just making it up to compete with you, Jessie.

"God, I wish I could trade her for a new mom."

Jessica let out a soft laugh, gently patting his head. "Oh? What kind of mom would you want?"

"Someone like you, Jessie!" Charlie declared loudly. "Imagine how cool it would be to tell everyone my mom is a famous singer!"

As soon as he finished, the whole room burst out laughing.

I stood frozen in the shadows, ice spreading through my veins as Edward walked out of the room with a big smile. That smile was the cruelest thing I had ever seen.