Chapter 2

I caught on instantly and flashed him a cheerful grin, acting like nothing had happened. "Not at all! It's not every day I get to see you, but today just isn't the best timing. Michael's lying in my bed right now."

Rodney was momentarily stunned by my words.

His eyes raked over me from head to toe, cold and brooding.

Rodney sneered, "Scarlett, don't even think about playing any more games. Just behave. For Michael's sake, I might still let you stay on as my mistress."

I rolled my eyes at him in my head.

Yeah, right, as if I'd ever want to be his mistress.

That night, Rodney ended up staying over.

As the sun was just coming up, I heard Rodney moving around and stepped out to check.

"It's still early. Want anything for breakfast?" I asked.

"I'll be gone soon. Don't waste your effort," Rodney said, his tone icy.

I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from snapping at him.

Now that I'd made up my mind to leave, I couldn't stand the sight of him.

No clue what kind of spell I was under to ever fall for a scumbag like him.

I must've been stupid.

When I went quiet, Rodney did a total 180 and suddenly said he'd stick around for breakfast.

Seriously, this guy was insane.

"I heard you're heading to Sylvanland for a business trip. When are you coming back?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Rodney gave me a cold glance.

"What, the Walter family's after this project too?" he said, suspicion dripping from his voice.

Rodney was always suspicious of me, never letting his guard down for a second.

Not denying it basically meant yes in my book. I could barely hide the excitement in my eyes.

He didn't say anything, and when I looked up, I found Rodney staring right at me. His stare sent a chill down my spine.

I quickly pushed the plate of fried eggs toward him, putting on my best sweet smile.

"I was just wondering, what if Michael starts missing you while you're away?" I said, trying to sound all innocent.

"Don't use the kid as an excuse! Scarlett, have you no shame?" Rodney snapped.

With that, he stormed out. I rolled my eyes and headed back to my room. It was still early, and with a busy day ahead, I figured I'd better catch some extra sleep while I could.

I slept in late, and as soon as I got up, my mind started racing.

The Greer family was insanely powerful. Now that I'd run off with Michael, Rodney would hunt me down to the ends of the earth.

So I had no choice but to take a gamble.

With a plan forming in my mind, I was relieved I'd always played the good girl; there weren't too many eyes on me in Solsticeville.

Out of nowhere, someone planted a kiss on my cheek while I was deep in thought.

I glanced down; it was Michael.

"Well, look who's up! No preschool for you today, buddy," I said with a smile.

Michael snuggled against my cheek, so cute I could hardly stand it.

"So, Mom, are you taking me out to play today?" he chirped.

Even though he was only three, Michael was smart for his age, just like Rodney. He always remembered everything you told him and spoke with surprising clarity.

"Mom, you said yesterday we were leaving. Where are we going to play?" he looked up at me, curious as ever.

I froze for a moment, then gently stroked Michael's hair.

"I'm taking you on a trip to somewhere really far away," I said softly.

Michael gazed up at me, hope shining in his eyes. "Is Daddy coming too?" he asked.

I stroked his hair gently. "Daddy has to go on a business trip, so he probably can't come with us."

How was I supposed to tell Michael that he might never see his dad again?

Would he think I was just being selfish when he grew up?

Michael seemed lost in thought, his head bowed as he absently played with his fingers.

"Forget it, Mom. As long as we don't have to go back to the villa, it's okay if we never come back at all," he murmured.

I was honestly shocked. I never thought Michael would say something like that.

"Michael, why do you say that?" I asked, my voice gentle.

"Because Daddy doesn't like me, so I don't want to like him anymore. I just want to go somewhere fun with you, Mom, where we can be happy together," Michael said.

When I heard him say that, my eyes instantly filled with tears.

I always thought he was just a little kid who didn't know any better.

Turns out, he understood everything all along.

I held Michael's little body close, couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

"I'm sorry, Michael. I'm so, so sorry," I whispered.

Maybe leaving really was the right choice. Every single day, Michael just wanted his dad's love, but Rodney couldn't stand the sight of us. He just kept pushing us away.

His little heart was already in pieces.

I should've woken up sooner and gotten Michael out of here.

Before I left, I let my bestie, Victoria Hancock, in on my plan.

Even though she was Rodney's younger sister, she was the only person, besides my mom, who was ever really had my back.

Victoria looked genuinely shocked, then her expression grew conflicted as she asked,

"Scarlett, have you really thought this through?" she asked.

"I've made up my mind. Ever since I was born, people have always called me an illegitimate child. I can't let Michael go through the same thing. Having folks point fingers at him, saying he doesn't have a real family. He's just three years old. Leaving is the best thing I can do for him," I said, my voice firm but aching.

Victoria's eyes grew gentle, full of encouragement and warmth as she looked at me, silently giving me her blessing.