Chapter 3

"Leona, I'm concerned about you and your child living in such a place."

The door swung open as Alex ushered both Leona and her daughter inside.

Hearing the commotion, Kevin crept out of bed and peeked through the bedroom doorway, spotting Alex cradling Leona's daughter, Katie.

"Alex, wouldn't it be improper for Katie and me to stay here? Perhaps we should return to our rented accommodation."

"Nonsense. You're my sister. It's just a spare room. Isabel won't dare object."

Leona's lips curled into a smile, while Katie embraced Alex's neck, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Thanks, Daddy! You're the greatest! Always!"

Alex chuckled softly, offering a few kind words.

"Katie, you're such a delightful child."

He then turned to Leona, remarking, "You've done an excellent job raising her."

Hearing this, I felt a pang of jealousy. I glanced at Kevin, who stood with downcast eyes, hesitating before taking a step forward. The bruise on his head had darkened to an unsettling mix of black and blue.

Kevin approached Alex, smiling as he said, "Dad, I'm famished. Could I have something to eat?"

I looked at Alex, my internal turmoil transforming into pure anger.

"Alex, have you forgotten that Kevin is also your child?! He hasn't eaten for two days!"

Alex set Katie down, and she immediately noticed the large bruise on Kevin's head, bursting into tears.

"Daddy, I'm terrified! Is he a monster? I'm scared! I don't want to stay here! Daddy, please take me away!"

Observing this, Leona's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smirk.

Kevin tugged at Alex's pants leg, pressing his lips together uncertainly.

"Filthy and malodorous, how on earth did Isabel raise you?!"

I watched in horror as Alex kicked Kevin away, sending my little boy tumbling to the floor like a deflated ball.

"Alex, have you lost your mind?!" I cried out, my voice shaking with distress. "Hate me if you must, but why treat Kevin this way?!"

I followed Alex as he moved towards the bedroom door, still stained with blood from when that killer took my life.

"What's got you so riled up?!" Alex retorted, clearly irritated. "You said you'd go to the group building but never showed up. What a nuisance!"

My spirits lifted as I saw him reach out to push the door open.

Was he finally about to discover the truth?