Signed Mrs. Sterling Chapter 03
On Henry’s fifth birthday, he and his father specifically invited Vanessa to our home.
When I rushed back with the custom-made, allergen-free cake, the house was already filled with laughter.
The living room lights were dim, lit only by the candles on a different cake, illuminating the faces of the three of them. The scene was so cozy it looked like a family portrait from a magazine.
Henry’s cheerful voice reached my ears.
“I wish Vanessa would move in and be my new mommy!”
From a distance, I saw Harrison frown slightly.
“Henry, you can’t say things like that,” he said, but his tone wasn’t scolding, just concerned. “If the tabloids hear you, it’ll be bad for Vanessa.”
As for the feelings of his actual wife? Not even a consideration.
“Oh, it’s fine,” Vanessa, dressed in an elegant suit, laughed like the lady of the house. “I’m just so happy that Henry likes me this much.”
Even Harrison’s perpetually frozen face cracked a small smile.
The moment the lights came on, they finally saw me standing in the entryway.
I looked like an intruder in my own home.
Vanessa was the first to react, standing up and pretending to help me with my coat.
“Julianne, come in and sit down. Don’t just stand there like a statue.”
But Harrison grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down next to him, as if he was afraid I might eat her.
“What took you so long? Henry already blew out his candles,” Harrison said coldly.
Henry didn’t even look at me. He was busy cutting into the obscenely sweet-looking chocolate cake Vanessa had brought.
Remembering his wish, I walked to the table expressionlessly and put down the box I was holding.
Just as I turned away, the exquisite custom cake was “accidentally” knocked to the floor.
It landed with a dull thud.
“Oh my god! I’m so, so sorry!” Vanessa gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, her face a mask of apology. “Henry, Auntie didn’t mean to. I was just trying to wipe the frosting off your face.”
But her eyes were filled with triumph.
“It’s okay, Vanessa,” Henry said, burying his face in her arms without a single glance at the ruined cake on the floor. “Mom’s cake probably tastes like cardboard anyway. This chocolate one is all I need.”
In that moment, I heard something inside me snap.
I turned and walked upstairs. Harrison followed me.
“Henry is just a kid. He doesn’t know any better. Vanessa is a guest, and you know she has weak nerves. She can’t handle stress, so don’t be so petty.”
I looked at this man and suddenly found him ridiculous.
“It’s fine. From now on, you can all live this ‘cozy’ life forever.”
I finished with a smile. Harrison just snorted and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Before the door closed, I heard him mutter, “Unbelievable.”
He had no idea. This time, I wasn’t making a scene.
Today was the last birthday I would ever spend with Henry.
I was done being a pretty decoration in this gilded cage.