The Lie Of That Night Chapter 05
When Gretchen opened her eyes, she saw a boy resting not far from her.
Roderick…
Her breath hitched, and a searing, swollen ache filled her chest.
She dared not move, terrified that even a slight shift would shatter this fleeting, illusory peace.
A maid noticed her wake and let out a small gasp of joy. “Mrs. Mendez, you’re finally awake!”
The woman then lowered her voice, her tone thick with lingering fear. “You’ve had a fever for three days and three nights. Mr. Mendez was frantic — everyone in the villa was on edge. Mr. Roderick was so well-behaved. He stayed by your side the whole time and refused to leave, no matter who tried to persuade him. He’s only just fallen asleep from exhaustion…”
Three days… Roderick had watched over her for three days?
Gretchen’s lips trembled, her gaze lingering hungrily on her son’s face.
This was the closest she had been to him since the day he was taken from her.
The gaping black hole where her heart had been felt a tiny, flickering ray of light touch its edges.
She was so mesmerized that it took a moment for her to realize Roderick’s sleeping position against the edge of the bed looked uncomfortable.
A surge of maternal love, mixed with raw heartbreak, flooded her. Forcing her weakened body to move, she reached out, wanting to lift him onto the bed so he could sleep properly.
But the moment her fingertips brushed the boy’s clothes, Roderick jolted awake. His arm swung out in a violent reflex.
With a slap, a sharp blow landed squarely on Gretchen’s pale, gaunt cheek.
Gretchen froze. Her face stung, but that was nothing compared to the sudden, piercing agony that lanced through her heart.
As Roderick realized who was in front of him, a flash of panic crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a look of smug triumph.
He curled his lip. “Who gave you permission to touch me? You scared me.”
He was certain this woman wouldn’t dare do anything to him.
After all, even his dad took his mom’s side; this “bad woman” would only ever try to suck up to him.
“Ricky!”
A sharp bark came from the doorway.
Terrence swept his gaze over Gretchen. Seeing her finally awake, he felt a brief surge of relief.
His expression darkened as he turned to Roderick. “How dare you lay a hand on her? Apologize!”
Roderick pouted, ready to talk back, but Terrence had already turned to Gretchen, his tone softening. “Greta, I’m glad you’re awake. The doctor said you need rest and the company of those close to you. From today on, Ricky will stay here with you. Having a child around will help lift your spirits.”
He watched her face, hoping to see a glimmer of joy or comfort.
Gretchen looked at Terrence, then at Roderick, who stood with resentment all over his face.
Her cheek throbbed, and the tiny corner of peace that had been carved out by the boy’s sleeping face was instantly encased in ice.
She closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were a wasteland of hollow calm.
“No need,” she said, her voice raspy but startlingly clear. “Send him back.”
The maid looked at her in shock, and Terrence froze, caught off guard by her rejection.
A flash of delight crossed Roderick’s face, but it was immediately followed by a surge of indignant rage at being “rejected.”
Why didn’t this bad woman want him?
What right did she have to turn him away?
“Who’d want to stay here anyway?” he shrieked, suddenly lunging at Gretchen and shoving her with all his might.
The blow struck Gretchen’s surgical incision. Agony — white and blinding — swept through her.
She let out a muffled groan, curling into a ball of pain, her breath hitching in her throat.
“Ricky, have you lost your mind?”
Terrence, caught between shock and fury, hauled the thrashing Roderick away.
“I haven’t! She’s just a bad woman! Daddy, why do you always take her side? Isn’t she just your mistress? Why do you keep yelling at me for her sake?”
Roderick was frightened but grew even more aggrieved and angry. He shouted recklessly.
Then, he turned and threw himself into the arms of Paulina, who had rushed over at the commotion. He wailed as if he had suffered some great injustice.
Paulina held Roderick tightly, patting his back and murmuring softly, “Terry, he’s still just a child and doesn’t know any better. He just can’t accept this yet; don’t hold it against him.”
“And Greta, you’re an adult; don’t hold a grudge with a child.”
Gretchen curled up on the bed, biting hard on her lower lip as wave after wave of intense pain washed over her.
Her gaze fell on Roderick, whose eyes were filled with nothing but pure loathing.
“You’re right,” she said, one word at a time. “I am just your father’s mistress. You and I have nothing to do with each other.”
She gasped for air, forcing the final words through her gritted teeth. “I shouldn’t keep you trapped here. I’m letting you go.”
Terrence felt his heart drop. A sudden, unbidden sense of panic seized him.