“Alice, you’re always so argumentative.” Ben shook his head, each word piercing my heart like a needle. Everything I said was wrong; everything Kaitlyn said was perfect!
“Ben, darling,” Kaitlyn interrupted him, placing her hand lightly on his leg, her tone gentle yet laced with triumph. “Let’s go to bed. We have to spend time with Oliver tomorrow.”
I bit my lip, watching them walk into my bedroom, nausea rising in my throat. I wanted to tell Ben how Kaitlyn tormented Oliver, but I couldn't. I was afraid Kaitlyn would report me for stealing Oliver. It was a time bomb, ticking away, ready to shatter my life.
“Mom...” a warm voice whispered beside me. I looked up and saw Alex standing there. He wore blue pajamas, his hair damp from a recent shower. He looked at me silently, his eyes holdi
