When Genevieve’s ex-husband gifts their son a rocking horse, her instincts scream something’s off. Her unease grows when it starts making strange noises, leading her to a gut-wrenching discovery. Determined to protect her family at all costs, Genevieve immediately calls her lawyer.
When Anthony showed up at my doorstep with a giant rocking horse, I knew he was up to something. My ex-husband never did anything without a reason, especially when it came to Ethan.
He stood there, grinning like he’d just brought Ethan the moon, while I could feel my blood pressure rising.
“Hey, Genevieve. Thought Ethan might like this,” Anthony said, his tone infuriatingly cheerful. He always knew how to mask his intentions with that fake charm.
I forced a smile, though it probably looked more like a grimace. “That’s… thoughtful of you, Anthony.”
I could never have imagined how this toy would upend my life.
My son’s eyes would light up, delighted with the toy. Then Anthony would deliver some bad news and I’d be left to pick up the emotional pieces after Anthony left.
“Mom! Look at what Dad got me!” Ethan’s voice echoed down the stairs, full of excitement.
Moments later, he came barreling into the living room, Anthony following close behind. Ethan’s face was alight with joy, his hands gripping the horse’s reins. I forced a smile, but I was waiting for the ‘bad news’ part of the visit.
“It’s amazing, Dad! Can I ride it now?”
“Of course, sport,” Anthony said, ruffling Ethan’s hair. “Just be careful, okay?”
“Alright,” I agreed, “just for a bit. It’s almost dinnertime. Dad’s taking you for pizza, remember?”
“That reminds me… ” Anthony put on a charming grin as he turned to me. “I won’t be able to take Ethan out tonight.”
“What?” Ethan stopped rocking to stare at Anthony.
I let out a sigh. Here we go again.
“I’ll ride him every day so you can visit me, Dad,” Ethan said.
My heart broke a little, but Anthony just ruffled Ethan’s hair and headed for the door. I put out a hand, catching him by the elbow as he breezed past me.
“You can’t keep doing this, Tony,” I said in a low voice. “Expensive gifts are no substitute for spending time with your child.”
Tony jerked his arm from my grip.
