Chapter 2 Stolen attention

Mary's smile widened as if in victory. Meanwhile, Stella stood frozen, her body trembling with anger.

"How dare you talk to me like that?" Stella snapped, her face flushing with anger. Mary just smiled in response as if she were the winner of this game of betrayal.

"Interesting, isn't it? A maid who now controls her employer's house," Mary said with a satisfied laugh.

Stella's blood boiled. How dare a maid take the husband and children away from the woman who hired her!

"Have you no heart? Seizing what belongs to someone else?" Stella asked with emotion.

Mary leaned closer and whispered in Stella's ear, a sardonic smile still gracing her face.

"I didn't take him from you. You took Jason from me. He was my lover long before I knew you. He was only interested in your treasure, not your love."

Mary laughed softly, but her words stung like knives.

"What?!" Stella gasped, unable to believe what she was hearing. Unconsciously, her right hand flew up.

Plak!

"You bitch! Don't you dare lie to me!" she snapped, slapping Mary once more.

Mary fell silent. She rubbed her reddened cheek.

"Madam..." she said softly. The lopsided smile returned.

"Just ask your husband if you don't believe me."

Her gaze swept up and down Stella's body sarcastically.

"You should take better care of yourself. Your appearance amuses me."

Stella choked up. Mary's words hurt, but she knew there was some truth to them. She had indeed changed-too busy with work and too careless about her appearance. But was Jason really just using her?

Though her heart was broken, Stella realized she couldn't stay silent. She still has Rafael, her son, whom she loves even though he's not her own flesh and blood.

Stella was furious. She grabbed Mary by the arm and dragged her to her room.

"Pack your things right now! I never want to see you in this house again!"

Mary just chuckled. Stella opened the closet and took out Mary's clothes one by one. Suddenly, she found a hidden photo of Jason and Mary embracing and looking happy together.

"You guys...?" Stella hissed angrily as she crumpled the photo.

"Get out of this house!" she yelled as she left.

She grabbed the car keys and prepared to take Rafael to school. On the terrace, Rafael was waiting for her.

"Come on, honey. Let's go."

"Come on, Mommy."

Just as Stella was about to start the engine, Mary came out of the house carrying a large suitcase. She stood at the end of the street waiting for a taxi. Rafael looked back.

"Is that... Aunt Mary?" he murmured doubtfully.

"Yes, she's leaving and not coming back," Stella replied coldly.

But before he stepped on the gas pedal, Rafael pleaded, "Mom, I want to go out for a while."

"Mom, can I go out for a while?"

"Why, darling?"

Rafael did not answer. He opened the car door and ran toward Mary. Stella looked in the rearview mirror, taken aback by Rafael's behavior.

"Auntie, don't go!" Rafael cried, gripping Mary's hand tightly.

"I'm going to lose you."

Stella was stunned. She hadn't expected the boy to plead with the woman who had destroyed his home.

Mary stroked Rafael's head gently.

"I must go, young master. I'm not needed here anymore."

"But, Aunt"

"I'm sorry."

Mary got into the taxi. She gave Stella a lopsided smile, and then the vehicle sped off.

"Bitch!" Stella growled, clenching her fists.

Rafael ran after the taxi a little.

"Auntie, don't go!" he cried out.

"Rafael, come back!" Stella shouted frantically.

But Rafael ignored her. He stopped in the middle of the road and stared at the taxi as it drove away. Tears welled up in his eyes.

"Aunt Mary has left me," he said, sobbing.

"Rafael, come back quickly, darling!"

When he turned around, a car was speeding toward him.

"Rafael! Look out!" Stella shouted in panic.

Too late. The car slammed into his small body.

Braak!

"RAFAEEEEELLLLLLLL!" Stella shouted hysterically.