I wiped my mouth, lifted my head, and met his gaze.

"The picture frame fell, glass shattered all over. I haven't cleaned up yet, just put the photo away."

Jason's furrowed brows relaxed, but his gaze still held confusion as he looked at me:

"I promise you, once Tessa recovers, I'll keep my distance from her, just like before."

"We are the real family."

"By the way, tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. Book a restaurant for us, and we'll have dinner together."

It was Jason's usual tactic.

—Givemeaslaponthewristandthenasweettreat.

In the eyes of both father and son, I was never a wife and mom, just a beck-and-call nanny and maid.

His tone towards me was always condescending, devoid of any pity.

The phone rang at just the right moment, Samuel glanced at it briefly and then leaned in with a sweet demeanor, "Mom, your cooking is really delicious, I was just joking earlier." The longing in his eyes was genuine. I smiled quietly, not saying anything more.

Jason took my phone and tapped on it, "Book this restaurant. Their head waiter just called."

Before leaving, he asked me with a full smile, "Alice, I'll bring groceries home tonight. Make sure you wait for me here!"

Samuel laughed beside him, covering his face. We looked like we used to, still a happy family.

As the front door closed, my phone vibrated wildly. My colleague's voice was nearly breaking through the receiver, "Alice, did you set the fire at Samuel's school? The internet is flooded with this news. Someone found out your home address and is heading your way…”

I forced myself to stay calm, my voice trembling as I asked, "I remember our company is responsible for the school's network security. Can you check the surveillance footage from that day?"

My colleague didn't respond, her voice was cut off by the incoming call.

I answered, but it was endless layers of insults. I hung up, only for another number to ring.

Ring, hang up. I hastily dialed Jason's number, only for his cold, transformed tone to greet me.

"Alice, Tessa is pregnant, and she saved Samuel's life during the fire. Take the blame for the school fire, for her."

"Her health can't handle this. You're healthy, you can bear it."

"Just think of it as an apology to you from me and Samuel. We'll make it up to you in the future."

I heard Tessa's laughter through the receiver, softly thanking me.

But why did they dump the blame on me, never asking if I was willing?

My phone was constantly bombarded with curse messages, most asking why I set the fire, why didn't I die.

Despite my long-standing decision to leave, my heart ached deeply.

"How dare you decide for me something I didn't do!"

"You know I'll be cyberbullied. What am I supposed to do?"

"I have a job, a career...”

I was frantic, questioning Jason.

But he interrupted me strongly.

"Is Samuel's life less important than your job and reputation? You think your son's life is secondary to your career!"

"Even if you lose everything, I'll support you."

I laughed bitterly.

"Setting a fire at school is murder, it's a crime!"

Jason laughed smugly,

"Murder? A crime? There's no casualty, it won't blow up. You'll just suffer a few days of insults. Besides, your shitty job doesn't matter if you quit."

Suddenly, a piercing pain surged through my lower abdomen.

Who said there were no casualties!

My two-month pregnant baby wasn't a life? But neither of them ever asked or cared.

I suddenly recalled that year, Samuel begging me to give him a little sister, both he and Jason squatting beside me like knights guarding their princess.

They looked at me with full expectancy:

"If we had a sister at home, I'd spoil her to the heavens!"

"No, it's mom who should be spoiled, mom is the princess!"

Now, my husband and biological son stabbed me one after the other.

"Fine, as you said, I'll take the blame for her."

And our feelings for each other dissolved.

Jason thought I agreed too readily and hesitated for a few seconds, ultimately saying okay.