Chapter 95

Chapter 95
VERA'S POV
If I know Jack as well as I know the back of my hand, then I know that his thoughts are already spinning. He’s probably now focused on finding out if there really is a Monica out there or not.
How could he let himself get shaken up by a random text from some stranger? Someone who, if you ask me, is probably just trying to make quick money. After everything we’ve been through, how did I ever believe we were finally safe? Done with drama?
Just when I thought we had found peace, happiness even, one stupid text message from an unknown number, right in the middle of us being together, turned our world upside down. I was in his arms, building dreams. And in a second, it all came crashing down.
So much for a happy ending.
“Yes, this is unbelievable! You’re so unbelievable, Jack!” I shouted as I jumped out of bed, grabbing my robe. The absurdity of it all gave me an instant headache. Just last night, my heart fluttered with joy, and now, it ached. A deep, throbbing pain.
“If… Let’s say this is a lie. I can only confirm if I…”
“You’re actually considering that?” I cut him off, shocked that he’d even entertain the idea of finding this Monica person. So now I have to compete with a ghost? And he doesn’t even see it! “Well, good luck with that!” I snapped, storming out of the room and heading straight for the kitchen.
I was angry. Hurt. And completely overwhelmed.
While making breakfast, my mind was still on Jack. I didn’t know what I expected from him anymore. After Monica died, he lost himself completely. And now it was starting all over again. And just when I needed him most… he was drifting again.
“Good morning, Mom!”
I hadn’t even heard Timothy walk in until he spoke. His soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Hey! With that smile, I’m guessing you slept well. Now, where’s your brother?” I asked, trying to mask my exhaustion with a smile.
“He’s still sleeping,” he replied, yawning as he rubbed his eyes. Typical of him. He stood on his toes, peeking at what I was preparing as I placed a tray on the counter.
I brushed his hair back and smiled at him. Then I lifted the tray and carried it over to the dining table.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make your favorite for dinner. I know you’ve been missing pork chops and mashed potatoes.”
His eyes lit up. “Yes!” he cheered and quickly asked if he could help.
“Just sit down, baby. Mommy’s got it all covered,” I said with a small laugh, setting down the tray and patting his hair when he giggled.
As I turned to return to the kitchen, I noticed Malone standing by the door, peeking in like he didn’t want to interrupt. I gave him a warm smile and motioned for him to come in.
“Good morning,” he mumbled, shuffling toward us. He didn’t respond to my open arms, clearly not ready for a hug.
“Are you okay, Mal?” I asked, walking over and kissing the top of his head. I hoped it would help him open up, but something told me I was losing him. I thought we were making progress. Now I wasn’t so sure.
He didn’t meet my gaze as he looked around the tray of food. Malone never asked for anything. And I was running out of ideas to make him feel comfortable. I’d hoped Jack would help me with this, especially since he’d raised Tim on his own, but now Jack was slipping through my fingers too.
“Uh… Can I get my own room now?”
His question stopped me in my tracks.
I opened my mouth, stunned, but then Jack’s voice cut in.
“Why don’t you want to share a room with your brother anymore?” he asked.
I hadn’t even noticed Jack come into the dining room. And even though I wanted to shove him away when he kissed my cheek, I let him, for the boys’ sake. They didn’t need to know we had problems.
His kiss warmed me. I almost leaned into him to take in his cologne, but I reminded myself, this wasn’t the time. My stomach twisted and I suddenly felt queasy.
I didn’t want to think about why. There was too much going on. My head was spinning, and my ears rang. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to ground myself.
“Hey, honey,” I said softly to Malone. “Is there a reason you don’t want to share a room with your brother anymore? I thought you two were getting along?”
“I didn’t think you were upset about anything,” I added. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell us…”
“I was happy sharing with you,” Tim jumped in quickly. “Maybe I missed something. But if I did, I didn’t mean to.”
“Easy, Tim,” Jack interrupted gently. “This probably isn’t about you.”
“Malone?” Jack turned his attention to the boy. He took my hand and gave it a soft squeeze before crouching down to Malone’s level, placing a hand on the boy’s knee.
“Is there something you want to tell us? We’re family now. You don’t have to hide anything. We’re here for you. All of us.”
Malone frowned. His jaw clenched.
“I didn’t think asking for my own room would be such a big deal,” he said stiffly. “There are plenty of empty rooms in this mansion. I just want one of them. What’s so wrong with that?”
The way he said it, with cold confidence, was like a slap. His eyes didn’t waver. He wasn’t asking. He was demanding. And it wasn’t like him. Not before.
I took a step back, startled by the change in him. Kenneth. Of course. That man had shaped my son into this. Into someone hard and selfish. Someone who didn’t know how to love. Someone who thought needing people was weak.
My heart broke.
Right then, Jack’s phone buzzed. The sound interrupted the thick silence, and I knew whatever that call was, it wasn’t good.
And my stomach twisted again. This time, it felt worse.
I was getting sick. I knew it.