Chapter 38: Shadows of Distrust

As they continued in the garden, Miranda looked for a way to move forward with her plan and decided to bring up a topic she knew would provoke a reaction from Ethan. As the conversation progressed, her tone subtly began to shift.

—Ethan, there's something I want you to know —she said, feigning concern as she glanced sideways at his reaction—. I noticed that you spend a lot of time with Isabella… but have you ever thought about who she really is?

Ethan stopped, furrowing his brow. He didn’t like the tone Miranda was using when mentioning Isabella.

—Isabella is good to me —he replied, crossing his arms—. She takes care of me and helps me do fun things.

Miranda sighed, pretending to feel sorry.

—I know, darling, and I know she may seem kind. But sometimes, people aren’t what they seem —she said, weighing each word—. Maybe Isabella doesn’t have the best intentions with you or your dad. There are things that… well, you don’t always see when you’re little.

Ethan pressed his lips together, beginning to get annoyed.

—You don’t know anything about her. Isabella is good —he insisted, determined to defend his caretaker—. Why are you saying that?

Miranda shrugged, pretending to act innocent.

—I just want to protect you, Ethan. Sometimes, people who get close to families… they might have other interests. It’s just strange how Isabella is always seeking your attention and your dad’s. Like she wants… something more.

Ethan looked at her intensely, trying to process what Miranda was saying. But deep down, his loyalty to Isabella remained strong, and he wasn’t going to let Miranda’s words confuse him.

—Isabella isn’t bad like you say —he said firmly, his eyes flashing with defiance—. She doesn’t make me do anything and is always there when I need her.

Miranda let out a forced laugh, trying to hide her frustration.

—Of course, Ethan, of course… I just want you to think carefully about everything, that’s all —she replied, patting him on the shoulder—. Not everyone who seems good really is.

Ethan fell silent, staring at Miranda with a distrustful look. Finally, he furrowed his brow and asked her a direct question:

—Why do you always try to scare me? —he asked in a firm voice, though his tone showed some discomfort.

Miranda, surprised, tried to keep her composure and smiled, though it was somewhat forced.

—Scare you? Of course not, Ethan, I would never want to make you feel that way —she responded, adopting a sweet and conciliatory tone—. I only want what’s best for you… and for your dad.

Ethan, however, didn’t seem convinced. He remembered all the times Miranda had intimidated him with her words, the harsh glares she gave him when his father wasn’t around, and how she always seemed upset with him.

—You always say ugly things about Isabella or tell me that I’m doing everything wrong —he replied boldly, his eyes defiant as he looked at her—. But I know she’s good, and you… you just want me to feel bad.

Miranda pressed her lips together, trying not to show her irritation.

—Ethan, darling, that’s not true —she said in a soft voice—. It’s just that sometimes adults have to make tough decisions. I assure you that everything I do is for your own good.

Ethan shook his head, determined.

—Well, it doesn’t seem that way —he replied firmly—. I used to be scared of you, but not anymore. Now I know Isabella really takes care of me and you’re just trying to make me see her as someone bad.

Miranda held her breath, her patience beginning to wear thin. However, she tried one last smile, as if the situation were still under control.

—I see… I think we should talk about this with your dad. Maybe he can help you understand it better —she replied, striving to keep calm.

But Ethan just looked at her with distrust, as if he was no longer willing to listen.

Ethan crossed his arms, staring at her with a defiant expression and no trace of fear. After a moment of silence, his words were direct:

—I know you have bad intentions —he said, without hesitation—. You’re not fooling me, Miranda. And I know you’re hiding secrets… bad things.

Miranda’s smile completely faded, and a flash of frustration appeared in her eyes. However, she tried to remain calm, even though her voice no longer sounded sweet.

—What are you talking about, Ethan? —she replied, feigning an innocent expression—. Children don’t understand those things.

Ethan shook his head and moved a little closer, not letting himself be intimidated.

—Dad always tells me that good people don’t keep secrets that hurt others —he said, looking at her with determination—. But you… you’re different. I know you’re pretending, and that you just want to marry my dad to do something bad.

Miranda, noticing that Ethan was speaking with more confidence than ever, tried to regain control of the conversation, and in a tone somewhere between frustration and threat, she said:

—Ethan, you’d better behave and stop saying these nonsense. I warn you.

But Ethan simply looked at her without fear, with an unexpected confidence.

—I’m not scared of you anymore, Miranda. I’m going to protect my dad, and you’re not going to trick us with your lies.

Isabella walked out of the hallway and headed towards the yard, looking for Ethan. She was sure she’d find him playing among the trees or running through the garden, as he usually did every afternoon. However, as she peeked outside, her heart stopped when she saw a scene that made her feel deep unease: Miranda was standing too close to Ethan, leaning toward him as she spoke quietly, too near.

Miranda, hearing footsteps, lifted her gaze and smiled coldly upon noticing Isabella’s expression.

—Oh, Isabella —Miranda said in a sweet tone, but with a superior look—. I didn’t see you come in. I was just having a little conversation with Ethan. You know, we have to get along. After all, soon I’ll be his… “stepmother.”

Ethan quickly turned when he heard Isabella’s voice, and his eyes lit up. He rushed to her with a relieved expression, as if her presence gave him the security he needed.

—Where were you, Isabella? —he asked, taking her hand—. Miranda was saying things… things I don’t like.

Isabella shivered at the tone of concern in Ethan’s voice and looked at Miranda with distrust.

—What were you

telling him? —Isabella asked, trying to stay calm, though her discomfort was evident.