Chapter 5

Every time I tried to discipline Carter, Nathan would play the good guy.

So, despite me spending every day taking care of Carter, it was Nathan who Carter adored.

I gave the post a sarcastic like and went to grab drinks with Bianca.

We spent the evening mingling with some charming guys who kept calling us "ladies" in that flirtatious tone that made me feel young again.

Dancing in the club released all the stress I’d built up during the day.

Carter might still be young and need guidance, but as his mom, I couldn’t just abandon him. I’d have to rethink how I raised him.

When I got home at 11 p.m., I was ready to make some changes in our dynamic. But instead of being in bed, the house was still brightly lit.

Carter was up, playing with his toys in the living room, way past his bedtime. I always made sure he was asleep by 8 p.m. for school the next day, but here it was, 11 o’clock, and he was acting like it was the middle of the day!

Furious, I roared, “Carter Summers! Do you have any idea what time it is? You’ve got school tomorrow!”

Normally, Carter would have jumped into bed the moment I raised my voice, but tonight he actually had the nerve to shout back.

“You’re the one who doesn’t keep your promises! Why do I have to listen to you? You just sit around at home all day, living off Dad’s money. You’re pathetic!”

I stood there, stunned. This was the same child I’d devoted seven years of my life to, and now he was lashing out at me like this?

The first time he’d said something hurtful, I thought it was just his age. But now, he was doing it on purpose. He meant every word.

Tears stung my eyes. I couldn’t believe I had given up my career, everything, for this ungrateful child.

I stormed over and yanked him off the floor. “Say that again! Who taught you to speak to me like that? WHO?!”

My voice was shaking with despair.

Carter glared at me with nothing but hate in his eyes. I shivered.

He started sobbing, but his words stayed harsh.

“You don’t do anything! My friends’ moms aren’t like you!”

As he screamed, he kicked and punched at me, putting every ounce of strength into each blow.

At that moment, I realized—he truly despised me.

Nathan, finally noticing the chaos, stormed into the room and shoved me aside.

“Vivian, are you out of your mind? Look at what you’re doing to him! He’s terrified!”

He turned to Carter, “Don’t just stand there. Wash Carter’s clothes, pick up his toys, and get him to bed.”

Both Nathan and Carter acted like they had every right to boss me around.

I stood up, grabbed the dirty laundry, and threw it right in their faces.

“I told you earlier—if you walked out that door, I was done. So, whoever wants to deal with this, go ahead!”

Carter froze, unsure of what to do.

I slapped him hard across the face. “You don’t want me to take care of you? Fine. From now on, you’re not my son!”

Carter burst into uncontrollable tears.

Ignoring him, I kicked a toy out of the way and walked toward my bedroom, leaving Nathan and Carter behind, too stunned to react.

From that moment on, I swore I’d never do another thing for either of them. Not one.

And with that decision, I felt lighter.

After a long hot shower, I finally relaxed in bed. Just as I was drifting off, Nathan stormed into the room, eyes blazing with anger.

“What the hell is wrong with you today? Is this because Bianca’s been egging you on again? How many times have I told you that woman is no good! Those fancy things you bought are probably her influence too! Return them all tomorrow!”