Chapter 14

"Do you think Zachary will live happily once Steven and that woman get married? You must consider your son's future, Anna. Can you stand the thought of him living in the shadow of his stepsiblings?" Of course, I had a hard time coming to terms with that in the past. I never wanted Zachary to experience even a bit of grievance. But what did that get me? He did everything, including harming me and himself, just to get me out of the family. I lost the desire to explain myself and only said, "She's very good to him." Mom disliked my response. "But she'll never be able to love him the way you do." I scoffed. "Actually, she might, judging from the fact that he calls her 'Mommy' every day now." Mom frowned, obviously surprised that Zachary would behave so out of line. She was momentarily speechless and only held my hand in silence. Right then, I had an impulse to vent to her. "Both Steven and Zachary adore that mistress. I've long become the outcast in this family. So, I don't want a f