I Waited, but I've Had Enough Now

There was a knock at the bedroom door, and Sebastian came in, holding a warm basin of water. Christian followed close behind, carefully carrying a large bowl of fruit salad, his face bright with eagerness.

"Honey, soak your feet. It'll help you relax," Sebastian said gently, placing the basin down beside Bianca.

"Mommy, have some fruit!" Christian added cheerfully.

Sebastian knelt, carefully removing Bianca's socks, gently washing her feet, and giving her a relaxing massage, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

Christian stood beside them, feeding Bianca pieces of fruit one at a time, carefully wiping the juice from the corner of her lips with a tissue.

Watching their attentive gestures, Bianca felt a bitter chill inside. She picked up the wrapped gift box and handed it to them. "This is a gift for both of you," she said calmly.

Sebastian's eyes brightened with surprise. "Honey, what did you get us?"

Christian stood on tiptoes excitedly. "Thank you, Mommy! You're the best! I love you so much!"

Just as Christian began to untie the ribbon, Bianca quickly reached out and stopped him. Her voice turned firm as she said, "Wait until my birthday. It will be more meaningful if you open it then."

Sebastian and Christian immediately paused, obediently agreeing.

Later, Sebastian carefully placed the gift box in the safe. Just as he locked it, his phone buzzed softly.

The room fell silent, and Christian's anxious thoughts echoed clearly in Bianca's mind. "Oh, no. Lucy must be getting impatient at home. We have to hurry up and make Mommy sleep, so Daddy and I can go see her."

Without changing her expression, Bianca watched Christian climb onto the bed beside her, asking sweetly for a bedtime story. Sebastian gently guided Bianca down onto the bed, too, coaxing her lovingly to rest.

Bianca felt another wave of bitter amusement.

Gazing steadily at Christian, whom she'd adored unconditionally, she asked softly yet meaningfully, "Do you remember the story I once told you about the Little Mermaid?"

Christian looked puzzled, about to ask something, but Bianca continued without waiting.

"The Little Mermaid turned into sea foam and vanished forever because the prince betrayed her. Christian, if I ever get betrayed, I'll disappear from everyone's lives, too, just like the Little Mermaid," she said, calm but resolute.

The mood grew tense, and Christian nervously averted his eyes, his thoughts racing anxiously. "What's wrong with Mommy? Does she know something?"

Before he could dwell on it, Sebastian's phone buzzed again urgently. It was clearly a message from Lucy Hart, urging them to hurry.

Sebastian and Christian exchanged a quick glance, then carefully tucked Bianca into bed.

Sebastian gently stroked her cheek, smiling softly. "Honey, you're overthinking things. Just get some rest."

He glanced pointedly at Christian, who immediately chimed in, "Yeah, Mommy, get some sleep. I have homework, so I won't disturb you anymore."

Bianca didn't respond, merely closing her eyes as they assumed she had finally fallen asleep. Quietly, they turned out the lights and left the room.

Yet, the moment the door clicked shut, Bianca's eyes snapped open in the darkness.