Chapter 3

"New Mom is the best! I love my New Mom!" Leo’s voice echoed through the foyer.

"Leo, I’m not—please don’t call me that," Amelia replied, looking uncomfortable.

Unhappy with her response, Leo wrapped his arms around her leg. "If you keep calling me 'Leo,' I’ll get mad! You have to call me 'Lee-Lee'! You’re so much nicer than my mom—I like you best!" He shot a glance toward the stairs, making sure I was gone, then added, "Why don’t you just move in? I want to see you first thing every morning! Dad says it’s fine, and our house is huge! You could have any room you want!"

Nathan had offered to let her stay to save the commute, but she’d politely declined, choosing to rent a place instead.

"Leo, you should practice today’s piece," Amelia gently reminded him.

He shook his head, persistent. "Are you scared of my mom? Don’t be. Dad and I will protect you. She does whatever Dad says—she wouldn’t dare bother you."

Leo knew exactly how to twist the knife. I fastened my pearl earrings and walked downstairs slowly, deliberately. Amelia looked increasingly uneasy as I approached.

"Amelia, you really should consider staying," I said. "I know the commute is brutal. Please, don’t stand on ceremony. You’re more than welcome here."

Leo stared, completely thrown. Usually, if Nathan even mumbled Amelia’s name after a few drinks, I’d fall apart. He must have thought he’d found the ultimate weapon. But today, it just… didn’t land.

"I want ice cream!" he demanded, trying a new tack. "Get me two! No—ten!"

The only answer was the sound of the front door closing behind me. After days looking a mess in the hospital, I had a skincare appointment. My car was waiting. As the door clicked shut, Leo’s defiant expression finally crumbled.

"Sir, your ice cream," the housekeeper said, retrieving it from the freezer.

"Who said I wanted any?!" He threw the tub to the floor, his eyes fixed on the closed door.

Could Mom really not remember him?