Chapter 1My Parents Sent Me to Jail for Her

I was painting by the lake with my son when I ran into my parents for the first time in eight years.

My son, flying a kite, bumped right into my father.

When my father saw Leo's face, the ceramic piece fell from his hand.

"This child...he looks just like Skylar did."

I dropped my brush, stepped between them, and turned to leave.

“Skylar Wallace!" My mother was in front of me, blocking the path. " Eight years without a word."

"Do you know how many cities we've searched for you in? Your brother got into a car accident looking for you. He still has a limp!"

"Why are you still so selfish and stubborn? You're nothing like Chloe."

I calmly looked them over.

"You've got the wrong person. My name is Rain."

The home they spoke of had died in my heart eight years ago.

"Skylar! Is that any way to look at your own parents?"

Seeing my expressionless face, Father grew even angrier. "We were too soft! Should've let you rot in prison!"

My five-year-old son thrust himself forward, arms spread.

"Don't you dare yell at my mom! You're bad!"

Father's face turned purple with rage, his finger practically poking my face.

"Is this your son?! No wonder you're hiding! Who's the father? Some backwater nobody?"

He raised his hand and slapped me hard.

Seeing me get hit, Leo cried and rushed forward, his tiny fists pounding against Mr. Wallace's leg.

"Bad man! I'll tell Daddy to stab you with his carving knife!"

Ignoring the stinging pain on my face, I quickly scooped Leo back into my arms.

"Leo, let's go home."

My mother ran up, grabbing my sleeve.

"Skylar, stop this nonsense! Your dad is just upset! He was diagnosed with liver cancer last year; the doctors say three years at most... Can't you show him some understanding? Please, come home with us!"

I shook off her hand, my voice as cold as ice.

"I told you, my name is Rain. If you harass me again, I'm calling the cops."

With that, I carried Leo and walked towards my husband's studio.

Back in the studio, I collapsed onto the sofa, trembling all over.

Leo, still sobbing, pulled my husband, Alex, out.

"Daddy! He hit Mommy! Look!"

Alex, still holding a sculpting tool covered in clay, rushed to me in a few strides.

He cupped my face, his fingertips gently tracing the red, swollen area.

"Who did this? Tell me."

I gripped his wrist, shaking my head. "I ran into two people I wish I hadn't."

Alex didn't press further, just pulled me into his embrace, stroking my back gently.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here. No one will hurt you again."

Leo stood on his tiptoes, his little hands stained with paint touching my cheek, mimicking how I'd comfort him.

"Mommy, no boo-boos. I will kiss it better."

Alex also lowered his head, his forehead resting against mine.

"Rain, honey, I'm here."

My vision suddenly blurred.

A long time ago, I was cherished like this too.

I was afraid of thunderstorms, so Mom and Dad covered my room ceiling with glow-in-the-dark stars.

Dad said each star was an eye watching over me.

I was afraid to sleep alone, so they set up a small cot by my bed and took turns sleeping next to me.

"Skylar, honey, Mommy and Daddy will always be with you."

All of that crumbled when I was six, after my father brought home the orphaned daughter of his army buddy.