iller estate. The festive lights of the city seemed dim compared to the brilliance of the mansion. It was

, shivering figure in the snow, star

ge bay window

ther.

of a massive Christmas tree. And next to him, helping him, was Sarah Jenkins. She was beautiful, dressed in a sparkling si

family. A happy father, a lov

cement

s to put the star on the tree last year. He remembered my hands guiding his, Ethan's

f the gate, his breath fogging the metal. "Daddy

. He walked to the security intercom, a small box mounted on

a sharp voice

as S

d, his voice small. "I

gate beside the main one buzzed open. Hope surged in L

ing in the fresh snow. But the front door didn't open. Instead, Sarah was waiting

dripping with scorn. She looked him up and down, her eyes ling

her," Leo repeated, t

our father? He's busy. He's celebratin

s is my house too," he said, his chin trembl

other? That pathetic woman? Don't you dare mention her in this

, his fear momentarily replaced by a surge of prot

ng over him. "A good mother wouldn't send her little boy out i

sible prison. You monster! You

didn't send me! I came by

baby voice. "Let me guess. Money? A new toy?

ced quickly back at the window, making sure Etha

ious movement,

alance on the icy steps and tumbled backward, his

He lay there in the snow, dazed and crying, a thin tri

se?" Ethan's voice

sweet, cheerful voice. "Just the wind kno

sk of pure hatred. "Get up," she hiss

nt to see your father? Fine. But you're not walki