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