“Acelynn, make no mistake, Lynley is my child. Even if he calls you ‘Mommy,’ you have no right to claim him as your own.” I reached out for Lynley, trying to bring him over.

He hesitated, then clung tightly to Acelynn. My heart sank.

Keith shielded them with his presence, his eyes sharp and unyielding like a hawk’s. “Lesley, from the moment we divorce, you will no longer be Lynley’s mother. Don’t show up in front of him again, or I won’t hesitate to do something to make sure you remember it.”

I knew Keith was usually cold and heartless, but I never expected him to be so merciless. “He’s...