When I awoke again, Lucas had reverted to his little tyrant ways.

Seeing him blatantly complain, I felt a mix of alienation and heartbreak for the first time.

Everyone wants to be a gentle mother, but for his future, I had to force myself to be strict. I never expected that my silent love for him would end up being met with misunderstanding and resentment.

By the bedside, Mr. Walker and Mrs. Walker were trying to pacify him, finally winning him over with promises of rewards.

As I watched this warm yet glaring scene, I coldly interrupted, "Enough. Lucas needs to rest. Mom and Dad, you should go. I’ll stay...