Chapter 2

Brenda’s voice dripped with impatience.

"I’m leaving town for work. I was in such a rush that I accidentally locked Leo out."

"I have a flight to catch and can't turn back. You'll just have to look after Leo for me."

She paused, her tone instantly turning smug and superior.

"Don't say I never look out for my neighbors. I’ve seen you staring at my boy all the time with envy in your eyes."

"I know you can't have kids and crave one, so I'm being generous today and giving you a chance to experience motherhood!"

Her shameless audacity almost made me laugh out loud.

Before I could say a word, she began barking orders.

"Leo has a temper, so you have to cater to him. Every morning, he must have organic imported whole milk, and he only eats organic Chilean cherries and Japanese Shine Muscat grapes."

"If he wants to watch TV, do not stop him. Before bed, you have to read him three English picture books, and your pronunciation better be flawless!"

"During the month my boy stays with you, don't you dare let him suffer a single scratch, or I will make you pay when I get back!"

Listening to her rapid-fire list of ridiculous demands, my eyes grew colder by the second.

"Brenda, are you out of your damn mind?"

I cut her off sharply.

The other end went dead silent for a second, clearly caught off guard by my attitude.

"What did you just say? Chloe, I'm doing you a favor by lending you my son! What kind of attitude is that?!"

"My entire family and I are currently at the airport heading out for a month-long vacation. We are not home."

"If you dumped your son outside my door, he is out there completely alone."

"You better turn your ass around and go get him right now. If anything happens to his safety, it's entirely on you."

Brenda burst into a scornful sneer over the line.

"Oh, please! Chloe, who do you think you’re fooling with this hard-to-get act?!"

"You think I don't see right through you? You're just making up lies to trick me into coming back!"

"Let me tell you, don't be ungrateful. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you to experience being a mother. Other women would beg me on their knees for this!"

I scoffed inwardly, utterly sick of her nonsense.

"I am not lying. We are not home. I've said all I need to say. Believe it or not."

With that, I hung up on her face.

Immediately afterward, I securely saved the call recording.

Then, I took screenshots of our family selfies at the airport, our boarding passes, and our month-long travel itinerary.

I sent Brenda one last message on SnapChat:

"My family is away on vacation for a month. Return immediately to ensure your child's safety. If anything happens to him, it has nothing to do with me."

Now, let's see just how long you can play dumb, Brenda.

The vacation that followed should have been pure bliss,

except Brenda bombarded my SnapChat every single day.

She completely brushed off my warnings and only grew bolder and more demanding.

"Chloe, I saw on social media that other kids are eating imported Alaskan king crab. You better cook that for Leo today!"

"I'm warning you, if Leo loses even half a pound, I will rip your face off when I return!"

"Stop playing dead and ignoring my messages! I know your type. You're probably hoarding my son inside, cherishing every second with him!"