Chapter 16

I dabbed at my eyes with exquisite precision, carefully smudging my makeup just enough to suggest recent tears without looking messy. The humiliation at the new theme park still burned fresh in my mind.

Everything had to be perfect now. The kitchen counter gleamed under the afternoon light, except for the artfully scattered flour and the pot of congee simmering on the stove - evidence of my "maternal efforts." The aroma of rice and ginger filled the air, a motherly touch that even Philip couldn't ignore.

"Max, darling?" I called softly towards his room. "Remember what Mommy said?"

"Yes, Mommy!" His eager response brought a genuine smile to my lips. At least one child knew how to appreciate me properly.

I settled onto the sofa, smoothing my dress carefully, and allowed myself to sink into the bitterness that had been building since the park incident.The scene kept replaying in my mind - having to apologize, to grovel in public. And all because Howard Thompson chose to defend that Boston nobody as if she belonged in our world.

My hands clenched involuntarily. Howard would pay for that humiliation. They all would. I'd worked too hard to let everything slip away now. I still remembered my first entry into this world, how I'd methodically charmed my way into Robert's life when his family's fortune still gleamed. Oh, Robert. I almost felt sorry for him sometimes. Almost. He never saw how I orchestrated his family's downfall, one extravagant purchase at a time. The endless shopping sprees, impromptu trips to Paris,charitable donations that happened to benefit my social connections - by the time he realized what was happening, it was too late. I'd already secured my position in society and jumped ship with perfect timing.

I scattered a few more crumpled tissues on the coffee table. Philip would be home soon, and this little scene I was setting would make the park incident work to my advantage after all.

The memory of Howard defending Annie at the park sent fresh waves of humiliation through me. Having to slap Max to maintain my facade...but it was necessary. Everything I did was necessary. The ends always justified the means, didn't they?

The sound of a key in the lock pulled me from my thoughts. Showtime.

I hunched my shoulders slightly, making myself look smaller on the sofa.Years of practice had taught me exactly how to position myself to appear most vulnerable. The first sob escaped just as Philip entered - perfectly timed, if I do say so myself.

"Sarah?" His concern was immediate, just as I knew it would be. "WNhat's wrong?"

I lifted my face, letting him see the carefully crafted distress. "Oh, Philip..."I made my voice tremble just slightly. "I'm trying so hard with Brian,but...

He sat beside me, exactly as expected. Men were so predictable when it came to damsel in distress scenarios. "What happened?"

"His stomach was still upset from yesterday, so I made him congee." I gestured toward the kitchen, pride swelling at my own attention to detail. "A mother's touch, you know? But he refused to even try it..."

"That's not true!"

Ah, right on cue. Brian stood in the doorway, face flushed with anger.Such a predictable child, really. Just like his mother- no sense of subtlety or finesse.

"You never made any congee!" Brian continued, voice cracking. "You only gave me cereal and then left with Max!"

I flinched delicately, pressing closer to Philip. Amateur hour, Brian. Really."See how he treats me?" I whispered, letting my voice catch. "After everything I've done..."

Philip's eyes narrowed as he studied Brian's face, then mine. Then,he checked Brian's arms for any signs of abuse, finding nothing but normal childhood scrapes. His gaze swept the kitchen, noting the perfectly arranged cereal boxes, the pristine countertops.

"Show me where she hit you," he demanded.

Brian's hand flew to his cheek, but of course, hours had passed. No mark remained. I'd been careful about that.

"It... it was here," Brian stammered. "But it doesn't show anymore!"

Philip's expression hardened. He turned to me, protective instinct overriding parental insight. "Apologize to Sarah right now." "But Dad, she's lying! She took Max to the theme park and left me alone!Then she hit me when she came back!" Oh, the wonderful irony. The truth sounds so much like a lie when it comes from a child's mouth, doesn't it?

"Enough!" Philip's shout echoed satisfyingly through the apartment. "Sarah has been nothing but kind to you. She's trying to be a mother to you.and this is how you repay her?"

I touched Philip's arm gently, the perfect picture of a concerned stepmother. "It's okay, really. I understand it's hard for him..." The weight of the bracelet he'd given me last week felt particularly satisfying against my wrist.

"No, it's not okay." Philip stood, towering over his son. "Go to your room and think about how you're treating someone who only wants to help you.And don't come out until you're ready to apologize properly."

I watched Brian's smaIl fists clench at his sides, noting with satisfaction how his eyes filled with tears. "You never believe me anymore," he whispered. "Never."

The slam of his bedroom door was music to my ears.

I let my shoulders shake with perfectly calibrated sobs. "Maybe...maybe this was a mistake. Perhaps Max and I should go..." The threat hung in the air like expensive perfume. "No!" Philip's response was instant, desperate - exactly as I'd known it would be. He gathered me into his arms, and I had to suppress a smile of triumph. "Please, Sarah. I'll talk to him. I'll make him understand." I buried my face against his chest, allowing myself a moment of satisfaction. Then, time for the coup de grâce. "I just want us to be a family," I whispered. "Like Howard and Annie are becoming with Lucy."

I felt him stiffen instantly. Men are so transparent when it comes to their exes.

"What do you mean?" His voice carried exactly the edge I'd been hoping for.

I pulled back slightly, studying his face with practiced innocence. "Oh...you haven't heard? Lucy's calling her 'Mom' now. They're quite the happy little family from what I saw at the park." I traced patterns on his chest,keeping my voice soft and vulnerable. "It must be nice, finding someone who fits so perfectly into your world..."

His jaw tightened - another predictable response. I pressed closer,playing my role to perfection. "I try so hard to fit into yours," I murmured. "To be what you and Brian need..."

His arms tightened possessively around me, fingers tracing fire across my skin. Through half-lidded eyes, I caught our reflection in the hallway mirror- his tall frame pressed against my curves, my head tilted back in calculated surrender. Down the hall, Brian's muffled sobs provided the perfect accompaniment to my victory.

"All mine," Philip growled against my throat. I smiled, letting my nails scrape lightly down his chest. The pregnancy test in my purse felt like a crown jewel - my final trap ready to spring. Whose child it actually was hardly mattered.

I arched into his touch, knowing exactly how to make him lose control.Men were such simple creatures, so easily led by their desires. Robert had been the same before his fortune crumbled. "Only yours." I breathed, the lie tasting sweet on my tongue as his grip tightened further