Parents and kids settled at their tables, chatting and laughing. Across from us, Samuel sat with Rachel and Leo, acting like the perfect little family.
Lily tugged my sleeve, her voice soft and uncertain.
“Mommy, why isn’t Daddy sitting with us?”
I pinched her chubby cheek, forcing a smile. She was too young to get caught up in all this.
“Because Mommy’s a superhero,” I said lightly. “And Daddy’s off helping other kids today.”
Just then, the teacher clapped her hands.
“Alright, everyone! Our first activity is building with blocks. And the grand prize, ” she held up a LEGO spaceship, grinning, “goes to the fastest team!”
Lily’s eyes lit up like fireworks.
“Mommy, I need that spaceship!”
“Then let’s win it,” I said, ruffling her hair.
We worked fast, stacking the blocks as the sand timer ran low. The moment we finished, Lily shot her hand into the air.
“Teacher, we’re done!”
The teacher was making her way over when,
Crash.
Blocks scattered everywhere.
Leo stood in front of us, arms crossed, a smug look on his face.
“Guess first place is mine now.”
Lily’s lower lip trembled. Then, without hesitation, she grabbed the biggest block and chucked it straight at Leo.
It hit his shoulder with a soft thud.
Samuel stormed over, voice sharp.
“Lily! How could you hit someone?! Apologize to Leo right now.”
Lily’s little fists clenched.
“No! He knocked over my blocks first! He’s the bad guy!”
I placed a hand on her shoulder and turned to Samuel, my voice ice-cold.
“Anyone here can see who started it. Leo owes Lily an apology.”
Rachel, ever the saint, clung to Samuel’s arm with a worried look.
“Samuel, let’s not make a scene. They’re just kids. It’s not worth fighting over.”
Before I could fire back, Lily’s face crumpled. Tears welled up, spilling over her cheeks.
“Daddy,” she choked out, her voice trembling, “why aren’t you protecting me? Why are you scolding me?”
The word Daddy sucked the air out of the room.
Parents exchanged glances, their eyes darting between me, Samuel, and Rachel.
Samuel stiffened. Rachel’s expression flickered, something unreadable flashing across her face.
Then Leo stepped forward, hands on his hips, glaring at Lily.
“Who’s your daddy?” he sneered. “Don’t call him that! He’s my dad!”
Lily sucked in a breath, her tiny body shaking.
“Daddy,” she sobbed, “say something!”
My chest tightened. I turned to Samuel, my voice sharp as a blade.
“Samuel, aren’t you going to explain? Or are you just going to stand there and let people assume the worst?”
Samuel’s jaw tightened. Then, without hesitation, he scooped Leo into his arms and patted his head.
“What’s there to explain?” he said coolly. “Today, I’m Leo’s dad.”
The whispers started immediately.
“Did you hear that? Why is that little girl calling him Daddy?”
“Hasn’t she always come alone with her mom? Maybe she’s some other woman’s kid…”
“I heard Samuel Brown is filthy rich. You think the girl’s mom is trying to trap him?”
Lily clung to me, sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.
Meanwhile, Samuel stood there, comforting Leo like nothing was wrong. And Rachel, oh, she wasn’t even trying to hide her satisfaction. She glanced at me, lips curving in a barely-there smirk.
I held my daughter close, rubbing her back, trying to soothe her.
I wanted to tear into that bastard and his smug little homewrecker so badly. But not here. Not now. I wouldn’t let my daughter suffer any more humiliation.
Then, right on cue, some bootlicker piped up, loud enough for the whole room to hear,
“The young master looks just like Mr. Brown! You can see they’re father and son!”
