Digging up My Bones (Kristen and Samuel) novel Chapter 3

I, of course, didn't show up within the three-day deadline he gave me.

Samuel returned once more to the gate of my humble abode.

Toby circled Samuel excitedly. He slipped his tiny, transparent hand into Samuel's hand that was hanging at his side.

He turned back joyfully and shouted to me, "Mommy, I'm finally holding Daddy's hand!"

My eyes stung, and I looked back at him with a forced smile.

Over the years, Samuel had always believed that Toby was Daniel's child. He loathed him and refused to even spare him a glance.

Although I had done a paternity test that confirmed they were biologically father and son, he still refused to believe it. He vehemently claimed I had paid someone to fake the results.

After that terrible night, I had lost all his trust.

I had asked him for a divorce, wanting to put an end to our toxic relationship.

But he only glared at me with venom in his eyes and spat, "Kristen, I want you to remember this—you owe me one for the rest of your life. I told you that this grudge won't end until one of us dies.

"As for divorce, don't even think about it!"

He brought countless women home to spend the night and flaunt his intimacy with them in front of me. Whenever I argued with him, he would sneer and remind me how dirty I was when I slept with Daniel.

This went on until Violet returned to the country. From the moment she came back into his life, he cut off all contact with those other women. Subsequently, the two of them flaunted their relationship openly. Even his business partners referred to Violet as "Mrs. Hoffman."

My thoughts drifted back to the present.

Toby, who had been happily holding onto Samuel and running in circles around him, was terrified by the sudden aggression. He quivered and burst into tears as he ran into my arms.

"Mommy, what's wrong with Daddy? I'm scared…"

I held him tightly and comforted him. "Don't be scared, Toby. Daddy can't hurt you anymore. Look, there are butterflies over there. Do you want to go play with them?"

I said that to distract him.

Toby turned his head and saw a few butterflies fluttering in the distance. His tears stopped, and he quickly wiped his face before running after the butterflies with a smile.

Meanwhile, Samuel only grew more agitated after kicking the gate twice.

He rubbed his temples repeatedly. Then, he took out his phone and made a call. "Hello, is this the locksmith?"