On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 3

The air froze. Jessica’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. The terrified child before her was both her sweet little girl who used to whisper “Mommy” and a complete stranger.

Jessica clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, her entire body shaking.-

Catherine quickly hopped off the swing and knelt beside Amy. “Sweetheart, that’s your mother. You shouldn’t call her crazy.”

“But she is the crazy mommy!” Amy cried, clinging to Catherine’s leg. “Grandpa and my uncles said that only crazy people go to the crazy hospital. She was in the crazy hospital, so she’s the crazy mommy!”

Jessica felt as if a giant hand had reached into her chest and was squeezing her heart, crushing it. A bitter acid rose in her throat, choking her.

Lance frowned. “Amy, is that any way to speak to your mother? Come here and apologize right now!”

At her father’s harsh tone, Amy burst into tears. “I don’t want her to be my mommy!” she wailed. “I want Mom Catherine to be my mommy! Why did you have to come back? We were so happy when you were gone!”

The four-year-old’s eyes glittered with a hatred as sharp as ice shards, colder than the electrified fence around the institution. The reunion she had dreamed of for one hundred and eighty days shattered around her. It felt like a piece of her heart had been gouged out, leaving a gaping wound. Every breath she took tasted of rust and blood.

Jessica slowly sank to her knees. “Sweetheart, it’s me, Mommy. Your favorite mommy.”

Amy shot her a look, then turned her head away decisively, burying her face in Catherine’s side. “I don’t want you anymore,” she mumbled. “From now on, Catherine is my mom.”

“Amanda Smith!” Jessica’s voice was suddenly sharp, startling everyone.

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