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Given a second chance at life, I just wanted my child to grow up safe and sound, so I named him Noah Collins. Amber's son, was named Jax.
Under the pretense: "A lowly name is easier to raise."
My child was raised with meticulous care, while Amber's son boy barely scraped by, often going hungry. Born on the same day, Noah stood a head taller than Jax, looking a year older.
"Sis, Noah's fifth birthday is tomorrow. How are you planning the party?"
"Haven't decided yet. What about you? How are you celebrating Jax's birthday?"
Amber snorted. "That bastard's child? As long as he doesn't starve, it is enough. A birthday? He doesn't deserve one."
"Seems you really hate his father. Well, it's your child. If you say he doesn't deserve it, then he doesn't."
As soon as I finished, a hidden flicker of delight passed through Amber's eyes.
"Birthdays are minor. Just try to hit him less. He's growing up. What if he resents you later?"
"This little beast? How dare he! If he dares resent me, I'll beat him to death! Fatherless brat! Keeping him around is me being merciful already!"
Amber clenched her fists, rage burning in her eyes. I knew Jax was in for a bad night.
After all, in my past life, Amber often hit the child right in front of me.
Back then, my heart broke seeing him bruised and battered. I could only plead with her to stop, but Amber'd only pretend to agree, then hit him harder, especially after seeing my distress.She'd even deliberately show me the child's injuries.
As we spoke, the sound of shattering china came from the kitchen.
Amber dashed over, dragged Jax out by his ear, and kicked him to the ground right in front of me.
"You little beast! Getting bold, stealing food from the kitchen!"
Jax, bruised and swollen, looked at us and whispered, "Mom, I'm hungry."
Smack!
Amber slapped him hard across the face.
"Hungry? Are you saying I starve you? Look at Noah, studying hard in his room. And you, idiot, only think about eating!"
"Go kneel in the corner! Don't get up until I say so!"
Terrified of another beating, Jax limped over to the corner and knelt.
"Sis, sorry you had to see that. This child just needs discipline. Noah is so much better behaved."
Amber stared intently at me, wanting to see a trace of heartache in my eyes. But I just lightly patted her shoulder. "Spare the rod, spoil the child. If he's stealing this young, he needs correction. You're the one suffering, having to deal with a child like this."
Amber didn't expect me to say that. Her face froze for a second before she replied, "Exactly! Who knows who this brat takes after? If only he could as good as Noah."
Fuming, Amber went upstairs, stopping by the corner to give Jax a hard kick on her way.
Jax lost balance, smashing his head against the wall. Blood streamed down his forehead, but Amber just glanced at him and walked away without looking back.
Watching her retreating figure, I felt like laughing. Amber, Amber, I really want to see your face when you realize the child you've been abusing is your own son.
