Chapter 23

Avery followed Calvin back home. Inside the house, the maids hurried to greet her. As soon as Noah and Simon heard the commotion, they raced down the stairs. "Mom!" "Mom, are you back for good this time? We were wrong before. Mom, I love you the most!" Even though Simon could barely talk, seeing Avery again made him want to say everything he'd been holding in. Avery couldn't help but notice the bruises and injuries on the boys, but honestly, it didn't matter anymore. She hadn't just left Calvin. She'd left Noah and Simon behind, too. Faced with their eager, heartfelt words, she answered quietly, her responses short and distant. After a while, the boys seemed to realize something, and their eyes started to well up with tears. "Mom, do you really not want us anymore?" Avery glanced at them, about to respond, when Calvin suddenly cut in. "Don't say that. I need to show your mom something, so you two stay here and be good, alright?" Calvin said gently. Avery glanced at him and