Chapter 59

LUNETH As we step into the house, I wonder why I suggested lunch with the kids. Zayden had been an absolute nightmare. I remembered my mom complaining about me as a child, but I don't think it was this bad. I had thought that sitting down to share a meal with him away from his father was going to tone down the pressure and tension on him, but it simply made it worse. Every time Aria tried to connect with me, he found a way to shut it down. "Let's never do this again," he said, looking straight at me as we walked into the house. I almost am with him, but I stop myself before the words come out of my mouth as I am reminded that I am the adult. "We will do this again," I respond gently. I had tried my best to stay calm all through his tantrum, and I have to say I did not know I had it in me to be so gracious. "Are you saying that today did not teach you a lesson?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at me, and I could tell instantly that he had done this intentionally. "Are you trying to frustra