Chapter 213

The kitchen filled with soft chopping sounds, but not a single word from him. Elyana felt her chest grow tight. She wiped her hands on a towel, pulled a chair next to him, and sat down. “Sweetheart,” she said gently, “what’s going on in that little head of yours? You’ve been so quiet lately. Why are you upset?” Joxan paused, his little hands holding the half-cut broccoli. His eyes slowly lifted to meet hers, and he gave her a small, tight smile. “Nothing, Mummy,” he said, voice low. “I’m okay. I think I should go back to school tomorrow. I miss it.” There was no emotion in his words, just a quiet calmness that didn’t sit right with Elyana. It wasn’t normal. Not for her boy. “Babe,” she said softly, reaching to touch his arm. “I know… you’re not happy we’re staying here. Or that we’re living with...” “He’s not my father.” Joxan’s voice was sharp. He pulled his arm away from her hand. “Mum,” he continued, eyes starting to shimmer with unshed tears, “don’t ever tell me to call him my fath