Chapter 4 - THE LIE.
“She pushed him in!”
Victoria pointed directly at Elena.
Marcus’s face transformed.
He looked at the crying baby.
Then at Elena.
Elena shook her head immediately.
“No.”
Victoria rushed closer.
“I saw her! She pushed the stroller!”
“That’s not true!”
Elena tried to stand.
Her wet shoes slipped against the stone.
She fell back onto one hand.
Marcus crossed the distance fast.
“That’s my son!”
His voice shook the patio.
Elena lifted both palms.
“Marcus, listen—”
He did not.
The fear of seeing his soaked child had already turned into rage.
Victoria remained behind him, pressing one hand dramatically over her mouth.
Elena looked from Marcus to Victoria.
She understood what was happening one second too late.
Marcus raised his hand.
“No! I pulled him out!”
The slap landed across Elena’s face.
Her head snapped sideways.
The force knocked her off balance.
She struck the stone tiles hard on one shoulder and hip.
The baby cried louder.
Elena’s cheek burned instantly.
She looked up in stunned disbelief.
Marcus stood over her.
May you like
Behind him, Victoria lowered her hand from her mouth.
For the briefest moment, Elena saw satisfaction in her eyes.
