Chapter 2 - The Master Manipulator’s Tears"Daniel! Thank God you're here!" Vanessa sobbed, her voice trembling with Academy Award-winning perfection as she threw herself toward him, arms outstretched. "It was an accident! I swear to God it was an accident!"
Daniel dodged her embrace, shoving her back with enough force to send her stumbling against the changing table. He didn't look at her face; his eyes locked onto the glowing iron on the floor and then darted to the crib.
Noah was still crying, his little face flushed red, arms flailing in distress.
"Don't you dare touch me," Daniel hissed, his voice dropping to a terrifying, lethal register. He bypassed Vanessa completely and rushed to the crib, scooping his baby boy into his arms. He pressed Noah tightly against his chest, murmuring frantic reassurances as the infant's cries slowly began to subside.
Behind Daniel, Maria stood silently near the corner of the room, her arms folded across her chest. Her sharp, unblinking eyes watched Vanessa’s every move like a hawk ready to strike.
May you like
Vanessa picked herself up, sniffling loudly, playing the victim with chilling precision. "The iron... it malfunctioned!" she wept, pointing a shaking finger at the appliance. "It suddenly surged! It got so hot on its own, and I was just trying to move it away from the crib so Noah wouldn't get hurt! You have to believe me, Daniel! Maria saw! Didn't you, Maria?"
All eyes snapped to the housekeeper.
Related Stories
