Chapter 3

I couldn't believe what Jessica was asking me to do.

She shoved me, gripping my son's hair and yanking his pale, lifeless face toward mine.

"You don't have much time to think," she sneered, her voice dripping with malice.

My heart dropped.

I was surrounded by her goons, all of them leering at me. I clutched my shirt, feeling hot tears slip down my cheeks. I shook my head, unable to process what was happening.

Jessica chuckled darkly. "I’m not in a rush, but I wonder if your son has time for you to play this little game."

Tears streamed down my face. I had never felt so powerless.

Brandon had told me Jessica was "sweet." But now, staring at her twisted expression, I saw nothing but cold cruelty.

The men stood by, smirking as I tried to keep my composure.

"Come on, you’re just a mistress. What’s the big deal? Take it off," one of them sneered.

I could feel Jessica's eyes on me as she raised her phone, her finger ready to record every humiliating moment.

"Snake venom works fast. You better figure out how much time you’ve got left," she mocked.

I didn't hesitate. I had to do whatever it took to save my son. I closed my eyes and quickly unbuttoned my top, tears blurring my vision as I moved swiftly.

One of the men whistled, "Hey, gotta admit, she's got guts."

I’d been raised with strict values, never imagining I’d find myself in such a situation. But for my son, I would endure anything.

"Can you save him now?" I whispered, my voice breaking.

Jessica wasn’t satisfied. She filmed me, moving the camera all over my body. She grabbed my chin, forcing me to look into the lens.

"Not enough yet? You’ve only taken off your top. Don’t you think you can do more?" she taunted.

Desperation clawed at me, but all I could do was plead, "Please, save him."

Jessica smirked, her eyes hard. "Not until you admit your sins."

"I’m his mother!" I cried. "Not Brandon’s mistress. Please, help my son."

Just then, the door slammed open. A group of men stormed in, led by a tall, blonde guy.

"Who is messing with my sister’s man?" he barked.

He looked at me, seeing the chaos. "What’s going on here?" he demanded.

Jessica pointed at me, her voice full of accusation. "It's her! She claims to be Brandon’s mother."

The blonde guy scoffed, dismissing me. "If she’s the director’s wife, then I’m the director."

Jessica grinned, a glint of victory in her eyes. "Good thing you showed up, brother. This woman almost had me fooled."

Before I could react, she was on me, slapping my face hard. I barely felt it, still reeling from the events.

"Please," I gasped, "Help my son."

Jessica’s eyes turned ice-cold. "If you want my help, you know what you have to do."

Every word was a slap to my soul, but for my son, I’d do whatever it took.

I pulled at the clasp of my shirt, trying not to break down completely, but I had no choice.

"Please, save him," I begged, my voice barely a whisper.

Jessica watched, cold amusement dancing in her eyes. "That’s not enough. Keep going."

I squeezed my eyes shut, trembling, and did as she asked. "I was wrong... please... save him."

But even that wasn’t enough for her.

Her eyes narrowed, and she motioned toward my son. "What’s the matter, scared now?"

I turned to look at my son, my heart hammering in my chest.

His hand was cold. Too cold.

A terrible sinking feeling hit me like a brick to the chest. No... no, this couldn’t be real.

I reached for him, shaking his limp body, but it was too late.

My son was gone.

The fury that bubbled inside me was beyond anything I’d ever felt. I had endured all that humiliation, begged her for mercy... and now he was dead.

I stood up, slow and steady, my eyes locked on Jessica’s.

Her face went pale as she took a step back. "W-What do you want from me?"