When Genevieve\u2019s ex-husband gifts their son a rocking horse, her instincts scream something\u2019s off. Her unease grows when it starts making strange noises, leading her to a gut-wrenching discovery. Determined to protect her family at all costs, Genevieve immediately calls her lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Anthony showed up at my doorstep with a giant rocking horse, I knew he was up to something. My ex-husband never did anything without a reason, especially when it came to Ethan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stood there, grinning like he\u2019d just brought Ethan the moon, while I could feel my blood pressure rising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, Genevieve. Thought Ethan might like this,\u201d Anthony said, his tone infuriatingly cheerful. He always knew how to mask his intentions with that fake charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I forced a smile, though it probably looked more like a grimace. \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026 thoughtful of you, Anthony.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I could never have imagined how this toy would upend my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My son\u2019s eyes would light up, delighted with the toy. Then Anthony would deliver some bad news and I\u2019d be left to pick up the emotional pieces after Anthony left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMom! Look at what Dad got me!\u201d Ethan\u2019s voice echoed down the stairs, full of excitement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moments later, he came barreling into the living room, Anthony following close behind. Ethan\u2019s face was alight with joy, his hands gripping the horse\u2019s reins. I forced a smile, but I was waiting for the \u2018bad news\u2019 part of the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing, Dad! Can I ride it now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course, sport,\u201d Anthony said, ruffling Ethan\u2019s hair. \u201cJust be careful, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlright,\u201d I agreed, \u201cjust for a bit. It\u2019s almost dinnertime. Dad\u2019s taking you for pizza, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat reminds me\u2026 \u201d Anthony put on a charming grin as he turned to me. \u201cI won\u2019t be able to take Ethan out tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Ethan stopped rocking to stare at Anthony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I let out a sigh. Here we go again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll ride him every day so you can visit me, Dad,\u201d Ethan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My heart broke a little, but Anthony just ruffled Ethan\u2019s hair and headed for the door. I put out a hand, catching him by the elbow as he breezed past me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t keep doing this, Tony,\u201d I said in a low voice. \u201cExpensive gifts are no substitute for spending time with your child.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tony jerked his arm from my grip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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