White Lies

"Does this mean I have two mothers?" he inquired.

I was taken aback when Marco asked me, his brows furrowed with confusion as he asked about Sofia, whom he referred to as "mom."

My heart skipped a beat, and my blood began to boil beneath my skin. I clenched my fists, trying to steady myself before responding.

"Marco," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and frustration, "Sofia is not your mother. I am your real mother."

His eyes widened in surprise, and I could see the flicker of doubt crossing his face. It was as if the foundation of his existence had been shaken, leaving him unsure of the truth he had believed for so long.

"Dad told me to call her mom. But she’s so very strict and bad," he said.

Unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I leaned forward and blurted out, "How did Sofia...how did she treat you?"

Marco's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions before he finally met my gaze. His voice was tinged with a hint of sadness as he began to recount of the events.

Marc