Shattered Bonds novel Chapter 2

That time, I slapped Wyatt for disrespecting her, and I got punished. Dad shaved my head as punishment for daring to hit him.

Now, though, my mom tenderly brushed my hair, sorrow in her voice. “To die like this... how heartbroken his family must be.” I smirked bitterly. My family should be glad I’m dead. Maybe only my brother would feel sad.

Her gloved hand ran across the burn marks on my back, scars from when I was kidnapped as a child. When I first came home, Mom had noticed them while I was changing and reacted with a mixture of shock and disgust. “How did you get that? That’s revolting. Don’t let Wyatt see it.”

Could it be that she recognized me from the scar? I clenched my jaw, tension building as sweat trickled down my brow.

But then, she casually said, “That’s not from this time.” She dismissed it, like it meant nothing.

Suddenly, her assistant gasped softly, “Mrs. Perry, there’s a piece of paper in the victim’s stomach!” My mom’s eyes widened as she took it, sighing, “It’s been corroded by stomach acid. Let’s see if forensics can analyze it later.”

Then, my phone rang. Wyatt’s favorite song played. My mom quickly removed her gloves and rushed out into the hallway, her voice soft and loving as she answered, “Honey, what’s up? I'm working.” She paused, then smiled through gritted teeth. “Tomorrow? Of course, your dad and I will be there to cheer you on. Your brother’s away on a work trip, though.”

Wyatt’s playful voice came through the speaker. “I love you, Mom! I really wish Jason could come to watch me play. I’d definitely win with his encouragement.”

“He doesn’t like me, though, and that’s okay. I guess it’s only natural since I’ve taken your love and Dad’s all these years.”

Wyatt had always hated me from the day I came home, constantly sabotaging me behind the scenes. But in front of our parents, he acted like we were the closest of brothers.

Based on my past experiences, I knew Mom was about to blame me again. And sure enough, her voice sharpened. “You’re our precious baby, Wyatt. Jason is nothing. He’s a thief, constantly bullying you behind our backs. He doesn’t deserve to be my son.”

“Don’t worry. Even if he breaks his legs, I’ll make sure he’s in a wheelchair at your next match!”

Wyatt chuckled softly. “Dad called today, telling me to stay safe. Make sure you remind Jason to be careful too, Mom.”

“Take care of yourself,” my mom replied dismissively. “I couldn’t care less where Jason is, as long as he doesn’t die in front of me.”

“I just called him, but he didn’t answer. He hasn’t replied to my texts in days. Is he even home?”

My mom scoffed. “He’s got legs, doesn’t he? I’m not keeping him chained up! He’s probably off causing trouble again. Tomorrow is Wyatt’s tennis match. If Jason doesn’t show up, he might as well never come back. In fact, the house is better without him!”

Without waiting for my sister’s response, she coldly hung up the phone.

My dad returned with his team just then, noticing my mom’s sour expression. “Is the body giving you trouble?”

My mom shook her head and grumbled, “It’s not that. It’s Jason again, probably whining to Natalie and pulling one of his disappearing acts.”

My dad huffed in frustration. “He knows we’re busy with work and still pulls this crap. So irresponsible! I’ll call him right now and give him a piece of my mind!”

But every time he called, it went straight to voicemail.