Chapter 182

Lake POV

“Sometimes families need time apart,” I tried to explain. “That doesn’t mean—”

“No!” Ollie shouted, and I was startled by the vehemence in his voice. “No, I don’t want time apart! I want Papa! I want to go home! Mama, why are you doing this? Why are you keeping me away from my real father?”

“Ollie, that’s not fair—”

“I don’t care if it’s fair!” Ollie was having a full meltdown now, his words coming out between sobs. “I don’t care! All my life, I thought the bad grandfather was my father! I thought I came from him! And then I found out Papa’s my real father—Papa who loves me and protects me and makes me feel safe—and now you’re saying I can’t see him? That’s not fair! That’s not fair, Mama!”

“Ollie, please calm down—”

“I don’t want to calm down