Chapter 2 – The Truth Behind the Garden
"...You are nothing but burdens."
Olivia's voice was cold enough to silence the wind.
Emma instinctively stepped behind her brother.
Matthew spread his arms, shielding his little sister despite being only eleven years old himself.
"I said pull those weeds," Olivia snapped. "No dinner until every flower bed is spotless."
Megan folded her arms.
"Your father spoiled you. That's over."
Matthew looked exhausted. His hands were red from hours of gardening.
Emma's white dress was stained with dirt.
Michael's heart nearly stopped.
For three months...
his children had been living in fear.
Without making a sound, he began recording.
Olivia continued.
"Smile when your father calls tonight. Tell him everything is wonderful."
Emma whispered, "Daddy would never want us to be treated like this."
Olivia laughed.
"Your father believes everything I tell him."
Michael stepped onto the patio.
"No."
Everyone froze.
"I don't anymore."
Emma looked up first.
"Daddy?"
The little girl burst into tears and ran into his arms.
Matthew followed only a second later, trying to stay brave until he couldn't anymore.
Michael held them tightly.
"I'm home."
Olivia's smile disappeared.
"Michael! You're early!"
"I can see that."
She hurried toward him.
"This isn't what it looks like."
"It looks exactly like two frightened children."
Megan attempted a warm smile.
"We were teaching responsibility."
Michael looked at Emma's scraped knees.
Matthew's blistered hands.
The untouched lunch trays sitting near the back door.
"No."
"You were teaching fear."
Silence filled the garden.
Michael calmly opened the side gate.
"Security."
Two uniformed guards walked inside.
"Escort Ms. Olivia and Ms. Megan to the guest house."
Olivia stared in disbelief.
May you like
"You can't be serious."
"I haven't even started."
