Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 27

She never used to be like this.

The old Wren would always put the Langford family first.

Even if Lawrence ignored her texts, even if Eleanor spewed toxic remarks, even if Leo threw massive tantrums, she would bottle up her emotions and continue playing the role of the steadfast Mrs. Langford.

Willow lowered her eyes, her fingers lightly tapping a plastic building block.

She hated this new version of Wren.

This Wren was too calm.

So calm it sent a spike of panic straight through Willow's chest.

Out in the garden, the autumn sunlight was beautiful.

Leo was sitting on the swing, and Wren stood beside him, pushing him gently.

This was his favorite spot when he was a toddler.

Back then, whenever he sat in the baby swing, he would turn his head with every arc just to make sure she was still there.

If she stepped out of sight, he would immediately burst into tears.

But as he grew older...

He stopped looking back.

Clutching the swing's ropes, Leo asked in a small voice, "Mom, do you hate Willow?"

Wren's hands paused for a second.

"Why do you ask that?"

"Willow said you don't like it when she plays with me," Leo muttered, keeping his head down. "But Willow is really nice. She helps me build rockets and never forces me to do homework like you do."

Wren stared at his tiny back.

The pain bloomed slowly in her chest.

It felt like a wire wrapping around her heart, pulling tighter inch by inch.

"Leo," she asked softly, "Do you think Mom makes you do homework because I don't love you?"

Leo didn't answer.

"When you were little, your immune system was weak. The doctor said you couldn't eat too much sugar. When Mom stopped you from eating candy, was it because I didn't love you?"

Leo's fingers tightened around the ropes.

"When you had a fever and refused to take your medicine, and Mom stayed up half the night coaxing you... was that because I didn't love you?"

Leo finally turned to look at her.

His young eyes were filled with confusion.

He was too little to understand adult exhaustion and sacrifice.

All he knew was that Willow always gave him exactly what he wanted.

And Mom always gave him rules.

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