The words cut through Isabella like a blade.

She pulled Liam into her arms, holding him tight.

"Don't listen to them, my love."

Liam buried his face against her shoulder, his small frame trembling. Isabella held him closer, feeling a fierce protectiveness mixed with utter helplessness.

She rubbed his back gently, each motion meant to soothe. Liam's tears gradually slowed, though soft sniffles still escaped.

"Let's go home and make something delicious," Isabella suggested softly. Liam nodded, pulling back from her embrace. His eyes remained glistening with unshed tears.

They left Sunny Meadows Kindergarten hand in hand.

At home, Isabella tied on her apron and began preparing dinner. The kitchen filled with the comforting sounds of sizzling and chopping. A rich, savory aroma soon permeated the air.

Liam sat listlessly on the living room sofa, fiddling with a toy car. His attention seemed distant.

He occasionally glanced toward the kitchen, his expression still shadowed.

The cruel words from his classmates echoed in his mind, weighing heavily on his heart.

He felt a deep, aching longing for his father.

Liam quietly approached Isabella's bag and retrieved her phone.

He wanted to call Lucas.

To Liam, Lucas had always been kind, almost like the father he yearned for.

As he tried to make the call, his small finger accidentally pressed a number from the recent calls list.

The call connected.

Liam waited anxiously.

"Hello?" A deep, steady voice with a cool edge came through the line.

It was Ethan.

On the other end, Ethan paused, assuming the caller was Isabella, perhaps wanting to return to him.

His brow furrowed slightly. "Isabella, what do you want?" After a brief silence, the sound of quiet crying filled the air.

"It's Liam..." came a small, muffled voice. "I miss you so much."

Ethan was taken aback.

He realized it wasn't Isabella, but a child on the line. He immediately rose from his office chair.

"Time to wash up, Liam. Dinner is ready." Isabella's voice called softly from the kitchen.

"Okay!"

Liam's cheerful reply came, but he remained rooted in place instead of heading to the dining area.

Puzzled, Isabella turned off the stove and stepped out of the kitchen. She found Liam by the sofa, speaking quietly into the phone. A cold dread seized her heart.

She hurried over and caught the name on the screen—Ethan.

Why was he on the line?

Her expression shifted instantly. She swiftly took the phone from Liam's hand and ended the call.

Liam stood there, looking up at her with wide, confused eyes. "Mommy... did I do something wrong?" he asked in a small, trembling voice.