The moment Alexander discovered Amy's talent for the violin, he made sure to practice in the music room every day. It became his private ritual, a time when he could lose himself in the melody—or so he believed.

Today, as the final notes of his violin faded, a small figure appeared in the doorway.

"You little troublemaker," Liam said, storming toward him. "You broke my mug on purpose yesterday, didn’t you?"

The music room was empty except for them. Oliver didn’t bother pretending.

He nodded. "Yes. I did it deliberately."

Liam’s eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "You’re such a good actor, always playing the perfect son. Does Mom know what you’re really like? If she found out the truth about her 'obedient, flawless child,' do you think she’d still love you as much?"

Oliver set his violin down carefully. "Then let’s make sure Amy never finds out."

A mocking smile curled Liam’s lips. "Our teacher once said, 'Secrets never stay buried.' Sooner or later, Mom will discover all the horrible things you’ve done."

Oliver stood, meeting Liam’s glare. "Horrible things? I’ve never hurt anyone. What right do you have to accuse me?"

Liam jabbed a finger at him, his voice shaking with anger. "You destroyed the birthday gift I spent weeks making for Mom! If that’s not horrible, what is? Do you even know how much effort I put into it? Or how excited she was?"

Oliver shrugged. "A birthday gift? Amy’s birthday was weeks ago. You didn’t give it to her when it mattered, so what’s the point now?"

Liam bristled. "That’s not your decision to make."

A flicker of disdain—too mature for his age—flashed in Oliver’s sharp gaze.

"Liam, do you really think if you just act meek enough, if you lower your head enough, Amy will always forgive you? That she cares about those expensive gifts you and Mr. Blackwood pick out? All she wants is something real."

He paused, then continued, "If you truly cared, you could’ve given her something as simple as a button, and she would’ve cherished it. But instead, on her birthday, you gave the gift meant for her to Victoria. That says everything, doesn’t it? That deep down, Victoria means more to you than your own mother."

Oliver glanced away briefly before meeting Liam’s eyes again. "You think Amy didn’t notice I broke the mug on purpose? She knew. She just didn’t say anything. And do you really think she wanted that mug? If she had, she would’ve taken it immediately. But she didn’t—because she didn’t want it."

Liam shook his head stubbornly. "No! Mom always loves my gifts. She couldn’t have not wanted it!"

Oliver sighed. "You took a mug you’d already given to Victoria and handed it to Amy like it was something special. To her, it was just proof she mattered less than Victoria. She only ever gets what others don’t want. And did you even look at that mug? Victoria’s initials were engraved on it. Imagine how Amy felt, having to use it every day. But you’re her son—what else could she do but smile and accept it?"

His voice dropped. "So if it hurt Amy, I got rid of it for her."

Liam glared at him, shaking his head in disbelief. "No! Victoria would never do that, and Mom would never reject my gift!"