Chapter 4: Unraveling Mommy's Deception Violet ushered her two children through the dimly lit corridors that led backstage, the thrill of the event still palpable in the air. Suddenly, Calvin’s small face lifted, his brow furrowing with a seriousness that belied his tender age. "Mommy," he said, his voice filled with a fierce protectiveness, "did that bad woman bully you?" The question hung in the air, a stark accusation wrapped in innocence. Violet’s heart skipped a beat as she knelt down, meeting her son’s gaze. His eyes burned with a righteous anger that took her by surprise; he had witnessed something she hadn’t realized he was paying attention to. "No, sweetheart, she just… lost her way," she replied hesitantly, but the words felt hollow even to her own ears. Calvin, however, was quick to challenge her response. "You lied!" he declared, pointing an accusatory finger in her direction. He had clearly heard that cruel woman call her a bumpkin, and she could see the determination in his young face—a fierce resolve to defend her. "Okay, okay," Violet relented, feeling the familiar flush of embarrassment washing over her. "I wasn’t bullied. I stood up for myself." She could see Calvin’s brow relax slightly, though the determination in his gaze had not diminished. The seed of protection had been planted, and it flourished in his young heart, unyielding. “I will protect Mommy from being bullied by bad people,” Calvin proclaimed, a little warrior ready to take on the world. Beside him, Arya, though not fully grasping the gravity of the situation, puffed out her little chest and echoed his sentiment with an enthusiastic nod. Whatever had transpired had solidified their bond further, and Violet felt a rush of warmth in her chest. In that moment, under the backdrop of their little family’s challenges, she felt a swell of gratitude for her children. They were her greatest treasures, her source of strength. As they continued down the corridor and stepped into the backstage area, a wave of applause enveloped them, warm and vibrant. "Congratulations, Mina! It was a fantastic show!" Jessie Robinson, her trusted assistant and friend, approached holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers, the scent sweet and invigorating. Violet’s heart soared with appreciation; her efforts had not gone unnoticed. “Thank you, everyone,” Violet began, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "Today's success is the result of your hard work and dedication." She paused, looking into the eyes of her devoted team. “I may not have the best words, but I promise, as long as you stick with me, we’ll achieve greatness together. We’ll make enough money to drive fancy cars and live in beautiful homes!” “Yeah!” The team erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm igniting a spark of joy within her. Violet fought back tears, each drop a mix of relief and triumph. It wasn’t about material wealth; it was a testament to her perseverance and the lessons she had learned over the past five years. The reality was clear: financial stability mattered. The evening concluded at the prestigious Konko International Hotel, renowned as the finest venue in J City. However, with her children still young and requiring their sleep, Violet made the decision to forgo the festivities. They climbed into the car, the atmosphere shifting from electric excitement to the comforting calm of the drive home. As twilight descended, the country roads became a shadowy labyrinth, devoid of streetlights. Violet maintained a cautious speed, her instincts on high alert. But suddenly, a jarring thud reverberated through the vehicle, the sound echoing ominously in the night. Her heart raced as her foot slammed on the brake. In those harrowing moments, Violet's mind raced as she climbed out of the car, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She turned her gaze toward the source of the disturbance—a figure crumpled on the ground. It wasn’t just debris; it was a man, unconscious and bleeding. Violet's stomach twisted in a knot as dread washed over her. The reality of the situation slammed into her with the force of a freight train. Had she hit someone? Panic set in, suffocating her as she fought to process the horrifying scene before her.