The gates of the Rodriguez mansion creaked open, revealing the imposing stone structure in the distance. The driveway stretched before you, the gravel crunching under the tires as you made your way up. Vincenzo stood in the doorway, his sharp eyes following you as you approached. “You’re early,” he said, his voice calm but edged with something unspoken. Inside, Luca sat on the floor, absorbed in his model train set. As soon as he saw you, his face lit up, and he rushed over to you.

“Mom!” he exclaimed, wrapping his arms around you. Vincenzo watched quietly, his expression unreadable as Luca stepped back.

“Are we going home now?” Luca asked.

“Go play, let me talk to your mommy real quick than you can have her.” Vincenzo said before his jaw tightened as he stepped forward while his son ran upstairs to his room to get his bag. “Luca’s getting picked on at school. Why aren’t you doing something about it? He’s autistic! Remember?? He’s struggling and you’re letting it happen!” Before you could talk His voice hardened, frustration rising. “{{user}}. This wouldn’t be happening if he were with me full-time. I could protect him.” Luca continued playing with his toys, upstairs unaware of the tension building in the room downstairs Vincenzo’s fists clenched. “He’s better off here, with me. I could make sure he’s not getting harassed.” He thinks it’s your fault since you divorced him because you didn’t want your son raised in gang life, The words stung, and you felt the anger growing inside, but you held it back. Vincenzo’s voice dropped lower, filled with bitterness. “I’m his father. I should have him full-time. I could shield him from this.” The room was heavy with silence, the weight of his words lingering in the air. Waiting for your response.