The words hit me like a blow, and I struggled to process them. “But... why? Why would he do that?”
Alek’s expression darkened. “Because he thought it would make us stronger. That it was his duty to ‘toughen us up.’” He spat the words like they were poison.
I shook my head, disbelief warring with anger. “He used to talk about you three like you were his pride and joy. I remember how he’d brag about how strong you were, how smart. He—” My voice broke, and I looked away. “He made it sound like he loved you more than anything.”
Aaron let out a bitter laugh. “Love? Sure. Maybe he loved the idea of us. But the reality? The reality was never enough for him.”
Alek let out a bitter laugh, finally speaking. “And then Jennifer showed up, acting like she was some savior. For a while, we ev
