Jayden’s POV

“Happy birthday, Mom.” I forced the words from my lips, my voice barely steady in the cold, spotless room.

Her suffocating perfume hung thick in the air and It always felt like I couldn’t breathe properly around her.

My mother scoffed, still checking out her gown in the mirror. It shimmered as she twirled toward me.

Her hair moved slightly as her eyes landed on the box I was holding in my palm.

“What’s that?” she asked.

I swallowed. “A gift I got you, ...