They were only children, yet they carried burdens meant for grown men and women. One evening, Evelyn sat at the small kitchen table, staring at the near empty cupboard. The shelves were bare, saved for a bag of rice and a few beans. Her body was still weak from her illness, and her hands trembled as she measured the food.

“Mom, aren’t you eating?” Grace asked, her big eyes watching closely. Evelyn forced a smile. I already ate earlier, sweetheart. This is for you three. Michael frowned. You’re lying. I know you didn’t eat. You always give us your share. Evelyn reached across the table, touching his hand. A mother’s job is to feed her children first. Don’t worry about me. One day, you’ll understand.

Daniel stared at the small pot simmering on the stove. His stomach growled, but his mind was sharp. One day, I’ll make sure you never go hungry again, Mom. I promise. Evelyn’s eyes softened with pride and pain. I don’t need promises, my love. I just need you to grow strong and never let this world turn your hearts bitter. School was no escape for the triplets. If anything, it was worse.

Children can be cruel, and the lies Richard planted gave them plenty of weapons. One morning as Michael walked into class, a boy sneered at him. “Hey, bastard. Where’s your real dad?” The class erupted in laughter. Michael’s fists clenched, but he remembered his mother’s words. “Don’t fight like them. Rise higher.” He sat down quietly, though his heart burned.

Grace, sitting two rows behind, whispered under her breath, “One day they’ll eat their words.” At recess, Daniel tried to play soccer, but the boys shoved him away. We don’t play with bastards, they taunted. Go back to your mother. Daniel’s jaw tightened. He wanted to fight, but instead he walked off the field, hiding the tears that stung his eyes.

That night, he told Evelyn what had happened. “Why do we even go to school if everyone hates us?” he asked bitterly. Evelyn held him close. Because knowledge is power, Daniel, and power in the right hands can change everything. Remember this. Truth needs no defense. Time will speak for us.

Her words were seeds sinking into their hearts. Seeds that would one day bloom into something far greater than the pain they were enduring. While Evelyn and her children struggled, Richard lived in luxury with Vanessa. The mistress wore expensive dresses, diamonds on her fingers, and perfume imported from Paris.

Richard, she purred one night as they lounged in his new home. You’ve given me everything. And that woman, you’ve left her with nothing. How delicious. Richard smirked, sipping his whiskey. I made sure of it. Every property, every account shifted into my name. Evelyn doesn’t own a single thing anymore. and the children?” Vanessa asked with a mocking smile.

“How do they survive?” Richard shrugged coldly. “Not my concern. Let them starve. Maybe it will remind Evelyn of the price of betrayal.” Vanessa laughed, tilting her head against his shoulder. “You are ruthless, Richard, and I love it.” The betrayal cut even deeper when Evelyn’s relatives chose Richard’s side. Her brother Thomas came one day with a stern look.

Evelyn, he said, not stepping past the doorway. You need to accept the truth. Richard has status. He has proof that those kids aren’t his. Why do you keep insisting? Evelyn’s voice trembled. Because it’s the truth, Thomas. They are his children. I’ve never betrayed my vows. Thomas shook his head. Then why does everyone believe him? Why does every record say the properties are in his name now? You’re ruining our family’s reputation. Don’t expect any help from me.