Daniel eagerly asked, ''Can we go meet Alex now?''
Grace's expression turned cold, and she snapped, ''No, Daniel, you can't go there.''
Daniel looked puzzled. ''But why not? I'm his father, and I have the right to see him.''
Grace sneered, ''Because Alex hates you, Daniel. He doesn't want to see you.''
Daniel's face fell, and he asked, ''Why does he hate me? What have I done?''
Grace smirked, ''I have proof right here.'' She pulled out her phone and played a recording of Alex's conversation with his friend.
On the recording, Alex said, ''I don't like my father! I hate him! He married another woman, and I don't want to replace my mother with some other woman.''
Grace turned off the recording and said, ''See, Daniel? Alex hates us. He doesn't want anything to do with us.''
Daniel looked crestfallen, but he still tried to reason with Grace. ''But he's still our son, Grace. I want to see him and talk to him.''
Grace pretended to cry, ''Oh, Daniel, you're so cruel! Alex doesn't want to see you, and you're still pushing to meet him?''
Daniel tried to comfort her, ''Don't cry, Grace. I won't visit Alex if it upsets you.''
Grace smiled to herself, knowing she had manipulated Daniel once again. For the next two years, whenever Alex tried to reach out to his father, Grace would intercept the messages and throw Alex out of the house. And whenever Daniel tried to see Alex, Grace would blackmail him by crying and guilt-tripping him.
Two years passed, and Alex received a call from the hospital.
''Hello?'' Alex answered.
''Alex, please come to the hospital,'' the doctor said urgently.
Alex's heart raced as he rushed to the hospital, wondering what had happened.
Alex woke up with a start, his heart racing. He got out of bed and went to the kitchen, still half asleep.
''Dad! Where were you?'' Alex asked, his voice shaking.
Daniel, who was sitting in the living room, looked up at his son. ''I'm right here, Alex. Why are you screaming?''
Alex's eyes widened as he realized his father was alive and well. ''Are you alright?'' he asked, his voice filled with relief.
Daniel stood up and walked towards his son. ''I'm fine, Alex. What's wrong with you?''
Alex took a deep breath, trying to calm down. ''I just had a bad dream,'' he said, his voice shaking.
Daniel put a hand on his son's shoulder. ''It's okay, Alex. I'm here for you. What happened in your dream?''
Alex hesitated, unsure if he should tell his father about the dream. But something about Daniel's kind expression made him open up.
''I dreamt that you were dead,'' Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper. ''Grace had poisoned your coffee, and you died in my arms.''
Daniel's expression turned grave. ''That's terrible, Alex. But it's just a dream. I'm alive and well, and I'm not going anywhere.''
Alex nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. ''I know, Dad. I'm just glad you're okay.''
As they hugged, Alex realized that his dream had been a manifestation of his deep-seated fears. He was afraid of losing his father, and he was afraid of Grace's cruelty.
But with Daniel by his side, Alex felt a sense of security and comfort. He knew that his father would always be there to protect him, no matter what.
As they pulled back from their hug, Alex asked, ''Dad, can I ask you something?''
Daniel nodded. ''Of course, son. What is it?''
Alex took a deep breath. ''Do you know Sophia Vos, the famous doctor?''
Daniel's expression turned thoughtful. ''Yes, I know her. She's a brilliant doctor, and she's saved many lives. Why do you ask?''
Alex hesitated, unsure if he should reveal his plan. But something about Daniel's kind expression made him open up.
''I want to meet her, Dad,'' Alex said, his voice filled with determination. ''I want to ask for her help in stopping Grace's cruelty once and for all.''
Daniel's expression turned serious. ''Alex, that's a dangerous plan. Grace is not someone to be trifled with. She's cunning and ruthless, and she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants.''
Alex nodded, his jaw set in determination. ''I know, Dad. But I'm willing to take that risk. I want to protect you and Mike from Grace's cruelty, and I want to make sure that she pays for what she's done.''
Daniel looked at his son with pride. ''Alex, you're a brave young man. I'll support you in any way I can. Let's go see Sophia Vos together, and we'll come up with a plan to stop Grace once and for all.''
As they walked out of the kitchen, Alex felt a sense of hope and determination. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but with his father by his side, he felt like he could conquer anything.
Later that day, Alex and Daniel went to the hospital to meet Sophia Vos. As they waited for her to finish her surgery, Alex met her sister, Betty.
''Hi, I'm Betty,'' she said, smiling. ''What brings you here today?''
Alex hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Betty's kind expression made him open up.
''I'm here to see Sophia Vos,'' he said. ''I need her help with something.''
Betty's expression turned curious. ''What do you need her help with?''
Alex took a deep breath. ''I need her help to stop my stepmother's cruelty. She's been hurting There was a problem generating a response. Please try again later.
At the dining table, Grace smiled warmly at Alex. ''Alex, I made all your favorite dishes today.''
Alex's eyes lit up with excitement. ''Oh, thanks, Aunt Grace! You're the best!''
Mike, who was sitting next to Alex, looked at his mother with a pout. ''Mom, where's my favorite dish?''
Grace chuckled. ''Today was Alex's special day, sweetie. But don't worry, next time I'll make your favorite dishes.''
Daniel, who was sitting at the head of the table, beamed with pride. ''Grace, I'm so happy to see you like this. You're an amazing mother and wife.''
Grace blushed, her eyes shining with happiness. ''I'm happy too, honey. I just want our family to be happy and united.''
Alex watched the exchange between his father and Grace, feeling a sense of unease. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Grace was up to something.
The next morning, in the living room, Grace turned to Alex with a sly smile. ''Alex, don't you want to marry someone?''
Alex shrugged, feeling uncomfortable. ''No, Aunt Grace. I want to focus on my studies first. I'll think about marriage after graduation.''
Daniel nodded in approval. ''That's my son! You're just like me, Alex. Always thinking about the future.''
Grace's smile grew wider. ''Well, I have a surprise for you, Alex. Please welcome my future daughter-in-law, Sarah Johnson!''
Alex's eyes widened in shock as Sarah walked into the room, a bright smile on her face. ''Hi, Alex! It's nice to finally meet you.''
Alex's mind raced as he tried to process what was happening. He couldn't believe that Grace had set him up with someone without his knowledge or consent.