Chapter 4

He finally spotted me when he turned around with breakfast.

“Awake?” His tone was indifferent. “We’re heading out soon, so we didn’t have time to make yours. Fix something for yourself.”

I said nothing.

I knew it wasn’t that he didn’t have time. He just wanted to cook for Evangeline, and only Evangeline, with all his attention.

The aroma from the kitchen twisted my stomach, but I stayed silent. I quietly walked in and made myself a bowl of plain noodle soup.

After breakfast, they planned to take the pups to an amusement park.

Cyril suddenly held them back. “Wait! We have something for you!”

The two pups thundered upstairs and returned moments later with four matching T-shirts—anyone could see they were family outfits.

Evangeline looked hesitant. “This… isn’t really appropriate.”

Cyril looked up at her, stubborn. “But in our hearts, you are our mom.”

He ruffled the pup’s hair and said to her, “They’re just being silly. Indulge them this once.”

She nodded, blushing.

The four of them changed and stood together.

He and she wore navy blue shirts; Cyril and Flynn had miniature versions, with cartoon prints on the chest that read: Mommy and Daddy love their babies.

Evangeline suddenly turned to me. “Elowen, why don’t you come with us?”

I shook my head. “No, thank you.”

“But you’re their mother—it wouldn’t be right for you not to come…” She stepped over and grabbed my hand without waiting for an answer. “Come on. A family should stay together.”

I was dragged into the car against my will.

The amusement park was noisy and crowded.

The four of them in matching outfits drew stares from everyone. A young girl approached shyly, asking for a photo, and surprisingly, he didn’t refuse.

“Your wife is so beautiful!” the girl said, envious, looking at Evangeline. “And your pups are adorable!”

He didn’t correct her. She lowered her head, flustered. Cyril and Flynn puffed out their chests proudly.

I followed behind them like a ghost, watching them being admired and surrounded. I watched his hand rest naturally on her waist, and the pups call her “Mommy” over and over.

My heart hurt so badly it went numb, until I could no longer feel the pain.

By evening, we reached the Ferris wheel.

The attendant smiled at him and Evangeline. “You two make such a lovely couple! They say if you kiss at the very top, you’ll never be apart!”

Cyril and Flynn exchanged a sly grin.

The carriage slowly rose, city lights spreading beneath us.

As the Ferris wheel neared the peak, the two pups suddenly darted behind them and gave a hard push.

“Ah!” Evangeline gasped, falling straight into his arms.

Their lips met. Both froze.

She tried to pull away flustered, but he unexpectedly held the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

Cyril and Flynn covered their mouths and snickered, quietly making a victory sign.