Chapter 4

When he turned with the breakfast in his hands, he finally saw me.

“Awake?” His tone was flat. “We’re heading out in a bit. There isn’t time to make yours—see to yourself.”

I said nothing.

I knew perfectly well it wasn’t a matter of time. He simply wanted to focus and cook only for Agnes.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen made my stomach twist with cramps, but I said nothing. I quietly went into the kitchen and cooked myself a bowl of noodles.

After breakfast, they were going to take the kids to the amusement park.

Kay suddenly grabbed them. “Wait! We have something for you!”

The brothers thudded upstairs and soon came down carrying four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set.

Agnes looked a little awkward. “This… isn’t really appropriate, is it?”

Kay tipped up his face, eyes stubborn. “But in our hearts, you’re our mom.”

He ruffled his son’s hair and said to her, “The children are just being willful. Indulge them this once.”

She blushed and nodded.

The four of them changed into the family outfits.

He and she wore navy T-shirts; Kay and Chuck were smaller versions, with a cartoon on the chest that read: “Daddy and Mommy Love Baby.”

Agnes suddenly turned her head to me. “Blanca, come with us too?”

I shook my head. “No need.”

“But you’re their mother. It wouldn’t be right if you didn’t go…” She walked over and, without giving me any choice, took my hand. “Come on—families should be together.”

She dragged me into the car despite my reluctance.

The amusement park was a sea of voices.

The four of them, in their matching outfits and with faces so striking, drew a stream of stares.

A young girl, cheeks flushed, came over to ask for a photo. For once, he didn’t turn her down.

“Your wife is so beautiful!” the girl said enviously to Agnes. “And the two kids are super cute!”

He did not deny it; she ducked her head in shy embarrassment; Kay and Chuck puffed their chests with pride.

I followed behind them like a transparent person, watching them be surrounded and praised, watching his hand settle naturally at her waist, watching the two children call her “Mom” one time after another.

My heart hurt so much it went numb—so numb it no longer felt like pain.

Toward evening we came to the Ferris wheel.

A staffer smiled at him and her. “You two are such a perfect match! They say if a married couple kisses at the highest point of the Ferris wheel, they’ll never be separated for life!”

Kay and Chuck exchanged a glance and revealed sly smiles.

The car rose slowly; the city lights streamed beneath our feet.

Just as the Ferris wheel was about to reach the top, the two kids suddenly darted behind them and gave a hard shove—

“Ah!” Agnes cried out as she tumbled straight into his arms.

The instant their lips touched, both of them froze.

She tried to pull away in a panic, but as if possessed, he cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

Kay and Chuck covered their mouths, snickering, and secretly flashed a victory sign.