Chapter 5

Two days later was Leo’s birthday. No matter what he thought of me as a mom, I still considered him my own.

Even if we divorced, I didn’t want to hurt the child.

Unexpectedly, when I went to pick Leo up for his birthday, the Sterling house was filled with laughter and joy.

Seraphina was holding Leo, playing games with Julian, who was gently wiping sweat from Seraphina’s face.

Leo hugged Seraphina and planted a kiss on her cheek.

To anyone watching, the three of them looked more like a family.

The two elder Sterlings were lounging in rocking chairs, smilingly watching the scene unfold.

I felt like a voyeur peeking into someone else’s happiness, standing under the scorching sun for half an hour.

Julian had already noticed me, but he pretended not to see me.

Looking at the carefully chosen gift in my hand, I hesitated, then pushed the door open and walked in.

“Leo! Look what Mom bought you!”

Hearing my voice, Leo remained nestled in Seraphina’s arms, showing no intention of running to me.

When he saw the superhero action figure set I’d bought, something he used to covet, he pouted.

“Mommy Seraphina already bought me something much better.”

Then, he turned away from me with a pout.

Like father, like son. Their attitudes towards me were exactly the same.

Even a dog you raise for years develops a deep attachment.

Not to mention pouring my heart and soul into raising a baby from infancy.

In that moment, Leo’s betrayal hurt more than Julian’s lack of love.

For Julian and Leo, I pretended to be pregnant for ten whole months, never leaving the house during that time.

Even later, when my own mother offered to help me with Leo, I politely refused, saying it was common for young parents nowadays to raise their own children.

Every time I think of it, I feel guilty towards her.

It seemed Grandma Margaret’s wish would be dashed today. Leo wouldn’t be coming home with me to see her.

I put down the gift, attempting one last try.

“Leo, Grandma Margaret misses you. Do you want Mom to take you home?”

“No! Grandma Margaret’s house is so shabby! I want to stay with Mommy Seraphina!”

Julian’s face was a mix of embarrassment and anger. He whispered something to Seraphina, then came over to me.

“Leo is just a child, don’t hold a grudge against him.”

“Seraphina even prepared an apology gift for you. When we go inside, don’t be angry and refuse to speak, or my father will be uncomfortable.”

I didn't expose the truth: that Leo not recognizing me as his mother after just a month was because someone was deliberately manipulating him.

I didn't believe Julian couldn't see through it.

He was just playing dumb.

This was probably the last birthday I’d spend with Leo.

At the dinner table, I felt completely like an outsider.

Seraphina even held Leo, constantly interacting with him to provoke me.

Several times, as they played, Leo spilled hot soup on me.