Chapter 2

"Why her of all people?"

My hands trembled as I fought to keep my voice steady.

Gideon just laughed lightly.

"Sutton, don't play dumb."

"Lily is young and vibrant. She understands me... All the women around you know how to act sweet better than you..."

"Not like you, spending every day obsessing over the kid and nagging about trivial nonsense."

This self-righteous arrogance disgusted me more than the affair itself.

"Mommy!"

Seven-year-old Mason rushed over, clutching a handful of colorful candies.

He stuffed the candy into his pocket and pointed at the lunch box I was carrying, complaining.

"Mom, the lunch you made tastes awful. It's all vegetables with no flavor at all."

Mason pouted and held up his candy like a treasure.

"Lily's candy is so sweet! She said she'll bring me some every day from now on."

I looked at the cheap, dye-filled candy in his hand and reached to take it away.

"Mason, your cough hasn't healed yet. You can't eat anything this sweet..."

Mason pushed my hand away, his little face scrunched up as he hid behind Gideon, muttering under his breath.

"Mom, are you going to make a scene about divorce again..."

"Today is my special day. Can't you just let me enjoy it?"

Even my son had grown accustomed to calling my pain "making a scene."

I stood frozen in place, my whole body cold.

Just then, Lily walked over with tears in her eyes.

"Sutton, I'm sorry..." She bit her lower lip, her voice timid.

"Gideon and I just got confused for a moment. Don't blame him — it's all my fault."

While crying, she naturally crouched down and pulled Mason into her arms, gently patting his back.

"Don't be scared, Mason. The adults will handle adult problems. Lily will always be on your side."

Mason hugged her neck tightly, nodding repeatedly.

Right in front of several other parents, Gideon reached out and put his arm around Lily's shoulders, half-sheltering her in his embrace.

"Sutton Reed, today is Children's Day. If you want to fight, do it at home."

I held back from making a scene until the crowd gradually dispersed.

I reached out to take Mason's hand and bring him home.

But he forcefully shook me off and ran straight to Lily.

He looked up at her, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Lily, can you come to our house for dinner tonight?"