Chapter 2

I brushed Ethan's hand away and went to my room.

That night, Leo ended up in the hospital anyway. He had greedily snuck a hazelnut on his own.

Kids can't hide secrets. Even half-unconscious from the reaction, he muttered:

"I want Vivian. I don't want to go home."

Every word felt like a knife. I had just finished asking the doctor about his care instructions and could barely stand.

I handed my notes to Ethan and let out a long sigh.

"Let's get a divorce. Let Vivian take over."

Ethan laughed it off.

"He's just babbling. You actually believe a kid?"

He looked into my eyes, offering a half-truth explanation.

"You know Vivian. Since we got married, I haven't had any contact with her. I only took Leo to see her once recently. The kid probably got his memories mixed up. It's normal for him to crave excitement after not seeing her for so long."

Before I could react, Vivian rushed in and threw herself at Leo.

She held him tightly, turning to glare at me in accusation.

"Elena, how could you let him eat hazelnuts? He's such a good boy. Why make him suffer like this? He was so healthy and chubby when he was with me just two days ago."

The people around us stopped to stare and whisper.

"The stepmother looks more like the real mom. Some birth mothers just don't care. Poor kid. That's why people shouldn't get divorced."

Perhaps noticing my burning gaze, Vivian quickly explained:

"Elena, don't get me wrong. I didn't mean anything by that. I'm just so worried about Leo. Why does he always have to suffer?"

I turned and walked to the restroom, splashing cold water on my face to calm down.

He suffered because he wanted to escape me and see his precious Vivian.

From when he was three years old until now...

When I walked back, I was about to enter the room when I heard laughter from inside.

"Dad, I want to stay with Vivian for a few more days."

He called her so affectionately, and Vivian looked full of expectation.

Ethan rejected it without a second thought.

"No, it was risky enough for you to come here today. I told you we can't let Elena find out."

Vivian bit her lower lip, acting spoiled.

"Just this once, Ethan. We'll just avoid Elena. Once I'm sure Leo is fine, I'll leave. I only get to see him for three months a year anyway. Just a few more days."

Ethan stared into her eyes and finally relented.

"Only this once."

I laughed mockingly at myself. I looked like the homewrecker trying to tear their happy family apart.

The doctor walked in and asked Ethan about Leo's medical history, but Ethan knew absolutely nothing. The doctor grew annoyed.

"What is the child's past allergy history? What medication did he take before? What is his most severe symptom? As parents, haven't you paid attention to any of this?"

Vivian twiddled her thumbs guiltily. Ethan awkwardly messaged me on Snapchat.

Right then, I pushed the door open.

"Talk to me. I'm..."

Never mind.

I gave the doctor a detailed account of Leo's history. I carried him for nine months; I couldn't bear to watch him suffer.

Back in the room, Vivian made a show of getting ready to leave.

Leo burst into tears, glaring at me.

"No! No! I want Vivian!"

The piercing cries echoed in the ward. I knew they were putting on a show.

They wanted me to leave so they could have their space.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them back as I looked at Leo.

"Fine. I won't come back."