LOGINThe car ride back was unusually quiet.The afternoon sunlight slanted in through the window, casting long shadows across the seats, but the warmth failed to soften the heavy mood inside the car.Isabelle sat by the window, her head turned slightly to the side. Her gaze rested on the passing scenery, unfocused, as if she were looking straight through it.She hadn’t said a word since they left the kindergarten.In the back seat, Aimee hugged her small backpack to her chest. She sneaked glances at Isabelle from time to time, her bright eyes gradually dimming.Usually, Isabelle would smile at her after such a happy event.She would say she did well.She would pat her head.But this time… nothing.The little girl's face fell slightly, her lips pressing together as she looked down at her shoes. Her chest felt heavy, like she'd done something wrong but didn't know what.She glanced toward Riven, her eyes wide and uncertain.He caught her gaze in the rearview mirror and gave her a subtle shak
Ryan's little body hit the grass hard.Isabelle was already on her feet, her expression tightening instinctively.A sharp intake of breath escaped a few nearby parents who had noticed, but they quickly returned to their own children, their attention fleeting.Meanwhile, Riven only glanced once at the fallen boy and back at Isabelle before getting up from where he sat and turned toward the parking lot. Isabelle was still anxiously standing there, unsure whether to call out Ryan's name or keep quiet.The boy looked up and saw the other kids running ahead with determination. His gaze locked on a certain short-legged young girl among them, her small ponytail bouncing as she ran: Aimee.He gritted his teeth.No. He couldn't fall behind.Instantly, he pushed himself upright, scraped the dirt from his knees with stubborn fingers, and kept running.Isabelle's gaze had followed every second of it, unblinking, silently tracking him as he fought through the pain. The tightness in her chest neve
A soft oof escaped Isabelle as the small body collided with her chest.She reflexively caught the child by the shoulders and looked down."Aimee?"The little girl clung to her tightly, her small arms wrapped around Isabelle's waist as if she were afraid Isabelle might disappear.Her head tucked into Isabelle's stomach, warm and soft, like a little kitten seeking shelter.Instantly—Isabelle's expression, still faintly edged from the earlier confrontation, melted clean away.Her arms circled Aimee gently, protectively."What's wrong, sweetheart?" she asked softly.Aimee didn't answer.She simply held on tighter.Isabelle blinked, stunned for a moment.This child, who barely approached anyone on her own initiative, who needed time and care for every small connection had bolted straight into her arms?Her heart squeezed.She lowered her head, stroking the girl's hair. "It's okay. I'm here."Behind them, Tiffany's mouth opened.Only for nothing to come out.She was simply too speechless.
Isabelle's brows twitched lightly.Her phone screen dimmed as she let it lower onto her lap gently.“Yes,” she said calmly. “Why?”Her simple response unsettled the group of nosy women. They exchanged looks again, hesitation flickering in their eyes, as if no one wanted to be the first target.Finally, the woman at the front folded her arms and sniffed.“Well… we were just curious. It’s not very common for a mother to be so… distant.”As she spoke, she glanced over her shoulder for support. Another woman stepped in almost immediately, eyes sliding to Isabelle’s face.“Your child is out there waiting for the race, but you’re… sitting here with another man.” Her tone was dripping with false concern as she folded her arms. “I remember last time, your son ran to Miss Tiffany instead of you. It caused quite a stir.”Isabelle’s interest finally stirred at that.That had been one of the most painful moments she’d had with Ryan.Her fists slowly tightened, but she kept her expression neutral
By the time the car rolled to a stop outside Crescent Kindergarten, Isabelle had finally regained most of her composure.Aimee dangled her legs lightly in her seat; Riven unbuckled her and helped her down. The school grounds were bustling with parents chatting, teachers directing families, and children running in circles. The morning sun cast long shadows over the field, and the air buzzed with weekend energy.As soon as they stepped through the gate—“Mr. Thorne! Miss Monroe!”Miss Donna spotted them instantly.The teacher practically lit up as she hurried over, waving. “Aimee! You came early!”Aimee smiled shyly and held onto Isabelle’s hand.Miss Donna leaned down and praised warmly, “She’s been doing so well lately. Much better than before! She even sits with her classmates sometimes. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”Aimee glanced up at Isabelle and Riven, hesitating before giving a small, shy nod.Isabelle’s eyes softened. “Really? That’s wonderful… I’m so happy to hear that.”Miss
Later that morning, Isabelle trudged listlessly down the stairs for breakfast. She had finally remembered what happened the night before and that realization only made her want to dig a hole and bury herself in it.How could she have grabbed him… and asked him to stay?Her face burned but she managed to keep calm. She kept her gaze fixed straight ahead like a soldier marching to her death.But surprisingly, she didn't need to panic because Riven was not at the table.Only, Aimee was already at the table nibbling on toast, swinging her legs under the chair. The little girl looked up and blinked at her with wide, innocent eyes.Isabelle was immediately relieved and her face brightened up. “... Good morning,” she greeted the girl as she took a seat opposite her. Aimee tilted her head with a smile, nodding back in greeting.Isabelle exhaled as she looked around the dining before asking Aimee, whisperingly, “Where is your daddy?”The girl looked around cluelessly before shaking her head







