Chapter 3

Kael glanced at it, thinking it was another request for jewelry or property. Wanting to end this drama quickly, he signed without really looking.

After signing, he looked up. "Sage isn't well, and there's no one to care for her at home. She'll be staying here for a few days."

I nodded numbly. "Do whatever you want."

I took the document and left without looking back.

At the law firm.

The lawyer carefully examined the mate bond severance agreement and nodded. "The signature is valid, Ms. Aria. I'll submit this to the Alpha Council. Once the review is complete in a month, your mate bond with Alpha Kael will be officially severed."

I gripped the documents tightly, my fingertips turning white.

Finally... it was going to end.

That evening, when I returned to the mansion, I heard laughter coming from the living room.

Sage sat on the couch with River and Stone snuggled against her on either side, listening to her tell a story.

"...And finally, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after." Sage gently stroked both children's heads.

River looked up at her adoringly. "Aunt Sage, you're so much gentler than Mommy."

Stone nodded too. "I really wish you were our mommy..."

I stood in the doorway, feeling like someone had stabbed me straight through the heart.

I went upstairs expressionlessly and took a shower in the guest room bathroom.

The warm water washed over my body, but it couldn't wash away the coldness in my heart.

I closed my eyes, thinking, Don't worry. That wish of yours will come true very soon.

I'd barely laid down when the other side of the bed dipped.

Kael had finished his shower and lay down beside me.

I faced away from him, not moving.

Suddenly, he moved closer, his arm wrapping around my waist as his lips pressed against the back of my neck.

My whole body went rigid as I shoved him away!

Kael frowned. "I've given you the compensation you wanted, and your brother wasn't really hurt. How long are you going to keep this up?"

I was about to speak when—

"Knock knock knock!"

The door was tapped, and River's little head peeked in. "Daddy! The weather forecast says there's going to be thunder tonight. Didn't you say Aunt Sage is really scared of storms?"

Stone squeezed in too. "Daddy, hurry and keep Aunt Sage company! She's scared!"

Kael glanced at the dark clouds gathering outside and got up without hesitation.

Before leaving, he tossed out, "Sleep by yourself tonight."

He didn't close the door completely. Laughter and chatter drifted from the room next door.

"Kael, you came?" Sage's voice was soft.

"Daddy! Aunt Sage tells the best stories!" River said excitedly.

Stone whined sweetly, "Daddy, can we let Aunt Sage live here forever?"

Kael chuckled low. "Sure."

I lay in bed listening to their laughter and slowly closed my eyes.

The next morning, when I came downstairs, laughter was coming from the kitchen.

Kael stood at the counter wearing an apron, his long fingers gripping a spatula while Sage stood beside him, occasionally leaning in to smell the aroma, her eyes curved like crescents.

River and Stone circled around their legs, chattering with their little faces turned up.

"Kael, I can't believe you still remember what I like to eat after all these years." Sage's voice was soft, touched with emotion.

Kael turned to look at her, his gaze holding a tenderness he'd never shown me. "I've never forgotten for a moment."

He plated the sunny-side-up eggs and pushed them toward Sage. "Try it. See if the taste has changed."

Sage took a bite, her expression brightening. "It tastes even better than before."

River immediately raised his hand. "Aunt Sage, when Daddy's busy, I'll cook for you!"

Stone bounced along in agreement. "I'll learn too! I'll make it even better than Daddy!"

Sage laughed out loud, ruffling both children's hair while Kael watched them, his stern features softening with a smile.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, pulling my lips into a self-mocking smile.

All these years, because Kael was very picky about food, and both children had been pampered and picky since birth, I'd worked tirelessly to serve this family.

But it turned out...

Someone like Kael, who never lifted a finger for household tasks, would cook for the person he loved.

Children like River and Stone, usually spoiled and willful, could be this considerate.

I was as humble as dust before them, yet they willingly bent over backward for Sage.

The one who loves first really does lose completely.

When Kael turned around with breakfast, he finally saw me.

"You're up?" His tone was flat. "We're heading out in a bit and didn't have time to make yours. Handle it yourself."

I didn't say anything.

I knew Kael wasn't short on time. He just wanted to focus entirely on cooking for Sage alone.

The aroma from the kitchen made my stomach clench painfully, but I said nothing. I quietly walked into the kitchen and made myself a bowl of plain noodle soup.

After breakfast, Kael and Sage were taking the two children to an amusement park.

River suddenly grabbed them. "Wait! We have something for you!"

He and Stone ran upstairs and came back down with four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set.

Sage looked troubled. "This... isn't really appropriate..."

River looked up stubbornly. "But in our hearts, you ARE our mommy."

Kael ruffled his son's hair and said to Sage, "The kids are just playing around. Humor them this once."

Sage nodded with a blush.

The four of them put on the matching outfits.

Kael and Sage wore navy blue shirts while River and Stone had miniature versions with cartoon prints saying "Daddy and Mommy Love Our Babies."

Sage suddenly looked at me. "Aria, why don't you come with us?"

I shook my head. "No need."

"But you're their mother. It wouldn't be right if you didn't come..." Sage walked over and took my hand without argument. "Come on, families should stick together."

She dragged me into the car.

The amusement park was bustling with crowds.

The four of them in matching outfits were so stunning they drew countless stares.

Young girls came over blushing to ask for photos, and Kael surprisingly didn't refuse.

"Your wife is so beautiful!" one girl said enviously to Sage. "And your kids are super cute!"

Kael didn't correct her. Sage lowered her head shyly while River and Stone puffed out their chests proudly.

I followed behind them like a ghost, watching them get surrounded and praised, watching Kael's hand naturally rest on Sage's waist, watching the two children call Sage "Mommy" over and over.

My heart hurt so much it went numb. I couldn't even feel the pain anymore.

As evening approached, we came to the Ferris wheel.

The operator smiled at Kael and Sage. "You two are such a perfect match! They say if couples kiss at the highest point of the Ferris wheel, they'll never be separated!"

River and Stone exchanged glances and broke into mischievous grins.

The cabin slowly rose as city lights flowed beneath our feet.

When the Ferris wheel was about to reach its peak, the two children suddenly darted behind Kael and Sage and gave them a hard push—

"Ah!" Sage cried out as she tumbled into Kael's arms.

The moment their lips touched, both of them froze.

Sage tried to pull away in panic, but Kael inexplicably cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

River and Stone covered their mouths to stifle giggles, secretly making victory signs.