Chapter 2

Tabitha looked up and saw Kieran and David standing in the doorway. David hopped down from Kieran's arms and ran straight into hers. "Mommy, who did you say was leaving?"

"A friend of mine," she answered softly. "Her marriage fell apart, and she's planning to leave her husband and son."

David tilted his head and pressed a firm kiss to her cheek. "So sorry about your friend. Luckily, Daddy and I will always love you."

Kieran hung up his coat and came over, wrapping them both in his arms. His voice was as gentle as ever. "David's right, Tab. We're a family. We'll always be together."

Tabitha didn't answer. Her long lashes hid the bitterness in her eyes. Forever? Perhaps not.

Seeing the cake on the table, David quickly pulled the gift bag from his hand. "Mommy, this is the present Daddy and I picked out for you!"

Kieran took the gift box from the bag and opened it. Inside was an emerald necklace.

"Tab, work in Francovar was hectic," he said somewhat apologetically, leaning in to put the necklace around her neck. "I know, David and I got back a little late. Don't be mad at us, okay?"

The moment he leaned closer, Tabitha caught a strong scent of gardenia. She never wore perfume. Her stomach lurched violently, and she shoved them aside to rush into the bathroom before retching repeatedly.

Kieran had always been overly attentive to her health. Even a slight cough would send him into a panic. The scenario then prompted him to call a doctor immediately.

Tabitha pressed down on his hand, her eyes red from gagging. She stared at him without blinking. "I'm fine. I just thought about my friend's family, and their behavior disgusted me. Kieran, if you ever stop loving me, I'll—"

"Impossible."

Kieran cut her off before she could finish. He stepped forward and wrapped her tightly in his arms, as if he wanted to fuse her into himself, never to be separated again.

"Tab, don't you know how I feel, still? In this lifetime, you're the only woman I'll ever love. I'll never let you leave me."

David clenched his small fists, his expression serious. "Don't worry, Mommy. Dad and I would never do anything to hurt you. I'll keep an eye on Daddy for you. If he ever does something wrong to you, I'll tell you right away. I'm always on your side!"

That made Kieran laugh. "Is that how you see me, you little brat?"

David shot him a glare. "I love Mommy the most, so I'll do anything to protect her."

…

Listening to their playful bickering, Tabitha didn't smile. It felt like a knife was twisting in her chest, slicing her heart bit by bit.

Kieran said he loved her, yet he clearly had a mistress. David said he would protect her, yet he helped his father cover up his lies. She couldn't tell anymore whether their words were true or just another deception.

The next morning, Kieran, as always, made Tabitha breakfast. His eyes were full of indulgence as he set it before her.

"Tab, how about we go to the ski resort after breakfast? We came home late yesterday. Let us make it up to you—we'll spend the whole day celebrating your birthday."

David handed her a cup of freshly squeezed juice and wrapped his arms around her waist, pouting. "Come on, Mommy! Skiing is so much fun!"

Tabitha had no real interest in skiing, but by the time breakfast was finished, Kieran and David had already packed all the gear and dragged her into the car.

When they arrived at the resort, she finally understood why they had insisted on coming. The moment she stepped out of the car, she saw Summer standing at the entrance, scanning the area.

After Kieran and David got out of the car, Summer's eyes lit up. She ran over, casually took the scarf from around her neck, and draped it around David's. Then, she handed an insulated bottle to Kieran, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

Tabitha watched silently, taking in her fluid, practiced movements.

David was usually protective of himself, despite his age—he rarely let anyone outside the Lowe family touch him. Kieran, on the other hand, never took a beverage from any woman but Tabitha ever since someone spiked his drink six years ago.

He cleared his throat, his tone slightly awkward. "Tab? This is my assistant, Summer Dabney. She arranged the ski trip, and I thought having her with us would make things easier. That's why she's tagging along."

David jumped in at the right moment. "Yeah, Mommy, we just need to have fun. Isn't that great?"

Was it really about convenience, or was it so he could be with Summer every moment? Honestly, Tabitha no longer had the energy to figure out the truth behind their actions.

It was only then that Summer seemed to notice Tabitha, timidly reaching out for a handshake. "Hello, Mrs. Lowe. I hope I'm not interrupting your family time."

Observant as she was, Tabitha quickly noticed the emerald bracelet on Summer's wrist. "What's that you're wearing?"

Summer lifted her pale wrist, her face lighting up with happiness. "Oh. It's a gift from my family."