Chapter 3

Over the past ten years, Kieran had given Tabitha countless pieces of jewelry. She could tell at a glance that the bracelet and the necklace from yesterday were meant to be a matching set.

Her lips curled into a sarcastic smile. "Your family really loves you, huh?"

Kieran and David had split what should've been one complete set of jewelry into two halves—one for her, one for Summer. It was the same with their hearts, too.

Summer smiled brightly. "Yeah. They always tell me they love me and spoil me as though I'm still a child."

Perhaps worried Tabitha might notice something, Kieran and David fussed over her all the way.

She cleared her throat slightly, and Kieran immediately took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, pouring the hot water from the insulated bottle to her lips with careful attention.

David, on the other hand, removed the scarf from his neck and, like a tiny adult, wrapped it around hers, reminding her to keep warm.

However, Tabitha didn't want anything tainted by Summer's perfume. She said she wanted to rest at the hotel and walked off. Kieran and David exchanged a glance and, wordlessly, chose to accompany her back to the hotel.

It wasn't until evening that Kieran's phone rang. Quickly, he silenced it and glanced at Tabitha on the bed. Seeing she was unresponsive, he quietly exhaled in relief.

Summer's name kept flashing on the screen. Beside him, David tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Daddy, I want to see Ms. Dabney."

Kieran quickly gestured for him to be quiet. They locked eyes and tacitly agreed to slip out of the room. The moment the door clicked shut, Tabitha opened her eyes, pulled on her clothes, and followed them.

The father and son hurried down the hall and finally stopped at Summer's door. The moment the door opened, she threw herself into Kieran's arms, her voice trembling with hurt.

"Kieran, you're finally here! I was so scared being alone in the hotel today. I don't expect you to stay by my side all the time as you do with Mrs. Lowe. All I ask is two hours of your day."'

Her big, watery eyes looked up at him, and he immediately gave in. Seeing her tears softened his heart, and he pulled her into his arms to comfort her.

"How will two hours be enough? David and I will stay with you through the whole evening."

David chimed in. "Ms. Dabney, we came as soon as Mommy fell asleep. We really wanted to spend time with you, too."

Summer looked touched, but then her expression fell, as if she recalled something sad. "I was really cold today, but you only had eyes for Mrs. Lowe. You even ignored the scarf and insulated bottle I prepared for you…"

Worried she would be sad, David immediately stepped forward and grabbed her hand. "Don't be sad, Ms. Dabney. Daddy and I were wrong. Here, let me warm you up. My hands are way warmer than the scarf."

Kieran teased her gently, nudging the tip of her nose. "You jealous little thing, getting upset over something so small. I know you didn't have enough fun skiing in Cendraland, so I picked this place just for you. Aren't you happy?"

At that, Summer tilted her head and planted a peck on the corner of his mouth. "Thank you, Mr. Lowe."

Kieran's gaze darkened instantly. He cupped her head, and their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss. David covered his eyes and ran into the room. "Okay, I'm out!"

After a long moment, Kieran finally let go. Summer's face was flushed, and she slapped his chest lightly. "Hey, David was just here, you know."

He grabbed her hand, pressed it to his lips, and left a soft kiss. "Come on. It's not like he hasn't seen it before."

With that, he looped his arm around Summer's waist and closed the door behind them.

Behind a nearby pillar, Tabitha was already in tears. Although she had long known about their betrayal, seeing it with her own eyes cut deeper than she imagined.

Every word, every gesture felt like a blade, tearing her heart to pieces. The so-called birthday celebration was nothing more than a way to soothe Summer's dissatisfaction from the previous ski trip.

Tabitha crouched down, pressing a hand to her chest. Kieran's and David's words from last night still echoed in her mind.

"I'll never let you leave me…" Kieran had sworn.

Too bad, she had made up her mind to leave them for good.