Chapter 4

The next morning, when Tabitha woke up, Kieran and David were walking into the room with breakfast in their hands.

Seeing her awake, Kieran naturally placed the tray within her reach, his eyes full of affection. "David and I wanted you to sleep in a little longer, so we got up early to pick up breakfast for you."

David pumped his legs and climbed onto the bed, leaning against her shoulder. "We were only gone for a while, but I already missed you so much, Mommy."

Tabitha could still feel the lingering chill from the figures beside her, and a trace of self-mockery rose in her eyes.

They had clearly been away all night and had just gotten out of Summer's bed, yet they spun the story that they had gone out to buy breakfast. She hadn't realized how good their acting was until now.

After breakfast, Kieran and David wasted no time and took her straight to the ski resort. Summer was already there, fully dressed in her ski gear, waiting at the entrance. However, Tabitha had no interest in skiing.

Kieran glanced at her with concern, then cautiously asked, "Tab, what's wrong with you? Did David or I do something to upset you?"

Tabitha shook her head. "No. It's just my friend. Her issue's been weighing on my mood."

Only then did Kieran relax. He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry, Tab. The same thing would never happen to our family. If you don't feel like skiing, then…"

Before he could finish, Summer's hesitant voice cut in. "But Mr. Lowe…"

Seeing the longing in Summer's eyes, Kieran hesitated, the words on his lips making a U-turn. "You should wait for us here. David, Ms. Dabney, and I will go ski a few rounds and be right back."

David didn't say a word, but Tabitha noticed his hand had quietly made its way to the hem of Summer's coat. Maybe he wanted to have their precious family time a little too badly that he wasn't worried at all that Tabitha might notice.

She nodded in silence.

And so, Kieran instructed the hotel staff to take good care of her. He then took the gloves from his bag and carefully put them on her hands. "It's freezing here, Tab. I don't want you catching a cold. If you feel unwell, call me right away."

David followed along seriously, checking the zipper on her coat. "I don't want you to catch a cold either, Mommy."

Watching them focus all their attention on Tabitha, Summer couldn't help but feel bitter. "Mrs. Lowe, they really do love you so much, don't they?"

At that, Tabitha looked up at her and caught a trace of jealousy in Summer's eyes that she hadn't managed to conceal in time.

Tabitha simply smiled, a hint of implication in her words. "I'm sure your family feels the same toward you."

After all, the fact that Kieran and David were playing house with Summer behind her back was proof enough that they had never truly considered her feelings. What they cared about most was being with Summer.

As soon as that was said, a deep rumble rolled in from the distance. The ground beneath their feet shook.

Tabitha was about to ask what was happening when she looked up and saw a vast stretch of blinding white crashing straight toward them. People scattered in all directions at once. Chaos erupted everywhere.

Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed the hem of Kieran's coat. The very next second, she watched it slip from her grasp as he turned and ran toward Summer.

David, who had been standing in front of her just moments ago, sprinted in the same direction.

"Summie!"

"Ms. Dabney!"

A looming darkness descended, and heavy snow slammed down on Tabitha.

In the final instant before she lost consciousness, she saw the man who had once said he loved her, and the boy who had sworn to protect her, holding another woman tightly in their arms.