Chapter 6

Arya woke early the next morning. She wanted to personally wake her two little darlings, kiss them good morning, have breakfast with them, and send them off to school just like every other mom.

During those years she had been lying paralyzed in bed, unable to move, this simple dream had kept her going.

Her legs were still weak, though. She had no choice but to rely on Neil's help. She waited patiently for him to come out of the bathroom. He had always liked to shower first thing in the morning.

"Neil," she said with a soft, expectant smile. "Can you pick out an outfit from the wardrobe? Something Chris and Lottie would like. Once I'm dressed, can you help me wake them?"

She had already missed five years of their lives. She needed to slowly reenter their world. She had to show Christopher and Charlotte how deeply she loved them and that she would never leave again.

Neil paused for a moment, then walked toward her.

As he approached, Arya caught the scent of his body wash—sweet, with a fruity undertone. It was clearly a scent meant for women.

A cold glint flashed in her eyes. She still remembered how he used to insist on one particular sandalwood-scented brand. Once, when it had been out of stock, she had replaced it with something else. He had never said a word, but the next day she had found the untouched bottle thrown in the bathroom trash.

For Lindsay, he was even willing to change his habits?

"Ary," Neil said.

His gentle voice pulled her back from her thoughts. He touched her cheek and said apologetically, "The kids, especially Lottie, have always been timid. Last night, she told me she was scared of how you look now."

Arya's smile froze as she murmured, "But I'm their biological mother…"

"Of course," Neil said softly, as if to comfort her. "No one can change that. I just mean… right now, what you need most is rest. Once you've fully recovered and can walk again, you'll have plenty of time with them."

She opened her mouth to protest. "I—"

Neil sighed, cutting her off with a conflicted tone. "Ary, it's been five years. To the kids, you're more like a stranger now. Give them time."

Arya wanted nothing more than to wipe that fake concern off his face.

If he truly considered her his wife, the mother of his children, he could have told them everything—how much she loved them, how she fell into a coma because she risked her life to bring them into the world.

Christopher and Charlotte were her flesh and blood. She refused to believe they would still reject her if they knew the truth.

Neil clearly hadn't said a word. Instead, he allowed that bitch Lindsay to swoop in and take her place in their hearts.

Beneath the blanket, Arya dug her nails into her thighs, barely holding herself together.

She forced a smile and played the obedient wife as she answered, "Alright, I'll listen to you."

Neil looked pleased and cooed, "Good girl."

That tone—like he was praising a pet—made her stomach turn.

He kissed her forehead and said, full of promise, "I'll talk to Chris and Lottie. Help them warm up to you, okay?"

Arya's empty gaze lifted slowly to him. She smiled gratefully and replied, "You're so good to me, honey."

Neil looked at her in silence, his eyes dark and unreadable. After a beat, he said casually, "I'm going to wake the kids now."

As he reached the door, he seemed to remember something and turned back. "By the way, I asked Patricia to come take care of you today. She's worked for us for two years and is very reliable. If you need anything, just let her know."

Arya nodded with a docile smile. "Okay."

The moment the door clicked shut, every trace of gentleness vanished from her face. Her gaze turned sharp and cold.

She had a feeling Neil didn't want her near the children.

And Patricia? She was more like someone to keep an eye on her than a helper.

…

Christopher and Charlotte sat side by side in the dining room downstairs, eating breakfast. Every now and then, Christopher glanced toward the stairs. Eventually, he couldn't hold it in.

"Daddy?" he called.

"Hmm?" Neil looked up from his phone, humming.

Christopher hesitated, pressing his lips together awkwardly. He didn't quite know how to call her Mommy yet.

"Why didn't… she come down to eat with us?" he asked.

He had picked out his favorite checkered jacket this morning, tied his little necktie, spritzed on some nice-smelling cologne. He thought maybe—even if she couldn't see him—he could hug her and let her touch his tie. Yet, she never showed up.

Disappointment was written all over Christopher's face.

Neil saw it clearly but stayed calm. "Chris, your mom just got out of the hospital. She needs rest right now. Can you promise me not to bother her?"

"Oh…" Christopher answered, looking down, clearly upset. "I didn't really want to eat with her anyway."

Charlotte, as carefree as ever, said, "Daddy, I'm done! When is Mommy Lindsay coming to take us to school?"

"She's not coming today," Neil replied coolly. "Daddy's taking you."

"What?" Charlotte pouted. "That's no fun…"

Neil wiped his mouth and stood. "Time to go. Grab your backpacks. I'll start the car."

Once he left, Christopher turned to lecture his sister. "Lottie, you can't call Ms. Farrell 'Mommy Lindsay' anymore, okay?"

He looked serious. "Our mommy is back. If she hears you calling someone else Mommy, it'll hurt her."

Charlotte pouted. "But I like Mommy Lindsay! I don't like that woman. I don't want her to be my mom!"

Christopher crossed his arms and furrowed his brows, growling, "Charlotte Hammond."

Charlotte immediately shrank back. She hated it when her brother got serious.

"Fine," she muttered. "I won't call her Mommy Lindsay in front of that woman then."

Satisfied for now, Christopher grabbed his backpack.

While he wasn't looking, Charlotte sneakily pulled out her smartwatch and called Lindsay.

The other end picked up instantly.

Lindsay greeted, "Lottie, sweetheart."

"Mommy Lindsay, why didn't you take me to school today?" Charlotte whispered.

There was a pause. Then Lindsay replied gently, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. Your real mommy is back now. I'm not supposed to pick you up anymore… Otherwise, she'll be upset."

Charlotte felt frustration welling up. That woman ruined everything.

Because of her, her brother yelled at her. Because of her, she wouldn't get to see Mommy Lindsay in the mornings anymore—she hated that woman.