Chapter 2

I wanted to say something but realized that I had nothing left to say.

There was nothing wrong with helping someone who was family. But was it just helping the family when Violet used a sprained ankle as an excuse to call Finnian? Was it still just that if the two of them were arm in arm on a shopping spree through every luxury store in town?

If this had occurred before, I would have smashed everything in the house and screamed at him, demanding to know why he did it.

This time, I just stayed silent.

After all, I would be leaving in seven days.

I did not want to waste my energy on something this pointless.

When Finnian saw that I was quiet, he pulled a sparkly bracelet out of his pocket.

“Alright, today is Ben’s birthday, but you deserve a gift too since you’re his mom. I picked this bracelet out especially for you. Do you like it?”

‘Picked it especially for me?’ I wondered.

Violet had just posted on her social media feed today. This particular bracelet was nothing more than a free gift they received after spending half a million dollars at a luxury store.

When Finnian looked at me, his gaze was sincere and full of love.

I realized I had never really known him at all.

He stared at my wrist and chuckled softly. “It’s really beautiful. It suits you, Diana. Go change your clothes. I booked your and Ben’s favorite restaurant. Let’s go celebrate Ben’s birthday as a family.”

I nodded. After all, Benjamin was my own flesh and blood.

Before I left for good, I wanted a few good memories with Benjamin. That would be my farewell.

…

When our family of three left the house, Benjamin rushed to claim the front passenger seat. He looked at me pitifully and said, “Mom, can I sit in the front? Pretty please?”

My heart softened. He had not called me “Mom” so sweetly in a long time. After telling him to be careful, I sat in the back seat.

Then, we headed toward the restaurant.

Benjamin looked out the window, but his expression slowly turned dejected.

Finnian noticed this and gently asked him what was wrong.

Benjamin pouted and said with teary eyes, “Is Aunt Violet not coming to my birthday? I made sure Mom didn’t sit here because I wanted Aunt Violet to sit here.”

I felt my heart tense up and my whole body tremble.

Finnian’s expression changed dramatically. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and said sternly, “Ben, apologize to your mother.”

Benjamin realized he had said something wrong. He looked at me reluctantly and said, “I’m sorry, Mom.”

I pursed my lips, but in the end, I could not bring myself to say, “It’s okay.”

Perhaps Benjamin would rather have Violet as his mother.

Finnian restarted the car, and the silence hung over us for the rest of the ride.

In the past, I would have spoken up to break the silence. But this time, I did not say anything.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Benjamin was feeling better. He ran inside ahead of us.

Finnian held me back.

He put his arm around my shoulder and said, “He’s just a kid. He likes Violet, that’s all. Don’t let it get to you.”

I could not hear him very clearly, and I understood that he was making excuses for Benjamin. I pulled his hand down and smiled softly. “I know.”

Finnian had booked the entire restaurant today. When we walked in, the whole restaurant was pitch black, but I could vaguely smell a familiar floral scent.

They were my favorite roses.

Benjamin was afraid of the dark. He froze on the spot and extended his hand toward me, hoping I would hold it.

Just as I took his little hand, the restaurant lights came on. Violet walked out, pushing a cart with a three-tiered cake. She softly sang, “Happy Birthday to you!”