Chapter 4

Apparently, Riley had forgotten to block Aspen from seeing that post. Aspen's eyes darkened slightly, and any trace of emotion faded from her face.

Just yesterday, Colin had borrowed Gwyneth's diamond earrings and given them to Sophie. They had already been replaced with a new gift today.

Aspen had to admit that Colin's efficiency was impressive. Then again, Gwyneth was the woman he truly cherished, so it was not surprising.

Aspen chuckled softly. Just as she was about to close the social media app, a new message notification popped up.

It read, "Aspen, I'm returning in ten days."

The profile picture was blank, with the initials "A. J." displayed instead. It was someone who had been on her contact list for years—one she had not spoken to in six years.

Aspen's breath hitched, but she didn't respond.

...

At 4:20 pm, Colin had just wrapped up a grueling board meeting. It wasn't until Riley reminded him that he remembered he had promised to pick up Sophie.

He got into his car and rubbed his temples, exhaustion weighing on him. Then, he ordered, "Drive faster."

"Yes, sir," the driver responded quietly, stepping on the gas.

Colin planned to pick Sophie up, drop her off with Aspen, and then head over to Gwyneth's place. However, his phone rang, breaking the silence. The name "Gwyneth" flashed across the screen.

He hesitated briefly before answering. Gwyneth's trembling voice, tinged with panic, came through the line. "Colin, Pepper isn't doing well. She's foaming at the mouth, and the vet says her condition is critical. I think she might not make it this time."

Pepper was Gwyneth's dog, a birthday gift Colin had given her years ago. During their time apart, Pepper had been her constant companion and had even helped her recover from depression. To Gwyneth, Pepper was more than a pet—it was like their child.

Colin's gaze darkened slightly. He kept his tone steady. "Don't worry. I'll come over soon."

"No... please hurry..." Gwyneth sobbed, her voice cracking. "I'm scared... I don't think she'll survive..."

Her voice broke completely, and Colin instinctively tensed. In his mind, Sophie's hopeful eyes flashed for a brief moment, but Gwyneth's distress quickly overpowered that thought. Gwyneth needed him right now.

"Alright, I'm on my way," he said firmly.

Ending the call, Colin gave new instructions to the driver. "Turn around. Head to Lakeside Veterinary Hospital."

The driver hesitated but quickly complied. "Yes, Mr. Fuller."

Colin texted Riley, telling him to pick up Sophie in his place. He glanced at the small strawberry cake Riley had prepared for Sophie and then closed his eyes, unwilling to look at it anymore.

...

At the preschool, Sophie stood by the entrance, watching as a light drizzle began to fall. The cold wind bit at her cheeks, turning them pale. All the other children in her class had already been picked up.

Even the last remaining girl couldn't help but ask curiously, "Sophie, didn't you say your dad was coming to pick you up today?"

Before Sophie could respond, a boy nearby laughed mockingly. "She's lying! She doesn't have a dad. She's just making it up!"

Sophie's eyes dimmed, her small chest tightening with sadness. She couldn't find the words to defend herself because there was nothing she could say to prove him wrong.

All the other children's fathers showed up for parent-child events and school meetings, but hers never had. Not even once.

Hearing what he had said, the boy's father gave him a light smack on the head. "Don't talk nonsense. Sorry about that," he apologized to the teacher before pulling his son away.

The teacher knelt beside Sophie and gently asked, "Sophie, isn't your dad coming to pick you up today?"

Sophie wanted to say he was, then wondered if she had made things difficult for him. She thought perhaps she shouldn't say anything.

Forcing a smile, she replied softly, "Miss, my mommy's coming to get me."

"Alright, I'll call your mom for you," the teacher said kindly.

Sophie swallowed the bitter feeling in her chest and whispered, "Thank you."

...

By the time Aspen arrived at the preschool, it was pouring. The icy wind and relentless rain stung her face, making it hard to keep her eyes open.

She hurried to the entrance, panting. The sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks.

Sophie was huddled in a corner, trembling from the cold, her tiny frame soaked and shivering. Aspen felt as though someone had driven a knife straight into her heart.

She could still hear Sophie's excited voice from that morning, proudly saying that Colin would come to pick her up. Anger and sorrow surged through her, and a metallic taste rose in her throat.

Wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, Aspen forced a smile and called out, "Sophie—"

Sophie looked up, her pale face lighting up at the sight of Aspen. All the hurt and disappointment melted away in that moment, replaced by a soft, fragile whisper. "Mommy."

She didn't complain, nor did she say a single word about being left there. She simply called out to her mother, as gentle and obedient as ever.

Aspen felt a wave of regret wash over her. If she hadn't insisted on marrying Colin, maybe Sophie would have been born into a loving family—one where she had a father who cared and a mother who wasn't burdened by sorrow.

She pulled Sophie into her arms and whispered soothingly, "I'm here. Let's go home. Don't cry, sweetheart."

Sophie nodded quietly as tears slipped down her face.

...

When they got home, Sophie's frail body gave out, and she spiked a fever. Aspen touched Sophie's burning forehead, her heart aching with a dull pain.

She carefully tucked Sophie into bed before stepping out of the room to answer a call from Riley.

As soon as the call was connected, Riley quickly said, "I'm so sorry, Ms. Nicholls. Mr. Fuller had an urgent matter today and asked me to pick up Sophie.

"But I got caught up with paperwork and didn't see his message in time. When I arrived at the preschool, I was told you had already picked her up."

Aspen didn't want to hear any excuses. Her voice was calm, though icy. "Where did he go?"

There was a moment of hesitation on Riley's end.

However, Aspen pressed on, "Riley, as Mr. Fuller's wife, I believe I have the right to know where my husband is."

After a tense pause, Riley finally answered. "Ms. Sanders' dog got sick. She was very upset and asked Mr. Fuller to come over, so he… went to be with her."

Aspen's eyes remained steady, devoid of emotion. It turned out her daughter didn't even rank as high as Gwyneth's dog—it was absurd. Just then, a metallic taste filled Aspen's mouth again.

"Mommy..."

Aspen turned and saw Sophie standing in the hallway, her small body swaying unsteadily. There was a weak but determined smile on her pale face.

"Mommy, please don't be mad at Daddy," Sophie said softly. "I know he didn't mean to do it."

Her voice was barely a whisper as she continued, "Daddy has a lot of important things to do. I understand."

In that moment, Aspen felt her world crumble. Tears welled in her eyes, but she couldn't let them fall. Sophie coughed heavily, then took a few wobbly steps forward and wrapped her arms around Aspen.

She whispered, "I just want you to be happy, Mommy."

Aspen's throat tightened painfully, and her vision blurred as she fought back tears.