Chapter 2

"Seven days from now… do you have time to bring Logan to Odell City?"

The good news exploded in my ears, and my eyes immediately welled up with tears.

In my last life, I had lived as a single mother with Logan, struggling to survive while my reputation suffered. Every night, drunken men knocked on my window, startling me endlessly. After the divorce, Logan didn't even last three days before falling ill and dying.

This time, no matter what, I would do everything to keep my son alive.

I wiped my tears. "Yes, I'll come!"

After hanging up, I hurriedly packed my bags, not daring to pause for a moment.

Only after I placed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase did the sound of a door opening reach me from behind.

"Where do you think you're going?" Bryson's voice followed immediately.

I steadied myself and turned to face Bryson, only to find that he had brought Christina and her son back.

They stood together, the little boy sleeping peacefully in her arms. At a glance, they looked remarkably like a happy family of three.

A sharp pang of pain ran through me, but I forced my back straight.

"We're divorced. There's no reason for us to live together anymore."

For once, Bryson froze.

Christina quickly reacted, clutching her child and looking pitiful.

"I knew you wouldn't want me living here. Maybe I should leave…"

She moved as if to go, but Bryson grabbed her firmly.

He pressed something into my hands, his expression stern.

"You know I worry about you living with Logan outside. Don't be stubborn. For now, the five of us will live together."

He handed me a brand-new hot water bottle. "This is for Logan. Take it."

Bryson rarely bought things for the household on his own, let alone gifts for us.

And yet now…

I watched as he directed Christina to sit and set down several large bags. All were expensive baby products, toys, and mother-and-child essentials.

Christina murmured softly, "Bryson, I heard brand-name formula is better. It helps the baby grow stronger…"

Bryson indulged her. "We'll buy it. Anything you want, I'll get it for you."

I lowered my eyes to the hot water bottle in my arms—the free gift sticker in the corner hadn't even been removed yet.

In my previous life, Bryson had never asked a single question about Logan, yet he tended to Christina's child with such care. Meanwhile, the bottle in my hands was a free gift, and he had given it with ulterior motives.

He spoke again, "Christina and the baby get cold easily. Let them stay in the heated main bedroom. You take the guest room for tonight."

Then he tugged my hand slightly. "Behave yourself, and I'll remarry you as soon as possible."

Even now, hearing those words sent a chill through my heart.

I nodded half-heartedly, swallowing the lump in my throat, and carried Logan to the guest room.

From the main bedroom came the sounds of laughter and play—warm and happy.

But the guest room had no heating; the chill cut to the bone.

The hot water bottle needed refilling every few hours. I was afraid Logan would catch a cold, so I stayed awake, holding him, until dawn when the temperature finally rose enough to let me close my eyes for a short rest.

Just as I drifted off, the sound of a door opening stirred me.

I groggily opened my eyes and saw Christina carrying a bowl.

It was so early in the morning… what was she doing here?

I tried to sit up, but a chill from last night left my head woozy.

"You…"

Struggling to push myself upright, the scent of eggs hit me, snapping me fully awake.

By then, Christina had already scooped Logan into her arms and was carefully feeding him steamed egg custard with a spoon.