Chapter 3

Maxwell let out a startled gasp. "Mr. Bainbridge, what are you doing in Ms. Thorne's home?"

As his words sank in, I instinctively stepped in front of Parker, blocking his view. "I—"

"They're my relatives. They're just staying here temporarily," Beatrice interrupted, her grip on the suitcase tightening with every word.

It wasn't the first time she'd said something like this, but each time, it felt like a knife to my heart.

Just as I was about to respond, Parker spoke up. "Hello, Aunt Beatrice."

I turned around in shock, my gaze landing on Parker's slightly reddened eyes. "Dad, let's go," he whispered.

All the words I wanted to say caught in my throat. I forced a smile and responded softly, "Okay."

As we walked past, Beatrice grabbed my arm. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she blurted out, "W-what did Parker just call me?"

I gave a wry smile, a wave of irony washing over me. "Isn't this exactly what you've always wanted, Ms. Thorne?"

For six long years, Beatrice had hidden our marriage from everyone and refused to let Parker call her "Mom".

The only difference now was Parker's newfound awareness. In the past, Beatrice had insisted Parker address her as "Aunt Beatrice". Now, it was Parker himself who chose to set the boundary between them.

Beatrice looked at me, her eyes betraying a storm of emotions. "Give me a few days," she said. "I'll explain everything to Parker."

"Maxwell's waiting for you. Let go," I reminded her.

At my words, Beatrice snapped back to reality and reluctantly released her grip.

I let out a bitter scoff and took Parker's hand. Just as we were about to leave, Beatrice suddenly called out, "Wait."

She quickly ran back to the car and returned with a box of cake. Handing it to me, she said, "Happy birthday, Parker."

Right on cue, Maxwell chimed in, "Ms. Thorne originally bought this cake for me, but seeing as it's Parker's birthday, it only feels right to share it with him. Mr. Bainbridge, I trust you don't mind."

The cake in my hands suddenly felt unbearably heavy. Just as I was about to hand it back, I saw the excitement in Parker's eyes.

My heart softened, and I pulled my hand back.

Unaware of the tension hanging in the air, Parker looked up at Beatrice, his gaze shining with hope. "Would you eat it with me?" he asked.

Beatrice hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

With a cheer, Parker dashed into the living room, urging me to open the box.

I patted his head and quickly began cutting the slices. But the moment the cake touched my tongue, my smile faltered. "Spit it out! You can't eat this!"

In a panic, I grabbed the cake from Parker's hands.

Beatrice's expression darkened instantly. "Cedric, have you lost your mind?"

I lifted my gaze, the corners of my eyes slightly red. "Parker is allergic to mango. Don't you know this?"

The moment the words left my mouth, Beatrice's expression tightened with panic. "I'm so sorry… I had no idea."

Once again, all she could offer was another apology. From the day Parker came into our lives, her remorseful words had become almost routine.

Understanding the situation, Parker looked at Beatrice in a daze. His eyes no longer held that spark of anticipation.

"It's alright. It makes sense that they weren't aware." After saying that, he buried his face in my chest, refusing to look at Beatrice.

Without a second thought, I lifted Parker into my arms and made my way toward the door.

Even as we stepped outside the villa, I could feel Beatrice's flustered gaze lingering on us.

This time, neither Parker nor I would cling to any expectations.

…

After leaving the house, I went straight to the office to pack up my belongings.

I had originally wanted to say a proper goodbye, but now it felt unnecessary.

I placed the signed divorce agreement on my desk and let out a long breath.

With our bags in hand, I headed to the airport with Parker. Just before we got on the plane, I asked, "Are you upset that I'm taking you with me?"

Parker shook his head and pressed his cheek against mine. "You're the only one I need."

At that moment, my tears finally broke free. All the pain I had carried for so long melted into relief.

I pulled out my phone and blocked Beatrice on every platform. "Beatrice, I suppose this is goodbye forever," I muttered under my breath.

…

The next day, Beatrice arrived at the office on time. After what happened yesterday, a sense of unease had kept her on edge.

When she checked her email, a message marked "Approved" caught her eye.

"A resignation letter?"