Chapter 2

Meanwhile, during those thirty days, my plan was to do everything possible to help Leo get emotionally detached from his mother.

Today was the 28th day, and Leo had called Sabrina ‘Ms. Greyson’.

I felt Leo's hand slightly tremble. The sadness felt like my heart was being pricked by countless needles.

As we crossed the street, Sabrina finally snapped out of it.

She took a few steps forward, wanting to ask Leo what was going on, but Martin called again, still urgently crying. "Sabrina, where are you? Teddy has been crying for a mother. I can't calm him down!"

Sabrina stopped. She stared at my and Leo's backs, holding the phone in her hand and replying, "Okay, I got it. I'll be there right away."

After saying that, she took out her phone and texted me about how we should talk it out tonight, then turned around and left without hesitation.

Her car engine roared to life before gradually fading away.

Leo stopped and threw himself into my arms, his tears soaking my clothes. "Dad, how about we stop wanting Mom?"

The photo shoot did not go well, so I took Leo home and packed our luggage.

As I was booking plane tickets back to my hometown, Martin sent me a video with another well-known local photo studio in the background.

Martin and Sabrina, dressed in matching outfits, posed for the camera while holding a child of about five years old.

At the end of the video, Martin taunted me as usual.

Martin: [Isn't it just a family photo? Sabrina and I can take one anytime.]

In the past, Martin's taunts would have prompted a sharp retort. Now, watching Leo diligently tidying up his toys, all I could think about was how pointless responding would be.

I exited the chat and booked two tickets to Simm City for the day after tomorrow.

Just after I paid for them, Sabrina returned home, carrying a strawberry cake.

Leo and I were both slightly taken aback.

She hated strawberry cakes. Because of this, Leo would only choose Sabrina's favorite tiramisu for his birthday, even though he inherited my insane love for strawberries.

Why did she suddenly bring back a strawberry cake today?

Leo and I exchanged a glance, both finding it unbelievable.

Sabrina walked in slowly, her expression changing slightly when she saw the open luggage. "Teddy was crying hard, so I stayed with him a little longer. On my way back, I remembered you guys love strawberry cake, so I bought one. Why are you packing? Are you going on a trip?"

I shook my head, but then changed it to a nod. "You could say that."

There were only two days left in the cooling-off period, and I did not want anything to go wrong.

Hearing my words, Sabrina seemed to breathe a sigh of relief for some reason before continuing, "The photo studio called me and said you two didn't go for the photos. I asked them to reschedule. How about tomorrow? I promise I won't stand you up this time."

She squatted down in front of Leo, speaking earnestly.

Leo paused in his toy-packing. He looked at her and then at me. He seemed conflicted, or perhaps he could not quite believe her anymore.

I noticed Leo's change of heart, and my heart softened. "Okay."

It was the last time we would believe her, anyway.

As soon as I finished speaking, Leo's eyes lit up, and he ran into his room with his toys.

After he left, I continued packing, and Sabrina came to my side. She said hesitantly, "By the way, about Leo calling me ‘Ms. Greyson’ today..."

My heart skipped a beat as I looked up at her.

Sabrina bent over and placed the strawberry cake beside me, her voice a mix of helplessness and affection. "Joshua, I know what you're thinking. You feel like I'm being too kind to Martin and neglecting you and Leo."