Chapter 5

Ethan didn't stay out all night like he threatened.

Instead, he came back the next afternoon, bringing our son, Leo, back from his summer camp.

And walking right beside them was a slender, elegant figure.

Lily gave me a dazzling smile. "Chloe! Long time no see!"

She was holding my son in her arms, while Ethan carried her bags behind them.

They looked far more like a happy family of three than I ever did standing in that living room.

Lily walked in and made herself comfortable on my favorite spot on the couch, glancing at the jewelry design website on my laptop.

"Chloe, you haven't changed at all after all these years. Still playing with your little drawings."

"I really admire your patience."

Leo, who hadn't even changed out of his camp clothes, eagerly snuggled into Lily's arms. He looked up at her with adoring eyes. "Aunt Lily, there's nothing to admire about Mommy!"

"Mommy just stays at home doing nothing all day. She's as lazy as a couch potato!"

Five-year-old Leo also played the violin, and after hearing Lily perform once, he had become her biggest fan.