Chapter 3

The next day, Ethan came home and handed me a beautifully wrapped gift box.

"A birthday present for Leo."

I looked up at him, took the box, and opened it.

Inside was a remote-control car.

I froze.

Not because the gift was expensive, but because I had just seen this exact toy on Chloe's Instagram story last night.

Her caption had been: *He didn't like it. Played with it for two minutes and threw it away.*

So this was the "makeup" birthday gift Ethan brought for Leo.

Giving his own biological son a toy that another woman's child had discarded.

I casually tossed the box onto the side table.

My tone was flat. "Thanks, but he doesn't need it."

Ethan gave me a strange look, but then he remembered something else.

"One more thing."

"Mason had a fever last night, and Chloe can't handle it alone. I'm planning to bring them here to stay for a few days until he gets better."

I stared at him, unable to believe my ears.

"You mean you're bringing Chloe and her son to live in our house?"

Ethan's expression was completely casual.

"It's just temporary. Just a few days."

"The kid is sick. He needs someone around."

I stared at him, feeling a cold shiver run down my spine.

"What about Leo?"

"Mason has a fever. Aren't you worried he'll pass it to Leo?"

For once, Ethan hesitated.

But he quickly came up with a thoughtless solution.

"That's why I want you to take Leo to a hotel for a few days."

"Once Mason is fully recovered, I'll bring you both back."

I found it incredibly laughable.

"Ethan Carter."

"Do you even hear yourself?"

He frowned, seemingly annoyed by my reaction.

"Nora, don't be unreasonable."

"I'll have my assistant book a nice hotel. I'll cover all the expenses."

I suddenly burst into laughter.

Even now, he actually thought I was upset about the cost of a hotel.

I didn't want to look at him anymore.

"Fine."

"I'll pack our bags and leave with Leo as soon as possible. We won't get in your way."

Since we were leaving anyway, doing it a bit earlier made no difference.

He opened his mouth, his tone softening slightly. "It won't be long."

I didn't look up. I just remained silent.

I packed our suitcases and led Leo toward the door.

But the moment I pushed the door open, I ran right into Ethan bringing them in.

He was wheeling Chloe's suitcase with one hand while holding her son in his other arm.

When our eyes met, I saw a flash of panic in his eyes.

Chloe gasped dramatically. "Nora? What are you doing here?"

Hearing her, I immediately pulled Leo behind me, blocking his view.

"I—"

"They are my relatives. They're just staying here temporarily," Ethan cut in before I could speak.

His grip on the suitcase handle tightened.

It wasn't the first time he had denied me, but every single time, it still felt like a knife twisting in my heart.

Just as I was about to speak, Leo beat me to it.

"Hello, Uncle Ethan."

I turned to look at my son in disbelief, only to see his eyes brimming with tears.

"Mommy, let's go," Leo whispered.

All my words choked in my throat. I squeezed his hand and replied softly, "Okay."

As we brushed past them, Ethan grabbed my wrist.