Chapter 4
For three days, Wendy had been busy preparing Arthur's birthday party.
She also bought every birthday gift he had missed—from age six to eighteen.
After all, they shared the same blood. Even if they were never to meet again, she would still fulfill her duty as a mother until he turned eighteen.
On the day of Arthur's birthday, the mansion was filled with guests.
Wendy held Arthur's hand, standing beside Maxwell, surrounded by people.
Every year, Arthur would be thrilled on his birthday, but today he looked gloomy, kicking at pebbles and glancing toward the door every few seconds.
Even Maxwell kept checking his watch.
Wendy thought perhaps something had gone wrong with the party arrangements—until a woman's voice came from the entrance.
"Arthur!"
The boy's head snapped up, eyes lighting instantly. He pushed past Wendy and ran toward the doorway.
"Aunt Chloe!"
Wendy stumbled, nearly falling. She caught herself after several steps, pain shooting through her ankle.
Arthur, oblivious, threw himself into Chloe's arms like a swallow returning to its nest. His face glowed with excitement.
"You're finally here! I've been waiting for you!"
Chloe pinched his cheek affectionately. "Traffic was terrible. I'm sorry to keep the birthday boy waiting."
Maxwell walked toward her, the usual chill on his face softening into a smile.
Wendy stood amid the crowd, watching her husband and son surround another woman. The dull ache in her ankle spread upward, turning into a slow, bitter burn in her chest.
She should have guessed. The only person who could make both father and son act this way was Chloe.
So she was the "special someone" Arthur had been talking about.
The lively chatter around them quieted; people exchanged glances, then began whispering.
"Who's that? The one Mr. Woods and his son are welcoming?"
"Could she be the real Mrs. Woods? Did we mistake the other woman?"
"No, I heard she's Mr. Woods's first love from his years abroad—the one he could never forget. She's just returned to China."
"Oh my... poor Mrs. Woods. The husband's first love walking into their son's birthday party like that... "
"Shh, keep your voice down. She's right there."
Wendy turned away, her heart hollowed out. The sting was gone, replaced by a numb calm.
After tonight, she would no longer be Mrs. Woods.
While guests murmured, Arthur led Chloe around the hall like a proud little host.
"Aunt Chloe, this is my favorite cartoon character."
"These are all my photos since I was born."
"And this—I drew it myself!"
Maxwell followed them, a faint smile touching his lips.
After circling the entire hall, the three finally stopped in front of Wendy.
"Aunt Chloe, this is my mom," Arthur said. His tone was reluctant, almost resentful.
Chloe's face didn't change. She patted his head and smiled politely. "Ms. Wendy, you're so fortunate to have such a sweet and well-behaved son."
Wendy smiled faintly. "You'll have one too someday."
After tonight, not just Arthur—but Maxwell as well—would belong to her no more.
Arthur quickly pulled Chloe away again.
Maxwell instinctively started to follow but stopped when he noticed Wendy standing alone, utterly out of place amid the laughter and music.
He softened his tone. "You've worked hard preparing all this. Since Chloe's here to keep Arthur company, you should go rest for a while."
Wendy lowered her gaze, hiding the irony in her eyes.
How much must he want to be with Chloe, to so easily send his own wife and Arthur's mother away from her son's birthday party?
But she said nothing, simply turned and went upstairs.
She no longer wished to waste her strength on meaningless things.
When the time came for Arthur to make his wish, a servant called her back down.
In the center of the hall, Arthur stood before a towering cake, Chloe and Maxwell flanking him.
Wendy stopped in her tracks at the sight.
The three of them together looked so harmonious that anyone else would seem unnecessary.
Chloe noticed her and smiled apologetically. "Ms. Wendy, I'm so sorry."
She started to step aside, but Arthur clung tightly to her sleeve.
"Mom, I want Aunt Chloe to stay with me."
Maxwell gave Arthur a glance, then nodded. "It's his birthday. Let him have what he wants. Don't mind it."
Wendy's expression didn't change. "Of course not."
She had already given up on both of them—why would she care about a mere spot beside the cake?
Arthur brightened, closed his eyes, and clasped his hands together.
"I wish to grow up happy and healthy," he said.
Then he paused, and in perfect Italian added, "And I wish Aunt Chloe could be my mom."