Chapter 3

I got into Ian's car.

"Are you okay?" Ian handed me a bottle of water with concern.

I took a sip and nodded. "I'm fine."

Ian finally let out a relieved sigh. "Why don't you come back to Leaprise? I'm still keeping the spot for you."

I didn't answer right away.

After four years of just serving refreshments and running errands, I'd long since fallen out of touch with the tech industry.

Especially after witnessing tonight's high-level hacker showdown firsthand, I could feel the disconnect even more clearly now.

"I need to think it over," I said.

Ian smiled. "You're actually considering it? That's a yes in my book."

I also smiled. It was so rare to have a friend who'd never betray me—I truly treasure that.

Suddenly, I heard Harry's voice.

"Daddy, are we going back now?"

"I don't want to! Mom will just force me to eat cake and make wishes again."

"I'm not three years old anymore. I want to celebrate my birthday with Priscilla. Please, Daddy!"

Not far away, Harry was tugging at Jesse's hand coaxingly, the car's headlights illuminating the glistening tears at the corners of his eyes.

Jesse looked both doting and helpless. "Alright then, we'll wait for Priscilla."

Ian glanced at me. "Not going over there?"

I shook my head. "Let's go."

The car drove past them.

Jesse shielded Harry as they stepped aside.

Presumably, Jesse recognized Ian's car and glanced into it.

Coincidentally, our gazes locked for a fleeting moment.

I averted my gaze, maintaining the same detached professionalism as I did at the office.

He responded with a polite smile—the kind reserved for complete strangers.

"Priscilla," Harry called out happily.

In the rearview mirror, I watched as my precious son finally spotted Priscilla and flung himself into her arms with unbridled joy.

Ian swiftly swerved the car around the corner.

He spared me from that painful sight.

I gave a wry smile. "I'm not that fragile."

Ian replied, "Yeah, you're the strongest."

Coming home to the birthday cake on the table, I couldn't help but laugh at the bitter irony.

I dumped the cake into the trash, along with all the carefully prepared dishes.

I even tore down the "Happy Birthday" wall decorations.

By the time I'd finished cleaning up, two hours had passed. Then I heard the sound of a car pulling into the garden.

Jesse and Harry were back.

"Mommy, I'm home," Harry said.

Seeing me in the kitchen, he patted his round little belly, his eyes darting mischievously before sneaking upstairs.

I didn't call out to him—just sealed the trash bag, getting ready to take it out.

Jesse, his coat half-removed, walked over and took the trash bag from me. "I'll handle this," he said.

The bag was indeed a bit heavy, so I released my grip.

Upstairs, Harry cracked the door open just a sliver, peeked out to make sure no one was coming, then flashed a mischievous grin.

He opened his tablet and started complaining to Priscilla on the other end, "Priscilla, you don't know how close it was just now—I almost got caught by my mommy.

"I was so scared she'd make me eat cake and pasta.

"I'm really full. If I don't eat, she'll be sad, but if I do, I'll feel sick.

"Why does she always do such old-fashioned things?"

I brought over Harry's birthday present and heard his voice from inside.

Strangely, it didn't hurt as much as I'd expected. I raised my hand and knocked on the door.

Harry, startled like a little rabbit, quickly shoved his tablet under the blanket.

He scampered over, but only opened the door halfway.

"Mommy, I already ate a lot outside." He emphasized it with a pout.

I nodded. "Here's the toy you wanted."

I handed it to him. "Happy birthday."

He took it, beaming. "Thank you, Mommy."

I nodded again and turned to leave.

Harry stood there for a moment, holding the toy, a little dazed.

It felt like something was missing today.

But he was too busy sharing his excitement with Priscilla to think much about it.

After all, his mommy would always be there—whenever he turned around, she'd be standing right where she'd always been, watching him gently.

That night, I packed up many of my things.

Many things had become clear to me.

After washing up and returning to the bedroom, Jesse was already lying in bed reading.

I'd originally planned to sleep in a separate room, but he said he was worried Harry would notice, and it wouldn't be good for his development.

So for the past three years, we'd shared the same room and the same bed, getting along just fine.

I got into bed. Jesse naturally put down his book and turned off the light.

His warm, steady hand gently rested on my waist over the blanket. "Thank you for your hard work."

He meant the bags of "trash" I'd thrown out.

"Harry's custody will go to you," I said.

Jesse's hand paused for a moment, then withdrew.

After a while, he replied, "Okay."

No attempt to make me stay.

There never would be.

I closed my eyes. I was clearly exhausted, but I just couldn't fall asleep.