Chapter 4

Samuel's smile froze as he gaped at Edward, who put a protective arm around Chloe on stage.

"Is that Uncle Edward?" he mumbled. "Why does he look so different?"

He looked numb. In his memories, Edward was cold and distant.

As a notorious neat freak, Edward hated being touched by children, forcing Samuel to always keep a respectful distance.

"Does he just like girls better?" Samuel whispered, his voice trembling with doubt. "Or did I do something wrong?"

My heart shattered. I pulled him into a hug, burying his face in my shoulder.

"No, baby, you did nothing wrong. This is my fault. I never should have made him come."

All the performers were called back on stage for a final bow and a group photo.

Edward stood at the foot of the stage stairs, waving to each child as they passed.

When it was Samuel's turn, he practically tumbled down the steps, ready to throw himself into Edward's arms.

But he tripped on the last step, falling in a heap at Edward's feet. He looked up, freezing there with a heart full of desperate hope, waiting for Edward to reach down and scoop him up. But Edward didn't even see him.

Edward stepped right over him without breaking stride, effortlessly catching Chloe, who had launched herself from the third step into his arms.

"Careful, sweetie," he murmured. "Wait until you see me next time before you jump."

"I knew you'd catch me, Daddy!"

Giggling, she patted his shoulder. "Okay, put me down, Daddy. I want to go find Mommy."

I rushed over and helped Samuel up. He felt limp in my arms as he slumped heavily into my arms, unable to even hold himself up.

Only after Chloe had run off did Edward finally seem to notice us.

"Why are you still here?" he snapped. "Go home."

I grabbed his arm, refusing to let him leave.

"Edward, you can't go. You have to listen to me."

"Are you insane, Grace?" he hissed, his eyes darting around. "We're in public!"

He was terrified of anyone knowing who I was. If he wanted to play that game, I could burn it all to the ground.

"I'm not letting go until you hear me out."

He couldn't make a scene, so he gripped my arm, his fingers digging into my skin, and dragged me to an empty corner backstage.

"What is it? Spit it out!" he snarled.

He was practically yelling. Samuel flinched in my arms, shrinking away from him.

"Don't you dare scare him!" I yelled back, my own control snapping.

He scoffed, "You suddenly care about him? After using him again and again to try and guilt me into coming home?"

I sneered, "Sammy is sick, Edward."

He waved a dismissive hand, cutting me off before I could say more.

"Kids get sick. It's normal. Take him to a doctor. Is this about money? God, Grace, you're pathetic."

Samuel slid out of my arms and tugged on the hem of Edward's jacket.

"Uncle Edward, Mommy's not lying. I'm really sick. I might not have much..."

"Dad!"

Chloe's voice, sharp and demanding, cut through the air behind us.

Edward shoved Samuel away and strode over to her, scooping her up in his arms.

I followed his gaze and saw Olivia standing there, linking her arm possessively through his.

Olivia cooed, "You spoil her, carrying her everywhere."

"I like it when Daddy carries me!" Chloe declared. "As long as Daddy's here, I want him to hold me!"

Edward's face softened as he looked at them with infinite patience.

"Chloe is the cutest girl in the world. I could carry her forever."

The perfect family scene played out before me again, and my son saw every second of it.

Suddenly, Samuel was wracked with a violent coughing fit. Forgetting everything else, I bent down, trying to help him catch his breath.

Just then, a swarm of reporters materialized out of nowhere, pushing us aside as they surrounded Edward.

"Mr. Carter, can you clarify your relationship with Ms. Sterling? Why does this child call you 'Daddy'?" a reporter shouted.

Without a moment's hesitation, Edward held Chloe tighter and took Olivia's hand.

"Olivia is my wife," he declared to the cameras. "And this is my daughter."