Chapter 3

An An Zhao changed into a set of pajamas, looking adorable and serene.

I reached out, wanting to caress his cheek, but a cold splash of reality snapped me back from my moment of maternal tenderness.

"Your dad's calling you to go out for dinner. Today is Ms. Mi's birthday."

Mimi's birthday. I pulled out my phone, letting out a sarcastic chuckle.

Today was also my wedding anniversary with Kai Zhao. Every year, I would prepare a gift for him, but now, I no longer had the heart for it.

He probably didn't want anything from me either.

"I understand, Mom. You can go now."

For the last time, I didn't argue with Kai Zhao. I changed clothes and followed them out.

An An Zhao seemed genuinely happy, holding Kai Zhao with one hand and Mimi with the other, bouncing towards the door.

"What a picture-perfect family. They look so loving."

"Yeah, look at that little boy, so cute and delicate. He must have inherited great looks from his parents."

Faced with the strangers' compliments, An An Zhao ran over, pointing at me and then at Mimi.

"Uncle, Auntie, who do you think I look more like?"

He made a cute gesture, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

"Of course, you look like the mom you're holding hands with. How would a child even think of such a thing?"

Upon hearing this, Kai Zhao's face stiffened, and he gave me an apologetic smile.

"He's just a kid. Don't take it to heart."

"Yes, Yushi, An An Zhao actually looks most like you."

Mimi's voice was neither loud nor soft, just enough for everyone to hear.

In that moment, I felt the gaze of those around us shift.

They certainly wouldn't blame such a small child; in their eyes, it must be me, the unworthy mother, who had driven him to prefer an outsider.

"It's alright."

Even though I had long been accustomed to such scenes and intended to leave, my son's attitude still deeply hurt me. He was my child, yet in front of strangers, he completely denied me.

Due to this small incident, I was absent-minded throughout the meal.

Kai Zhao grew more irritated, glaring at me. "If you're not happy, you don't have to come. Who are you acting for the sake of appearances?"

An An Zhao also frowned at me. "It's Ms. Mi's birthday today. Mom, don't be a party pooper with that sour face. My classmates say you look too serious."

His last words were barely audible, but I heard them.

I had only visited An An Zhao's kindergarten once, for a parent-child event.

He didn't tell me, but I saw it in the parent group chat and rushed over.

By the time I arrived, Mimi was already there, being introduced by An An Zhao as his mother, leaving me embarrassed.

When I was about to leave, Mimi saw me and deliberately called out loudly, causing An An Zhao to lose face.

Now, somehow, it had become my fault for not smiling.

"An An Zhao, Mom was wrong."

I apologized to An An Zhao with a heavy heart, without making a scene.

Kai Zhao was surprised; in the past, I would have certainly scolded An An Zhao for being inconsiderate.

He was annoyed with my lectures, thinking I couldn't help but bring my work demeanor home.

Now that I remained silent, Kai Zhao sneered, "Acting for the sake of appearances."

After he spoke, he turned his head to chat with An An Zhao and Mimi, ignoring me.

Laughter soon filled the table, echoing back and forth.

Only I, like an outsider, watched this celebration that no longer belonged to me.

"Ms. Mi, when did you meet Dad?"

In my daze, An An Zhao clung to Mimi, acting all cute and charming. He wanted to know about Dad's past, eager to learn about their romantic encounter.