Chapter 3

I was inside the guest room packing my daughter's belongings when the door was kicked open with a loud bang.

Nathan stormed in, his expression dark and menacing.

"The family banquet is about to start! What the hell are you hiding in here for?! Everyone is waiting for you! Do you really have to embarrass me in front of the entire family today?!"

His eyes then landed on the open suitcases on the bed. His face froze for a fraction of a second before a smug understanding washed over his features.

"Well, look at you being sensible for once. Packing up your things to make room for Vivian? That won't be necessary. Vivian can just move into the master bedroom with me."

"Okay," I replied, my voice completely devoid of emotion.

He seemed genuinely taken aback by my calmness. Pausing, his harsh tone softened a fraction.

"Vivian just returned from abroad. She feels insecure and needs comfort. You can move back to the master bedroom once she settles in."

I offered no rebuttal. I simply nodded in silence, quickly changed into a fresh dress, and walked toward the door.

"Once the banquet is over, I'll take you and the baby to see the Northern Lights," Nathan said, hurrying after me and reaching out to pull me against his chest. "Come on, stop being angry."

He leaned down affectionately, pressing a kiss into my hair, foolishly believing that a small gesture could fix everything like before.

Five years ago, on our wedding anniversary, I told him I wanted to see the Northern Lights.

Back then, Nathan claimed he was drowning in work and promised we would go when he had time.

He stalled me for five whole years.

During those five years, he had plenty of time to be by Vivian's side while she gave birth. He had time to personally raise Andy into a toddler. Yet he never had an hour to spare for me.

It was never a lack of time. He just never wanted to.

I shoved his arms off me in disgust. I didn't want any of it anymore.

"What is your problem now?!" Nathan snarled, his temper flaring again. "Stop testing my patience with these petty little mind games!"

I didn't have the energy or the desire to coddle his fragile ego. I walked straight past him and headed downstairs toward the grand banquet hall.

Inside the hall, Andy was walking hand in hand with Nathan's father, being introduced to all the prominent relatives. My parents and Vivian stood beside them, beaming with proud smiles.

To anyone looking, they appeared to be the perfect, loving family.

What a sickeningly sweet picture.

Too bad I was about to shatter it.

The second Vivian spotted me, she immediately cowered behind my father, playing the frightened victim as if I were a terrifying monster.

My parents braced themselves instantly, forming a human wall in front of Vivian, terrified that I might pounce on their precious daughter.

Watching this pathetic circus, my heart felt completely numb.

Amidst the tense silence, Andy's childish voice rang out loud and clear. "Daddy!"

He sprinted forward, throwing himself into Nathan's arms and whispering something giggly into his ear.

Nathan's face melted with fatherly warmth. He nuzzled his cheek against the boy's, painting the picture of a doting, devoted father.

I watched with a deadpan stare.

When was the last time Nathan had ever held our daughter?

I racked my brain, but all I could recall were rushed, indifferent glances. He had never stayed by her side for more than fifteen minutes, let alone held her tenderly in his arms.

Sensing the suffocating tension, an older relative tried to smooth things over with a hearty laugh.

"Andy, my boy, when did you say your birthday was again? Uncle needs to get you a proper birthday gift!"

"Next month, on the sixth!" Vivian answered brightly before the boy could even open his mouth.

Ignoring Nathan's warning look, she turned toward me with a faux-sweet smile.

"Speaking of which, this child really shares an uncanny fate with you, Natalie. You had just miscarried back then when my water broke. Natalie, maybe the little angel just couldn't bear to leave our family..."

The sixth.

The exact day I lost my baby.

And on that very day, their child came into the world.