Yvonne returned to the villa to pack her things after filing the police report. All of a sudden, the door was violently kicked open.

Justin stood in the doorway with a gloomy expression, with Milton and Travis trailing behind him. The two boys’ eyes were full of anger, as though she had committed some unforgivable crime.

“You called the police, accusing Sophia of murder?” Justin’s voice was icy. “Who did she kill? Are you never going to stop?”

Before Yvonne could respond, Milton rushed forward and shoved her. “Bad Mom! Would you only be happy if Ms. Shaw dies?”

Travis followed, pounding her legs with tiny fists. “You’re so cruel! Ms. Shaw is kind. Why would you accuse her?!”

Yvonne staggered backward, crashing against the wardrobe. She winced as a sharp pain shot through her back.

She looked at them with reddened eyes. Her voice was trembling. “She swapped the dummy for my brother… Henry was fried alive! I called the police to stop her. Did I do something wrong?”

The father and sons froze for a moment.

Justin sneered, “What nonsense are you talking about? Sophia could never do something like that!”

Yvonne laughed through tears. “Then call my brother now. See if he answers.”

Justin frowned, pulled out his phone and dialed Henry’s number. After a long wait, the call went straight to voicemail. No one answered.

Justin’s expression flickered, but just as he was about to speak, the door was gently opened.

Sophia stepped in, looking pale and fragile. She leaned against the doorframe. “I heard… Henry went on a graduation trip. Maybe the signal is bad and that’s why you can't reach him.”

Milton and Travis ran to her immediately, one on each side. “Ms. Shaw! You’re out of the hospital? Didn’t the doctor say you needed to rest?”

Sophia smiled helplessly. “I heard Yvonne called the police and accused me of murder. How could I not come to clear things up?”

Her gaze softened as she looked at Yvonne. “Yvonne, I know what you’re worried about. Although Justin and I loved each other back then, we’ve already missed our chance. Now that you’re married to him, I will only wish you happiness. I will never try to break up your family.

"There’s no need for such extreme accusations… Murder is too serious a crime.”

Milton immediately lifted his little face, full of admiration. “Look at Ms. Shaw's poise… and then Mom. The difference couldn’t be clearer!”

Travis curled his lips. “Milton’s right. Mom only lies and hurts people!”

Yvonne trembled as her nails dug into her palms. “Once the police investigate, you’ll see who’s right and who’s wrong.”

“Investigate?” Justin let out a cold sneer. “You falsely accused Sophia. That's the truth! What investigation do you need?”

He looked down at her and spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. “I’ve already dropped the case and made the arrangements. No one in the city dares take this case.”

Yvonne stared at him in disbelief, about to speak, when her phone rang the next second. It was the police station.

“Ms. Johansson, the case has been dropped… Mr. Quinn intervened, and there’s nothing we can do. Please… take care. No one in the city dares to take this case.”

The call ended, and Yvonne stood frozen. She felt a chill run through her entire body.

Pain, despair, anger… Every emotion pressed down on her. Her heart felt like someone had ripped a piece out, and the sharp pain made her vision darken.

Yet, she laughed. She looked at her husband and sons, her most loved ones, and laughed through tears.

For some reason, Justin felt a sudden tightening in his chest. He softened his voice. “Enough. This ends here. I admit I went too far this time and scared you. I apologize.”

He paused for a moment and continued, “I can give you whatever you want to make this right.”

Yvonne’s tears continued to fall, but her gaze gradually hardened. She wiped her eyes and slowly turned to the drawer. Each movement was deliberate, as though she was saying goodbye to her past self.

Her hand trembled slightly as she pulled out the divorce papers, but it was not from anger or sorrow. It was from a calmness close to relief.

“Sign here.” Yvonne flipped the papers to the last page, hiding the content on the first few pages as she handed them to Justin. Her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.

Justin glanced at it, assuming it was just another request for jewelry or property. He wanted to end the farce as quickly as possible, so he signed without a second thought.

Once it was done, he looked up. “Sophia’s not in good health, and no one is at her place to take care of her. She’ll need to stay here for a few days.”

Yvonne nodded numbly. “As you wish.”

She took the papers and left without looking back.

…

At the law firm, the lawyer carefully checked the divorce agreement and nodded. “The signature is valid, Ms. Johansson. After about a month, your marriage with Mr. Quinn will be legally dissolved.”

Yvonne gripped the papers so tightly her fingertips turned white.

Finally… it was about to end.

…

That evening, when Yvonne returned to the villa, the living room was filled with laughter.

Sophia sat on the couch with Milton and Travis on either side, leaning against her as she told them a story.

“And in the end, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after.” Sophia gently stroked the two children’s heads.

Milton looked up. “Ms. Shaw, you’re so much gentler than our mom.”

Travis nodded. “I wish you could be our mom…”

Yvonne stood frozen at the doorway. Her chest felt as though it had been stabbed. She kept her face blank and headed upstairs to take a shower in the guest bathroom. The warm water washed over her body but could not chase away the chill in her heart.

She closed her eyes and told herself that she did not have to worry. That wish of theirs would soon come true.

She had barely settled into bed when the mattress dipped on the other side. Justin had finished his shower and climbed in beside her.

Yvonne faced away from him, completely still.

Suddenly, he leaned over, wrapping an arm around her waist. His lips brushed the back of her neck. She froze for a moment, then shoved him away sharply!

Justin frowned.“You’ve gotten your compensation. Your brother didn’t suffer any serious harm. How long are you planning to make a scene?”

When Yvonne was about to speak, there was a knock on the door. Milton’s little head peeked in. “Dad! The weather forecast said there’s going to be a thunderstorm tonight! Didn’t you say Ms. Shaw is scared of thunder?”

Travis squeezed in behind him. “Dad, come keep Ms. Shaw company! She’s scared!”

Justin glanced at the darkening sky outside and got up without hesitation. Before he left, he tossed a single sentence over his shoulder, “You’ll be sleeping alone tonight.”

The door was not fully closed, and from the next room came the faint sound of laughter.

“Justin, you’re here?” Sophia’s voice was gentle.

“Dad! The story Ms. Shaw told us was so good!” Milton exclaimed.

Travis whined, “Dad, can Ms. Shaw stay here forever?”

Justin gave a soft laugh. “Alright.”

Yvonne lay in bed, listening to their laughter. She slowly closed her eyes.

…

The next morning, when Yvonne went downstairs, the kitchen was filled with cheerful chatter.

Justin stood at the counter with an apron on, his long fingers gripping a spatula. Sophia was beside him, leaning in to catch the aroma from time to time. Her eyes curved into crescents.

Milton and Travis gathered around their legs, looking up and chattering nonstop.

“Justin, I didn’t expect you to still remember the food I like after all these years.” Sophia’s voice was gentle, carrying a hint of emotion in her voice.

Justin glanced at her. He had never shown Yvonne such gentleness. “Not a single moment forgotten.”

He plated the sunny-side-up eggs and pushed them toward her. “Try it. See if it tastes different.”

Sophia took a bite. Her brows and eyes relaxed. “Even better than before.”

Milton immediately raised his hand. “Ms. Shaw, I’ll cook for you when Dad’s busy!”

Travis bounced along, “Me too! I’ll make it even better than Dad!”

Sophia laughed and ruffled the boys’ hair. Even Justin’s normally stern features softened with a smile as he watched them.

Yvonne stood at the top of the stairs. She gave a wry, self-mocking smile. Justin was born with a silver spoon and had been living in luxury, while their two sons were pampered and fussy. All these years, they had kept her diligently running the household.

Yet…

Even someone like Justin, whose hands had never touched kitchen equipment before, could cook for the one he loved. Even children as spoiled and demanding as Milton and Travis could behave with such consideration.

Yvonne had always been humble and servile in front of them, while they willingly bent for Sophia. The one who loved more was always left utterly defeated.

Justin turned around with breakfast in hand and finally saw Yvonne.

“You're awake?” His voice was calm. “We’re heading out soon. I had no time to make you anything, so you’ll have to cook for yourself.”

Yvonne did not say a word. She knew it was not that he did not have time. He had just wanted to focus on cooking for Sophia.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen twisted her stomach, but she said nothing. Quietly, she walked over and made herself a simple bowl of oats.

After breakfast, Justin and Sophia were taking the two kids to the amusement park.

Milton suddenly shouted and grabbed them. “Wait! We have something for you!”

Milton and Travis raced upstairs and came down a moment later, each holding a matching T-shirt. Anyone could tell at a glance that they were wearing matching family outfits.

Sophia hesitated for a moment. “Uh… is this really appropriate?”

Milton looked up at her with a stubborn expression. “But to us, you’re our mom.”

Justin ruffled his son’s hair and said to Sophia, “The kids are being silly. Just go along with them this once.”

Sophia nodded as her cheeks tinged pink.

The four of them changed into matching outfits and stood together.

Justin and Sophia wore navy T-shirts, while Milton and Travis had the miniature versions. All of their shirts had a cartoon design on the chest that read: [Mom & Dad love their little ones.]

Sophia suddenly glanced at Yvonne. “Yvonne, why don’t you come too?”

Yvonne shook her head. “No, thanks.”

“But you are their mother… It wouldn’t be right if you didn’t come.” Sophia stepped closer and, without waiting for an answer, grabbed her hand. “Come on. A family should stick together.”

Yvonne was pulled into the car against her will.

The amusement park was crowded and noisy. The four of them in matching outfits made a striking enough scene to draw constant attention.

A young girl blushed and approached, asking for a photo. For once, Justin did not refuse.

“Your wife is gorgeous!” The girl looked at Sophia with admiration. “And the kids are so adorable!”

Justin did not deny it. Sophia lowered her gaze shyly, and Milton and Travis puffed up proudly.

Yvonne followed behind them like an invisible ghost, watching them being surrounded and praised. She watched Justin’s hand naturally rest on Sophia’s waist and heard the two kids call Sophia ‘Mom’ over and over again. Her heart ached until it went numb.

By evening, they arrived at the Ferris wheel.

A staff member smiled at Justin and Sophia. “You two are perfect together! They say if couples kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, they’ll never part.”

Milton and Travis exchanged a sly glance and grinned mischievously. As the cabin rose slowly, the city lights flowed like a river beneath them. As it neared the top, the two kids suddenly darted behind Justin and Sophia and shoved them hard.

“Ah!” Sophia yelped. She tumbled into Justin’s arms.

Their lips met amidst their surprise, and both froze for a moment.

Sophia tried to pull away in a panic, but Justin, almost instinctively, cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

Milton and Travis stifled their laughter behind their hands while secretly flashing a victorious sign.