Chapter 97

"Mom, are you almost done?" Liam's voice echoes through my bedroom door. "We're going to be late!"

"Just one more minute!" I call back, slipping into my sundress. The thin straps and knee-length hem make it perfect for today. Comfortable sandals complete the look—essential for all the walking we'll be doing.

My hair is swept into a loose ponytail, a few curls framing my face. Minimal makeup—just enough to look presentable without the effort.

Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled about today. Fatigue has been my constant companion lately, and I didn’t want to crash too soon. But the sheer excitement on Liam’s and Oliver’s faces changed my mind.

After last week’s ordeal, Oliver needed this. He needed joy, love, and new memories to overwrite the pain his mother left behind.

Purse in hand, I open the door to find Liam waiting impatiently.

"Finally! Let’s go!"

A car horn blares outside. Lucas and Oliver must already be in the driveway. We decided to ride together—Lucas’s SUV had more space, and he volunteered to drive.

"I’ve been counting down the days!" Liam tugs me gently down the stairs, careful of my condition. "I even called Dad last night. He sounded... off, but I told him I wouldn’t be home today."

My stomach twists at the mention of Ethan. Liam usually tells me before calling him. Why keep it a secret this time?

Pushing the unease aside, I focus on the present.

Outside, Liam bolts for the car while I lock up. Sliding into the passenger seat, I smile at Lucas and Oliver.

"Hey, you two!" I chirp, forcing brightness into my voice.

"Sophia!" Oliver bounces in his seat, grinning.

Lucas offers a quiet "Hey" before starting the engine.

Thirty minutes in, the boys haven’t lost an ounce of energy. They’re practically vibrating, listing every ride and snack they plan to conquer.

"They’re obsessed," Lucas murmurs, eyes flicking to me before returning to the road.

I laugh. "That’s putting it mildly. Liam barely slept. Woke me up at dawn like the world was ending."

Lucas chuckles—a real, deep sound that catches me off guard. I stare.

"What?" he asks when the laughter fades.

"Nothing. Just... I’ve never heard you laugh like that. It’s nice. You should do it more."

His smile vanishes, walls slamming back up.

The rest of the drive is quiet, save for the boys’ chatter. Their synchronicity is uncanny—finishing each other’s sentences, sharing inside jokes. Lucas finds it hilarious.

Finally, we arrive. The amusement park gates loom ahead, crowds swarming.

"Rides first!" the boys declare in unison, eyes sparkling.

"Rides it is," I agree, taking their hands as we dive into the chaos.

Two hours later, my feet ache, but my heart is full. I collapse onto a bench, watching Lucas, Oliver, and Liam play.

Rubbing my sore soles, nostalgia hits hard. This was what I’d wanted for my family—Ethan, Liam, and me. But Ethan always refused.

"I’ll spend time with my son—just not with you ruining it."

The memory stings. Aside from one forced vacation, we were never a trio. Just fragments.

A voice slices through my thoughts.

"I don’t like another man playing dad to my son."

Ice floods my veins.

Ethan.

Of course. I knew he’d show up.

This was about to be a disaster.