Ethan’s chest tightened painfully.

He pointed to the last drawing. “Is this you, your mom, and your dad?”

Liam nodded at first, then shook his head. “It’s my wish. I wish my mommy and daddy and I could always be together.”

A shadow fell over the boy’s bright expression.

Ethan felt the words like a physical blow. He glanced at Isabella, who stood to the side with a tense expression. She immediately averted her gaze, clearly avoiding him.

He turned his attention back to Liam. “Your wish will definitely come true,” he said, forcing a smile.

“Really?” Liam’s face instantly brightened.

“Of course. As long as you’re a good boy and do well in school, your mommy and daddy will love you very much.”

Isabella stiffened at his words. She couldn’t stop herself from calling out in a warning tone, “Ethan—”

“Liam.” He smoothly cut her off. “Can I play building blocks with you?”

“Yes!” The little boy clapped his hands in delight and pulled Ethan toward his half-built castle.

Isabella’s emotions churned as she watched them. A part of her knew this was just an act for Ethan. Yet another part of her, a part she hated, desperately longed for moments like this. She wished time would freeze, allowing them to stay like this forever.

Ethan used the opportunity to study the entire apartment. It was a modest two-bedroom unit. The furniture was old, the sofa showed signs of wear, and a desk in the corner was piled high with design sketches and various professional books. Every corner of this space was a testament to the struggles Isabella had faced. The realization sent another sharp pang through his heart. He couldn’t begin to imagine how she had managed all these years—raising a child completely alone while simultaneously building her career from nothing.

“Liam, will you play by yourself for a little while? I need to talk to your mom.” Ethan excused himself and walked over to Isabella. She stood by the window, staring out at the city lights, seemingly lost in thought.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked softly, moving to stand beside her. His voice pulled her abruptly back to the present.

“Nothing,” she muttered, throwing a brief, guarded glance his way.

“Are you still angry with me?” Ethan asked, his voice gentle.

Isabella remained silent.

He knew then that she was still holding a grudge over recent events. He sighed. “I know you’re still upset. But I had my reasons three years ago.”

“Reasons?” Isabella scoffed. “So you’re saying you were justified in teaming up with Sophia to deceive me and destroy my family?”

“That’s not it—I never intended to hurt you or your family.”

“Then tell me, what really happened back then?” Her voice rose, sharp with emotion. “What made you investigate the car accident? And why did you hide it from me?”

Ethan hesitated, biting back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

“Well?” she demanded sharply. “Why aren’t you saying anything? You don’t actually have a reasonable explanation, do you? You were just lying to me.”

“Isabella, please trust me. I’m not lying.” His eyes were filled with a sincerity that felt real. “It’s just that… there are certain things I can’t tell you right now.”

“Is that so?” she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She almost laughed in his face. “What do you take me for, Ethan? A child?”

“Enough! I don’t want to hear any more of your lies. I already told you—it’s over between us. Don’t show up in my life again.”