Chapter 3

Until the next morning, I didn't see any sign of the father and daughter returning home.

The only message on my phone was from Felix.

"Qingqing. Nian Nian's stomach is still hurting. The doctor suggested we stay for observation, so we'll come home tomorrow."

He also sent a picture of himself and his daughter sitting on a hospital bench.

There was a trace of cream at the corner of his daughter's mouth, even though I distinctly remembered it being clean when they left.

If you're going to put on a show, make it believable.

I didn't reply and headed out to the visa office to handle some paperwork.

As I was leaving, I glanced down and was drawn to the bracelet on my wrist.

It was from my latest collection, a piece that could only be bought in person in Germany and was limited edition.

Felix knew about it, and he flew to Germany, queued for eight hours to buy it for me.

At that moment, I felt on top of the world.

Now...

I shook my head, took off the bracelet, and tossed it into the trash bin.

Just as I finished handling the visa and was stepping out, I happened to run into Felix and our daughter walking by.

For a moment, the three of us locked eyes, and Felix and our daughter froze on the spot.

"Qingqing, what are you doing here?"Felix asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

I gathered the documents in my hands.

"Just handling some paperwork. I need to go on a business trip to Germany."

A flicker of panic crossed Felix's eyes, but he maintained a calm facade.

"But your German isn't very good, is it?"

I arched my eyebrows and smiled as I fibbed, "That's why I need you to teach me."

He visibly relaxed and jogged over to hold my hand.

"Great, let's head home together."

Our daughter, holding a bag, grabbed my other hand, her eyes full of excitement.

"Yay! I know a little too, I can teach Mommy!"

They laughed happily, one on each side, holding my hands.

But I couldn't muster a smile, the coldness in my heart spreading endlessly.

This place was far from our home, even further from the hospital near our house.

The only possibility was that Aunt Renee, who lives nearby, lived around here.

The strong scent of perfume from both sides overwhelmed me, and I couldn't help but cough.

Felix immediately asked, concerned, "What's wrong?"

I took a mask from my bag and put it on, speaking softly.

"The perfume on you both is irritating my nose."

I have allergies, and at home, they never use perfume to avoid triggering it.

In an instant, their faces grew even more flustered.

Felix hurried to explain, "It might be the scent from the patient next to Nian Nian's bed."

Our daughter quickly let go of my hand and ran to Felix's side.

"If it bothers Mommy, I'll stay away."

Despite her young age, our daughter's smile couldn't fully mask her feelings.

I couldn't understand why she seemed to dislike me so much, why any chance to leave me made her so happy.

I didn't try to cheer her up as I usually would, merely responding with a noncommittal "Hmm."

She paused, momentarily stunned.

Father and daughter exchanged a quick, confused glance in my peripheral vision.

Back home, our daughter brought out a designer bag from behind her back, offering it to me with eyes full of excitement.

"Look, Mommy! Dad and I picked this out for you!" It was just like before.

Whenever Felix noticed I was unhappy, he'd find a way to cheer me up.

This time, he chose to buy me a bag I'd been eyeing for a while.

Father and daughter watched me anxiously, waiting for my reaction.

I sighed, took the bag, and smiled.

"I really like it."

Maybe it was all just in my head.

Felix's eyes lit up immediately, and he circled around me.

"As long as you like it. So, what do you want for lunch?"

Our daughter chimed in, "I want sweet and sour ribs today!"

Felix lifted her up and brought her closer to me.

"We should ask if Mommy wants that, too. What do you think?"

I hugged the bag tightly and nodded with a smile.

"I'll eat whatever Nian Nian likes."

"Awesome! Thanks, Mommy!"

Our daughter pulled Felix towards the kitchen.

"Daddy, let's cook!"

Watching them, the weight on my heart lifted slightly.

I settled on the sofa, took out my laptop, and started to work.

Soon, a friend request popped up on my phone.

The avatar was adorable; I accepted without thinking twice.

A message came through almost immediately.

"So, do you like the bag I picked?"