After the Clouds

Over the next three days, Winona was busy preparing for Carter's birthday party. She also bought all the gifts he would receive from age six to 18 in advance.

He was still her flesh and blood. Even if they would never see each other again after this, she would fulfill her duty as a mother until he turned 18.

…

On Carter's birthday, numerous guests arrived at the invitation. Winona stood beside Asher, holding Carter's hand. They were surrounded by everyone in the center.

Unlike previous years, when he was always excited on his birthday, Carter seemed unusually sullen today. He kept kicking at pebbles on the ground, his small head constantly turning toward the entrance.

Even Asher kept glancing down at his watch.

Winona thought perhaps something about the party was not up to standard. Just then, a female voice rang out from the entrance.

"Carter!"

Carter's head shot up, and his eyes lit up. He pushed past Winona, who was standing in front of him, and ran toward the door.

"Ella!"

Winona stumbled, nearly falling to the ground. She took several steps back before barely managing to steady herself.

Carter did not notice at all. Like a baby bird returning to its nest, he threw himself into Ella's embrace. The dejection vanished from his face, replaced by a bright smile.

"You're finally here! I've been waiting for you."

Ella laughed and pinched his cheek, saying gently, "Traffic delayed me a bit. Sorry to keep the birthday boy waiting."

Asher also walked toward Ella. His usually cold expression showed a trace of a smile.

Winona endured the faint pain radiating from her ankle. She stood among the crowd, watching her husband and son abandon her to gather around Ella. Bitterness spread from her heart and through her entire body.

She should have known. The only person who could make the father and son act so strangely was Ella.

The very important person Carter mentioned must have been her too.

The lively crowd around them suddenly fell quiet. They exchanged glances with each other. After a long moment, the murmuring began.

"Who is that? Why would Mr. Rhodes and Carter personally greet her?"

"Could she be the real Mrs. Rhodes? Did we all mistake the wrong person earlier?"

"No, I heard she's Mr. Rhodes' first love from when he studied abroad. The one he couldn't have. She only recently came back to the country."

"God, poor Mrs. Rhodes. Her husband's first love shows up openly at their son's birthday party..."

"Shh, keep your voice down. Mrs. Rhodes is still here."

Winona looked away. Her heart only felt bitter now. There was no more pain.

After tonight, she would no longer be Mrs. Rhodes.

While everyone whispered, Carter was pulling Ella around the venue, eagerly showing her everything.

"Ella, this is my favorite cartoon character!" Carter pointed excitedly at different displays. "These are all my photos from when I was born, and this is a painting I did myself."

Asher followed beside them, his gaze carrying a faint smile. After making a full circle around the banquet hall, the three of them finally appeared before Winona.

"Ella, this is my mom."

Unlike his excited tone earlier, Carter's voice carried obvious reluctance now.

Ella's expression remained calm. She patted Carter's head and said with a smile, "Ms. Warren, you're so lucky to have such a well-behaved child like Carter."

Winona smiled back. "You will be as lucky too."

After tonight, not only Carter but Asher would be Ella's as well.

Carter did not want to linger in front of Winona. The next second, he pulled Ella away.

Asher instinctively moved to follow but caught sight of Winona standing alone, out of place with the lively atmosphere around her. For once, he softened his voice. "Thank you for your hard work preparing the party these past few days. Ella can keep Carter company. Why don't you go back to your room and rest?"

Winona lowered her eyes, hiding the mockery beneath them.

How desperately did he want to be with Ella that he would ask his own wife, their son's biological mother, to leave the birthday party?

Even so, she said nothing. She turned and went upstairs. She no longer wanted to waste time on these meaningless matters.

When it was time for Carter to make his wish, a maid called Winona back downstairs.

In the banquet hall, Carter stood in front of a giant cake, ready to make his wish. Ella and Asher stood on either side of him.

Winona stopped in her tracks when she saw the scene. It was such a harmonious picture. Anyone else joining would seem superfluous.

Noticing Winona's figure, Ella gave her an apologetic smile. "Ms. Warren, I'm so sorry."

She moved to step away from Carter's side, but Carter's small hand clutched tightly at Ella's clothes. He refused to let her leave. "Mom, I want Ella to stay with me."

Asher glanced at him and agreed. "It's Carter's birthday. Let's go along with what he wants. Don't take it personally."

Winona stood where she was and nodded calmly. She was about to let go of this father-son pair entirely. Why would she care about an insignificant position?

Carter visibly brightened. He closed his eyes, pressed his palms together, and made his wish.

"I hope I can grow up happy and healthy."

He paused for a moment. The next instant, he spoke in Istralian.

"I also hope Ella can be my mom!"