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Chapter 3
The day of the kindergarten’s island field trip arrived quickly.
While waiting for Zane with River, I ran into Scarlett.[]
I recognized her immediately–she was as stunning as in the photos, with long red curls that glimmered in the sunlight.[]
“You must be Zane’s wife.” She smiled.]
“Zane and I grew up together, so I’ll just call you Aurora, if that’s okay.“]
She suddenly smirked. “You’re quite different from what I imagined.“[]
“Imagination is just fantasy, of course it’s different.“[]
Compared to her animated expressions, my face was cold as stone.[]
She laughed behind her hand. “Sorry, it’s just that when I used to ask Zane about his ideal type, he said he liked long hair. I just didn’t expect you to have short hair.“[]
Her daughter suddenly looked up and said in French, “Mommy, isn’t that the story of how Daddy Zane first confessed to you?”
Hearing this, Scarlett glanced at me, and seeing no reaction, replied in French, “Yes, and I never realized then that when he talked about long hair, he meant mine.“]
In the distance, Zane arrived.[]
Vivienne ran to him excitedly, speaking French. “Daddy Zane!“[]
“Daddy,” River’s eyes lit up too, but he was a step too slow.
Zane scooped up Vivienne, responding in French too, “My little Vivi.“]
Scarlett used the opportunity to glance at me again.[]
Seeing my expressionless face, she seemed convinced I didn’t understand French and continued naturally, “Zane, is Aurora really okay with this? She doesn’t seem very friendly toward me.‘ “0
Only then did Zane notice me.
He put Vivienne down and came over to take River’s and my hands, responding in French, “She’s not the jealous type. I’ll explain things to her.”
Then he turned to me. “Let’s get on board.“]
I just nodded []
The field trip destination was Alcatraz Island, and all five of us boarded the same ferry.
Initially, our family of three sat together.
But soon, Vivienne used seasickness as an excuse to pull Zane to sit in the row in front of us, and Scarlett naturally joined them.[]
The ferry rocked gently, the sea breeze refreshing.
Around us, parents with their children filled the ferry with laughter.
Scarlett’s group was no exception, though they conversed in French.[]
I noticed River’s disappointment and stroked his head.
River looked up at me, pouting. “Mom, why can’t I understand what Dad is saying?“[]
I smiled reassuringly and whispered, “It’s French, honey. Would you like Mom to teach you someday?“[]
River grumbled, “Hmph, I don’t want to learn it!“]
Zane seemed to sense our unhappiness and said to Vivienne, “I think your little brother is bored. Do you want to go play with him?“]
Vivienne glanced back and frowned. “But the last time on the phone, he didn’t seem to like me.
Zane paused, apparently remembering something, and patted her head. “Then I’ll apologize on his behalf.“[]
I looked up at the three of them, looking like a perfect little family.
Scarlett caught my gaze and turned around. “Aurora, you’ve been quiet the whole journey. Is everything okay?“[]
I responded in French, “I’m fine. It’s quite interesting listening to your conversation.“]
“But I think, as adults, we shouldn’t teach children to talk about others behind their backs.”
“You can speak French?!”
Scarlett’s smile froze instantly, and Vivienne’s face flushed red.]
Zane frowned slightly and tried to explain on their behalf. “They’ve been abroad for years; they might not be used to local customs.“[]
“But regardless, River shouldn’t have been unfriendly on the phone.“[]
It seemed Zane was very protective of this mother and daughter.[]
Yet he had said that River and I were his most important family.
I gave a sarcastic smile.[]
“I know what kind of child I’ve raised. And I think you all know perfectly well who was being unfriendly.“]
Just then, the ferry reached the shore.
Ignoring everyone, I took my son and walked off the boat.
