Chapter 4

Lionel was caught off guard. When he finally recovered, he growled, "Aster, have you lost your mind? Instead of caring for the kids at the hospital, you're here stalking Fiona and me? And now you want a divorce over something so trivial? I'm Nate and Cece's father!"

"Oh, so you remember you're Nate and Cece's father? Anyone watching would think you were Eva's dad!" I spat back.

Fiona cowered behind Lionel with tears in her eyes. "Lionel, this is all my fault. Stop arguing with Aster because of me. I was the reason you couldn't check on the kids. You should go back. I'll be fine on my own."

She turned to leave but stumbled dramatically. Lionel caught her immediately and said, "Fiona, I need to get you and Eva home safely first. I can't leave you like this."

He picked up Eva and supported Fiona, preparing to leave. "Tell Nate and Cece that I'll visit them at the hospital tomorrow."

"Don't bother."

"What do you mean?"

"You're not going to see them again."

"Aster, what are you saying?"

Before I could answer, Eva cupped Lionel's face affectionately. "Uncle Lionel, didn't you promise to take me to the arcade? The mall's going to close soon!"

Lionel's face lit up instantly. "You're right. Let's go get those plushies." Then, he glanced back at me and added, "I'll definitely visit the kids tomorrow."

I grabbed his sleeve desperately. "Lionel, either come with me now or don't come back at all!"

"Are you done with your drama, Aster? Look at yourself. You're not the woman I married. Go home and reflect on your behavior, or I might actually take you up on that divorce!"

He yanked his sleeve out from my grip, then left with Fiona and Eva without a hint of hesitation.

Lionel promised to return the next day, but an entire week passed without a single call. He never asked about our children's condition, not even through others.

It was ironic that we were in the same hospital, and he could have easily asked any nurse about our children's status, but he did not even bother. Today was their funeral, and I had hoped he would come to say goodbye.

After countless unanswered calls, I checked Fiona's social media and found my answer. That week, Lionel had been busy planning Eva's birthday party and helping them move into a luxury apartment.

Their photos showed lavish housewarming dinners and poolside celebrations. One picture showed the three of them in swimsuits, Lionel and Fiona holding Eva up in the water, all wearing brilliant smiles.

The caption read, [Life is beautiful because of your boundless love. Every warm moment exists because of you.]

Looking at Lionel's smile in those photos, any remaining warmth in my heart turned to ice. I turned to Luke and said, "Let's start the funeral. We're not waiting anymore."

I filled their tiny coffins with Nate's favorite superhero toys and Cece's beloved teddy bears. As I watched them enter the crematorium, I felt my tears finally run dry. Back home, I immediately called housekeeping services.

I had them throw out everything related to Lionel, leaving nothing behind. I also had my divorce lawyer draft papers that would leave him with nothing.

When Lionel received the letter from my lawyer, he seemed to finally realize I was serious and raced home. The moment he opened the door, he was confronted by Nate and Cece's portraits.

Lionel froze at the sight of their photos surrounded with white lilies, and the gifts he was carrying crashed to the floor.

"What's going on, Honey? W-What is this? Nate? Cece? I'm home!"