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Hearing the suggestion of going out for fun, Sophia felt a twinge of excitement. Still, she held firm. “Nah, I’m not up for it. I wanna head back to Joy Gardens and crash on my super–soft bed.” 

Nancy gave a warm smile and tweaked Sophia’s cheek. “Just one night, sweetie. This weekend, wherever you fancy, I will whisk you there.” 

That did it for Sophia. She popped out her little finger. “Pinky swear then.” 

Nancy linked her pinky with Sophia’s. After that, she got to her feet and shot a look at Ethan. 

Getting the hint, he told Sophia, “Once you’ve decided where to go, just let me know. I’ll sort out the plan beforehand.” 

Sophia leaped up in glee, clapping her hands like crazy. “Woo–hoo!” 

As the trio stood there, passers–by couldn’t help but 1/6 

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throw envious glances their way, marveling at the family’s 

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made in heaven. 

She tried to tune out the chatter, but her thoughts were in disarray. 

It wasn’t until Nancy called, “Ms. Carter?” that Emily snapped to. 

Her eyes, a bit red from holding back tears, landed on Nancy. Nancy’s vibrancy was a stark contrast to her own haggardness. 

The two faced each other, worlds apart in their circumstances. 

Emily just couldn’t keep her cool. Her heart was breaking, and her voice wavered. “What?” 

“Sophie’s on board,” Nancy said. 

Emily’s lips quivered. She almost blurted out “thanks“, but for what? 

Nancy was her husband’s lover, and she’d won over her daughter. 

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In the end, she kept quiet. She held out her hand to Sophia. “Come on, Sophie. Let’s go.” 

Her tone was flat, a far cry from her former kindness. 

Sophia stared blankly at the outstretched hand for ages. Only after Nancy nudged her did she tentatively take it. 

Emily helped Sophia into the car, stowed her schoolbag, and buckled her seatbelt before sliding into the driver’s 

seat. 

On the way back to Carter Manor, Henry phoned and asked about Sophia’s favorite food. Emily didn’t spill the beans. She just said not to go all out with the cooking. 

Since Sophia was going back reluctantly, she didn’t want her parents to get too attached to her. 

Once the divorce from Ethan went through, Sophia would surely drift away. 

All the way, Emily remained silent. 

In the backseat, Sophia was glued to her phone game. 

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Emily caught a glimpse of her daughter in the rear–view mirror. After a long sigh, she couldn’t resist speaking up, “Sophie.” 

Without looking up from her phone, Sophia mumbled. half–heartedly, “Yeah?” 

Patiently, Emily said, “Put the phone away while you’re in the car. It’s bad for your eyes.” 

With a huff, Sophia put the phone down. 

Then, Emily turned around. “I want to have a talk.” 

Lately, Emily had been so cold, and this sudden warmth touched Sophia. 

“Sure.” 

Aware that Sophia was sharp–witted, Emily didn’t cut to the chase. Instead, she began in a gentle tone, “How’s your time at the kindergarten? Are you having a blast?” 

“Yeah,” Sophia replied casually. 

#ly continued, “Are the teachers being nice to you?6:22 

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“Sure.” Sophia shrugged. 

Then Emily asked, a hint of concern in her voice, “Does anyone give you a hard time at school?” 

“Nope,” Sophia said. 

Sophia’s aloofness stabbed at Emily, but she persevered. “If anyone gives you a hard time, tell the teacher. If the teacher doesn’t do squat, tell your dad. He’ll sort it out.” 

“Who’d mess with me at school? Everyone knows Daddy drives a nice car and Nancy’s got designer stuff. They’re so awesome. No one would dare.” 

Sophia thought Emily was being a worrywart. 

Seeing her daughter’s brusque manner, Emily simply smiled faintly and said, “Okay, I guess my worrying was unnecessary.” 

As she sat up straight, she added, “Come on. Let’s go meet your maternal grandparents. They’ve been waiting for you for ages.” 

After getting out of the car, Sophia stood beside mil36:22 

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Emily replied, “They’re my parents.” 

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“Why have I never met them?” Sophia was even more confused. 

Emily was at a loss for words. After a long moment of thought, she finally said, “It’s my fault.” 

Halfway there, Sophia suddenly stopped in her tracks. “I don’t want to meet them. I don’t know them.” 

Emily stopped, too. She bent down and looked at her daughter for a long time. Finally, with a wry smile, she said, “Just this once. I won’t bring you here again.” 

After this night, their mother–daughter bond would come 

to an end. 

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