Chapter 2

Richard didn't notice anything unusual as he continued replying to messages. The explicit conversation on his phone made Catherine feel increasingly nauseated.

"Richard!" Catherine forced herself to speak through the hatred and pain churning inside her. "My eyes hurt, but I think I can see some light now."

Richard looked up in disbelief. "What did you say?"

During the medical examination that followed, Catherine repeatedly reminded herself of her goals.

She needed revenge against her cheating husband and treacherous sister, but more importantly, she needed to reclaim her child—the baby she had nearly died giving birth to.

Richard waited anxiously nearby as the doctor performed tests. "Doctor, how is my wife's eyesight? Has it really improved?"

"Based on current findings, the patient's vision shows significant improvement," the doctor began.

Before he could finish, Catherine interrupted. "I can make out shapes now and can take care of myself. Honey, since you're here today, could you please complete my discharge paperwork?"

She couldn't stay in this facility another day. She couldn't bear thinking about what her child might have experienced during these years.

Richard had used various excuses to prevent her from seeing her son. There had to be a reason.

Richard's expression hardened as he attempted to object. "But outside..."

Catherine fixed her still-unfocused eyes on him. "You promised I could come home once my eyesight improved. Were you lying to me?"

That single question trapped Richard.

After a brief hesitation, he reluctantly processed Catherine's discharge paperwork.

On the drive home, Richard couldn't resist probing. "Catherine, when exactly did you start seeing shapes?"

"When we were sitting on the bench earlier," she replied with a smile.

Catherine knew exactly why he was asking. He was worried whether she had seen those explicit messages between him and Juniper.

Her answer gave Richard no definitive conclusion, leaving him unable to determine how much she knew. He could only temporarily set aside his concerns.

Catherine watched the scenery passing by outside the window, desperate to return home and rush to her son's side. Her child had been her only reason to survive these past years.

The car soon pulled up at the Rivers Villa entrance.

Catherine walked inside eagerly, but froze when she saw Juniper in the living room, wearing a silk robe like she owned the place. Juniper's expression registered shock at Catherine's appearance.

"How did you..." Juniper began, but Richard silenced her with a look.

"Catherine's eyesight has improved, so I've discharged her," Richard explained before turning to Catherine. "Ethan's been running a slight fever. I've been busy with work, so I asked Juniper to help look after him."

Catherine didn't immediately expose the pathetic lie.

It was obvious they had been living together while she was institutionalized.

She had thought the betrayal couldn't hurt her more, but then she noticed the family portrait hanging on the wall.

In the photo, Juniper and Richard flanked an adorable little boy, all smiling happily at the camera.

Anyone who didn't know better would think they were a perfect family of three.

Yet Catherine was the child's real mother! After carrying and giving birth to her son, her first glimpse of him was in this staged family portrait!

Richard casually stepped in front of the picture, reaching for her hand. "Catherine, are you tired? Would you like to rest upstairs?"

Catherine nearly bit through her lip trying to contain her fury. She dodged his touch. "Didn't you say Ethan has a fever? Where is he? I want to see him."

Before Richard could fabricate another excuse, they heard a car outside. Moments later, a handsome little boy with a backpack ran inside, throwing himself into Juniper's arms.

"Mom, I won first place in the equestrian competition today! My teacher says I have natural talent. How are you going to reward me?"

Juniper stroked Ethan's head proudly. "I knew my Ethan would be the best. Tomorrow we'll buy those building blocks you wanted."

The word "Mom" shattered Catherine's already broken heart once more.

Her child called Juniper "Mom"—did he even know his real mother existed?

Catherine fought back tears as she cautiously stepped toward her son. "Ethan, I'm your mommy. Come, let me hug you, okay?"

Ethan noticed Catherine for the first time and backed away warily, his eyes full of suspicion. "Who are you? Why are you in my house? I already have a mom, why would I call you that?"

Three consecutive questions, each one slicing through Catherine's heart.

Moments ago, he had shown such affection and trust toward Juniper, but toward her...

She forced a smile. "I really am your mom. I've been in the hospital because I was sick, which is why you haven't met me before."

"Could you come closer and let me hug you? Weren't you sick too? Are you feeling better now?"

Ethan continued eyeing Catherine strangely, retreating further. "I'm not sick. I swim every day."

Richard quickly intervened, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Catherine, I know you're eager, but you need to understand. After all these years in the facility, no child could immediately accept a stranger claiming to be their mother. Let's take it slowly and gradually help him accept your presence."

Juniper seized the opportunity to distract Ethan. "Remember those flowers we planted in the back garden? They're blooming now. Would you like to see them?"

Ethan nodded obediently. "Yes!"

His unconditional trust in Juniper versus his wariness toward Catherine—the stark contrast left Catherine speechless, nearly unable to stand.

The husband she had trusted and depended on had deliberately erased her identity as a mother from her child's life.

Richard continued making excuses. "Catherine, give the child time to adjust. He'll eventually accept you as his mother."

Catherine said nothing. Instead, she walked upstairs and stood by the window, which offered a clear view of the garden.

There, Juniper and Ethan were admiring the flowers they had planted together. Their harmonious interaction and Ethan's radiant smile wounded her deeply.