Lulled by her voice, Noah drifted into dreams.


    Cecilia tucked the nkets around him just as Luciano’s call lit up


    phone.


    He asked, “Is he behaving?”


    Cecilia’s voice softened. “Yes, very well.”


    her


    Luciano’s voice was low as he recounted what Madam Wilburn Wilkinson had done. Filled with remorse, he promised to fetch Noah


    soon.


    Cecilia offered a bitter smile. She’d thought entrusting Noah to Madam’s care would guarantee his protection.


    She’d forgotten—every Wilkinson except Gracelyn disliked Noah.


    To the Wilkinsons, Prisci had ruined Luciano’s future, making Noah nothing but a burden.


    “Let him stay with me for now.”


    Cecilia gazed at the sleeping child, her tone gentle. “Sooner orter, I’ll take him away anyway.”


    Luciano was too busy. If he really took Noah in, the boy would likely spend most of his time with the nanny.


    He’d just had surgery and needed careful nurturing andpanionship.


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    The nanny isn’t necessarily attentive.


    She owed Prisci too much–protecting this child was the least she could do.


    “Luciano, if there’s someone you like, you should pursue them.”


    “I think Prisci would want to see you happy.”


    Cecilia urged him.


    Luciano fell silent, his voice hollow.


    “I understand.”


    After hanging up, Cecilia moved carefully, lying down beside Noah.


    Noah smacked his lips, his voice soft and sticky.


    “Mommy.”


    Cecilia patted his little body gently. Noah soon quieted down and fell back asleep.


    Early the next morning.


    Cecilia woke to Noah’s sparkling eyes.


    He’d been awake for a while buty perfectly still, waiting for his mother.


    “Good morning, Noah.”


    Cecilia kissed his tender cheek.


    Mother and son went to freshen up together.


    Downstairs, they found Wesley had arrived


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    He’d arrived at some unknown hour and was eating breakfast.


    Cecilia frowned with clear displeasure.


    But Noah happily called out, “Uncle Wesley!”


    Wesley ruffled his hair, “Noah, good morning.”


    Cecilia choked back those harsh words.


    It wouldn’t do to argue in front of the child.


    The maid served breakfast, bringing each a bowl of Nutritious Congee.


    Cecilia’s differed from Noah’s, yet both carried faint medicinal scent.


    Wesley stated tly, “Dr. Yu prescribed the form.”


    Cecilia pressed her lips, fingers tightening around the spoon.


    She swallowed her words.


    Noah had endured needles and medicine since childhood, so he ate the congee obediently.


    Watching him, Cecilia thought he seemed like a child sent to repay kindness.


    Truly well–behaved.


    Across the table, Wesley observed Cecilia’s expression.


    He hadn’t seen such tenderness on her face in years.


    His heart ached with faint bitterness.


    All her gentleness belonged to Noah.


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    Not his child.


    He lowered his gaze, veiling the loneliness in his eyes.


    After breakfast, Noah went to y in the living room.


    Only Cecilia and Wesley remained at the table, tension thickening the


    air.


    When Cecilia finished, Wesley spoke, “Noah has his check–up today.”


    Cecilia set down her spoon, “I’ll take him soon.”


    Wesley’s chin motioned toward her untouched congee, “Finish it first.”


    “Wesley.”


    Cecilia was already full.


    Wesley showed no expression, yet his words were cutting: “Don’t forget the one in your belly just because you have one child now.”


    Cecilia didn’t want to argue. She picked up her spoon again and finished the porridge.


    By the time she stood, Wesley had already picked up Noah.


    Noah nestled obediently in Wesley’s arms, waving at Cecilia. “Mommy,e quick.”


    A smile touched Cecilia’s lips as she hurried over.


    The maids watching from behind murmured how much they resembled a family.


    At the hospital, Wesley prepared to take Noah for his check–up, instructing Cecilia to wait outside.


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    She refused, wanting to handle it herself.


    Wesley’s gaze turned icy. “Wait here.”


    Cecilia gripped his sleeve tightly. “Wesley, he’s not your child.”


    He didn’t need to do this.


    She didn’t want to owe him.


    Wesley scoffed. “For the baby’s sake, could you settle down?”


    Cecilia pressed her lips together. “I…“,


    “Check–up time. Care to waste it here?”


    Wesley’s light remark made Cecilia release her grip.


    She didn’t see the self–mocking smile on his lips.


    After waiting over half an hour, the examination room door opened.


    Only the nurse and Noah emerged–no Wesley.


    Thanking the nurse, Cecilia took Noah’s hand and softly asked, “Where’s Wesley?”


    “Wesley took a call and left.”


    “He told me and Mom to go home first.”


    Cecilia’s expression cooled. The only call that could make Wesley drop everything must’ve been from Larissa.


    She took Noah’s hand to leave. “Let’s head back.”


    Just then, Luciano called. He’d remembered Noah’s follow–up appointment and wasing to pick him up.


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    Cecilia exined the checkup was done and they were at the hospital.


    Luciano said, “Wait at the entrance. I’ll be right there.”


    Cecilia took Noah to sit in the hospital lobby.


    They’d barely sat when two men in ck surrounded them. “Ms. Zamora, Mrs. Wilkinson requests your presence.”