Upon dressing up, Lilah and Jerrold emerged, their outfits painting them as a genuine mother-son duo.

Gerard's gaze lingered on them, unreadable yet intense.

Lilah, cradling Jerrold in his dapper Little suit, was smitten by his earnest, pinch-worthy expression. "Look at you! How did you get this cute? I can't help smothering you with more kisses."

Jerrold eagerly leaned in, his deep, grape-like eyes shining with expectation. Lilah laughed softly and planted a few more kisses on his cheeks.

Their tender moment was interrupted by a distant voice. “Breakfast is ready."

With Jerrold in her arms, Lilah made her way to the dining table.

Seated, Jerrold sent a mild glare in his dad's direction, his mood slightly dampened.

Yet, post-breakfast, Jerrold's spirits lifted as it was time for his much-anticipated spring outing with Lilah.

This outing was exclusive to their class, chaperoned by a gentle-looking young teacher in her twenties.

Once they reached the picturesque mountainside, the group was split into teams for various activities like setting up tents and prepping barbecue grills. Lilah kept herself engaged, and little Jerrold, ever the bundle of energy, buzzed around lending a hand.

An apologetic voice echoed, "Sorry, teacher, we're a bit late."

A sleek black Porsche pulled up. Out stepped a woman and a polished young girl.

“Isn't that Maggie Lewis? Is Holly her daughter?"

Whispers spread like wildfire.

Greeting the crowd, Maggie removed her sunglasses, showcasing her striking features. "Holly is my niece."

A mother, seizing the chance to ingratiate herself, chimed in, "It's no surprise Holly's so beautiful with genes like your family's."

Maggie responded with a modest smile, her eyes gleaming with unspoken pride.

She wasn't here just for small talk.

Recently, rumors had been circulating about Gerard's son attending this kindergarten. Coincidentally, her niece was in the same class.

This spring outing presented Maggie an opportunity, hoping she might cross paths with Gerard. Glancing around, while Gerard was nowhere in sight, she unmistakably recognized his son. The resemblance was uncanny.

But why on earth was that woman she loathed also present?

"Miss Lewis, we're finalizing our lunch groups. Which would you like to join?" the female teacher inquired of Maggie.

"I'll join that one," Maggie said, pointing toward Jerrold's group.

Approaching Jerrold, she said warmly, “You must be Jerrold. Holly often talks about you. She sits next to you in class, right?"