After the Clouds

Carter's childish voice reached the ears of everyone present. Among the guests, quite a few understood Istralian.

For a moment, expressions varied across the crowd.

Asher froze at first, then explained without changing his expression, "Children say silly things. No need to take it seriously."

Carter pouted, his eyes full of reluctance. He wanted to say more. "But—"

Winona stepped forward and interrupted him, "This is your gift. It can make your wish come true."

She handed Carter the envelope she had prepared in advance. Inside was the divorce agreement she had already signed. She thought this gift was probably what Carter wanted most.

After a pause, she added, "There's a key inside..."

Originally, Winona wanted to tell Carter that his future birthday gifts were all stored in a safe. He just needed to open one gift each year in order.

Yet, before she could finish, Carter nodded dismissively. "Thanks, Mom. I got it."

He did not believe the gift Winona mentioned could actually make his wish come true. It was just the kind of joke adults told to humor children.

He casually set the envelope aside and looked at Ella with eager anticipation. "Ella, what gift did you get me?"

Ella pinched his cheek and pulled out a gift from her pocket with a smile.

Three matching T-shirts. In the center was a photo of the three of them together, their faces close and intimate.

"This is from when we went to the amusement park last time. I had it made into matching family shirts. Do you like it, Carter?"

"Wow!" Carter let out an excited cry. He picked up the shirt and examined it over and over, wishing he could put it on right then and there.

"I love it! Tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that... I'm going to wear it every single day!"

The photographer the Rhodes family hired arrived just in time to take the group photo for the birthday party.

Carter's eyes lit up. He tugged on Asher's sleeve. "Dad, can we all change into these shirts and take photos?"

Asher, who usually only wore formal attire, surprisingly did not refuse. After the three of them changed, they looked exactly like a family of three.

When it came time for the official photo-taking session, Asher frowned and looked at Winona, who had been standing to the side the whole time. "Why aren't you coming for the photo?"

Winona looked at the three of them in matching shirts, pressed closely together with no space between them. Her lips curved slightly. "I'm a bit tired. You all go ahead."

Asher did not think much of it. He signaled the photographer to begin. Ella and Asher stood on either side of Carter.

For better composition, the photographer directed Ella and Asher to move closer together. Bit by bit, their shoulders touched. Both froze at the same time, and they instinctively looked at each other.

Asher's usually indifferent eyes showed a rare hint of tenderness, while a blush rose on Ella's cheeks.

Carter stood between them, holding their hands, his face showing pure happiness.

Whispers continued among the guests all around.

"First, the son wishes for another woman to be his mother; then, they wear matching family shirts for photos. Mrs. Rhodes really can tolerate anything."

"What do you know? Back when Mr. Rhodes was abroad, he and his first love had a great relationship. He proposed 100 times. If his first love hadn't wanted to wait before getting married, Mrs. Rhodes would never have gotten that position."

"So, what you're saying is, Mr. Rhodes' true love has always been his first love. Now that she's back in the country, do you think they'll..."

Listening to the gossip around her, Winona suddenly remembered the scene from six years ago when Asher proposed to her.

No flowers, no ring, not even a confession. It had just been one simple question—"Will you marry me?"

Those four words sent her flying into this marriage like a moth to a flame.

Even after accidentally learning about his past with Ella after the wedding, she continued the marriage. She clung to the belief that she was the legitimate wife and that Asher would eventually fall in love with her.

However, it took her six full years to understand. A heart already occupied by someone else could not be warmed.

No matter how hard she tried, the moment the person in his heart reappeared, she would lose completely.

Watching Asher's gaze involuntarily fall on Ella, Winona let out a soft laugh. Fortunately, this marriage that never should have started would soon be over.