The Wrong Child

After hanging up, I glanced at the desk calendar and circled tomorrow’s date in bold red ink.

Tomorrow morning was Starlight Bilingual Academy’s annual Welcome Party and Parent Open House.

Just last night, Scott had been all thoughtful and attentive when he told me, "Katie, tomorrow’s school event is going to be crowded and noisy. You’ve been working so hard lately. Why don’t you stay home and get some rest? I’ll go as the parent representative."

Since that was the case, I’d make sure to give them something unforgettable.

I sent out three messages.

The first went to my parents and Scott’s parents.

[Mom, Dad, Starlight is hosting a welcome party tomorrow morning. Scott wants everyone to come enjoy it together and see the kind of environment Noah’s studying in.]

The second went to a few of Scott’s coworkers, the ones he always complained about and didn’t get along with.

[There’s a high-end reception tomorrow morning. Scott would love for you to join.]

The last one went to the principal of Starlight, Aimee Morgan.

[I’ve prepared a special "thank-you video" for the finale of tomorrow’s party. Please arrange to have it played on the main screen.]

Everyone happily agreed.

The grand hall of Starlight shimmered with elegance at 10 a.m. on Friday. Under the glow of warm lights, the atmosphere was one of extravagant scale, filled with the clinking of glasses, laughter, and an assembly of well-dressed guests.

The catering was equally lavish, with long tables displaying imported champagne, premium wagyu, and Boston lobster.

Beaming with pride, Scott’s parents moved through the room in their new designer attire, greeting the crowd with enthusiasm.

Nearby, the coworkers Scott had invited were already mingling effortlessly, engaged in conversation with the other affluent parents in attendance.

And Scott stood at the center of it all, sharply dressed in a tailored suit, radiating confidence.

Beside him stood Amanda, dressed in a custom evening gown, her makeup flawless. Next to her was Gabriel in a tailored little suit.

"Mr. Shaw, you are truly impressive. You're successful in your career, with such a bright son, and such a beautiful, elegant wife," a business-minded parent nearby flattered him.

Scott beamed, wrapping an arm around Amanda’s waist with effortless ease, his smile full of pride. "You’re too kind," he said. "When it comes to a child’s education, spending a little extra is only natural. As long as Gabriel gets the best, I’d give up everything for him as his father."

Amanda leaned shyly into him, every bit the picture of a rightful Mrs. Shaw.

Back then, trying to catch up on the three years of career I’d sacrificed for childcare, I had never once shown up at Noah’s school. Every time I tried to attend a parent meeting or pick him up, Scott would find some excuse to stop me. So it wasn’t surprising that many of the parents didn’t recognize me.

At the time, I had even felt proud, thinking I’d married a responsible, devoted man. Now, it seemed this kindergarten had become their private playground.

I stood quietly on the second-floor balcony, watching the two of them.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the hall, my parents, Scott’s parents, and his coworkers had all started arriving one after another.

Scott, Amanda, and the group of business parents were gathered deeper inside a private section, so he hadn’t yet seen the familiar faces I’d arranged for him, and those people hadn’t seen him either. Otherwise, just the sight of Amanda by his side would’ve been enough to raise suspicions.

Once I saw that everyone had arrived, I finally made my way down from the second floor.

Two stern-faced bodyguards in black followed behind me, drawing plenty of attention.

My mom spotted me first, waving excitedly. "Katie! Over here! We’re right here!"

The moment my name rang out, the smile on Scott’s face froze. He whipped around.

The instant he saw me, it was like he’d seen a ghost in broad daylight. His expression drained of all color.

"K-Katie? What are you doing here?"