"Charlie, what do you want to play?" Amelia White asked, bending down with a gentle smile as she looked at the lively park before them.
On regular days, she would always ask Liam Williams about everything first. But now that Charlie was here, she chose to do the opposite—asking Charlie about everything before making any decisions.
As soon as he stepped into the park, Charlie couldn't help but be drawn in by the lively atmosphere. It was his first time visiting such a bustling place since returning home. Watching the crowd, a faint smile lingered on his face.
Hearing Amelia's question, Charlie pointed a chubby little finger toward the colorful carousel spinning to the sound of music.
Amelia was thrilled to see Charlie being so straightforward. She couldn't wait for him to go off and play on his own, so she could have some time alone with her older brother.
"Come on, sweetie. Let me take you to the carousel." Amelia's voice was soft and sweet, her face practically glowing with the word "gentle."
But what Amelia didn't expect was that Liam grabbed Charlie and headed straight for the carousel. As they walked, Liam asked Charlie, "Why do you like the carousel? Shouldn't boys prefer roller coasters?"
Charlie wrapped his chubby little arms around Liam's neck and said sweetly, "Because Mommy loves the carousel the most."
"Oh?" Hearing about Emma Johnson, Liam's interest was piqued. He had known Emma for so long, but he never knew she loved the carousel. A pang of sadness hit him. It seemed he hadn't cared enough about her before, hadn't understood her well enough. "Why does Mommy love the carousel? Can you tell Daddy?"
Watching the two of them walking ahead, chatting happily, Amelia felt a knot tighten in her chest. She gritted her teeth in frustration but had no choice but to keep a smile plastered on her face.
"Mommy said the carousel is the softest thing in the playground," Charlie explained.
"But isn't it because it spins that you get separated from the person you like?" Amelia rushed forward, unable to hold back her words.
No one could hear the venom in her voice, but she was barely holding herself together.
"No," Charlie said with a smile, his cheeks puffing out slightly, making him so adorable that people couldn't help but want to pinch them. "Mommy always rides the carousel with me. She says that as long as two people sit on the same wooden horse, they can follow the rotation and see all the scenery around them. It's like going through all kinds of things together in life."
Amelia's teeth clenched in hatred, but Charlie's words and his soft voice made Liam's heart ache.
So that's why she loved the carousel so much. That's what it meant to her. And yet, she had never once ridden it with him.
Liam silently made up his mind. He had to find an opportunity to take Emma on a carousel ride.
"Will Daddy ride with you this time?" Liam asked Charlie with a smile.
Charlie happily followed Liam to buy tickets. Amelia trailed behind, her anger barely contained.
She had planned to use the time Charlie was on the carousel to get closer to her brother. But instead, she was left out in the cold. Even though she knew Charlie was just a child with no ulterior motives, Amelia couldn't help but feel that he was sent by Emma to ruin her chances with Liam.
Just as Liam went to buy tickets, Charlie turned his head from Liam's shoulder, looked at Amelia, and waved his chubby little hand. "Auntie, do you want to come with us?"
A mother nearby, holding her baby while buying tickets, turned to Charlie with a smile. "Silly child, how can three people sit on one wooden horse?"
Amelia was about to answer Charlie, thinking it was better to stay by her brother's side than to be left alone. But when she heard the woman's misunderstanding, she suddenly felt embarrassed.
Before Amelia could respond, Liam had already bought the tickets and taken Charlie to the carousel.
As the carousel was about to start, Charlie waved his little hand at Amelia again.
Watching the two of them sitting together so warmly and harmoniously on the carousel, Amelia felt a surge of jealousy. It was as if the person in Liam's arms was Emma herself.
After a long while, the carousel stopped. Amelia immediately greeted Charlie with a smile as he came down.
Instead of letting Liam and Charlie grow closer, it was better for her to take the initiative and get close to Charlie herself. At least that way, they wouldn't bond as much.
Even though she knew her efforts were futile, Amelia insisted on trying.
"What are you doing?"
Just as Amelia was walking forward with Charlie in her arms, two people suddenly emerged from the exit of a nearby path. Amelia looked at them warily and recognized Olivia Davis.
And the person following Olivia was none other than Ethan Davis.
Amelia immediately put on a pure and pitiful expression, forcing a light smile. "You're here too. What a coincidence."
"It's not a coincidence. A park this big, and I still have to run into you. What bad luck." Olivia didn't bother to give Amelia any face. Now that she had nothing to do with Amelia's money, she didn't care.
Olivia hugged Charlie and gently coaxed the little boy, who was making faces at her. "Charlie, did she bully you? This woman used to bully your mommy. You should watch out for her."
Of course, Olivia knew that with Henry Williams and Liam around, Amelia wouldn't dare bully Charlie. What she emphasized was the last part, hoping Liam would hear it.
Amelia had pulled so many disgusting tricks. Olivia was sure Liam knew all about them. Otherwise, why would he let her come to the park with Charlie?
Hearing Olivia's words, Amelia caught a glimpse of Liam from the corner of her eye. She quickly smoothed her furrowed brows. "How could I bully Charlie? Although I had some misunderstandings with my former sister-in-law, that's all in the past. Charlie is so adorable. I can't help but want to spoil him."
As she spoke, Amelia gently touched Charlie's face.
But she was worried that Liam might believe Olivia's words. Her heart raced with anxiety. "Right, Charlie? Tell Auntie how I woke up early this morning to make you delicious food and brought you out to play."