The Surrogate He Discarded

Saturday finally arrived—the birthday of the twins and Alexander.

The twins were only a few hours older than Alexander, and today, the three children would celebrate their birthdays together.

Wonderland was alive with excitement.

The amusement park had not yet opened to the public. This was its grand opening. The gates had been reserved for a select group of distinguished guests—influential people in Novare, the close friends and associates of the Foster and Dalton families, along with their children and families.

The laughter of children echoed through the colorful park. Music floated through the air, mingling with the cheerful chimes of the rides and the distant screams of delighted guests.

True to her word, Isobel had invited the children from the orphanage. They arrived early to have plenty of time to enjoy the rides.

Leon had arrived with Randy and Yana. Alena, was with them as well.

Isobel was waiting for them at the entrance.

”Uncle, Alena, you’re here!”

Leon raised an eyebrow.

”If those children hadn’t pestered me into coming, I wouldn’t have bothered.” He glanced around the amusement park with a faintly disgruntled expression. ”I’m already this old. What am I supposed to do at an amusement park?”

Yana giggled.

”Grandpa, Wonderland isn’t just for children.”

Randy nodded solemnly.

”It’s for everyone.”

The adults laughed.

Even Julian couldn’t suppress a smile.

Isobel’s gaze shifted toward Alena.

She was quiet as usual.

Although she still looked somewhat pale, she seemed better than before. She wore dark jeans and a white blouse with wide sleeves, her long hair falling loosely around her shoulders.

”What are you waiting for?” Isobel asked cheerfully. ”Go pick your favorite ride while it’s still early.”

”Mom, I want to ride the carousel!” Yana immediately declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Isobel handed the park map to Randy. She had no doubt he could navigate the place without any trouble.

”I won’t be able to accompany you,” she explained. ”I need to check on the twins and Alexander. Make sure you’re at the dining hall by twelve. There are food stalls everywhere too, and everything is free today.”

After giving them a few more instructions, Isobel hurried away.

Randy unfolded the map and immediately took charge.

”Come on. The carousel is this way.”

He led Julian, Alena, and Yana toward the grand carousel.

Despite herself, Alena felt a small smile tug at her lips.

Yana’s laughter was infectious.

For the first time in a long while, Alena felt almost normal.

There were only a few people waiting in line. The carousel was still moving, its brightly painted horses rising and falling to cheerful music.

Randy stood at the front to wait for their turn.

Yana was behind him.

Alena stood behind her daughter, one hand resting lightly on Yana’s shoulder.

Leon decided to just sit and wait at the nearby bench under the oak tree.

Then—

A familiar scent drifted into the air.

Alena froze.

Her entire body went rigid.

The cheerful music suddenly seemed distant.

A suffocating presence had appeared behind her.

Her fingers tightened around Yana’s shoulder.

Yana looked up.

”Mom?”

Alena didn’t answer. Her face had suddenly gone pale.

Concern replaced the excitement in Yana’s eyes.

”Mom, are you all right?”

Randy turned around when he heard his sister.

”What’s wrong?”

Alena forced her lips into a smile.

”I’m fine.”

Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears.

”I’m just a little nervous.”

”Mom, it’s just a carousel.” Yana giggled, unable to understand why her mother was suddenly frightened.

Alena managed another smile.

”Yes. I know.”

The children soon returned to their excited chatter, arguing over which horses they wanted to ride.

But Alena couldn’t hear them anymore.

She could feel someone standing directly behind her.

He was too close. The warmth of his breath brushed against the back of her neck.

A shiver ran down her spine.

Then his voice reached her ears.

”It has been a long time, Alena.”

The voice was calm and controlled. But beneath those quiet words was something darker.

A warning.

Alena’s heart slammed against her ribs.

She wanted to move forward. She wanted to put some distance between herself and the man behind her. She even considered pushing Yana forward so she could escape his presence.

But before she could move—

A small hand suddenly pressed against her upper back.

It was warm and soft.

Alena’s body went rigid.

A child’s giggle followed.

She slowly turned her upper body and came face-to-face with a chubby little boy with curly hair.

He couldn’t have been more than three years old.

His dark-brown eyes stared up at her with innocent curiosity. His cheeks were round and soft, and his small hands clutched the edge of his father’s shirt.

Alena’s breath caught.

For some inexplicable reason, her heart lurched.

She stared at the child. Something about him felt painfully familiar.

Then her gaze slowly lifted and met a pair of cold, unreadable eyes.

Her blood ran cold. Her legs nearly gave out beneath her.

What is he doing here?

”Mom, come on!”

Yana tugged at her arm.

”It’s our turn!”

Alena barely heard her.

Still dazed, she allowed Yana and Randy to pull her toward the carousel.

Randy immediately chose the largest horse.

”Mom, just watch Yana. I can handle myself.”

He climbed onto the horse with the confidence of a boy determined to prove he was already grown.

Yana chose a medium-sized horse with a pink mane.

Alena helped her daughter climb onto it before standing beside the horse, one hand resting protectively against the fake saddle.

She tried to breathe. Tried to convince herself that she was imagining things. That she was safe. That she could simply enjoy the birthday celebration and leave without anything happening.

Then—

That familiar presence returned.

”Dad, Kai likes the big horse.”

The sweet voice of the little boy drifted into her ears.

Alena’s heart stopped.

She slowly turned her head.

The man had followed them. He stood beside the carousel horse, his expression unreadable.

With practiced gentleness, he lifted the little boy and placed him onto the horse beside Yana.

Kai.

The boy who had just called him Dad.

The man stepped back.

He was now standing shoulder to shoulder with Alena.

Close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body.

Alena’s knees trembled.

She quickly gripped the carousel horse for support.

The man noticed.

His eyes narrowed.

”After all this time, are you scared of me now?”

His voice carried a trace of irritation.