Aria POV
The last place I wanted to be on a Thursday morning was Sunshine Preschool's Mother and Child Day.
I adjusted my sunglasses and checked my watch. Olivia had insisted I attend. "Noah deserves this," she'd said over coffee yesterday. "Every other kid will have their mom there."
She was right. I hated that she was right.
I pushed through the gate into the playground. Colorful banners hung between trees. Tables covered in finger paintings and craft supplies lined the fence. Mothers clustered in groups, chatting and laughing while their children ran wild.
I didn't belong here. These women discussed playdates and organic snacks. I discussed hostile takeovers and quarterly earnings.
"Mama!" Noah's voice cut through my thoughts.
I turned. He ran toward me, his curls bouncing with each step. Paint streaked across his cheek. His shirt was already dirty.
Perfect.
"Hey, baby." I knelt down and caught him in a hug. "Having fun?"
