Chapter 56: The Ache More Painful Than A Knife Wound

The following morning, a luxury black SUV rolled through the towering wrought-iron gates of the Foster estate. The vehicle came to a smooth stop in front of the mansion.

A middle-aged couple stepped out first, dressed in expensive designer clothing that reflected their status and wealth.

Katherine emerged behind them. A satisfied smile briefly flashed across her face as she stared at the sprawling estate.

She had spent the entire night making sure her parents were angry enough. They almost stormed Morgan’s mansion last night if not for her gentle coaxing.

Now it was time to watch the results.

"Good morning, Mr. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Good morning, Miss Katherine."

The security guard stationed at the entrance greeted them respectfully as he opened the mansion doors.

The three entered without hesitation.

Moments later, Albert hurried into the foyer. The butler was slightly out of breath, making it obvious that their arrival had been completely unexpected.

"Sir, Madam, would you like some tea or refreshments?"

He bowed politely.

Mrs. Hayes waved dismissively.

"That won’t be necessary, Albert."

Her tone made it clear she had not come for social pleasantries.

"We’re here to see Kristine and the twins."

She glanced around. "Where is she?"

"Madam is currently in the nursery feeding the babies," Albert replied with his customary politeness. Although the visit had clearly been unannounced, the seasoned butler’s composed expression never faltered.

"Take us there." Mrs. Hayes commanded like Albert was her own servant.

"Of course." Albert answered keeping his voice polite.

He immediately led them through the mansion. They ascended the grand spiral staircase before making their way down the corridor leading to the nursery.

Meanwhile, inside the nursery, the atmosphere was peaceful.

Isobel had not reported to the Aioryx Tower that morning. Her assignment required her to observe the robotic puppy’s data collection systems and monitor the twins’ responses over an extended period.

The gathered information would help her refine and calibrate the AI’s learning algorithms.

The twins had grown hungry shortly after breakfast. Since Isobel had only expressed enough milk for one feeding, they had decided to split the task.

Kristine sat in a rocking chair, carefully bottle-feeding Kristofer. She was a picture of a gentle and loving mother taking care of her child.

Across from her, Isobel was nursing Kirsten. The little girl was nestled comfortably against her chest, feeding contentedly.

Her gaze moved toward Kristine and Kit. If she had a canvas, a brush and a paint, she could have painted a beautiful portrait of mother and child.

...

It was this exact scene that greeted the Hayes family when they entered the nursery.

Mrs. Hayes froze.

Her gaze immediately landed on the infant in Isobel’s arms. Her expression darkened.

"What is going on here?"

The sharpness in her voice instantly shattered the calm atmosphere. Though warned by Katherine, she was still shocked to see an outsider breastfeeding her grandchild. She found it dirty.

Katherine stepped forward.

"Mom, that’s the woman I told you about."

Her eyes flickered toward Isobel.

"The wet nurse Morgan hired."

The accusation hidden beneath her words was impossible to miss. The conversation caused Kristine to look up.

The moment she saw her parents, her face brightened.

"Mom. Dad."

A genuine smile appeared on her face.

Carefully rising from the rocking chair, she handed Kristofer to Anna before walking toward them. Her movements were slow and cautious, but her happiness was evident.

"It’s good to see you."

She opened her arms to hug her mother. For a brief moment, hope flickered in her eyes.

But Mrs. Hayes took a small step backward. The gesture was subtle. Yet devastating.

"You just woke up from a coma."

Her mother’s tone remained indifferent.

"There’s no need for all that."

Kristine froze. Her outstretched arms remained suspended awkwardly in the air. For the briefest moment, hurt flashed across her face.

Then, as she had done countless times throughout her life, she forced a smile.

"I see."

Across the room, Isobel frowned. Even she could sense how cold the exchange had been.

Mr. Hayes finally spoke.

"It is good that you’ve recovered."

His voice carried a trace of concern. Just a slight trace. Nothing more.

"How are you feeling?"

Kristine was about to answer when she noticed his gaze drifting away from her and toward Isobel.

The realization stung more than she expected. Even now, she couldn’t seem to hold her father’s attention.

"I’m doing well, Dad. I still get tired easily, but I’m much better than before."

Kristine smiled softly. As she spoke, she subtly signaled Anna.

The nurse immediately understood.

Kirsten was still nursing peacefully. Interrupting her now would guarantee tears.

Anna stepped forward carrying Kristofer.

"Mom, Dad."

Kristine’s smile became more genuine.

"I don’t think you’ve properly met Kristofer yet. His nickname is Kit."

She gently adjusted the baby’s blanket.

The little boy stared at the newcomers with wide curious eyes.

His tiny legs kicked excitedly. His chubby fists waved through the air.

For a moment, everyone simply watched him.

Then Mr. Hayes frowned.

"He really looks like a Foster. Not a trace of the Hayes family."

Disappointment crept into his voice.

The room fell silent. Kristine’s smile weakened.

Then Mrs. Hayes delivered the finishing blow.

"You truly are hopeless."

The words landed like a knife.

"If Katherine had given birth to him, he probably would’ve inherited your father’s features."

Even as the words left her mouth, the absurdity of the statement was obvious.

Yet she said them anyway. Kristine felt her heart sink deeper.

The color slowly drained from her face.

Even now...even after surviving a com, even after giving birth to twins...she still wasn’t enough.

Anna noticed immediately. Concern flashed across the nurse’s face.

"Ma’am." She moved forward. "You look exhausted."

Gently placing a hand on Kristine’s arm, she guided her toward a nearby chair.

"Please sit down."

Kristine lowered herself into the seat. Her chest felt strangely hollow.

Across the room, Kristofer’s head turned.

The baby’s eyes followed her every movement.

Then suddenly—

"Ma..."

The room stilled. Tiny lips parted.

"Daa... daa..."

The words were clumsy and incomplete. Nothing more than baby babble. Yet Kristofer’s gaze never left his mother.

The little boy stretched his tiny arms toward her.

As if searching for her. As if reassuring her.

The ache in Kristine’s chest eased. A smile slowly returned to her face.

Perhaps she didn’t need everyone’s approval.

Perhaps the love reflected in her son’s eyes was enough.