“All the other kids have their parents with them, but my dad doesn’t care about me. I don’t want the other kids to think I don’t have a mom or dad.”

The thought of Marvin losing his mother at such a young age tugged at Stella’s heart, stirring a pang of sympathy.

There were so many classes in the kindergarten, and taking a day off to accompany Marvin wouldn’t necessarily mean running into Haynes and Keen.

And even if she did, it didn’t matter. She just wanted to avoid seeing people she didn’t like.

Stella gently nodded. “Alright.”

Stella deliberately avoided the start time of the event.

When she and Marvin entered the kindergarten, the parent-child activities were underway. The playground was buzzing with noise and excitement.

Still a little kid, Marvin instantly got drawn to the commotion. He glanced toward the activity area. “Stella, can I go watch for a bit?”

Stella nodded gently. “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.”

Marvin asked, puzzled, “Aren’t you coming, Stella?”

Stella shook her head. “No, I’ll stay here.”

Marvin thought about it and then didn’t push Stella any further. “Okay, I’ll just look and be right back.”

Keen was nothing like Marvin. Whenever Keen wanted something and Stella said no, he’d sulk and freeze her out-a habit he’d picked up straight from Haynes. He never lashed out, but that icy silence was just as cutting.

A few minutes later, Marvin returned, grinning ear to ear. “Keen’s mom and dad are amazing! They’re in first place now!”

Stella felt a pang in her heart. “Keen’s mom and dad?”

Marvin looked envious and a little downcast. “Yeah. Keen’s always bragging about

how his dad is the best and his mom is the most beautiful. He says they’re the best parents ever.”

“Many kids didn’t believe him, and Keen said he’d bring them to the event to show everyone.”

“Turns out they are impressive!”

Stella listened, lost in thought for a long while.

Seemingly unaware of Stella’s distraction, Marvin continued, “Some kids thought

the young lady who often picks him up was Keen’s mom.”

“But Keen said she wasn’t. He said she was the O’Brien family’s nanny.”

“Now that Keen’s won the games, he’s showing off his parents to everyone.”

Even though she’d heard from Rachel that Keen only saw her as a nanny, hearing Marvin recount Keen’s dismissive attitude left Stella feeling breathless.

No wonder Keen took her efforts for granted. To him, she was only a nanny, no different from Maisie at home.

“Stella, you look pale. Are you feeling okay?” Marvin asked, finally noticing Stella’s change in demeanor, sounding worried. “Do we need to see a doctor?”

Stella gently patted Marvin’s head, speaking softly, “No need. Let’s find your teacher first.”

Marvin nodded obediently. “Okay.”

It was inconvenient to talk with the teacher with Marvin around, so Marvin went to the music room to wait. Marvin had heard Stella was a violinist and was interested in learning to play from her.

After finishing her conversation with the teacher, Stella left the office and was about to find Marvin. However, Stella encountered someone unexpected while stepping out.