Amy smiled warmly. "Keep taking this remedy for another week and your circulation will improve significantly. After that, we'll address your digestive concerns. But remember, you're still growing - your system isn't fully developed yet. Try to limit sweets, iced drinks, and greasy foods, alright?"

Oliver nodded eagerly. "Amy, what should I order then?"

She flipped through the menu, highlighting several options. "These are all nutritious choices for children. Pick whichever appeals to you."

Alexander sat beside Amy in silence. Since their arrival, she hadn't acknowledged him once - not a single glance or word - while she engaged animatedly with Oliver.

An unfamiliar pang of exclusion twisted in Alexander's chest.

Memories surfaced of his childhood self chattering excitedly to Victoria Langley, sharing every trivial detail of his day. Yet with his own mother, he'd struggled to form complete sentences.

All his prep school classmates had university-educated parents. His mother hadn't even finished secondary school. Grandmother Margaret often remarked she probably couldn't read beyond basic signs. What common ground could someone like that possibly share with him or Father?

As he matured, Alexander learned the bitter taste of shame... and pride. The child who once clung to his mother now cringed at her presence. At school, he'd carefully avoided mentioning her, always claiming the housekeeper collected him.

Grandmother said all children naturally admired those more accomplished. Before five, his mother had been his entire universe. After five, nothing about her inspired pride anymore.

Victoria had filled that maternal void, preserving his belief in something better. He'd never considered this his failing. But watching his mother's tender interaction with another child ignited a silent fury - like having his favorite toy snatched away.

"I want this one, and this, and..." Oliver's cheerful voice jolted Alexander from his thoughts.

He looked over to see the boy grinning at Amy. "I remember you love these too."

Amy's chest tightened with emotion. "Sweetheart, just choose what you like. Don't worry about me."

Oliver shook his head solemnly. "No. You always make my favorite meals and eat boring food just for me. When we dine together, I want you to have what you love too. You're kind to me, Amy, so I want to be kind to you."

For a moment, Amy couldn't speak past the lump in her throat. "Alright," she managed.

Watching them, Alexander's vision blurred with unexpected jealousy.

Victoria had once claimed his mother abandoned Father and relinquished custody because she'd found another child to love. He'd dismissed it as spiteful gossip.

But seeing how Amy doted on Oliver, the painful truth crystallized: she had indeed chosen someone else over him.