Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Lena and Milo arrived at the amusement park, where bright lights flickered everywhere and cheerful music filled the air, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere.

Milo’s eyes lit up instantly as he took in the colorful rides and the laughter of children running around.

Lena smiled softly, feeling relieved seeing her son so happy and carefree.

Just as she was about to take his hand and head inside, her phone vibrated in her hand. It was a message from Samuel.

Samuel: I’ve just arrived here. Where are you guys?

Lena lifted her gaze and scanned the crowd, her eyes moving from one face to another until she spotted him standing near the entrance. He was dressed casually in jeans and a black T-shirt, looking relaxed.

He waved as soon as he saw her.

Milo pointed immediately. “Mommy, is that him?”

Lena nodded. “Yes, that’s him. Come on, let’s go meet him.”

She held Milo’s hand as they walked over.

When they got closer, Samuel bent down to Milo’s level, his face warm with a friendly smile. “Hi, Milo! I’ve heard a lot about you from your mom.”

Milo giggled, clearly amused. “Hi! Mommy said you’re her friend. You look handsome… but not like my daddy.”

Lena froze for a brief second, her smile stiffening slightly as she shifted her weight awkwardly.

Samuel let out a small, awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I guess I wouldn’t want to look like your dad, right? Everyone has their own style.”

Milo tilted his head as if seriously considering it, then nodded. “Yeah… but Daddy is very tall and always serious. You look nicer.”

Lena pressed her lips together, a faint discomfort settling in her chest. Milo mentioned Adrian too often, and it bothered her more than she wanted to admit.

Quickly, she redirected the moment. “So, where should we start?” she asked, forcing a bright tone.

Milo’s gaze darted around excitedly before he pointed at a colorful spinning teacup ride. “That one, Mommy! I want to go on that!”

Lena laughed lightly. “Alright, let’s go.”

They walked over, and Lena helped Milo climb into one of the large teacups.

“Hold on tight, okay?” Milo nodded eagerly.

As the ride began to spin—slow at first, then faster—Milo burst into laughter, waving at them excitedly.

Samuel watched with a soft smile. “He’s adorable. You’re doing an amazing job raising him, Lena.”

Lena glanced at him and smiled gently. “Thank you, Samuel. I’m just doing my best as his mom.”

“And it shows,” Samuel replied sincerely. “You don’t even have to say it out loud.”

When the ride came to a stop, Milo jumped out and ran toward them.

“That was so fun! Can we go on the carousel next?”

Samuel grinned. “Of course. Lead the way.”

Milo grabbed both their hands and dragged them toward the carousel.

He picked a beautiful white horse with golden reins and climbed on excitedly while Lena stayed close, making sure he was safe.

Samuel stood nearby, watching with amusement.

As the carousel spun, Milo laughed happily, waving each time he passed them.

Lena leaned slightly toward Samuel.

“Thanks for coming. I honestly thought it might be awkward for you, so I hesitated when you said you wanted to join.”

Samuel shrugged with a smile.

“I’m actually having more fun than I expected. I’m glad I came. Milo is really great to be around.”

After the carousel, they explored more of the park.

They tried the bumper cars, where Milo insisted on driving, while Lena and Samuel stood nearby laughing at his determination.

Then they played a ring toss game. Samuel managed to win a prize—a stuffed teddy bear—which he handed to Milo.

Milo squealed in excitement. “Thank you, Mr. Samuel! I’ll call him Mr. Bear!”

Samuel crouched down again. “You’re welcome, Milo. Make sure Mr. Bear keeps you company at home, alright?”

Milo nodded enthusiastically. “He will! He’ll sleep on my bed.”

Lena watched them quietly, a warm feeling spreading through her chest.

For a moment, all her worries faded away.

After trying a few more rides and games, they decided to get something sweet.

They stopped at an ice cream stand—chocolate for Milo, vanilla for Lena, and strawberry for Samuel.

They found a bench and sat down, Milo seated between them, happily licking his ice cream while watching the other kids.

“This was a really good idea,” Samuel said, glancing at Lena.

“I forgot how fun places like this can be.”

Lena chuckled softly. “Same here. Work keeps me so busy that I barely take breaks.”

Samuel nodded. “I understand. But moments like this are important. Milo is growing up fast.”

Milo spoke up between bites. “Mommy works a lot sometimes… but she always plays with me too. We watch movies and have fun.”

Lena smiled and gently ruffled his hair. “That’s because I love you, silly.”

Samuel smiled warmly. “That’s exactly what matters.”

He turned to Milo. “So, what kind of movies do you like?”

Milo’s face brightened. “I like superhero movies! And cartoons too!”

Samuel laughed. “Nice! Who’s your favorite superhero?”

Milo thought for a moment. “Hmm… I like Spider-Man! He’s cool and strong.”

Lena smiled. “That’s a good choice.”

They kept talking, with Milo excitedly sharing stories about school, his friends, and all the things he dreamed of doing in the future.

Samuel listened patiently, clearly enjoying every moment.

As the sky slowly turned orange, Lena checked the time.

“It’s getting late. We should head home before it gets dark.”

Milo pouted. “Aww… I don’t want to go yet.”

Lena kissed his forehead. “We’ll come back again, I promise.”

Samuel stood up and stretched. “Thanks for letting me join you today. I really enjoyed it.”

Lena smiled. “Thank you for coming, Samuel. It was nice having you around.”

Samuel looked at Milo. “Take good care of Mr. Bear, okay?”

Milo grinned. “I will! Thank you!”

Samuel walked them to Lena’s car.

Milo waved from inside as Lena started the engine.

“Bye, Mr. Samuel!”

“Bye, Milo. See you soon,” Samuel replied, watching them drive away.

As their car disappeared into the distance, a shadowy figure slowly stepped out from behind a nearby tree.

Holding up a phone, the person snapped several pictures of Lena, Milo, and Samuel together.

A smirk spread across their face. “What a great pictures.” they murmured quietly.