The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 53

Winona froze for a moment.

Then, warmth flooded her chest.

Her sweet little boy.

Zane understood her—he knew the ache and heartbreak she carried deep inside.

"Sweetheart…" Winona's voice broke as she called out to him, and she couldn't say another word.

Zane smiled gently. "If moms didn't go through pain, there wouldn't be any birthdays for kids. I already heard a beautiful 'Happy Birthday' song just now. Now I want to hear 'A Mother's Love.' Can we sing it together?"

His simple request touched the hearts of all the mothers in the room.

A few of them exclaimed in unison, "Zane's mom, you're so blessed. He's so young, yet he already understands how much mothers go through. Zane really is a gift."

Of course he is!

Winona nodded, overcome with emotion.

The only little girl at Zane's birthday party was the first to chime in.

Her voice was clear and pure, echoing sweetly through the room:

Nothing in the world like a mother's love,

A child with a mother is a treasure above…

The other kids quickly joined in, their voices soft but heartfelt.

Their singing, so innocent and sincere, was infectious.

Soon, the moms found themselves singing along, too.

Winona and Mia sat there, utterly transfixed.

Especially Mia—she was always the emotional one.

Now, tears streamed down her face as she hugged Zane tightly, taking his little hands and clapping them gently in time with the music, turning to Winona with a bright, watery smile.

Nothing in the world like a mother's love,

A child without a mother is lost and alone,

Without a mother's embrace,

Where can happiness be found?

Winona, her own tears streaming, managed a shaky smile. She clapped along with Zane, following the beat.

There were only about a dozen people gathered around the big round table, but their song felt full and powerful, overflowing with emotion.

Even the servers bringing food from the kitchen were swept up by the moment.

A few stood off to the side, platters in hand, quietly clapping along and humming the tune under their breath.

Nothing in the world like a mother's love,

A child with a mother is a priceless gem,

Are you scared now?

What are you so afraid of, Felicity?

You're brilliant, accomplished, proud—how could someone like Winona ever compare? Why worry?

There's nothing to fear.

Hold your head high. Be your bright, confident self.

With a forced cheerful tone, Felicity turned to Julian, "They're having quite the celebration over there, aren't they?"

Julian didn't seem to hear her.

His eyes remained fixed on Winona.

Winona was hugging her son, crying and laughing all at once.

The other parents, equally moved, wiped at their own eyes.

One parent asked gently, "Zane's mom, is his father…?"

Winona turned to her, offering a soft smile. "Zane's father passed away."

Passed away.

Those words rang in Julian's ears.