Our affair reached his grandfather’s ears. The
Petersons were old–fashioned. He insisted
Mark marry me. My wish, finally granted.
Twenty–two, pregnant, battling debilitating
morning sickness and a difficult labor.
The memories were a tapestry of pain. I woke
up in the hospital. My head throbbed.
Twenty–seven, my son calling another woman
<
“Mom,” my husband silently consenting.
I pretended not to care, but every moment was
a fresh wound. The people I loved wanted me
gone. I chose silence. Perhaps happiness was
never meant for me.
Do you speak cruelly to the ones you love? I
wanted to ask Mark and Alex. But watching them with Sarah, I already knew the answer. Mark had fallen for Sarah at first sight. And Alex, well, it was the first time he’d shown such affection for anyone besides his parents. We cling to what we first believe in.
Alex was becoming more like his father every day, in looks, temperament, and preferences. They loved Sarah. I had never considered her the other woman. Because from that night at twenty–one, I had been stealing something that belonged to her.
We suffer when we pursue the wrong things. It
was over. It was time to give Mark and Alex back to Sarah.
Mark had already drafted the divorce papers the day Sarah returned. He’d been waiting for
<
lawyer and went to his office.
“I agree to the divorce,” I said, my voice steady. He looked surprised. The lawyer handed us
each a copy of the agreement. I signed without hesitation. Mark hesitated, his knuckles white
around the pen.
“Mr. Peterson, perhaps you’d like some time to consider?” the lawyer suggested.
I knew what he was feeling. We develop
attachments even to our pets. And I had been a fixture in his life for sixteen years.
“I want full custody of Alex,” he said, his eyes searching mine.
I nodded. I wanted neither of them.
He looked at me again, expecting tears, regret,
pleading. There was none.
With a tight grip, almost angry, he signed his
name. I focused on the property settlement,
satisfied with the terms. I left his office.
In the now–empty room, the lawyer mopped his
brow, feeling the chill emanating from Mark.
“Mr. Peterson, should we announce the
divorce?”
<
“No. She’s just throwing a tantrum.” He
seemed to find comfort in his own words. His
frown softened. “Don’t say a word. She’ll come back.”
She just has amnesia. She’s forgotten me and Alex. She loves us too much. She’ll remember. The doctor said it was temporary.
She’ll come crawling back, begging me to take her back. This divorce is just a little punishment for forgetting us so easily.
I’ll forgive her. We’ll remarry.
Mark’s tension eased. He took a sip of his coffee. The lawyer, still sweating, dabbed his forehead with a tissue. The divorce papers are signed, the assets divided… and she’s just throwing a tantrum?
I expected to feel heartbroken leaving the house, after six years. Instead, I felt a sense of liberation, like shackles falling away. I was no longer a wife, a mother. I didn’t have to please anyone, fear anyone’s disapproval.
While they were both out, I hired three moving
trucks and a team of movers, sparing no
– ཞ Īl-
<
expense. I packed every designer handbag,
dress, piece of jewelry, and skincare product I
owned. My baking supplies, the expensive
china, a few favorite pieces of furniture, the
decorative items I’d carefully chosen.
I even packed the gifts I’d bought for Mark and
Alex that they’d never liked, the ones relegated
to the back of closets. I might as well sell them.
They wouldn’t want them now.
The house looked bare. Mark would probably appreciate the newfound space. He’d always complained about the clutter. Now it was all gone. I was leaving a clean slate for the woman who would take my place.
I took one last look at the house before walking out the gate. I wouldn’t be back.
Zhang Ma, our housekeeper who had been with us since we moved in, stood at the gate, wiping tears from her eyes. “Mrs. Peterson, are you really leaving?”
Zhang Ma had always treated me like her own
daughter. She was probably the only one who genuinely cared about my leaving.
<
I took her hands and smiled gently. “You should
be congratulating me. This is a good thing.”
Mark was efficient with the divorce
proceedings. I used a fraction of the settlement
to buy a beautiful penthouse apartment I’d had
my eye on. The previous owners had emigrated,
leaving it fully furnished in a romantic French
style. It was perfect, move–in ready.
I signed the papers and directed the movers to take everything to the new apartment. I’d hired professional organizers, and within hours, my belongings were neatly arranged. Worth every
penny.
I relaxed on the chaise lounge by the floor–to- ceiling windows, enjoying the view. My life was finally beginning.
Daniel arrived, laden with bags. He was the first
person I told about the divorce. I’d always
confided in him; he was my unwavering support. “What’s all this?” I asked, gesturing to the groceries.
“First meal in the new place has to be home-
cooked,” he said, carefully stocking the
<
2:53
82
refrigerator. “Fruit, milk… remember to let it
come to room temperature before you drink it. And…”
My little mother hen. A sudden movement from
a box on the floor startled me.
“Daniel! That box is moving!”
He grinned. “It’s a gift. Open it.”
Hesitantly, I approached. A faint meow came from inside. My eyes widened. I carefully opened the flaps.
A British Shorthair kitten! It rubbed against my leg, purring. My heart melted. Mark’s obsessive cleanliness had made pet ownership impossible. Only Daniel knew how much I loved cats. “Daniel! You know me too well!” I squealed,
scooping up the kitten. I named her
Marshmallow.
Daniel finished preparing dinner. He placed a plate of sweet and sour pork in front of me. “Are you going to be okay here alone tonight?”
he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. He
probably thought I’d be wallowing in misery, mourning my lost love for Mark.
661
,
<
“Don’t worry. I filed for divorce. I’m over him.
The accident cleared my head. Weird, huh?”
Seeing my genuine smile, he relaxed. “I’m so
happy for you. He didn’t deserve you. Now that you’re free, how about coming back to the
company?”
I’d managed my father’s business before the pregnancy. After I conceived, my father, much to the shareholders‘ dismay, handed the reins to Daniel, who was only eighteen and on summer break. But Dad’s gamble paid off. Within two months, profits tripled. Daniel continued managing the company while attending college, quickly becoming a rising star in the business world.
I missed working, but I’d been out of the game
for five years.
Daniel set down his chopsticks. “You’ll catch
up quickly. Remember how you used to shine in the business world?”
My heart leaped. I remembered the thrill of
closing my first deal. I agreed to return.
A few days later, it was my father’s birthday.
2:58
Daniel and I went to my parents‘ house. I
nervously told them the news.
“I’m divorced.”
My father’s face darkened. He raised his hand
as if to strike me.
“Dad!” Daniel shouted.
My mother rushed to my defense, shielding me.
“What do you think you’re doing? We’ve
already ruined enough of her life! She’s an
adult. Let her make her own choices!”
Tears welled up. I hugged my mother, sobbing.
My father’s eyes reddened. He struck himself
instead. “I’m the one to blame, I knew the
Petersons were trouble, but I still pushed you
towards Mark. I have no right to judge you.”
My mother led me to the sofa. “Nicole, if you
want a divorce, then get a divorce. We’ve seen how unhappy you’ve been.” She looked at Daniel and me. “Daniel, why don’t you move in with Nicole and look after her?”
I felt bad imposing on him. I was a grown
woman, I could take care of myself. “I’ll be fine,” I insisted.
<
“The way you cook, it’s a miracle you haven’t
poisoned yourself,” my mother retorted.
I laughed sheepishly. I loved cooking,
experimenting with recipes. But the results, according to Mark and Alex, were inedible. Luckily, Daniel had an iron stomach.
He looked at me, a bit anxious. “Nicky, you’ve never lived alone. And there’s a lot to catch you
up on at the company.”
He had a point. I couldn’t live on takeout
forever. And I did need his guidance at work.
Plus, there was Marshmallow. I needed his help with… well, you know.
