Chapter 2

2

I sat at home, gazing at the house we had worked so hard for over the years. As I looked around, I felt a lump in my throat.

It was hard to admit that I wanted to let go after everything we had invested in this place.

After graduation, Ayden and I lived in a rental house together. We worked hard to move into this big flat. Then our daughter was born. In the eyes of outsiders, we were a happy family. I didn't expect that our relationship would end.

"Mom, why are you crying?" my daughter asked, wrapping her arms around me.

"It's nothing," I replied, gently patting her head. Tentatively, I asked, "Hallie, if I decide to leave, would you come with me?"

She nestled into my embrace, "Wherever you go, Mom, I'll follow."

I hugged her as tears fell again.

"Alright, we'll go together."

Just then, Ayden walked in and asked, "Where are you planning to go?"

"Nowhere. I was just thinking of taking Hallie out for some fun."

"Great, count me in. Let's all go to the beach together."

I couldn't help but sneer. Hallie fell into the water when she was a child and was afraid of water.

Even bath time required extra caution, so a trip to the beach was out of the question.

It was likely because his mistress liked the sea that he suggested it.

He thought he was being discreet, but the lingering perfume and lipstick marks were undeniable evidence.

I chose not to confront him, convincing myself that he had been promoted to a manager, and there would always be people approaching him actively, and maybe he was accidentally left behind during a social event.

It wasn't until I saw it with my own eyes that my last illusion shattered.

The person I once loved so much had already cheated on me.

Given this, there was no need for me to maintain this family.

"Why are you still sitting there?" he questioned.

"I'm feeling unwell today and want to rest."

"Alright, but make sure you're ready by tomorrow. By the way, why did you take down our wedding photo?"

How could he, a man who had been indifferent to his family for years, actually notice this?

I told him it was dirty and I planned to replace it.

"That's fine. A fresh start for the new year."

When he entered the room, he paused. "Where did all the clothes go?"

I casually replied, "Those clothes are out of style. I plan to throw them away and buy new ones for Christmas."

While tidying up, I realized that all my clothes were still from ten years ago.

Meanwhile, his wardrobe was filled with clothes I had saved up to buy for him.

I imagined him wearing these outfits, conquering the corporate world, and being the protector of our home.

Yet, I never expected him to wear these nice clothes to be with another woman.

I was wrong.

I shouldn't have hoped for more from the start.

Just now, he received a call. The woman on the other end coaxed him, and he was instantly eager to leave.

"Well... I suddenly have a social event to attend."

Even my daughter saw through his clumsy lies.

She asked me, "Didn't my dad just go out?"

There were some things I knew well, but I just pretended not to know.

Besides, I had more important things to do now.

I told Hallie, "Go pack your things, don't forget to grab your favorite toys, we're leaving soon."