After work, I headed straight to the preschool to pick up my son.
The first thing he said was,
“Mommy, today’s my birthday.”
The second thing-
“Is Daddy coming to celebrate with us?”
Right there on the busy sidewalk, my eyes stung.
“Your dad. he…”
Before I could finish, my phone buzzed.
Nate finally replied.
[I’m free. Coming home.]
The relief hit me so fast I barely stopped to think.
“Don’t worry, Leo. Daddy’s coming home.”
He clapped his hands and threw himself into my arms, thrilled.
After six years of marriage, this was the first time Nate was willing to show up for Leo’s birthday.
That night, I cooked a full dinner spread.
Leo even finished his homework early.
One hour passed.
Then two.
Then three.
I kept texting, again and again.
But just like always, no reply.
Leo seemed to get the message.
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Chapter 2
He looked up at me carefully.
“Mom, is Daddy just… really busy again?”
My chest tightened.
I wanted to explain,
but no excuse could make it better.
So I just said,
“It’s okay. Mommy will always be here with you.”
He didn’t ask again.
Just quietly picked up his party hat.
“Can you help me put this on, Mommy?”
I nodded and leaned over, but caught a glimpse of Zoe’s new Instagram post.
[Today was perfect. I loved every second of it.]
The photo was a fancy dinner, candlelight glowing on the silverware.
No faces shown, but in the top right corner-
I saw a wedding ring.
The exact one I picked out for Nate.
Except he always wore it on his pinky.
Because to him, that meant he was “single.”
How ironic.
The symbol of our marriage, a badge of bachelorhood.
While our son turned six at home,
he was at some upscale restaurant having a romantic dinner.
Somehow, the heartbreak just turned to silence.
I gave the post a like, then set the phone down.
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Chapter 2
Turned to Leo and placed the hat gently on his head.
“Happy birthday, baby.”
Under the candlelight, Leo closed his eyes and made a wish.
“My birthday wish is that I get to be with Mommy forever.”
I picked up my phone and snapped a photo.
Right then, the thought of leaving rooted itself deep.
“Okay,” I whispered.
“Mommy promises.”
That night, neither of us mentioned Nate again.
It was like he never existed in this family of two.
Once Leo was asleep, I pulled out the divorce papers I’d already prepared.
Any hesitation left in me disappeared.
At 2 a.m., Nate finally came home.
He froze when he saw the cake. Guilt flickered in his eyes.
“Sorry. I forgot.”
I almost laughed.
All those unread messages-
How could he have missed them?
Or maybe he didn’t.
Maybe Zoe’s perfume was just too intoxicating.
I handed him the papers, flipping to the last page.
Tried to keep my voice steady.
“Just sign this.”
Before he could even react, his phone rang.
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Screw You, Ex! My New Life’s Hotter Than Your Money!
Zoe’s voice came through, tuky addre
“Hate, the powers ont at my place
I’m scared, Can you come day with me?
Nate word imediately, panic on his face
“Hang on–I’m coming”
He didn’t even lock
just grabbed the pen and signed.
I stepped aside and watched him walk out the door.
Mate, I hope you remember this,
You were the one who gave up on this family,
