Chapter 8: I Want a Divorce

At five in the afternoon, Ella went to pick up Leo from school. Leo saw her and immediately ran over. "Mommy!"

"Baby, did you have fun at school today?" Ella crouched down and hugged her son.

"Yes! The teacher taught us to make crafts today. I made a little boat for you!" Leo pulled out a paper-folded boat from his backpack. On it was written crookedly "For Mommy."

Ella's tears nearly fell. She took the boat and kissed her son's forehead. "Thank you, baby. This is the best gift Mommy has ever received."

When they got home, it was already six in the evening. Ella led Leo through the door. The air was filled with the aroma of food.

Leo shouted excitedly, "Mommy, it's mac and cheese! My favorite!"

Ella smiled. "Yes, Mommy made your favorite. Go wash your hands. Get ready for dinner."

She walked into the kitchen and put on an apron. She was stirring the cheese sauce in the pot. This was Leo's favorite dinner. Every time she made it, she added lots of cheese to make the pasta rich and fragrant.

"Wow, smells good." Jessica's voice came from behind.

Ella didn't turn around. She continued stirring.

Jessica walked to the dining table and sat down. She crossed her legs like a queen. "Ella, since you're cooking, make me a portion too. But I don't want mac and cheese. Too greasy. Not good for pregnant women. Make me something light. Vegetable salad. Baked salmon. Remember not to use too much salt. Oh, and a bowl of pumpkin soup. Make it hot."

Ella's hand paused for a moment. Then she continued stirring. She didn't speak.

"Did you hear me?" Jessica raised her voice. "I said I want vegetable salad and baked salmon—"

"This is my home!" A small voice interrupted her.

Leo stood at the kitchen doorway. His little face was flushed red. His eyes flashed with anger. "This is me and Mommy's home! My mommy is not your cook! If you want food, make it yourself! You bad woman! If you bully my mommy again, I'll tell Grandpa and Grandma!"

Jessica's face instantly twisted with anger.

She suddenly stepped forward. Her finger nearly touched Leo's nose. "You uneducated little bastard! How dare you speak to me like that? You and your lowly mother are both parasites in the Blackwood family! When the heir in my belly is born, you bastards will all be thrown out on the street to beg!"

All the blood in Ella's body rushed to her head. She quickly reached out and covered Leo's ears tightly. She buried her son's face against her stomach. She stopped him from hearing these words.

She looked up. Fire burned in her eyes. "Jessica, shut up. My son is Alexander Blackwood's legitimate heir. He is absolutely not a bastard..."

Before she finished speaking, the door was suddenly pushed open.

Alexander stood in the doorway. His suit was still neat and tidy. As soon as he stepped into the house, he heard the last word—"bastard."

His expression instantly darkened.

Jessica saw him. Tears immediately flooded out.

Her feet went soft. She leaned against the counter. Her voice was so weak it seemed like she might stop breathing at any moment. "Alex... you're finally back... Ella, she... she actually called the child in my belly a bastard... She said the child in my belly doesn't deserve the Blackwood name. She said she would kill this child..."

Alexander's face instantly darkened. The fatigue from exhaustion was replaced by surging anger.

He strode over. He supported the swaying Jessica. The look he gave Ella was full of disgust and disappointment. "Ella, you've disappointed me so much. I thought you were just willful. I didn't think you'd become so vicious. Jessica is carrying our family's bloodline. How could you—"

"I didn't!" Ella interrupted him. Her voice trembled. "Alexander, I didn't say that! It was her—"

"Still making excuses!" Jessica cried louder. "Alex, you heard it! That's exactly what she said! She said the child in my belly is a bastard! She even wanted to call your parents to report on me! I just want to peacefully rest here and nurture the baby. But she treats me like this!"

"Enough!" Alexander's voice was icy. "Ella, you've gone too far!"

"Daddy—" Leo broke free from his mother's arms. His little face was flushed red. His eyes were full of urgency and grievance. "Daddy, it's not like that! It wasn't Mommy who said it! It was Auntie Jessica who said I'm a bastard! She was the one who—"

"Leo, shut up!" Alexander sternly interrupted his son. His eyes were severe. "Did your mother teach you to lie? A five-year-old already knows how to lie for adults?"

Leo froze. Tears instantly flooded out.

Ella's heart shattered. She held her son. She looked at Alexander. Her voice trembled. "Alexander, you won't even believe your own son? You trust her that much?"

"I trust my own ears!" Alexander said. His voice was cold. "I walked in and heard the word 'bastard'! Ella, I've accommodated you enough! I'll give you whatever you want. Property, funds, next quarter's jewelry budget. I also said I'd compensate you. I'd celebrate the birthday with you both. What more do you want? Must you make this house a complete mess?"

"Compensation?" Ella suddenly laughed. That laugh made Alexander freeze. "Alexander, I don't need your compensation! I don't need your charity! I don't need your false promises!"

She stood up. Her eyes were bloodshot. But the tears didn't fall. "You ask what I want? Fine. I'll tell you. I want a divorce!"

The entire living room fell into dead silence.

Alexander stared at her. Like he'd heard the most absurd joke in the world. "What did you say?"

"I said, I want a divorce!" Ella repeated word by word. "Alexander Blackwood, I've had enough!"

"Ella, calm down—"

Just then, Leo suddenly ran over. He hugged Ella's leg tightly.

He looked up. His little face was covered in tears. But his eyes were incredibly determined.

"Mommy, I'll go with you." He said. His voice was small but every word was clear. "I don't want daddy anymore. I just want you to be happy."