3

Cait was still standing in the living room, stunned, when Rhea returned after bidding Evan and Chelsea farewell.

Startled, Rhea called, "Mrs. Creed?"

After regaining her composure, Cait went to the couch and took a seat. "Rhea, please prepare dinner for me."

She had previously done everything by herself in an attempt to gain Evan’s affection. She had never given up, despite the fact that they only met a few times a month. However, Evan had never given a damn about what she did.

She felt exhausted now. She missed her former self, who was pampered by her parents and brother and never did anything.

Cait walked upstairs to the study to draft a divorce decree after supper.

She was a pediatric surgeon, and the Hoth were wealthy. With her wealth, she would be able to provide her daughter, with a comfortable life.

In the early stage of their marriage, Cait had wanted to work at Evan’s company. But Evan told her not to stress herself and just remain an housewife. Moreover he never liked the idea of his woman working since he is capable of providing their need, so Cait had to become a devoted housewife.

She was not even after his money, but after all this, she explicitly stated in the contract that Evan would provide her with half of his post-marriage earnings in addition to an additional two million a month in child support for Katie.

However, she didn't know who Katie would prefer to stay with.

She made the decision to question Katie halfway through the papers. She picked up the incomplete contract and walked out of Creed Estates.

Evan purchased Katie a villa when she was born, and since there was Katie’s favorite place because of the beach nearby, Katie had always stayed here with a maid of course.

Cait went there by cab. Her phone buzzed as soon as she exited the vehicle.

"Traci Woodley' posted a new image" was the notification that appeared on the screen.

Cait quickly tapped the post before she could stop herself.

In the past, she wouldn’t have checked Traci’s post because she never thought Evan would be having an affair with her. But now?…

The post was a photo of Evan whose face was covered with sticker, and Traci in front of him. They look like a couple.

How did she know it was Evan? Because of the design on the watch on his hand. She had bought the watch for him. 

[Had a few drinks, caught a chill, and he showed up the second I called. This feels ideal] the caption said. 

Maybe Traci wasn’t aware Cait already knew she was having an affair with Evan.

Cait’s heart hurt when she saw this. Perhaps she needs to take a backseat and give them what they desired if they truly loved each other. She would only demand Katie and her just portion of the assets if they got a divorce. Nothing more.

After putting her phone away, Cait entered the living room.

When Lia, the housekeeper, saw Cait, she froze. "Mrs. Creed?"

 "Where's Katie?" Cait asked as she entered.

Lia gave a gentle smile. "Oh, she's upstairs playing with her Barbies."

Just as she was finishing her sentence, Katie’s startled voice screamed out. "Mommy?”

Cait felt her throat constrict. It had been weeks since she had seen Katie.

She hurried up the stairs, dropped to her knees, and embraced Katie, kissing every inch of her face.

But as she withdrew, Katie raised her hands and gave her cheeks a vigorous, pink wipe before she stopped.

Cait felt her heart tighten. Her intended questions vanished from her mouth. Her chest was a jumble of pain and bewilderment as she gazed at Katie with blurry eyes.

Katie interrupted her before she could say anything. "You're here just in time, mom! I was going to give you a call. I would like to attend Rainbow School at Kings street when I resume school.”

When she said the name of the school, her eyes brightened.

Although Cait was perplexed, she didn't want to disappoint Katie. It was only school after all. She could attend the new school of course.

She then gave a nod. "Rainbow school it is, then."

Katie jumped up and down. "Thank you, Mom! You're the best."

Katie could not bring herself to bring up the divorce as she saw her daughter smile.

After touching her stomach, she glanced up and spoke in a serious tone. "Kat, would you want a little brother or sister?"

Katie paused to reflect, then responded. "A little cute brother, I guess."

Cait felt a stabbing pain in her chest. She blinked away her tears. "What if Mommy's scared?"

Although there was no longer a physical risk of amniotic fluid embolism, the worry persisted in her bones.

Katie gave her a detached glance. "So stop being so self-centered. Did you not have me?”

Cait froze. She felt as though she had been struck by a lightning. She was immobile as her face turned pale.

There was a long gap before she finally spoke. "Aren't you scared of losing Mommy?"

Cait had been there for every tear, every feeding, and every late night since Katie’s birth. She had hardly slept through the night for five years.

She simply wanted to hear Katie declare her love for her right now. Katie, however, scowled. "Ugh, I gotta go to bed now."

Running back to her bedroom, Katie slammed the door.

Cait stood motionless. Her entire body was chilled.

Katie’s happy voice came through the door a moment later. "Traci! I get to attend the school  on Kings Street! And I can be near you now. You can pick me up right away after work. And... can you not have a baby with Daddy? Mommy told me that having children is extremely risky. You may not survive if you bleed a lot. Let Mom do it. She won't be afraid because she already has me. Traci, I miss you so much! I want to cuddle with you and hear your stories.”

Cait’s heart broke.

Her knees felt weak as she remembered how Katie had wiped away her kisses.

She had assured herself that Katie would be there for her even if she lost Evan. Now, though? Katie was closer to a stranger.

All of her love, late nights, and sacrifices had been a farce. This family didn't give a damn about what she had contributed.

Cait finally dragged herself downstairs.

When Lia noticed her confused expression, she attempted to inquire what was wrong, but Cait dismissed her with a wave.

She took out her phone and contacted Evan as soon as she got outside. Before he answered, she dialed five times. 

His voice was harsh. "I'm busy, what?”

"I must see you now. Like right now.” With a voice that sounded like she was breaking, Cait responded.

Evan scowled at her cry.

After few seconds, he responded, "Whatever it is, we'll talk when I’m less busy and home.”

He hung up after that. 

In her ear, the tone of the dial buzzed. She was unable to cry at all.

After eight years, she was at her breaking point. There must be an end to this marriage. In any case.

She still had to battle for custody, though even if Katie was now closer to Traci.

Katie was still her daughter. She refused to simply let her go.

As the idea sank, a Rolls-Royce arrived at the gate of the Villa.

Cait turned to look who it was. She could see Traci in the passenger seat, carrying a bunch of pink roses, and Evan in the driver's seat through the windshield.

Evan also noticed her. A silent standoff ensued as they gazed at one another across the distance.

A second later, Evan exited the vehicle. 

"Evan, we need to talk," Cait yelled as he went for Traci’s door handle while pretending not to see her.

Evan continued to grasp for the door while ignoring Cait.

Running over, Cait smacked his hand away. “You are free to have an affair with whoever you like, Evan. However, Katie is my daughter. Who do you think you are, allowing a stranger to stand in our way?"

At last, Evan turned to face Cait.

His voice was chilly and low as he gazed down at her. "Traci’s a better mom than you'll ever be."

He shoved her out of the way and let Traci out.

Cait stood there, mentally repeating what he had said.

And as if the one he and his mother said wasn't bad enough, it kept getting worse.