Chapter 2

Like an open wound, the memory of Alex's words continued to haunt me.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" he had shouted, his face inches from mine. "You dare to press for a divorce?"

I'd backed against the wall, my hands trembling. "I can't do this anymore, Alex."

"You think I like being with you?" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Sam is the reason I'm doing any of this."

He stormed out, leaving me alone with tears streaming down my face as his footsteps echoed through the hallway.

I slid down to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. Five years ago, I'd married Alex believing I could make it work for Sam's sake. I'd convinced myself Alex would eventually love me, that we could become a real family.

What a fool I'd been.

---

The fluorescent lights of the bakery buzzed overhead, intensifying my headache. I stood staring at Sam's favorite strawberry cake.

"Can I help you?" The woman behind the counter pulled me from my thoughts.

"This strawberry cake," I said, pointing. "Is it available?"

"Of course." She smiled broadly while boxing it up. "Is this for your daughter?"

I forced a smile. "For my son. I'm hoping it brings him joy."

But even as I said it, the weight in my chest told me otherwise.

---

When I opened the front door, the scene that greeted me made my heart stop. Sam and Lilith were cuddled together on the couch with Alex sitting beside them, his arm casually draped behind Lilith. They looked like the perfect family a family I wasn't part of.

"Where have you been?" Alex asked without looking up.

I held up the bakery box. "I went to get Sam's favorite cake."

Sam's face hardened. "I hate strawberry cake now." His eyes burned into mine. "I don't like anything from you."

The box nearly slipped from my fingers. Without a word, I turned and fled to the kitchen, setting the cake on the counter with shaking hands.

I gripped the edge of the sink, trying to steady my breathing when I heard footsteps behind me.

"Don't," I warned without turning around.

"Ella..." Alex's voice was softer than I expected.

I spun around. "What do you want?"

He stepped closer, reaching for me. "I want you."

I shoved him away. "Go to Lilith. She'll be happy to warm your bed." My voice cracked. "I want a divorce, Alex. I can't live like this anymore."

"Sam needs you," he shot back. "I'm not going to divorce you."

"Daddy?" Sam appeared in the doorway, clutching his stuffed dinosaur. "I don't want her. I hate her." His bottom lip trembled. "Aunt Lilith is what I want. She loves me. And she looks like Mommy."

Alex's face darkened. "Sam, go to your room. Now."

But the damage was already done. I felt whatever was left of my heart crumbling as Sam glared at me before running off.

"You see?" I whispered when we were alone again. "He doesn't want me here either."

"He's just confused"

"Alex, just give me a divorce," I interrupted. "You already have Lilith my sister's perfect replacement. She even looks just like her."

Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. He stormed out without another word.

When he returned minutes later, he threw a stack of papers at me. I picked them up with trembling hands divorce papers, already filled out. My heart sank and soared simultaneously, knowing I'd never see Sam again but finally being free of this hollow marriage.

I signed without hesitation.

Alex snatched the papers back. "Make sure you're out of this house by tomorrow." He slammed the door behind him.

I collapsed onto the bed, emotions warring inside me. After a moment, I pulled out my suitcase and began mechanically packing my things.

---

The apartment I'd secretly rented weeks ago was small but clean. I set my suitcase down in the empty bedroom and looked around at my new life a life without Sam.

As afternoon approached, I ordered takeout and ate mechanically, not tasting anything. After a shower, I crawled into bed, exhaustion finally claiming me.

I woke disoriented, my head pounding. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I realized I needed to find a job soon. The money my mother had left me was dwindling fast.

I searched through my things for my college diploma but couldn't find it. With a groan, I remembered it was still at Alex's house, tucked away in the office drawer.

One more thing to deal with.

---

The next morning, I felt even worse. My limbs were heavy as I dragged myself to answer the insistent knocking at my door.

Janet burst in the moment I opened it, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"Sweetheart!" she exclaimed, studying my face. "How are you? I'm so glad you finally ditched that jerk." She frowned. "Why do you look like death warmed over?"

I laughed weakly, leaning against the door. "I'm glad I left him too. Just exhausted from moving." The lie came easily. "And I miss Sam."

"This calls for celebration, not moping!" Janet declared, flopping onto my couch. "Don't worry about Sam. Everything happens for a reason."

I raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"

"I know so." She grinned mischievously. "There's this new club downtown I've been dying to check out. Come with me tonight? It's time you relaxed and maybe met someone new."

"A club? Janet, I just got divorced yesterday."

"Exactly! Perfect timing." She wiggled her eyebrows. "When's the last time you had fun? Real fun?"

I thought about it and couldn't remember. "Fine," I conceded. "But I'm not looking to meet anyone."

"We'll see about that." Janet's eyes sparkled with determination.

Despite everything, I found myself laughing. Maybe this was exactly what I needed.