4

I didn't waste another word. I got out of the car with Arthur.

As Victor's car sped off, I moved our flights up to that night.

There was nothing left about Victor worth holding on to. Every extra second near him was torture.

When we got home, Arthur unzipped his suitcase, took out every present Victor had ever bought him, and threw them all in the trash.

I asked softly, "You don't want any of these?"

Arthur paused for a moment without turning around. "No, Mom," he said calmly. "I don't want anything Mr. Carter gave me anymore."

My mother called.

She sounded anxious and worried. "Daisy, are you really sure about this? You're really divorcing Victor? Arthur's still so little..."

I gripped the phone. "Mom, I've thought it through. We don't need a husband who's rotten to the core or a father who keeps hurting his own child. Arthur and I are flying out to you tonight."

My mother sighed softly. "All right. I won't interfere with your decision."

By the time I hung up, the cab was already waiting outside.

Arthur and I carried our bags outside and got in. On the way to the airport, I came across another post from Lily on Instagram.

In the photo, Leo was holding the limited-edition toy that was supposed to be Arthur's, still beaming.

Lily's caption read, "My son broke his toy by accident. All I had to do was say the word, and someone brought him a new one, even though only a limited number were made worldwide. It's so nice to know there's always a man we can count on, no matter what."

I looked at the photo and, to my surprise, felt nothing. I was numb.

I closed the app and locked my phone.

Arthur leaned quietly against me, holding my hand tight.

He turned to me, looking confused. "Mom... why did Mr. Carter change like this?"

My mind drifted back to the past.

Victor used to be the most attentive husband and father.

When Arthur was born, Victor was too excited to sleep. He held our baby awkwardly, his eyes wet, and told me Arthur was the most precious person in his life.

The first time Arthur said "Dada," Victor was as happy as a kid himself and lifted Arthur high into the air.

Whenever he came back from a business trip, no matter how tired he was, the first thing he did was ask how Arthur and I were doing.

He'd loved us so much once.

I pulled myself back to the present, squeezed Arthur's hand, and met his eyes.

"Arthur, people change. But remember this: no matter how anyone else changes, Mommy will always love you, and I will never, ever leave you."

Arthur leaned on my shoulder and nodded hard.

When we reached the terminal, boarding announcements were playing over the speakers.

Just as we were about to go through security, my phone lit up with a text from Victor.

"Daisy, I'm sorry I couldn't show you and Arthur the office today. Leo was crying so hard, and his toy was broken. I've only just gotten them settled.

"I won't be home tonight. Lily had too much to drink and keeps throwing up, and there's no one else to take care of her. I need to stay and look after her so she'll trust me.

"Explain it to Arthur for me. In a few days, I'll definitely bring you both to the office. I'll make it up to you."

I almost laughed at the message.

I typed one line and hit send.

"Victor, we're getting divorced."

Once the message went through, I took out my SIM card and tossed it in the trash can beside me.

Then I took Arthur's hand and walked toward the gate without looking back.