Chapter 2

Without hesitation, I slipped into my pajamas and left the room.

After five years of marriage, I knew Clara's temper well. She seemed gentle, but in reality, she was domineering. I had to be obedient like a pet if I wanted her to treat me kindly. After defying her repeatedly today, I was certain she would be furious.

When I saw the suitcase Sarah had thrown away, I understood that no amount of effort as a stepfather could ever make me truly belong.

I really should leave.

After booking a flight to Parville for tomorrow, I found a guest room and went to sleep.

I woke up at 6:00 am sharp.

Clara didn't like the maid's cooking. She only ate what I made. For five years, I had cooked for her and Sarah every single day. It had become a part of my routine.

Today, I ignored the habit, closed my eyes, and went back to sleep.

I didn't know how much time had passed before a sudden bang broke the silence. Clara shoved the door open and roared, "Bruce, why didn't you wake Sarah and me this morning? There are no suits, no skirts, not even breakfast!"

I stayed where I was, keeping my eyes shut."If I don't wake you, can't you just set an alarm yourself?"

Clara froze. For five years, I had taken care of everything in the mornings. Now that she had to rely on herself, irritation quickly set in.

"Isn't that your duty as a husband? William could manage it; why can't you?"

That ex-husband of hers was indeed an exemplary man.

I had never met him, but he often texted me, saying he would be back soon and that I should pack my things and leave.

I kept my eyes closed and said flatly, "Go ahead and get back together with your ex. I won't stop you."

Clara frowned. "Is that all you managed to come up with after thinking all night? Bruce, be realistic. You don't even have a degree or work experience. You've been a stay-at-home dad for years, isolated from society. If you leave me, what makes you think you'll survive out there?"

She continued, "I know you're upset. Sarah threw away your things and said she liked William. You're not heartbroken; you're just irritated that the marriage contract is about to expire and you want more money. Very well. I'll give you ten thousand more each month. Stop sulking."

Then, she issued her final order. "I have a meeting this morning. Get up and take Sarah to school."

With that, she turned and left.

I slowly opened my bloodshot eyes. In the end, I said nothing and swallowed the grief and bitterness rising in my chest.

In Clara's eyes, I had always been a man who could be bought. She believed money could bind me, and in that sense, she was sincere.

However, she didn't know I was going to divorce her, and I wasn't going to wait for her approval.

I got up and brushed my teeth. Just as I stepped outside, I saw Sarah at the door with her backpack.

She saw me and let out an annoyed huff. I ignored her and grabbed a piece of bread for myself.

"I don't want bread!" Sarah snapped. "I want mushroom soup!"

When she saw me bite into the bread, she froze, realizing it wasn't for her.

Her stomach let out a loud rumble, and her face turned red as she glared at me.

"Hey! Stop eating and take me to school!"

I sat down and ate. "You can go to school by yourself."

Sarah stared at me in disbelief. "Are you seriously making me go alone?"

I glanced at her. "You're seven. You're perfectly capable of going to school by yourself."

She stomped her foot in anger and shot me a resentful glare.