4

Later at home,I had just managed to calm Lucas down with some goldfish crackers and cartoons when I heard Alexander's key in the lock. I glanced at the clock in confusion. It was only four-thirty. He never came home before seven, and most days it was closer to nine or ten.

"Ivy!" His voice boomed through the house, and I could tell immediately that he was furious.

Lucas perked up from the couch. "Daddy's home!"

Alexander stormed into the living room, his face dark with anger. "What the hell did you do to Sophia?"

"What did I—"

"She called me crying," he interrupted, his voice getting louder. "Crying, Ivy. She said you humiliated her in front of everyone at Lucas's school."

I stood up slowly, trying to process this. "She called you crying?"

"Yes, she's devastated. She's been picking up Lucas as a favor to us for two years, and you embarrassed her in public for no reason."

"No reason?" My voice cracked. "Alex, I didn't even know she was picking up our son. How is that okay? How is it okay that another woman has been raising our child while I sit at home like an idiot?"

"Sophia understands children better than you do," he said coldly. "She actually makes him happy. When was the last time you saw Lucas smile like he does with her?"

The words hit me so hard I staggered on my feet. "Are you seriously comparing me to your best friend as a mother?"

"I'm stating facts," he said. "Lucas adores her. She's been nothing but helpful and kind, and you treated her like garbage because you were having one of your emotional moments."

One of my emotional moments. Like my feelings didn't matter. Like I was just some hysterical woman causing problems.

"She was wearing my necklace," I said quietly.

"What?"

"The necklace I gave you for our celebration. She was wearing it."

Alexander ran his hand through his hair again. "So what? I told you I was going to give it to her. She needed cheering up."

"And our son needed his mother to pick him up from school, but apparently that wasn't as important as Sophia's feelings."

"Enough," he snapped. "You're going to fix this."

"How exactly am I supposed to fix this?" I laughed bitterly.

"I have a business dinner tonight with potential investors. Important people, Ivy. People who could make or break the Morrison deal." He straightened his tie, suddenly looking very businessman-like. "Sophia is coming as my companion to help with the networking."

I felt the blood drain from my face. "Your companion?"

"She's charming and intelligent and knows how to handle herself in professional settings," he said matter-of-factly. "Unlike some people, she doesn't create scenes or embarrass me in public."

"So you're taking another woman as your date to a business dinner?"

"It's not a date, it's business. And you're going to come and apologize to her. Publicly. In front of everyone. The same way you humiliated her publicly today."

I stared at him, wondering when my husband had become this cold stranger. "And if I refuse?"

His expression darkened. "Then you can explain to Lucas why Sophia won't be in his life anymore. See how that goes over."

The threat was clear. Apologize to the woman who was slowly taking my place, or lose my son's love completely.

I heard my mama’s voice. Wise woman…. Foolish woman… which would I pick?

I lowered my head, tears brimming.

"Fine," I whispered. "I'll apologize."

"Good. Dinner is at eight. Wear something appropriate."

He headed upstairs to change, leaving me standing in the living room feeling like my whole world was crumbling around me.

An hour later, while Alexander was in the shower, I heard Lucas talking quietly in his room. I pressed my ear to the door, thinking maybe he was playing with his toys.

But he wasn't playing.

He was on Alexander's phone, having a conversation.

"I miss you, Sophia," his little voice said. "Mommy Ivy was really mean to you today."

I couldn't hear her response, but I could hear my son's side of the conversation perfectly.

"I wish you were my real mommy and Ivy would go away," he said with the casual honesty that only children possess. "Daddy likes you better too. I can tell."

I slid down the wall and sat on the floor outside his room, covering my mouth to muffle my sobs.

My son wanted me gone. My husband was taking another woman to dinner. And somehow, I was the villain in this story.

***

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror, trying to convince myself I could get through this evening without completely losing my mind. The black dress I'd chosen was simple but elegant, something that wouldn't draw too much attention but still looked appropriate for a business dinner.

My fingers trembled as I fastened my mother's locket around my neck. The small silver pendant felt warm against my skin, like a piece of her was still with me. I needed all the luck I could get tonight.

"For courage, Mama," I whispered to my reflection.

I could hear voices downstairs—Alexander's deep laugh mixing with Sophia's musical giggle and the chatter of his business associates. Part of me wanted to stay upstairs and pretend I was sick, but I knew I had to face this. I had to apologize to the woman who was slowly stealing my life, in front of strangers, just to keep my marriage intact.

I wasn’t going to be the foolish woman. I was the wise woman but I was also getting tired.

When I finally made it downstairs, the scene in our dining room made my stomach clench. Sophia was seated next to Alexander at the head of our table, wearing a stunning red dress that made her look like she belonged in a magazine. She was leaning toward him, one hand resting on his arm as she said something that made him smile.

She looked more like his wife than I ever had.

The three business associates—two men and one woman—were watching them with obvious approval. I could practically see them thinking what a perfect couple they made.

"Gentlemen," Alexander said, standing as I approached. "I'd like you to meet my... this is Ivy."

My... what? He couldn't even finish that sentence. Couldn't say "my wife" in front of these people.

"Oh, how lovely to meet you," the woman associate said with a polite smile. "Are you Alex's assistant?"

What?

Before I could answer, Sophia laughed that tinkling laugh of hers. "Oh no, Ivy is... well, she's family. Alexander is so generous, taking care of everyone."

Family. Not his wife. Not the woman he married three years ago. Just family.