Chapter 4

Rachel stood by the door, looking down at me. In her eyes, there wasn't the slightest trace of reluctance toward either me or Brian, only the cold satisfaction of someone whose plan was about to succeed.

"The company is transferring me to a branch office in another city with no set return date. I'm leaving today."

Her tone was cold and forceful. There was no explanation or room for discussion. She was simply informing me.

"A transfer? How long will you be gone?" I pretended to be confused, playing along with her act.

"I just said there's no set return date." Her tone grew even more impatient.

I calmly wiped the baby food from Brian's mouth and replied without looking up, "Okay."

Rachel clearly hadn't expected me to be so calm. Her expression darkened. She let out a cold snort, then dragged her suitcase out the door without looking back.

Once Rachel left, she disappeared completely. My number was blocked. My text messages were ignored. She vanished without a trace.

She was certain that a stay-at-home dad with no income would eventually break under pressure and give up custody. What she never expected was that the three years without her were the most peaceful years I had ever had. Free from the constant strain of our marriage, I found clarity and fulfillment.

With what remained of my savings, I hired part-time help to handle household chores and take care of Brian, freeing up enough time to return to my former profession in digital media management. I took on freelance projects and built a side income online.

What started as occasional gigs gradually became stable partnerships. My income steadily increased, and I completely freed myself from any financial dependence on Rachel.

After Rachel had been out of contact for an entire year, deliberately abandoning her husband and child, I walked into court with a thick folder full of evidence and formally filed for divorce.

She deliberately refused to appear in court. After legal notice was properly served, the trial proceeded in her absentia, and the judgment was announced.

The judge's authoritative voice echoed through the courtroom, "The defendant, Rachel Stone, was duly summoned by this court and, without valid reason, has failed to appear. Judgment shall be entered by default.

"The evidence submitted by the plaintiff, Peter Freeman, including surveillance footage, certified records of online posts, chat histories, and financial records, forms a complete chain of evidence establishing that the defendant maliciously abandoned her child and failed to fulfill her parental obligations for an extended period of time.

"It has also been established that the defendant transferred marital assets during the separation without authorization, constituting clear misconduct. The verdict is as follows.

"The divorce between the plaintiff, Peter Freeman, and the defendant, Rachel Stone, is granted. Sole custody of the child, Brian Freeman, is awarded to the plaintiff, Peter Freeman. The marital home and all savings are awarded to the plaintiff."

The judge's gavel struck. With that clear sound, every scheme Rachel had so confidently planned came crashing down.

Outside the courthouse, my attorney handed me the stamped judgment with a smile.

"Congratulations, Mr. Freeman. Once the notice period is over, the judgment becomes final. You won."

My fingers brushed across the words on the document. Looking up into the glaring sunlight, I finally felt the weight I'd been carrying for so long disappear. I let out a long, relieved breath.

Life after divorce was great. My career continued to advance. My side business gradually grew into a full-time studio, and my income became increasingly stable.

I devoted myself to raising Brian. Our life was simple and peaceful, yet increasingly fulfilling.

As Brian grew older and started preschool, I would sometimes catch him watching other children being hugged and accompanied by their mothers. Whenever I saw that fleeting look of envy in his eyes, my heart would soften.