Starting Over at 40

When I first found out, I thought I'd just tolerate it and move on.That woman looked about the same age as my 18-year-old daughter.My husband, Mason Fleming, was already 42.Our child was in college. It would be embarrassing if this got out.Summer Chamberlain came to me crying, begging me to let them be together. Her clear eyes blinked at me, looking just like me when I had loved without hesitation.But now, the wrinkles at the corners of my eyes and the occasional gray hair reminded me of the fact that I was no longer a young woman."Sure, I'll let the two of you be together."I was just joking, but she took it seriously and excitedly asked, "Elaine, will you actually divorce Mason?""I can. But what happens after that?" I asked in return.She seriously thought about it before gushing, "I plan to have him marry me and bear him a son—he keeps talking about wanting one. But before that, I want him to take me to Northa, to surf in Shaway, and buy me a villa filled with gifts

He tore my pajamas apart in a few quick motions and dragged my undressed body in front of the mirror."I'm disgusting, you say? You're the disgusting one!" He shoved me roughly before continuing, "Look at your chest—it's sagging to your navel. And that face of yours is covered in spots like a rotten orange. How can I desire you? I lose my appetite just looking at you. Don't you find yourself disgusting?"As he spoke, he squeezed my chest."You'd better know your place. If you behave, I'll still let you be a rich wife. But if you divorce me, don't come crying later."Mason slammed the door and left. I was still curled up on the floor, arms wrapped around my chest.We'd been together for 21 years.How could he say something so cruel to me?Perhaps he had changed long ago, and I was the only one who clung to the memories, unwilling to accept the truth.As my nails dug into my palms, the sharp pain brought clarity to my mind."Mason, did you really think I was someone you could treat howev

Yvie's eyes widened. "Dad, did you lie to me?"Mason eventually had the family leave. He wanted to talk to me alone."Why do you have to make things so ugly?" He lit a cigarette. "Summer will give birth to the child, and you'll raise it. You'll still be the lady of this house."I laughed out of fury. "Listen to yourself. Is this something a human being would say?"He immediately shot back. "How am I not human? Look at my business partners. All of them had sons late in life. Their wives even took care of their mistresses during postpartum. Mr. Churne houses eight mistresses in one villa. Still, things are harmonious and perfect in that house!"I just want a son to fulfill my parents' wish. It's your body that's the problem. I wouldn't have to get involved with someone else otherwise. I treat you so well. Can't you be a little understanding?"Your dad only cares about your stepmom and your younger brother. They only treat you well because of my money. Also, you spend money extravagantly,

The private hospital's report said Summer was seven months pregnant.However, Summer and Mason hadn't known each other yet seven months ago.There was no doubt that the baby was not Mason's.Mason had become the ultimate fall guy.During her school break, Yvie came home to grab a few things. The house was now cluttered with baby items. Poppy Reed, Yvie's grandmother, beamed with joy as she helped Summer try on expensive jewelry she had just bought.As Poppy adjusted the necklace, she didn't forget to take a stab at Yvie with her words. "Why are you back? Shouldn't you be in school?""This is my house. I don't need anyone's permission to come home," Yvie replied."Suit yourself. Just remember, all of this will belong to your little brother. If you don't study hard, you'll be out begging on the street."Summer giggled triumphantly. "Yvie, come look! Which necklace do you think I should wear at the wedding?"Yvie shot her a glare and headed straight to her room. She remembered