Chapter 2

Hank's expression turned cold. "You heard everything?"

"Yeah," I replied.

"When did you wake up?"

"When you started arguing with Josh."

Suddenly, the room felt suffocating.

Hank held my gaze for a long while, but there was no guilt in his eyes; only the coldness after being caught red-handed.

Eventually, he shrugged. "Well, since you heard, you ought to know that I'm right."

"How so?" I asked.

"You're barren, but you hid it for me."

"I didn't mean to."

"Seven years," he growled, his eyes narrowing sharply. "You had countless opportunities to tell me, but you never did."

I lowered my gaze, tugging on my blanket. "And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You had countless opportunities to tell me about Sue's children, but you never did."

Hank's lips thinned. "They're my responsibility."

I was still holding his gaze, and suddenly felt exhausted. "Just send me the divorce agreement."

He raised a brow. "What's gotten into you this time?"

"Nothing," I replied, staring at his prayer beads. "I'm just leaving you."

Hank suddenly laughed softly in disdain. "And where would you go without me?"

"Home…"

"You don't have one."

"Then I'll stay at a hotel.

"You have no job and no savings. You leave my house, and you won't even be able to fend for yourself."

I was left silent for a few beats.

He was right.

I resigned from work after we married, not because he asked. His mother had been ill, and the Frosts found themselves caught in a chain of crises. As husband and wife, I thought it was only right to support each other through those hard times.

Soon after, Hank brought those children home one after the other. I didn't even have time to work.

Everyday, I'd wake up at six to cook the children breakfast before sending them to school. After that, I had to deal with housework, tuck them to sleep, and then clean up the living room.

When Hank occasionally returned home, all he saw was a clean house, piping hot food, clean laundry, and five kids that called me mom but weren't mine.

"It doesn't matter, I said. "I can start over."

Hank laughed as if I was joking, his eyes narrowing darkly. "Did you think living out there is easy?"

"That's my business," I replied bluntly.

"Yvie Stark!" he bellowed my name, not in control for the first time.

But I wasn't afraid.

Seven years ago, I used to worry about making him angry.

Five years ago, I used to worry about disappointing him.

Three years ago, I used to worry about him leaving me.

But now, I suddenly realize his feelings aren't any of my business.

He could get upset, tell me that I'm being unreasonable.

But I don't care, and I refuse to play his games anymore.