Chapter 5

Truth is, Asher's a lot like Janet—smart, explosive.

They've been in charge for so long, at home and at school, that anything outside their version of reality feels like an attack.

But his tuition, his life—that was me.

Job after job. I paid for his education, sent him overseas, set him up for a future.

And still, to him, I'm just a useless old man.

I remember when he was little. He adored me.

He'd wrap his arms around my neck and say, "Daddy, I'll love you forever."

Yeah. Back then, Janet was buried in work. After he was born, I was the one raising him.

It was just us every day, so of course I was his favorite.

Now he's grown, and his future—his career, his power, his status—comes from his mother.

And me? I'm dead weight. Just a burden.

I looked at the food I'd brought home, then at Asher—same old thing, just barking orders.

I was done. He's thirty. Surgery or not, he's not helpless.

He'll live.

The second he realized I wasn't playing along, he froze.

Then he grabbed his phone and called his mother.

Janet sounded calm on the other end. "Don't worry. I'll be home once I'm done dealing with Connor. Just talk to your dad. He'll cool off."

After thirty-plus years of marriage, she was way too confident.

She really thought I'd never get mad.

That I'd never actually leave.

I almost laughed at her certainty.

Then Liam called.

"Harlan, our investigation confirmed it. Janet registered a marriage overseas with a man named Connor Sackett twenty years ago. They also have a child together. Under Arlencia law, that's bigamy. Your case? Completely airtight."

I stood there with my phone in my hand, completely numb.

Twenty years. A marriage certificate. A kid.

So this was what Asher meant by there's "nothing" between Connor and Janet.

This was the truth Janet had buried for decades.

My voice shook as I thanked Liam.

Then I sank to the floor and broke.

I cried for all the love I poured out for nothing.

For the years of sickness and pain that gave me nothing back.

But once those tears were gone, I swore it—

I'd never cry over the two of them again.

***

For the next few days, I stayed home with Asher.

He talked to me here and there. I only asked one thing—when his mom was coming back.

He dodged it every time.

On the fifth day of Janet's mysterious disappearance, she finally showed up.

Like nothing had ever happened, she smiled bright. "Harlan, look what I brought you."

I stepped out and saw a box of fresh blueberry muffins on the table, still warm, filling the room with sugar and butter.

I used to love blueberry muffins.

Then I got diabetes when Asher was in middle school. I hadn't touched sweets since.

I looked at her, unimpressed, watching her fake attempt to win me back.

Without a word, I turned and went inside, came back with the printed divorce papers.

"Since you're here, let's not waste time. Sign it."

Janet froze.

Before she could react, I handed her the complaint Liam prepared.

"Janet, you cheated during our marriage, committed bigamy overseas, and drained marital assets. I'm not just divorcing you—I want every dollar you owe me. All of it."