Chapter 4

I didn't hold back any longer. "So, you think I've had it easy? Every time Charlie and I needed you, you were by Ryan's side. Anyone who didn't know better would think I was the one who lost my wife. Why don't you just go be with Ryan? Let's get a divorce."

Joanna stood frozen for a long moment before finally coming to her senses. Her voice took on a pleading tone.

"Honey, I was wrong. Please give me one more chance, okay? From now on, I'll put you and Charlie first. Just trust me one more time."

Her apologies always came easily, and they were cheap. I'd heard the exact same words countless times over the past three years. After every argument, she'd admit she was wrong and promise to change. Yet the moment Ryan called, she'd drop everything and run straight to him.

I didn't believe a word of it anymore.

When I remained silent, she turned straight to Charlie.

"Charlie, don't you have that huge Lego set you wanted to build with me? I'll build it with you right now."

Charlie glanced up at me cautiously. I could see the longing in his eyes—he still craved his mom's love.

If Joanna could really change and start treating him right, then no matter how much bitterness I had to swallow, it would be worth it.

I forced a smile and stroked his head. "Go ahead."

Before the two of them even reached Charlie's room, my phone buzzed with a message from Ryan.

"Ethan, Joan left in such a hurry earlier that she forgot her hair clip on the nightstand in my bedroom. Should I have her come pick it up, or would you prefer I bring it over?"

The nightstand in his bedroom?

He was going out of his way to drive a wedge between Joanna and me. Too bad nothing he said could stir even a ripple in me anymore.

"Do whatever you want."

I sent the reply, then immediately blocked his number and deleted his contact.

A minute later, I heard Joanna's phone ring inside Charlie's room. Seconds later, she hurried back out.

"Honey, Cynthia has a fever. Maybe she was in the bath too long. Ryan doesn't know what to do, so I..."

She looked too guilty to meet my eyes. When she spoke again, her tone was almost pleading. "Cynthia is still my niece, and she's Vivian's only child. I can't just ignore her. I promise you, this is the last time."

I looked at her, and the last shred of hope I had left died for good.

A leopard never changed its spots. Even knowing that walking out that door could cost her both her marriage and her son, she still insisted on going to Ryan's without a second thought.

"Go if you want."

My voice was flat, devoid of all emotion.

A flicker of guilt crossed Joanna's face, but she headed for the door anyway.

"Honey, trust me. I'll be right back. Don't overthink this. Just wait for me."

She rushed out so fast she forgot her coat, and almost instantly, the front door slammed shut behind her.

Just then, Charlie walked out of his room and took my hand.

"Daddy, did Mommy leave again? I hate her. I never want to see her again…"

I crouched down and wiped away his tears. "From now on, what if it's just you, me, Grandma, and Grandpa living together?"

Charlie gave a firm nod. "As long as I have Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa, I'll be the happiest kid in the world."

I pulled him into my arms and held him as tightly as I could.

The last chance Joanna had begged for hadn't even lasted half an hour. There was nothing left in this house worth holding on to.

I called a moving truck and packed up everything Charlie and I owned.

After taking one last look at the half-assembled Lego set in Charlie's room—the one that would never be finished—I took his hand and walked out without looking back.

Early the next morning, Joanna returned home carrying a bouquet of roses.

The quiet, empty house left her in a daze. She hurried into the living room, only to find the divorce papers waiting on the coffee table.

The roses slipped from her hand, scattering petals across the floor.

She spun around and bolted out the front door.