You Made Your Bed

Roberta was the adopted daughter of the Watsons and was Philip's sister.She was just as obsessed with Andy Spraggins, my previous crush, as I had been. But she was the one he loved.After I married Philip, I moved abroad. From then on, we barely had any contact.Still, maybe she never even knew Philip loved her.That was what I kept telling myself, though my hands were already shaking."You stay home and rest, sweetie. I'm going to check on Aunt Roberta."I pulled myself together and drove to the Watsons' house.But the moment I stepped inside, I froze at the sight of Philip, busy cooking in the kitchen.I had assumed he'd gone to work this morning, but clearly, he'd spent the night with his sister.Watching how focused and gentle he looked, I clenched my fists as a wave of bitterness rose in my chest.In the five years we'd been married, he had never cooked for me. He always said he didn't know how.But now, suddenly, he did?He turned around, holding a bowl of soup. My s

Maybe Tyler just got carried away playing and stayed out a little longer.I tried to comfort myself, rubbing my aching head as I made my way to the kitchen.I finished cooking a full meal, and another hour passed, but the front door stayed completely silent.Each time I hoped they'd walk in, I was let down all over again.I sat at the table, watching the food go from hot to cold, then reheated, then cold again. "Tyler, I made your favorite meatballs. When are you coming home?" I mumbled to myself, picking up a meatball and putting it into my mouth. "Is it not good enough?"Eventually, I gave in and called Philip.Maybe Tyler really did lose track of time while playing. I just needed to remind them to come home.The call connected quickly, but the voice that answered wasn't the one I'd been waiting for."Oh, hey, Victoria. Philip and Tyler are here with me. Don't worry."Roberta's sweet voice rang in my ears, mixed with soft laughter in the background. It sounded warm and coz

The next day, I pulled myself together and returned to the Watsons' home.Even though Tyler had hurt me deeply yesterday, he was still the child I had risked my life to bring into this world.If he was willing, I would take him with me.I walked up to Tyler's bedroom door and was just about to push it open when I heard voices from inside."Philip, what's going to happen to Tyler if you and Victoria really get divorced? You can't let him grow up in a single-parent home."Tyler, what do you think about me becoming your mommy?"Fury surged through me like a wave. I shoved the door open without a second thought.Inside, Roberta and Philip were sitting across from each other while Tyler played with his toy cars between them. The three of them looked just like a picture-perfect family."Tyler only has one mom in this lifetime, and that's me."I walked in and tossed the divorce papers on the table."Here's the agreement. I'm taking Tyler. Sign it."Roberta stuttered, "V-Victoria, I

I chose the restaurant where Philip and I had our first date. My plan was to reason with him and settle things peacefully while we still had a shred of dignity left.But he misunderstood.He showed up with Tyler, sitting across from me with that same gentle look he used to wear.Tyler, however, was still sulking and wouldn't even glance my way.I looked at the kid for a long moment before pulling my gaze away and turning to the divorce papers I'd brought.Philip, ever considerate, ordered all my favorite dishes without asking. He even sliced the meat for me and pushed the plate closer with that soft, pleasing smile on his face."Victoria," he said, "I'm sorry. I was stupid. I think we can go back to how things were."He paused, then glanced over at Tyler."Besides, Tyler's only three. He needs his mom.""Then let Tyler come with me," I replied flatly.Philip's expression changed. His lips pressed together before he spoke again, still trying to persuade me."A kid without a f

I didn't reply to Philip. I turned off my phone and closed my eyes.I had already arranged for someone else to deliver Tyler's birthday gift. With Roberta around, maybe he didn't need me as his mother anymore.I had to admit—sometimes even a child's thoughtless words can leave a deep scar on your heart.Sensing my mood, Jasper turned to look at me, his expression nervous and uneasy."Should we go back?" he asked softly. His eyes were filled with tension and fear.I gently patted his hand and gave him a reassuring smile."No," I said. "We're going to a new place to start a new life."If you're willing, I'll be your mom. You'll be my only child from now on. You'll take my last name and be Jasper Cohen."My heart raced as I waited for his answer. But this time, he gripped my hand back and gave a firm nod."I'd love that."After arriving in a new country, I didn't feel comfortable leaving Jasper alone at home, so I brought him to work with me. That was when I unexpectedly discove