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Lahat ng Kabanata ng Severing Our Ties: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

8 Kabanata

Chapter 1

"Luna’s health is in terrible shape. I’ve decided to bring her home so I can take care of her." I lowered my gaze. Sitting next to the steaming dishes I’d just set on the table was a medical report. A cancer diagnosis. This was William’s idea of an eighth wedding anniversary gift. Sensing the tension, Luna leaned into his arms, her voice soft and pitiful. “William, forget it. I don’t think Susie wants me here.” She let out a delicate sigh. “Besides, I’m dying anyway. You don’t need to worry about me.” “Don’t talk like that, Luna. You’re going to get better.” Then William turned to me, his expression dark with anger. “Susie Winters, do you even have a soul?” “You can’t even make room for someone who’s sick? How are you supposed to be a good example for Caleb?” Right on cue, Caleb picked up on his father’s anger, his tiny fists smacking against my leg. “You’re mean! If you don’t let the pretty lady stay, I don’t want you as my mom anymore!” The soup on th

Chapter 2

The next morning, Will was up at the crack of dawn. For the first time in eight years, a man who never even made a cup of coffee actually cooked a full breakfast spread. Luna sat at the table, practically glowing as she took a bite. “Will, you’re amazing. This is delicious.” He chuckled, his voice warm. “Of course, silly. Who else would I do this for? I made your favorite—cheddar and bacon omelet with a side of blueberry pancakes. You need to eat well and keep your strength up.” “Yeah! Pretty Auntie, try this! It’s the best!” The three of them sat there, laughing and chatting, like the perfect little family. Like I was the outsider. When I walked in, Will cleared his throat and glanced at me. “I made a cheddar and spinach quiche. You should have some.” “Yeah, Will’s cooking is amazing! Try a bite!” Luna said sweetly, slicing a piece and placing it on my plate. Expressionless, I picked up the slice and dumped it straight into the trash. Luna’s eyes welled u

Chapter 3

I looked at them—the father and son—then let out a cold, bitter laugh. One after another. Then, without a word, I stood up and walked toward them. They must’ve thought I was about to apologize, because both of them smirked, their faces full of mockery. SMACK. SMACK. I slapped them both. Caleb’s eyes widened in shock before he burst into tears, clutching his cheek. “I hate you! You’re the worst mom ever! You’re just a mean, bitter woman—no wonder no one wants you!” William’s face darkened, his chest rising and falling with rage. Luna, ever the saint, rushed to play peacemaker. “Susie, Caleb is just a kid! How could you—” SMACK. “Shut up.” I’d been wanting to hit her for a long time. The second my palm landed, she gasped dramatically, then collapsed in a perfect faint. Caleb’s crying stopped instantly, too shocked to react. William panicked, scooping her up in his arms. He shot me a venomous glare as he stormed toward the door. “If Luna’s condition get

Chapter 4

I miscalculated. The elementary school had my number on file, not William’s. The teacher called me over and over again, blowing up my phone until I had no choice but to go in. My design drafts would have to wait. But the moment I arrived at the school, I spotted Luna standing right next to Caleb. Two mothers suddenly appearing must have confused the teacher because she looked completely lost. Caleb, however, didn’t hesitate. Pointing straight at me, he announced loudly in front of everyone, “She’s not my mom! She’s just our maid!” Then, grinning, he nestled up against Luna. “This is my real mom!” Luna reached out and playfully ruffled his hair, casting me a look of open triumph. “Susie, why don’t you just go home? I’ve got everything handled here.” I stood there, numb, watching as they stood together—closer than I’d ever been with my own son. Fine. He had made his choice. From now on, Luna was his mother. I forced a smile. “You’re right, Caleb. Fr

Chapter 5

William’s hands trembled as he gripped the evidence. Luna was still rambling beside him, completely oblivious. “William, just think about it—Susie ran away from home over something so small. She’s so immature! Not like me. I would never—” SMACK! The stack of documents hit her square in the face. Luna gasped, stumbling back. But the moment she caught sight of the papers—her falsified medical records—her legs buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor. “William, it’s not what you think! Please, just listen! I only did this because I love you!” But he wasn’t listening anymore. Because in that moment, he realized—this time, I was really gone. ---With the weight of that toxic marriage lifted off my shoulders, I felt lighter than ever. Back in the industry, I threw myself into my work, finally returning to the life I should’ve never abandoned. I heard through mutual contacts that William was searching for me. But with a country this big, and me deliberately sta

Chapter 6

William stepped forward, still trying to grab my arm. I was done. Without hesitation, I slapped him across the face. “Mr. Larson, you wouldn’t want to end up trending for harassment tomorrow, would you?” “Susie, wait—” Before he could finish, a shrill voice interrupted. “William! I finally found you!” Luna came running toward him, her face filled with joy. After William had discovered her fake illness, he had completely cut her off. But last month, she found out she was pregnant. Which meant—she had another chance to claw her way back. Grabbing William’s hand, she pressed it against her stomach. “William, I’m having your baby! We’re going to be a family again!” William’s face drained of color as he looked between her and me. “Susie, I can explain—” Luna smirked, tightening her grip on his arm and shooting me a triumphant look. “Some people really have no shame. You’re clinging to a man who already dumped you. Pathetic.” “Shut the hell up.” W

Chapter 7

I had barely settled in at home when my phone started ringing nonstop. It was William. I ignored it. Again and again. But he wouldn’t stop. The moment I blocked one number, he switched to another. Annoyed beyond reason, I finally pinched the bridge of my nose and picked up. “What?” There was a pause—then a sharp exhale of relief. “Susie! Thank God. It’s Caleb—he’s sick. Please, you have to come see him!” Once, that sentence would’ve made my heart stop. Once, I would’ve dropped everything and run to his side. But Caleb hadn’t inherited my nature—only the worst of William’s. And there wasn’t a trace of motherly instinct left in me. My voice was steady. “He’s sick? Take him to a doctor. Why are you calling me?” “It’s not that simple. The doctors can’t help.” “Then find better doctors.” Silence. Then, in a hoarse whisper, William finally admitted, “Caleb has depression.” I froze. I hadn’t expected that. Before I could fully process it, a m

Chapter 8

The trending video was Luna’s latest act—her grandest performance yet. She accused both William and me of ruining her life, painting herself as the tragic victim of betrayal. "William abandoned his wife and our unborn child. And it was all because of her! Susie Winters destroyed our love, tore our family apart! And worst of all—she attacked me so brutally that I lost my child!" On-screen, Luna sobbed dramatically, her voice trembling with grief. "No real mother would ever use her own child to smear someone else!" And just like that, the internet exploded. William’s already crumbling company took another massive hit as the stock price nosedived once again. Meanwhile, I became public enemy number one—labeled everything from a homewrecker to a murderer. But did she really think a few crocodile tears and lies could ruin me? I laughed. If Luna wanted a war, I’d give her one. She assumed there were no cameras that day, that no one could disprove her story.

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