THE CONTRACT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 40

A MONTH AFTERRAYMOND’S POVHaving a peaceful dinner, something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. The clinking of spoon and plates filled the air, and for here I am, not eating alone or staring at my step mother, there was no tension. Just these two around me, sitting together like a real family and yeah.. This are my fucking family...Bella was excitedly talking about her new school, her tiny voice animated as she shared everything that happened."And guess what, Daddy?" She grinned, rolling her eyes. "I made a new best friend today!"I smiled. "Oh yeah? What’s her name?""Eliza!" she chirped.Ava choked on her water. She coughed dramatically, her eyes widening in pure horror."Eliza?!" she repeated, almost dropping her spoon.Bella nodded proudly. "Yes! She’s so nice. She even shared her lunch with me!"Ava’s face twisted like she had just swallowed something sour. "Eliza? That name is cursed."Bella giggled, her tiny hands covering her mouth. "Mommy, you’re so dramatic!" She tea

AVA POVI stared at Mr William, my fingers tightening around the check. My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what was happening.“Why do you want me to divorce Raymond?” I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Without answering, he slid a document across the desk toward me. I hesitated before picking it up, my eyes scanning the words. My heart pounded harder with each line I read.It was a contract.A contract that stated I would divorce Raymond quietly, without telling him I had been forced to do so. I was to leave and move far away, taking our daughter, Bella, with me. In return, I would receive additional financial support every month.My hands trembled as I lowered the paper, my eyes locking onto Mr. William. I studied his face, searching for any sign of emotion, but he remained as cold and distant as ever.Why now? Why was he so desperate to erase me from Raymond’s life?Then I remembered.The way his entire demeanor shifted the last time he saw my father’s pict

AVA POVI went to pick Bella up from school, trying my best not to let the frustration of not working at the company anymore get to me. As we drove home, I played her favorite songs, letting the music fill the car. She was vibing to it, clapping her hands and singing along, her little voice making me smile.But then, she suddenly turned to me. "Mom, you should be at work with Dad. Why did you come to pick me today?"I glanced at her and smiled. "Is it now a crime to pick my child from school?"She pouted, looking a bit sober, but then, as another of her favorite songs played, she nodded along again, her mood lifting. I let out a silent breath.At HomeBella was eating at the dining table while the maid served her, and I was checking her bag for assignments. As I flipped through her school notes, my eyes caught a small brown envelope tucked inside. At first, I thought it was just a regular message from the school. They usually sent emails, but sometimes they sent physical notes too."B

AVA POVI walked toward my car, my steps slow, my mind heavier than my body. Daddy P stood by the doorway, watching me. I bowed slightly as a sign of respect, the way I always had since I was little. He waved back, but something about the way he did it felt different—forced, distant.I slid into the driver’s seat and let out a shaky breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Just as I was about to start the engine, I glanced back at Daddy P. He had turned around suddenly, rubbing his head roughly as he rushed back inside.I frowned. Something wasn’t right. For a second, I thought about getting out and asking if he was okay, but I didn’t. I was too drained, too confused. Instead, I started the car and drove off.Loud music filled the car, the bass thumping hard against my chest. But it didn’t help. I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t even just sad. I felt like I was losing my mind. My foot pressed harder on the gas and I speed By the time I reached the house, my hands were shaking. I pulled up

Ava’s povI adjust Bella in my arms, feeling her weight as I whisper, "You're such a big girl now." She’s completely knocked out, her little body resting against mine. At the same time, I drag our suitcase behind me, struggling a little.Then—bam. The suitcase hits someone.The man turns around, his face twisting into a frown."I'm so sorry," I say quickly, giving him an apologetic look.Before anything else can happen, a hostess rushes over to help me."Let me take that," she says kindly, grabbing the suitcase from my hand. I let out a small breath of relief and gave her a grateful smile."Thank you," I say softly as I settle into my seat, making sure Bella is comfortable in her sleep.The hostess watches us for a second before asking, "Is she okay?""Yeah, she’s fine," I replied quickly. "Just taking a nap."She nods and walks away, leaving me alone with Bella.I exhale and look down at my daughter. My stomach twists.I bite my lip hard, cursing myself inside.I shouldn’t have done