All Chapters of Exiting the Marriage, Entering Her Era: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Okay." Georgia hung up, her fingertips feeling icy.The next morning dawned bright and clear. She got up early, needing to get Sophie dressed for school. Sophie was still zipped up in her sleep sack, her face buried in the pillow, refusing to wake up.As Georgia coaxed her gently and scooped her into her arms, she breathed in the faint scent of milk on Sophia, feeling her mood lift a little.As Sophie grew older, the night terrors had eased up a bit. Back when she was one or two years old, she would often wake up with sudden nosebleeds in the middle of the night. She was stubborn, too. There were times she wouldn't let the adults clean her up, so in the morning, dried blood would still be stuck to her face.Georgia had basically survived those days on sheer willpower.Sophia blinked her sleepy eyes open and pouted. "I want Daddy to take me to school. He promised."Georgia froze for a second. She knew that on the way to school, Fred always told Sophie a short story. Sophie was us

Georgia opened the door without the slightest pause, as if she hadn't heard anything.Back in her office, she leaned against the door and took a long, deep breath. Her fingers, clenched around the file, had gone pale from how hard she was gripping it.Compared to muddling through and swallowing lies, what scared her more was the unknown variables she couldn't control.She sat down at her desk, picked up the landline, and made a call. "Rebecca, could you please forward me the archived materials for the project named Development of an Enhanced Sustained-Release Delivery System for Calming Vitality Granules? I have something important to announce at the 3:00 pm meeting today."Then, she turned on her computer and accepted an incoming document. This project, which had great potential, was one that Fred's grandmother, Marie Bronson, had helped arrange. Outwardly, it was billed as a collaboration between the two sisters-in-law. If it succeeded, it would be a nice little story for people

Georgia's lips curled slightly. Fred had considered everyone else's feelings, yet somehow, hers never seemed to count.Fred stared at her straight back, his tone turning more serious. "I hope you'll take the initiative to talk to Helena and smooth things over. At the very least, keep things civil in public. Don't cause a scene that people in the company can laugh at."This was exactly the Fred she knew—he liked to handle everything his way. As for other people's feelings, they barely even registered with him."I'm not going to her to make peace." Georgia stood up, her voice calm and steady. "All I'll do is my own job, and do it well."She didn't spare another glance for Fred's face, which instantly darkened. She turned, opened the door with a steady hand, and walked out.As soon as she got back to her office, her mother, Olive Rook, called.Olive's gentle voice came through the phone. "This Saturday is your dad's birthday. We're planning to have a small dinner with some friends a

Fred was still wearing the same dark suit from yesterday. It seemed he hadn't even gone home to change. He was tall, broad-shouldered, handsome, and polished. He looked completely out of place in this modest little courtyard."Mom, this is my birthday gift for Dad." He displayed the apologetic warmth of a younger family member and handed over a beautifully wrapped box. Inside were top-grade tea leaves and a full set of teaware, each piece worth a small fortune.Right after, his assistant, Dwayne Green, unloaded several bottles of expensive red and white wine from the car, stacking them neatly beside the table.Olive was delighted as she looked at Fred, whom she found to be outstanding and capable. She quickly said, "You didn't have to bring so many things. Your presence is enough. Sheldon took Soph out to play. Gia, make some tea for Fred, okay? I'll help finish up the last of the cooking.""Okay." Georgia turned around and put a kettle to boil to make tea.Just then, Fred's phone

Georgia stared at him, taken aback for a few seconds before she said, "I'm really tired tonight."Fred's brows tightened almost imperceptibly. Then, he lifted the quilt and got out of bed."Okay. Then get some rest." He brushed past her, a faint, woody scent trailing in his wake as he walked off.In that instant, Georgia felt like someone had taken a hammer to her heart. She tipped her head back and squeezed her eyes shut. This was the first time she'd ever rejected him when he wanted sex.The next morning, she woke up early, changed into a tracksuit, and went for a couple of laps around the neighborhood. When she returned to the living room, she saw Fred on the couch drinking his coffee. Sophie was already dressed and quietly playing with building blocks by his side.The morning light streamed in, wrapping the father and daughter in a peaceful, cozy scene."Mommy!" Sophie ran over happily and clung to Georgia's side.Georgia took a sip of warm water and asked her softly, "How a