Exit the Substitute: Walking Out of Her World
After five years of harboring an unrequited love for Lara Lawson, I am physically and emotionally exhausted. So, I marry my childhood friend, Celine Young, instead.
To the outside world, Celine and I are the perfect couple. We share a wonderful life together and eventually welcome an adorable baby boy.
I regard her as someone who has been by my side my entire life. But one day, I turn on her phone and discover two unsent messages.
"If you want, I can divorce him immediately."
"You're the only man I'll ever love."
As it turns out, what I thought was my salvation is nothing but a cruel joke. I am nothing but a convenient stand-in. And to make matters worse, even my own flesh and blood is on her side.
Heartbroken, I cut off contact and walk out of their lives without a trace of hesitation. After I leave them, they begin to panic.
"Can you please stay, honey?"
"Please don't go, Dad."