Chapter 6

Jack refused to sign the divorce papers.

I didn’t argue. Instead, I handed everything over to my lawyer and told him to proceed with filing.

I submitted my resignation, but Jack wouldn’t approve it. So, I put in a request for annual leave instead.

After years of helping him build his business, I had barely taken any time off. Now seemed like a good time to start.

Standing at my parents’ front door with my suitcase, I hesitated. Before I could knock, the door swung open on its own.

My mom stepped out, grocery bags in her hands. The moment she saw me, she froze. Then, her expression darkened.

“Why are you here alone? Where’s Jack?”

I didn’t answer. Her gaze swept over me, sharp and unforgiving, before she scoffed.

“Other people come home successful. You? You come running back the moment life gets hard.”

Her voice turned biting. “What, had a fight with Jack and came crying home?”

Mothers know their daughters best. She could tell at a glance that something was wrong. But instead of concern, all she offered was criticism.

“I must have done something terrible in my past life to end up with such a useless daughter.”

“Can’t have kids, can’t keep a husband. Married for years and never brought home any real money. What good are you to me?”

I clenched my jaw. “Didn’t Jack and I give you thousands in red envelopes every year when we visited?”

She sneered. “You call that money?”

Her next words were a slap to the face. “You’ve been sleeping with him for years, and that’s all you’re worth? How cheap can you be?”

She clicked her tongue, shaking her head in disgust. “If I’d known this is all I’d get out of you, I wouldn’t have wasted money on your education. I should’ve just sent you out to sell yourself years ago. At least then, I’d have made my money back.”

The insults kept coming, one after another, cruel and relentless.

I watched her, silent, as she spewed her hatred like a machine gun.

I must’ve been hurt too deeply out there to think I’d find warmth at home.

When I turned to leave, she suddenly ran after me.

Before I could react, she threw a bucket of ice-cold water at my feet.

“Your brother’s winter break is coming up. I’m washing away your bad luck, don’t bring it into my house!”

Then, as if that weren’t enough, she shouted after me, “Jack’s business is doing great. If you don’t bring home at least a million this year, don’t bother coming back for the holidays!”

Her voice chased me down the street. “And don’t waste money on stupid things! You need to buy your brother an apartment in a good school district before he gets married!”

My hands curled into fists, but I didn’t say a word.

I didn’t tell her about the divorce.

I had been away for too long, foolishly hoping to hear a kind word from my mother.

My pant legs were soaked and clung to my skin, ice-cold.

Just like my heart.

Jack was so sure I’d never leave him. Maybe it was because he knew the truth, besides him, I had nowhere else to go.