chapter 4
I nodded. As I reached for it, I noticed Quilla’s latest social media post. Today was great. I really enjoyed myself.
The photo showed a beautifully plated dish at a high-end restaurant. Even though no one’s face was visible, I noticed the wedding ring peeking out in the top right corner. It was the one Matthew and I had chosen when we got married. He had always worn it on the pinky of his left hand—he didn’t want others to know he was married.
How ironic. The ring that was supposed to symbolize marriage had become a symbol of Matthew’s single life.
On Tyler’s sixth birthday, he was having a candlelit dinner with his lover at a fancy restaurant.
All the bitterness I felt turned into calm. I liked the post and put my phone down. Then I turned to put the birthday hat on Tyler. “Tyler, happy birthday.”
Under the candlelight, Tyler closed his eyes and pressed his hands together. “My birthday wish is to always be with Mom.”
I grabbed my phone and captured the moment. At that instant, the thought of leaving grew into a certainty I couldn’t ignore.
“Alright. I promise you I’ll always be with you.”
That night, no one mentioned Matthew. It felt like this home had always belonged only to the two of us.
After Tyler fell asleep, I pulled out the divorce agreement I had prepared from the drawer. The last trace of hesitation left me.