Chapter 2

I even wiped away the fingerprints on the edges. Then I sat on the floor, my heart pounding. Even jumping into the river hadn’t been this thrilling.

Just then, the door opened downstairs. Scott’s impatient voice followed, “Tara, did that crazy woman come back?”

I froze. “Mom, don’t give in! You’re the victim now. Act desperate and make him think you’ve given up!”

I kicked the suitcase of gold bars deep under the bed, then messed up my hair and sat on the edge. I forced myself to calm down and tears immediately welled up.

When Scott pushed the door open, he saw me looking “heartbroken.” Disgust flashed in his eyes. “Still not dead? I thought you had some backbone.”

He loosened his tie, clearly impatient. “Since you’re not dead, sign the papers.” He tossed a divorce agreement at me. “If you leave with nothing, I’ll pay for the abortion. After all, no one wants a woman with a child when remarrying.”

Abort it? Even animals weren’t that cruel.

How could he say that?

Hatred surged in my heart, but I knew now wasn’t the time to explode.

I slowly lifted my head, my eyes hollow. Following my son’s advice, I put on the act of a woman completely broken by grief.

“Scott, after seven years of marriage, are you really going to be this cruel?” My voice was hoarse and trembling.

Scott scoffed and lit a cigarette, ignoring my pregnancy. “Yvette, we’re adults. Don’t make this ugly. Barbara is pregnant with a son. I have to give them proper status. You don’t even know what you’re carrying. If it’s a girl, I’d be at a loss.”

“Bastard!” the little devil in my belly cursed. “Mom, ignore him. That idiot doesn’t know the mistress’s baby isn’t his; it’s the fitness instructor’s!”

I almost laughed out loud. I quickly lowered my head and covered my face, my shoulders shaking. To Scott, it looked like I was sobbing.

“Fine. I’ll sign.” I looked up, tears streaking my face but resolve in my eyes. “But I have one condition.”

Scott frowned and looked at me warily. “You want money? Let me tell you, the company has no cash right now. I’m deep in debt.”

“I don’t want money,” I cut in sadly. “I just want my clothes and personal things. I want nothing from this house, only to cut all ties with you.”

Scott was stunned, clearly not expecting me to agree so easily. A flash of joy crossed his eyes before he hid it.

“Fine. You know what’s best for you. Pack your things and leave tonight. We’ll go to the City Hall first thing tomorrow.”

He turned and left, as if even looking at me was bad luck. As soon as the door closed, I wiped away my tears and pulled the suitcase out from under the bed.

I stuffed the suitcase with old clothes and cheap toiletries, then pushed it, ready to leave at once.

Scott was on the sofa video-chatting with Barbara, speaking in a tone I hadn’t heard in years. When he saw me, he stood and walked over. “Wait. Open it. Let me check, don’t take anything you shouldn’t.”