Chapter 5

We've both had children; how could I not see through her act? But I still nudged Jason towards her.

Lily was taken to the hospital with great fanfare. It was clear the Parkinston Family valued this "new bloodline" highly. Everyone was there.

I sat in the corridor waiting. Jason came in.

His first words were to me, "Riley, Lily… wants a formal status."

I was stunned.

"I know this isn't fair to you, but she's pregnant now, a time when she feels insecure. That's why she wants security."

He solemnly took my hand. "Don't worry, we're just having a fake divorce. After she gives birth, we'll remarry."

A lie. I was not a little girl anymore. But… never intended to have this marriage anyway. Retreating to the background was just a pretext to lull the Parkinston Family into a false sense of security.

What I truly want was to take all that I've accumulated over the years and fly far away. Left a bastard child for the Parkinston Family.

Jason and I got our divorce certificate this morning. Lily and he held their wedding this afternoon.

I was among the guest list. The Parkinston Family was initially worried I wouldn't attend. But I readily agreed.

This was the second time I've seen Jason this drunk. The first time was at our wedding.

He was like this was when he married me, arm in arm with his brothers, repeating over and over, "I love her, I really love her. I finally married her, brother, do you know how happy I am?”

I was sitting opposite him. The flower pinned to my chest said "bridesmaid."

"Riley." He swayed, took my hand and placed it on his face.

Burning hot, he said, "I'm drunk, Riley. Could you give me a bowl of hangover soup?"

My brother handed him a whole packaged bottle.

He pushed me away. "She has to cook it herself."

He came home drunk every day during a crucial period of his career. My excellent soup-making skills were all thank to him.

I got up. I poured him a glass of water and handed it to him. "Jason, from now on, take care of yourself."

He held the glass blankly. His eyes were blurry as he watched me walk away.

My brother nudged him. "Hey, shouldn't you go after her? After all, she's your ex-wife."

He laughed. "What ex-wife? Isn't she my wife?"

I stood at the door and turned back. He took a sip of water, his eyes filled with confusion. I slowly closed the door.

I clutched a plane ticket for an hour later. And evidence of his infertility.