"Why would I switch?"
"Who else would be as pathetic as Madeline?"
"A little affection from me, a little pity act from you all, and she'll tolerate anything."
"A woman this stupid? Hard to find another one."
He was right. I had been stupid.
On the road, I clutched the signed divorce papers as tears dripped down.
But no one stays stupid forever.
I pulled out my phone and booked a flight abroad for three days later.
Then I posted the bedroom photos of Zane and Olivia online.
Why should they have all the fun?
After that, I got my hair done. Did a facial.
Everything in the mall I'd wanted but never let myself buy—I bought it all.
Then I returned to the Morton house, happy.
The moment I walked in, a crystal glass smashed into my head.
My temple screamed with pain. Tears sprang up on their own.
Warm blood slid down and dripped onto the carpet.
Mrs. Morton didn't seem to notice. She clutched Asher, glaring at me with pure hatred:
"Look at what kind of mother you are. Asher went to school without a coat today. Are you trying to freeze my grandson to death?"
This was Asher's usual trick.
He'd wake in the middle of the night claiming nightmares, saying my scolding had traumatized him.