Chapter 1

I had been a stay-at-home mom for ten years, and every single day, I made sure to deliver a home-cooked lunch to my husband’s office.

But today, the rain was pouring down too hard. I asked him if I could just sit in the lobby for a bit until the storm passed.

His forehead creased into a deep frown. What are you doing sitting here It looks so bad if my coworkers see you.

But the storm is crazy right now...

Just leave, okay Look at how disheveled you are. You're embarrassing me.

He practically pushed me out the door.

Just then, one of his coworkers walked by and glanced at us. Oh, hey, Brandon. Is this your wife

Brandon’s face went pale. He let out a forced, dry laugh. No, no. She’s my housekeeper. She just dropped something off on her way.

With that, he shoved his umbrella into my hands and whispered through gritted teeth, Get out of here. Don't make a scene.

Out in the torrential rain, I got soaked to the bone.

I had cooked and delivered his meals for ten years, but in his eyes, I was nothing more than the hired help.

That afternoon, I packed up the kids and moved into a small rented apartment.

That night, my phone rang off the hook. I only sent him one text back

Since you told everyone I’m just your housekeeper, it doesn't make sense for a housekeeper to live with you anymore, does it

When I finally answered the phone, Brandon’s voice was tense and angry.

Claire, what is your problem Dragging the kids out in the middle of the night just because of what happened at noon

Do you have any idea how hard I work My coworkers and bosses were all there. You sat in that lobby looking like that—where was I supposed to put my pride

I stood by the window of my tiny rented apartment, watching the rain drizzle outside.

Just because of that

My voice sounded incredibly flat, even to my own ears.

Brandon, do you really think that was a small thing

I just asked you to leave first! How bad could the rain be What's the big deal about getting a little wet Was it really necessary to run away with the kids over this

His voice grew louder and more aggressive.

Just come back home. Stop throwing a tantrum. You're making us look like a joke.

I looked down at my hands.

After ten years of marriage, I was still wearing the cheap silver ring he bought me when we wed.

Back then, he said he’d replace it with a diamond when we made more money. I had waited ten years for that promise.

Now, I didn't need to wait anymore.

I'm not coming back.

Brandon, get ready for a divorce.

There was a sudden silence on the other end, followed by a mocking snort.

What nonsense are you talking about Divorce Claire, have you lost your mind

I've never been saner.

I turned around, leaning my back against the cold window pane, taking in the cramped apartment.

My two kids were squeezed together on a small bed in the inner room, fast asleep. The younger one, Leo, was still clutching his worn-out teddy bear.

You said I’m your housekeeper. It’s definitely not appropriate for a housekeeper to live in your house with her kids. Moving out is exactly what you wanted, right

It was just a stupid comment! Claire, are you seriously never going to let this go I was just trying to save face in front of my coworkers. I said it without thinking, and you’re taking it literally

Without thinking.

I repeated the words, and a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

Brandon, when you say things without thinking, do you ever stop to care about how I feel

Do you have any idea why I look the way I do today Is none of that on you

What do you even want from me

I told you. A divorce.

Fine. You think you're so tough.

His voice went icy cold.

Let me tell you something, Claire. Once you walk out that door, don't think about ever coming back. Don't come crawling back to me crying later.