Chapter 4

I stared at him in disbelief, then let out a cold laugh.

Brandon, I said, looking him dead in the eye. Are you seeing someone else

His face instantly changed. What are you talking about

I'm not stupid.

Since we ran into each other today, perfect. Let's go sign the papers.

His expression darkened. Claire, are you insane You're dragging this out over one stupid comment from last week

One stupid comment

I repeated his words.

Brandon, I delivered food to you for ten years, and you told people I was just your housekeeper. Do you know what I was thinking when I rode home in that freezing rain I was wondering what the hell the last ten years of my life even meant.

I told you, I just said it without thinking—

You said it without thinking while I was standing in the pouring rain.

For ten years, Brandon, I cooked every single meal for you, and you were too ashamed to even acknowledge me as your wife.

He fell silent.

Let's get a divorce.

Let's end this cleanly.

I'm not divorcing you, he snapped, turning his head away.

Let me remind you, Claire. When we got married, my family spent a fortune on that house and the renovations. Every single thing in there cost money.

You think you can just walk away now On what grounds

I looked at him, feeling a sudden sense of detachment.

Was this really the man I had lived with for ten years

Fine, if you don't want to divorce.

Then we'll just live our separate lives. I'm not coming back, and don't come looking for me. Leave me alone.

Claire!

I ignored him and turned to walk away.

After a few steps, I glanced back.

He was still standing there, watching me, but he didn't run after me.

The next afternoon, I decided to go back to the house to grab some things.

I needed the kids' winter clothes and some important documents that I had left behind in my rush.

I knew he would be at work at 200 PM, so I chose that time.

My key still worked. As I turned the lock, my hands shook slightly.

The house was a mess. On the dining table sat a half-eaten cup of instant ramen.

It had only been a few days, and he was already resorting to instant noodles.

I went upstairs to the master bedroom to pack.

The kids' clothes were in the bottom drawer, so I knelt down, pulling them out one by one.

Then, I heard a car door shut outside.

I stood up and peeked through the window.

Brandon’s car was parked in the driveway.

He was sitting in the driver’s seat. In the passenger seat sat a woman. I couldn't see her face clearly, but she looked young, with long hair and a bright red coat.

They were sitting incredibly close.

The woman reached out and gently stroked his cheek.

I stood frozen, clutching my phone.

So, he really was cheating on me.

I quickly opened my camera app, zoomed in, and took several crystal-clear photos.

I caught them talking intimately, the woman touching his face, and Brandon turning to laugh warmly at her.

After taking the photos, I slipped my phone into my pocket and finished packing.

I zipped up the suitcase and dragged it downstairs.

When I walked out the front door, his car was still parked there.

I walked right up to the passenger side and knocked on the window.

Excuse me, sir. Could you move your car You're blocking my way.