Chapter 5

The next morning, Leo’s fever had mostly subsided.

The doctor prescribed some antibiotics and discharged us.

When we got back, Ethan still wasn't home.

The kitchen was cold and empty.

I made some oatmeal for Leo and helped him eat.

He was such a good boy. Right after taking his medicine, he quietly went to his room to do his homework.

I walked into our bedroom and opened the closet.

Ethan's side was lined with pristine, expensive designer clothes.

He always said that as a manager, his appearance was his brand, so he couldn't look cheap.

On my side, there were only a few stretched-out t-shirts and old jeans.

I pulled out a massive suitcase.

And I began to pack.

First went Leo’s clothes, books, and toys.

Then my documents, my laptop, and my drawing tablet.

My movements were swift, without a shred of hesitation.

When I got to the nightstand, I pulled open the drawer.

Deep inside was a small, locked box.

This was Ethan’s prized possession. He kept the key on his keychain at all times.

But last night, in his rush to leave for the private hospital, he had changed pants and left his keys on the shoe rack by the entryway.

I walked over, grabbed the key, and unlocked the box.

Inside was a stack of papers.

Right on top was a DNA paternity test.

Petitioner: Ethan Vance.

Test Subject: Lily Lin.

Result: 99.9% probability of paternity. Ethan Vance is the biological father of Lily Lin.

The date on the report was from three years ago.

Right around the time Chloe first came to "seek help."

It had been a scam from the very beginning.

Underneath the report was a property deed.

A brand-new condo downtown. The sole owner listed was Chloe Lin.

Paid in full.

The payment record was from two years ago.

That was exactly when I had received a $20,000 design bonus.

Ethan had come to me crying, claiming his mother was critically ill and needed immediate surgery.

Without a second thought, I had handed him the money.

I had even taken out a high-interest personal loan to cover the rest of the medical costs.

To this day, I was still paying off the interest on that loan, working late nights to sketch designs.

It turned out that the "dying mother" I had starved myself to save was actually a luxury condo for his mistress.

A wave of intense nausea hit me.

I rushed to the bathroom and dry-heaved over the toilet, but nothing came up.

Looking in the mirror, my face was pale and haggard, with fine lines creeping around my eyes.

This was the reward for seven years of loving that man.

I took clear photos of every single document, put them back exactly as they were, and locked the box.

I placed the keys back on the shoe rack.

Suddenly, the front door clicked open.

Ethan was back.

He carried a bag of takeout, a look of exhaustion on his face, but with an undeniable air of smug satisfaction.

He had probably felt like a real hero playing family at Chloe’s bedside last night.

“Babe, how is Leo? I bought some fresh bagels. They're still warm.”

He kicked off his shoes, walked in, and tossed the bag onto the table.

When he saw the suitcase in the living room, he froze.

“Are you going on a business trip?”

I stepped out of the bedroom, holding my phone.

“Yeah. The agency has an emergency project,” I said, keeping my voice completely flat.

Ethan let out a sigh of relief and stepped closer to hug me.

“For how many days? Can you skip it? There’s so much to do around the house, and you know I’m terrible with kids.”

I stepped back, dodging his arms.

“I have to go. Someone has to pay the mortgage.”

Ethan rolled his eyes.

“Fine, whatever. Just make it quick. Oh, by the way, about that money...”

“I transferred all of it to my best friend, Sarah,” I said.

Ethan’s eyes widened.

“What? Why the hell would you do that? I need that money right now!”

“Chloe’s kid is getting discharged, and they’re short on cash. Transfer it back immediately!”

“Sarah is sick. She’s in the hospital and needed a loan,” I lied smoothly.

Ethan lost his mind.

“Her parents can pay for her! Our money is for emergencies! How can you be so incredibly selfish?”

“Chloe is a single mother. It’s hard enough for her. What if they stop her kid's medication?”

He lunged forward to grab my phone.

“Give me the phone. I’ll transfer it back myself!”

I took a step back, clutching my phone tightly.

Hearing the shouting, Leo peeked his head out from his room.

“Daddy...”

Ethan didn't even look at him. His face was twisted in pure rage.

“Go back to your room! Stay out of grown-up business!”

Leo flinched and slammed the door shut.

I stared at Ethan’s ugly face.

To pay for his bastard daughter’s private clinic bill, he was willing to rob his own son of emergency funds.

“The transfer went through. I can't get it back,” I said coldly.

Ethan kicked the couch in frustration.

“Claire, you are absolutely out of your mind! Fine! You want to play dirty? Don't expect me to help you with anything ever again!”

He snatched his car keys off the counter and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

*Bang.*

The apartment fell into a dead silence.

I walked over to Leo's room and pushed the door open.

Leo was clutching his backpack, tears welling in his eyes.

“Mommy, are we leaving?” He had seen the suitcase.

I knelt down and wiped his tears away.

“Yes, sweetie. We’re leaving.”

“Is Daddy coming with us?”

“No.”

“So... do I never have to wear old hand-me-downs again?”

My throat tightened. I nodded fiercely.

“Never. From now on, you only get brand-new clothes.”

I grabbed our suitcase, took Leo’s hand, and walked out of the apartment we had lived in for five years.