Chapter 8

"Dad, Mom, Happy New Year. I hope you both stay healthy and live a long, happy life."

"Claire? Are you outside? I hear traffic." My mother was as sharp as ever.

"Ethan posted some party photos on his feed, but you weren't in any of them. Did you two get into a fight?"

I covered the microphone, blinking back tears, and forced a cheerful tone. "Of course not. I just didn't want to be in the photo. We're doing great. We'll come visit you on January 2nd."

"Claire, sweetie, are you sick? Your voice sounds stuffed up. If you two had a fight, it's okay. Don't bottle it up. Where are you? Your father can drive over and pick you up right now."

Tears and mucus covered my face, but I kept my voice steady. "I'm fine, Mom. Just a little cold. The apartment is full of guys smoking and drinking, and I couldn't stand the smell, so I stepped out for some fresh air. I'll head back in a bit. Don't worry about me. I'm perfectly fine."

My father took the phone, his voice laced with concern. "Did Helen nag you again? Don't listen to her. Having children is a matter of fate. If she has a problem, tell her to call me. I'll set her straight."

I was loved. No matter what happened, no matter how old I got, my parents' love for me would never change.

They had never told me to just "endure" a bad marriage.

And because they loved me so much, I couldn't bear to ruin their holidays. Their health wasn't great, and the last thing I wanted was for Ethan and his mother to cause a scene at their house.

Once the holidays were over, I would leave this city. This marriage would be done.

Soon.

I refused to go back to that apartment. I contacted a lawyer friend and got a divorce agreement drawn up. I stayed in a hotel for the next two days, completely ignoring Ethan's calls and texts.

On January 2nd, I finally called Ethan.

"My parents don't know about your illegitimate child. Don't let it slip," I warned him coldly before we entered my parents' house. I forced a bright, loving smile as we walked through the door.

"You've lost weight, sweetie."

The moment my parents saw me, they started piling food onto my plate, just like they did when I was a kid.

Ethan lowered his head, looking ashamed. "Mom, Dad, it's my fault. I haven't been taking good care of Claire. I promise to work on my cooking after the holidays."

I did my best to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage. No matter how much Ethan disgusted me, I swallowed the food he placed in my bowl.

But the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by an unexpected phone call.

My phone rang. It was Chloe. She was sobbing hysterically. "Claire! I can't reach Ethan. Can you please let him take the phone?"

My parents looked confused. "Who is that? Is there an emergency?"

I hung up immediately. "Just a telemarketer."

But a tiny knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. What if something actually happened to the boy?

I quickly reasoned with myself. Helen was there. Chloe was a grown woman. If it were a real emergency, she wouldn't be calling my phone.

She was probably just playing another one of her games.

After dinner, my mother and I were washing dishes in the kitchen while my father played chess with Ethan in the living room.

Suddenly, someone started pounding violently on the front door.

I didn't even dry the soap off my hands before rushing to open it.

The moment the door opened, Chloe lunged forward and slapped me across the face. "I know it was my fault for coming between you and Ethan! But Leo is innocent! How can you be so heartless? He is only three years old!"

Hearing the commotion, Ethan rushed over. The moment he heard his son was in danger, he pushed me aside and pulled Chloe into his arms. "Don't cry, sweetie. What happened to Leo? Tell me slowly."

Chloe collapsed to the floor, sobbing. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have taken him to the playground. He kept asking where his daddy was... you promised to play with him... I felt bad, so I took him out."

"He fell and cut his head open. There was so much blood! I tried calling you, but I couldn't get through. I called Claire and begged her to let you come home, but she hung up on me! Do you really not want us anymore?"

"Ethan, I promise we will disappear from your life forever. Just please save Leo! He is my only son!"

Ethan scooped her up in his arms. "Leo is my son too! How could I ignore him?"

I wanted to stop them from making a scene in my parents' home, but they rushed out before I could even speak. The ugly truth was laid bare in the most brutal way possible.

Behind me, my father's panicked voice rang out. "Martha! Martha, look at me! Don't scare me! Claire, call 911!"