Chapter 1

Two years after Ethan and I got remarried, we had a child.

He actually kept the vows he made before our remarriage.

No flirting, no cheating, completely devoted to the family.

I thought we had returned to the days before there was a rift between us.

Until our son’s parent-teacher conference.

I took off work early, wanting to surprise my husband and son at school.

Instead, I saw Ethan holding a strange woman’s hand, laughing and talking with the teacher.

And the child I carried for nine months was clinging to the woman's leg, calling her "Mommy."

My heart turned to ice.

Suddenly, this remarriage felt like a complete joke.

Since they were a happy family of three, there was no need for me to take up space.

Back home, I curled up on the sofa, hugging my knees.

Once, I had screamed and cried hysterically over Ethan’s cheating.

We cried, fought, and made up over and over again.

But a broken mirror can never be truly mended.

This time, I was genuinely exhausted.

The door clicked open.

"Chloe, you're home? Why are the lights off?"

Ethan flipped on the light, and both father and son bent down to change their shoes.

The bright light stung my eyes, and I raised my hand to block it.

Seeing that I didn't speak, Ethan gently pushed our son forward.

A timid little voice drifted over:

"Chloe, the teacher praised me for working so hard in class today."

Blinking against the light, my gaze fell on Leo, who was hiding behind Ethan.

For all these years, I thought he was just naturally distant and introverted.

I used to worry he was sick. I took him to the hospital countless times, but the doctors always said he was perfectly healthy.

Yet today, seeing him happily hugging another woman and calling her "Mommy" made all my years of effort look like a pathetic joke.

Looking away, I stared at Ethan with cold eyes.

"Who was that woman holding your hand at the conference today?"

"Were you spying on me?!"

A flash of anger crossed Ethan's eyes at being caught.

It was brief, but I caught it.

Realizing his tone was too harsh, he quickly walked over to me, looking apologetic.

"You misunderstand, Chloe. She’s just a distant cousin. I knew you were busy with work, so I asked her to help..."

"So you let Leo call her 'Mommy'? You wanted everyone to think I was the home-wrecker?"

My sudden raise in volume frightened Leo. He quickly ran over and let his father hold him.

Ethan picked him up and frowned slightly.

"Chloe, are you under too much pressure lately? Let’s take a family trip this weekend to clear your head."

"Let me put Leo to bed first, and then we can talk, okay?"

If I hadn't seen the betrayal with my own eyes today, I might have been fooled by his gentle words again.

I let out a soft laugh, ignoring his act.

"It doesn't matter if you admit it or not."

Before they came home, I had already initiated the divorce process online.

I turned and walked out, ignoring Ethan calling my name behind me.

Standing by the river, watching the autumn leaves blow in the wind, I remembered the promises he made when we were young.

The scenery hadn't changed, but his heart had.

My phone suddenly buzzed, interrupting my thoughts.

"Chloe, long time no see."

Seven years ago, this very voice had completely ruined my life.

I gripped the phone tightly.

The woman’s voice continued over the line:

"Ethan slit his wrists five times just to make you soft-hearted enough to remarry him. You didn't actually think he was still in love with you, did you?"

"My health is too poor to have children. He only came back to you so you could bear one for us. Leo has been distant from you all these years because Ethan made sure of it."

"What did you say?"

My voice rose, my breathing turning shallow and fast.

Rachel laughed softly.

"I didn't plan to show my hand so soon, but well, you saw us today."

"The boy is older now. I deserve my rightful place in this family, don't I?"

"After all, the one who isn't loved is the real intruder."