Chapter 2

Her casual tone sounded as if she were merely discussing what to have for dinner.

I didn't have the courage to listen further and hung up the phone.

The cold night wind blew against my face, and only then did I realize I was crying.

When Ethan loved someone, he loved them with everything he had.

Years ago, to convince my parents to let us be together, he stood in the freezing rain outside their house for hours, begging for forgiveness until he collapsed from severe pneumonia and was rushed to the hospital.

The doctor said his lungs were damaged, leaving him with a chronic cough.

On countless nights, I would hear him desperately trying to muffle his coughs so as not to wake me.

But now that he didn't love me, he was more ruthless than anyone.

When I got home, I decided to pack my bags. As I reached the door, I heard Ethan and Leo on a FaceTime call.

"Mommy, I hate Chloe. She is so mean! When are you moving in with us?"

"Once we kick this stranger out, we can finally live together."

My hand froze on the doorknob.

I asked myself honestly: had I ever been bad to Leo?

Rain or shine, I always drove him to school and picked him up.

When he hated the nanny's cooking, I looked up recipes and learned to make his favorite meals.

Even when my work was overwhelming, I always made time for him.

But I guess genetics don't lie.

Even blood ties couldn't change how cold-blooded he was.

Since he didn't want to treat me as his mother, I didn't want him as my son either.

Closing my eyes, I pushed the door open.

"Ethan, let's get a divorce."

Ethan didn't even stop signing the document on his desk.

He glanced up at me and gave a helpless chuckle.

"Chloe, how many times have you said that now?"

"We were young and impulsive back then. But our son is so big now. Can we just live our lives in peace?"

"Is Chloe really going to divorce Daddy?"

Leo peeked out from behind the door, unable to hide the excitement on his face.

"Go to your room, Leo. Adults are talking."

Ethan immediately covered his mouth. Noticing my blank expression, he nervously rubbed his hands together.

I stared at Leo for a few seconds.

I used to be someone who couldn't tolerate a single speck of dirt in my eyes.

I loved fiercely, and I hated fiercely.

Seven years ago, while on a business trip, I accidentally saw Ethan and Rachel acting lovey-dovey on the street.

Ignoring the million-dollar deal I was working on, I lost my mind, rushed over, and slapped Ethan hard across the face.

"Ethan Hayes, you are absolutely disgusting!"

Rachel pushed me away, shielding Ethan behind her.

"You crazy woman! How dare you lay a hand on my Ethan?"

Furious, I pointed at Ethan behind her and screamed, "I am his girlfriend! Who the hell do you think you are?"

But she just smiled, leaning weakly into Ethan's chest.

"Ethan, didn't you say that even without a title, I'm the only girl in your heart?"

"She says she’s your girlfriend. Is that true?"