8
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That evening, a call came from Liam at the hospital.
“Serenity, I’m sorry, Chloe… she’s not well. She needs to stay a few more days. Her brother asked me to look after her, and I can’t break my word. I won’t be able to come home these next few days.”
My voice was even.“It’s fine. Spend time with her.”
Liam, you can spend the rest of your life with her.
Three days left until my departure.
Then, Chloe sent a video. The same birthday venue, Chloe in a princess dress and tiara, surrounded by gifts. Liam was behind her, kissing her
ear.
“Happy birthday, Princess. What’s your wish?”
Chloe tilted her chin.“I want what she had. Grant me any wish I make!”
Liam nuzzled her nose.“Anything, my Princess.”
I saved the video and left the house.
Armed with Liam’s signed blank paper, I visited a lawyer.
“Mrs. Sterling, the divorce
agreement is ready.
Sign here,
and your
marriage
will be
dissolved.”
I signed without hesitation. Liam and I were strangers.
Two days until my departure. Another video arrived from Chloe.
Liam was pressing his ear to Chloe’s belly.
Chloe smirked.“The baby’s only three months old. You can’t hear anything.”
Liam insisted, “I hear him calling me ‘Dad.“”
yet, but if you want to hear something…‘Dad… Dad…”
Chloe
talk laughed, lifting her nightgown.“He can’t
Liam’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He pinned her to the bed. The bed shook violently.
–“Liam, not that position! Don’t lift me!”
Liam’s voice was low and rough.“You called me ‘Dad,‘ didn’t you? This is how Daddies hold their good little girls.. I didn’t respond. I called my lawyer and sold Liam’s shares. I went to the bank and converted a portion of the money into foreign currency.
Departure day dawned, and I had three tasks to complete.
First, I gathered all of Liam’s extravagant gifts–the jewelry, designer clothes, luxury items–and gave them to the household staff. “I’m celebrating something wonderful today, and I want to share my joy,” I said with a cheerful smile.“Don’t feel bad, just accept them. And you can all leave early today. No cleaning, cooking, or gardening needed!”
They left, beaming, with armfuls of gifts.
Second, I compiled every incriminating piece of evidence–Chloe’s texts, the videos, and the audio recording. A million copies of the texts were printed and dispersed throughout the city via drones. The videos were broadcast on the city’s largest screens, while the audio recordings echoed from a thousand loudspeakers across town.
Third, I packed my bags. The divorce
My phone rang. Liam.
papers were placed neatly on the table, ready for Liam
to find.
His voice was gentle.“Serenity, I’ll be home soon. I’m almost done.”
“I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh? What is it, sweetheart?”
“You’ll see when you get back.” Or maybe even sooner, if the timing was right. The texts, the videos, the recording…
Liam hung up, eager for his surprise. I grabbed my suitcase and walked out.
On the tree–lined street, I met some neighbors.
“Serenity, going somewhere?”
“Yes, for a trip.”
A one–way trip.
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The sun was shining brightly as I stepped into the car heading to the airport,
I didn’t look back.
