Signing the divorce agreement felt like the only way to secure even the faintest future for my child and me.
Three days later, I found myself standing outside the City Hall.
Nelson was already there, waiting. His mother, Dorothy, had come along too–of course.}
FZF
The entire process moved too fast. When it came time to sign, Nelson didn’t even hesitate.”
Just like in my past life–when I was on that hospital bed, hanging by a thread–he didn’t hesitate then either. Didn’t sign. Didn’t save me. Just walked away.”
I still remembered the nurses murmuring in disbelief that night. They said it was a matter of life and death and yet my so–called family refused to authorize emergency treatment. I didn’t even have the strength to sign for myself.
Now, as we walked out of the City Hall building, I spotted a woman standing next to Dorothy. A stranger.
Her belly was already showing–she must’ve been four or five months pregnant.
Nelson’s brow furrowed the moment he saw her. “Why did you bring her here?” he asked.}
“What’s the big deal?” Dorothy replied, her tone casual and cruel. “You and Alisha are officially divorced. She’s going to be your wife soon anyway. Why hide it?”
Her words hit me like a lightning strike. I stared at Nelson and, in that moment, everything clicked.}
“So this was your plan all along, huh?” I said, my voice trembling. “Dump me and give your mistress the upgrade.”}
All those questions I had last time: why Nelson had always been so tight on money, why his parents treated me like I was disposable, why they always had something cruel to say.
Now I knew.
They’d known about the affair. They’d even helped him cover it up!}
I stood there outside the Cithy Hall, my belly heavy with the child they had so easily cast aside and I nearly collapsed. Thankfully, I managed to forced myself staying upright and evened out my breathing.
God, what a well–oiled machine of betrayal this family was!}
“Watch your mouth,” Dorothy snapped. “Shelly isn’t a mistress anymore–and that baby she’s carrying? That’s the first grandson of the Reeds. You don’t get to speak about her like that.“}
First grandson. So, the baby was a boy.
In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I was so glad I got reborn and another chance at life.
“Alisha,” Nelson said, putting on that tired, solemn expression he always wore when pretending to be the martyr, “don’t think I’m being heartless. The responsibility of this family falls on me. I have to think ahead.”}
I looked at him and realized he felt so familiar, yet now a complete stranger.
A bitter smile pulled at the corner of my lips.
Let him talk. He had no idea what was coming. Because today… Dan’s dirty little secret was about to unravel.
Today, the loan sharks were going to show up at the Reeds‘ front door.
The amount Dan owed was enough to sink them completely–enough to make them sell everything they owned just to stay afloat. Without me, they had no way out. And that newly “upgraded” mistress? Shelly was about to join them in their fall from grace.
The thought lifted my spirits.
As I walked away, I heard Dorothy behind me, her tone suddenly sickly sweet.
“Shelly, sweetheart, now our family can finally be together,” she cooed. “Whatever you’re craving, just tell me. I’ll cook it all for you. That baby boy of yours is Grandma’s precious little angel–you make sure to take good care of him!”
I let out a low, cold laugh and gently rested my hand on my belly. My baby… when you’d finally be born, I swear I’d give you the best of everything.
Since I didn’t want the Reeds to suspect anything, I didn’t call a cab. Instead, I walked away on foot, letting them watch me go.§ Before I made it far, I heard Dorothy’s panicked voice shouted behind me.
“What are you talking about?!” She was screaming into the phone in her hand, “Loan sharks? That’s impossible–no one in our family would borrow from them!”
“Tell them not to touch anything! We’re coming back right now!”
She grabbed Nelson’s arm, frantic. “Your father said a gang of loan shark broke into the house. They’ve got your brother, they’re beating him and smashing up everything in sight–we have to get back, now!“}
Nelson quickly calmed her down, flagged down a taxi and the three of them rushed off clearly in panic.
Just before Nelson climbed into the taxi, he turned and gave me a long, unreadable look…
D
