02
When I spoke up, neither Gavin nor Barry even flinched; they seemed to think I was being ridiculous.
Gavin said, “Freya, do you really find this amusing? You’re the one in the wrong. We just let you spend a night outside to think things over. What’s the big deal?”
I opened my mouth to respond but found myself at a loss for words. He spoke so casually as if he’d forgotten that it was freezing in the north this time of year.
I had stood in the rain for hours waiting for them and then spent a long, cold night outside, which led to a high fever and pneumonia. It was a kind neighbor who brought me to the hospital; otherwise, I might not have made it.
t, forced a calm expression and shook my head with a wry smile. “There’s nothing more to say. Just sign the papers.”
Gavin looked taken aback. He was used to throwing around divorce threats during our arguments, but I had never been the one to bring it up.
“Freya, do you even know what you’re doing?” His surprise quickly turned to anger.
Weakened by the aftereffects of my fever, I steadied myself and replied firmly, “I do know. There’s no point in continuing this marriage.”
Gavin, who was so accustomed to being coddled, suddenly looked flustered. His face turned red with rage. “Fine! If you want a divorce, let’s do it!”
“He grabbed the divorce papers and flung them at me, the papers hitting my face.
“Let me tell you something. Freya, a woman like you doesn’t deserve me. You’re broke and have no connections. I can’t wait to see how you survive
without me! And you can forget about taking Barry. He’s staying with me. I won’t let him live a poor person’s life with you!”
Barry, standing nearby, quickly wrapped his arms around his father’s leg, shouting, “Only a kind and gentle woman like Ms. Bloom deserves to be with Dad! She plays the piano and teaches me how to swim. You can’t do anything! You’re not my mom anymore! Get out of our house!”
The boy looked so much like me, yet his words cut deeper than any knife. If I had heard this before, I would have been devastated, tears streaming down my face. But now, all I could think was that our mother–son bond had reached its end.
“Don’t worry, I won’t fight you for custody,” I said, turning my gaze to Barry before adding, “From now on, you’re not my son anymore. You can choose
whoever you want to be your mom.”
With that, I didn’t look back at either of them as I headed to the bedroom to pack my things.
I didn’t have much, just a few changes of clothes, my entire worldly possessions.
All these years, I had centered my life around Gavin and Barry, pouring all my love into them. Their happiness was my happiness, and in the process, I had lost myself.
I had given up everything to protect this family, but to them, it was as if this family was disposable. I had been a fool to think that love could be
reciprocated.
Before leaving, I deliberately took off my wedding ring and placed it on the bedside table. This ring had bound me for ten years, but now I was free.
As I walked out with my bag, I found Gavin and Barry on their phones, video chatting with someone. I heard a familiar voice from the screen.
“Is Barry behaving today? I’m bringing you a gift tomorrow. A teddy bear you wanted!”
It was Lisa.
Barry responded eagerly, his voice bright and cheerful, “Ms. Bloom, you’re the best! I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!”
Gavin’s expression softened, and he looked like the perfect husband, a stark contrast to the arrogant man he had been just moments ago. “Lisa, don’t spoil him too much; it’ll just ruin him.”
Laughter filled the room, and I felt like the odd one out.
But it didn’t matter anymore; after all the hurt, my love for them had run dry. My head was spinning, and I knew it was time to go.
So this time, I left decisively, without hesitation. I slipped away quietly like a shadow fading into the night
