Chapter 9
The extreme cold hit just a day after the scorching heat ended. That day, Mia, restless after being cooped up for so long, begged to go outside and play.
Liam suggested they buy supplies first, but Clara laughed it off. “You’re overthinking things,” she said. “There’s no way we’ll face another
disaster so soon. My daughter’s happiness comes first.”
The danger had just left, and most of the people put their guard down. Liam, ever indulgent, relented
After a hearty meal, he took Clara and Mia out for a day of fun, only stopping by the supermarket late in the evening.
But luck wasn’t on their side. The shelves were bare, picked clean by others who had learned the hard way to stock up after the heatwave.
They returned home empty–handed.
That night, Clara locked Liam out.
I had been right all along. Clara and Mia had secretly stockpiled food during the heatwave.
Security footage confirmed that, late at night, the two would sneak back to their own home to eat, only returning to mine once their bellies were full.
But with their stash dwindling, Clara made the ruthless decision to cut Liam loose.
Starvation took its toll. Liam was weak, delirious, and desperate.
“Jane,” he pleaded, “come back and save me. If you do, I’ll forget about the divorce. Please.”
But I wasn’t a fool. Divorce was non–negotiable. I valued my life far too much to risk it for him.
I rejected his proposal and, for good measure, recorded the call. Then, I messaged Clara.
[I’ve contacted the police.]
I threatened her with fraud charges, warning that if she didn’t take Liam back, she’d face legal consequences once the sun rose again.
Fearful for her own life, Clara reluctantly relented. She brought Liam inside, feeding him just enough to keep him alive.
But once he regained his strength, Liam texted me again.
[I knew I couldn’t count on you. Marrying you was the worst decision of my life. Clara is ten times the woman you’ll ever be!]
I stared at the message, incredulous. How blind had I been to
ever
marry such a man?
If he could survive without me, then he could also die without me. From now on, I wouldn’t lift a finger for him.
