Chapter 2The 50/50 Divorce

[Demands have been officially registered. Please proceed to the Judgment Hall for the proceedings.]

The crowd surged forward. The other mothers and I naturally fell to the back of the pack.

"Don't be afraid. If housewives were actually paid a salary for their labor, no one here could afford to hire us."

We encouraged and supported each other.

In our shining eyes, there was unshakeable courage and resilience.

We exhaled softly, held hands, and walked in together.

We looked up. The Judgment Hall resembled a massive, theatrical stage.

Under the glaring spotlight, Liam had already been waiting for a long time.

I carried my daughter up onto the stage. Below us, the whispers and murmurs instantly grew louder:

"Wow, this frumpy housewife and her husband really don't match at all."

"Look at her hair, she's practically balding! And that spare tire around her waist... disgusting."

"They always say men peak at forty while women wilt. This is the perfect example of that gap."

"Honestly, none of the women getting divorced today are good-looking. That's probably the real reason."

"Women should make an effort to look good for the men who love them. If you can't keep your husband interested, don't blame him for looking elsewhere."

"What do they mean 'a mistake every man makes'? It clearly just means the wife at home couldn't keep him satisfied."

"My god, is this a live broadcast of a nature documentary?"

"Am I the only one who thinks the wife has it really rough?"

"She clearly hid her true self too well before marriage. This is just karma finally catching up to her."

"Girls, never become a housewife!"

"Agreed!"

...

I whispered to my daughter, "Baby, do you want Mommy to take you to Aunt Chloe?"

The little girl in my arms shook her head and gently patted my stomach.

"I'm already a big girl. I can make my own judgments. Don't worry, Mommy."

"To me, this isn't just fat. These are the medals you got from bringing me into the world. Aunt Chloe said that without this tummy, I wouldn't be here today."

My throat tightened painfully. I hated myself for not being a better mother.

For forcing such a young child to endure this massive family upheaval.

For forcing her to become so mature and understanding so quickly.

I quickly wiped away the tears threatening to fall from the corners of my eyes and smiled down at her.

"My little Lily is the absolute best. Mommy is so lucky to have you."

Yes. I still have my daughter.

And if my best friend was right, today I would take back everything that rightfully belonged to me.

I stared at Liam—who had clearly spent significant time and money maintaining his physique and youthful appearance—and offered a strange, chilling smile.

"The youth and vitality drained by a partner... it will all be returned."