Chapter 3My Husband Tried to Leave Me with Nothing But Our Son Had Other Plans

The next morning, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, staring into space, when a knock came at my door.

"Mom, it's time. Let's go."

I jolted, pulled back to reality. Why did he seem even more eager for this divorce than his father?

I opened the door and looked at him, a suspicion blooming in my chest. "Why aren't you getting ready for school?"

He gave me a complicated look. "Mom, it's July first. Summer vacation started."

I had been in such a fog for the past month that I had completely forgotten. A wave of guilt washed over me, and I reached out to straighten the collar of his shirt.

"I'm so sorry, sweetie."

He tilted his head and smiled. "If you really feel guilty, you can take me on a trip. We could go to the beach. Scuba diving, fresh seafood... the works." He made a "V" for victory sign with his fingers.

"Deal," I said, a real smile finally breaking through. The heavy gloom in my heart seemed to lift, just a little.

Nicole came with Mark to the courthouse.

We weren't even officially divorced, and she was already so impatient to claim her new role.

Alex greeted her without missing a beat. "Hey, Nicole. It’s pretty hot for you to be running around like this. You should be careful you don't melt my little brother."

"You—" Nicole shot him a glare, turning to Mark for backup.

Alex quickly feigned innocence. "Dad, I didn't mean anything by it. It's a hundred degrees out here. I'm genuinely worried about the baby."

Mark’s face was a stony mask. He turned to Nicole. "Why don't you wait in the car? There's no need for you to come inside."