Chapter 3My Daughter, The Bad Seed

Not long after Ashley left, my husband, Mark, showed up.

Well, "husband" – we'd been separated for six months, just needing the final divorce papers.

In my past life, I endured everything for Ashley's sake, even turning a blind eye to Mark's cheating.

But this time around, I just wanted this scumbag as far away from me as possible.

"Ashley called me. What kind of mother are you?"

He started right in with the accusations, perfectly fitting his "doting father" persona he'd maintained for years.

"It's normal for teenagers to be rebellious. Yelling at her is one thing, but kicking her out? Poor Ashley, having a mother like you."

I let out a cold laugh, resisting the urge to applaud him sarcastically. "Don't worry, it's not too late. Haven't you already found her a new mom?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Mark's face. Before he could counter, I pulled out the divorce agreement I'd already prepared. "Let's cut the crap. Sign this."

Mark's eyes widened in surprise, then a flash of delight. "You've finally come to your senses?"

"What's there to 'come to senses' about? The deal is, you get the kid, I get the house and car."

His joyful expression lasted about two seconds before his face fell. "What? Sarah, don't push it."

"Me, push it?"

This house was bought with my family's money, and the car payments always came out of my account. Mark contributed less to this household than the cleaning lady I hired.

"You don't contribute a dime, you run around with other women, you're the party at fault. I should be suing you. And you dare argue about assets? Fine. You want to make this ugly? Bring it on."

Mark clearly didn't expect such firmness from me. His mouth opened and closed, but no words came out.

Then, he pulled out his phone. "Ashley, honey, Dad tried his best. Your mom's gone completely crazy, there's nothing I can do. You need to come home right away."

Ashley's hysterical yelling came through the phone. "What? That bitch won't give us money? Dad, don't worry. Just watch how I handle her."