Chapter 4

After checking into the hotel, I opened my phone to book a flight.

Miami wasn't a massive international hub, so there weren't many direct flights. The earliest one available was in three days.

That was fine. It gave me enough time to sign the divorce papers with Ethan tomorrow.

The next morning, the traffic on the way to the courthouse was terrible. I arrived five minutes late.

Ethan’s call came through immediately, his voice filled with impatient rage.

"I don't see you at the entrance. What, are you regretting it now? Don't want to divorce?"

"Even if you regret it, you didn't have to stand me up! Naomi, if you really want to back out, just accept Clara as Lily's mom. We can still—"

"I'm sorry, I got caught in traffic," I interrupted him, walking faster.

"Turn around. I'm right behind you. Let's go in and get this done."

Ethan turned around. Seeing me hurrying toward him with a folder of documents, the rest of his words died in his throat.

I pulled out my ID and the marriage certificate. "Let's go. We'll lose our spot if we don't hurry."

During the entire process, I was completely calm.

Even when the papers were finalized and stamped, I felt absolutely nothing.

On the other hand, Ethan looked like he wanted to say something but kept stopping himself. Seeing me opening my Uber app, he finally muttered, "Do you need a ride..."

"Ethan!"

"Daddy!"

Two voices cut him off.

We looked up. Clara was walking toward us, holding Lily’s hand.

I kept my head down and tapped 'Confirm Ride' on my phone.

Lily ran over, looking up at Ethan with a bright smile. "Mommy took me shopping, and we saw your car outside! She said you might be here!"

"Take me to the amusement park, Daddy! You promised me during the bedtime story last night!"

Clara walked up, smiling sweetly at Ethan.

"Take her, Ethan. I already spoke to your parents. I told them we went out together to discuss a new business project. Lily has been looking forward to this for weeks. You can't break your promise."

Then, she turned to me, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

"Naomi, is everything finalized? If you ever need any help in the future, just let me know."

"After all, you did take care of Lily for a few years."

I ignored the mockery in her tone and replied coolly, "Yes, it's done."

Clara pursed her lips, clearly annoyed by my lack of reaction.

She nudged Lily. "Lily, Aunt Naomi is leaving."

"Say goodbye to Aunt Naomi."

Lily looked down, suddenly quiet.

Clara’s eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a manipulative edge. "Lily, a polite girl gets to go to the toy store. If you don't say goodbye, Mommy won't buy you that pretty dress or take you to the park."

Lured by Clara's promise, Lily slowly raised her head and shot me a guilty, fleeting look.

"M-Mom... Aunt Naomi, goodbye."

To be honest, I thought I would be heartbroken.

But at that moment, all I felt was a profound sense of relief.

It was like a terminal patient who couldn't take painkillers, suffering through six long years of agony, finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Goodbye, Lily."

Ethan was shocked by my coldness.

He glared fiercely at Clara, then bent down and grabbed Lily’s shoulders.

"Lily! What are you talking about?!" he snapped. "Aunt Naomi? She is your mother! How many times have I told you, they are both your mothers!"

Ethan was trying to force Lily to apologize, but his harsh tone only terrified her.

She opened her mouth, trembling, tears welling up in her eyes.

I just smiled and waved my hand. "My ride is here. I have to go. Let her call me whatever she wants."

"She's right. She should call me Aunt."