Chapter 2

I started preparing ingredients at six in the morning.

I spent the entire day trapped in the kitchen, so exhausted my back was killing me.

Marcus was either handling work in his study or tending to his snake plants on the balcony.

Ryan, my son, arrived first, carrying a box of premium tea and ten packs of cigarettes.

Then he handed me a plastic bag containing some blackened, rotten fruit.

"Bought these before New Year's. Judy said they couldn't finish them, so she told me to bring them to you."

He said this with a smile, as if he saw nothing wrong with it at all.

I said nothing and took the fruit into the kitchen.

Soon after, my daughter Lester arrived too.

The fish was simmering in the kitchen, and afternoon sunlight flooded the living room.

My children sat around their father, chatting about everyday life.

In this harmonious scene, I alone felt like an outsider.

Soon, the food was served.

Ryan raised his glass first:

"Dad, I want to toast you! If you hadn't set such an example, my career wouldn't be where it is today. You're not just my father—you're my greatest mentor!"

Lester stood up too. "Dad, without you, our family wouldn't have the life we have now. I toast you as well."

After emptying their glasses, Lester took a bite of food and frowned. "Mom, the food is too salty."

They all seemed to have forgotten that today was supposed to be my fiftieth birthday celebration.

"I have something to say too."

Marcus drained his third glass and set it down heavily on the table, as if he'd made up his mind about something.

"Marta, there's something I have to confess. I've fallen for someone else—one of my students."

"We've been together for quite some time now. She's young and insecure. I want to... give her a proper status."

I gripped my fork tightly.

Before I could speak, Ryan said excitedly:

"Dad, you finally said it! Honestly, not everyone has that kind of courage. No matter what, I support you!"

Lester applauded. "Congratulations on your second spring! Come on, let's toast to this love that transcends age and convention!"

The three of them raised their glasses together while I sat in silence, like an outsider.

"Mom, you're killing the mood!"

"Yeah, Dad found true love. Shouldn't you be happy for him?"

Their eyes held reproach, as if looking at a petulant child.

I stared at the dishes growing cold on the table and suddenly laughed bitterly.

Then I pulled a wrinkled divorce agreement from my pocket.

"Fine. I'll give you what you want."