Chapter 3

The next day, I added the teacher on Snapchat, pretending to be Liam's aunt.

I'd missed all the parent-child activities over the past three years, but in the teacher's posts, there was always Derek and that woman by Liam's side.

She was always in red, flawlessly put together, her hand tucked in the crook of Derek's arm.

The two of them beaming, cheering Liam on.

In one video, Derek leaned down and kissed her on the mouth.

Like punishing myself on purpose, I replayed that two-second clip again and again, until the ache in my chest finally faded into a hollow nothingness.

That evening, I warmed some milk and brought it to the study.

"I haven't seen Liam's essay yet. Did you take a photo?"

Derek's fingers froze for a moment before he spoke.

"The essays were all kept at the kindergarten. It's just a kid's rambling anyway-nothing worth reading."

Silence filled the room.

I glanced at the document storage box. The paper bag underneath was gone.

He'd given it to her.

I dug my nails hard into my thigh and said.

"Tomorrow's Liam's birthday, and it's the weekend. How about we take him to Disney?"

Derek finally looked up, his face apologetic.

"Honey, I forgot to tell you-I have a business trip tomorrow. Liam's also going to a friend's house. I'll drop him off in the morning and then head straight to catch my flight."

"You've worked so hard all these years. Just rest at home tomorrow."

My thigh felt like I'd broken the skin. My once-calm heart was pierced again with fine needles-dense, searing pain everywhere.

I left the study and went to find Liam.

"Liam, it's your birthday tomorrow. What present do you want?"

His little head poked out from under the covers.

"Didn't Dad say all the presents are at the new house?"

My heart lurched. "What new house?"

He quickly ducked back under the covers. "Nothing, nothing! I didn't say anything!"

My legs grew stiffer. I turned and rushed out of the room.

I asked the teacher to add me to the parent group. I immediately spotted the contact labeled "Liam's Mom."

Rachel posted on Ins almost every other day.

"My husband bought me another dress. My closet's overflowing!"

"Congratulations to Liam for winning first prize in the essay contest! Big dinner tonight to celebrate!"

One week earlier.

"Renovation's done! Housewarming next week, and it's also Liam's birthday party. Everyone's welcome to come celebrate!"

In the photo, Derek had his arm around her in an unfamiliar living room, both their faces radiating happiness.

I looked at it over and over in disbelief.

Derek had bought her a house.

My husband called her his beloved. My son said she was the best mom. My family had a new home-with another woman.

Rage surged through me. I stormed toward the study, ready to confront him.

But I heard Derek on the phone, his voice low and careful.

"Don't overthink it. Of course I love you. Liam adores you. I'm just waiting for the right moment to tell he..."

"Rachel, please don't cry. You have the fashion career you've always wanted. I won't let you get trapped by chores and lose yourself..."

I pressed my back against the wall. Hearing every devastating word. Recording every single one.

I knew then that our eight-year marriage was over. Our bond as husband and wife was finished. Even the bond between mother and son had reached its end.