David had no father around, so whenever we needed help, it was my parents who watched Ethan.

Even David’s current law firm only existed because my parents sold their bigger suburban house, bought a smaller one, and gave him the cash to start his practice.

And yet he remembered none of it.

To him, my mother’s life wasn’t even worth fifty thousand dollars.

After twelve years of marriage, I finally realized with painful clarity—David didn’t love me.

Because love means cherishing the ones your partner loves too. Hatred works the same way.

When I stepped out of the restaurant, David’s car was still parked outside.

A girl in a red dress sat in the passenger seat, pouting, asking him to apply her lipstick.

He carefully traced her lips, and she leaned in with a giggle to kiss him.

Through the windshield, I watched them laugh together.

When David spotted me, his smile faded instantly, though he showed no guilt.

The girl glanced at me curiously as he started the engine and sped off.

A puddle left by the morning rain splashed filthy water all over me as his tires cut through it.

Soaked and humiliated, I dragged myself home.

Ethan ran up to me, his arms halfway outstretched.

“Mom, what happened? Did you fall?”

It felt like my heart was being crushed.

I knelt and pulled my little boy into my arms.

Helen hurried out of the bathroom with a damp towel, handing it to me.

“Weren’t you having dinner with David? How did you end up like this?”

I forced a smile.

“Tripped on the way back.”

After I’d cleaned myself up, she pulled me aside and whispered, “What’s David planning about Margaret’s case?”

Thinking of what he’d said before leaving, I answered with difficulty, “He… he said we’ll take it to court.”

“Court is good. At least Margaret will get justice.”

Helen nodded firmly, then pulled out a bank card and shoved it into my hand.

“This is the money Robert and I have saved up. These cases cost a lot. Take it. If you need more, just tell us.”

“Mom’s heading back. Your dad’s waiting for dinner.”

She patted my hand and turned to leave.

I chased after her, still clutching the bank card, but the door slammed shut in my face.

The plastic in my palm burned like fire, searing through every nerve.

I wanted a divorce.

But how could I tell her that?

How could I admit that all her years of devotion meant nothing to David?

That in his eyes, I was just as worthless?