Looking at the three of them—playing their parts in perfect harmony—I felt nothing but nausea rising in my stomach.
Ten years of marriage—it all felt like one cruel joke.
The truth was, in the early years after our wedding, when Ethan was still little, we did have warm, happy moments as a family of three.
But when did it all start to change?
Probably when Ethan started kindergarten—and his teacher just so happened to be Jason’s former classmate, Emily Brooks.
From then on, Jason, who had never bothered with school drop-offs or pick-ups, suddenly showed up rain or shine.
When the school organized field trips, he was more enthusiastic than Ethan himself.
And in Ethan’s mouth, Ms. Emily’s name appeared more and more often.
As for me, his real mother—I gradually became the unwanted, embarrassing presence.
Sensing the shift in my husband and son, I once tried to gently ask about it.
But all I got in return was Jason’s impatient scolding,
“Rachel, you’re just a housewife. All you do is overthink! Emily studied abroad, she’s worldly and cultured! Do you think everyone is as narrow-minded as you?”
At the time, I convinced myself that maybe I was imagining things.
Until my birthday—when Ethan accused me of ruining the cupcake meant for Emily. That was when I finally saw the truth of my pathetic situation.
My dear son and my dear husband had spent an afternoon together in the kitchen, making a cake with their own hands.
But who among them remembered that it was also my birthday that day?
Exhaustion swept over me.
I closed my eyes briefly, then said,
“I’m not being difficult. Like you said, children don’t lie. Since he wants another mom so badly, I’ll grant his wish.”
“I’m tired, Jason. Back then, I gave up everything to follow you here to New York City, a place where I had no one. Looking at where I’ve ended up today, I don’t blame anyone but myself—for being blind enough to believe in you!”
“But now, I don’t want to waste another minute with you!”
Without glancing at Jason’s suddenly darkened face, I turned and walked into the bedroom to start packing my things.
Realizing I wasn’t joking, Jason completely lost his temper.
“Rachel, get back here!”
“What are you packing? What do you even have to pack? For the past ten years, everything you’ve eaten, worn, and used—I paid for it!”