I studied my dear son, the boy I had carried, nurtured and loved.
Why had I even given birth to him?
Swallowing back my tears, I met his gaze and spoke slowly, my voice solemn.
"My son, you’re truly filial."
He wasn’t expecting that. His expression faltered. "Mom…"
I forced a bitter smile, turned away, and headed to my room.
The moment I shut the door, I summoned the system. Even it seemed stunned by my misery.
"If I had known it would come to this, I should have just left back then."
Out of pity, it let me choose my exit.
I chose sleeping pills. At least it would be dignified.
The next morning, I awoke to find Hugo already dressed.
He leaned down, just as he always did, to kiss me goodbye.
I turned my head away.
His lips hovered in the air for a moment before he pulled back. Though displeased, he spoke with forced patience.
"Audrey, you used to help me with my tie every morning. Are you too tired lately?"
"Once things settle down, how about we take a trip to Norway to see the aurora as a family?"
Norway? I thought he had long forgotten.
When we first got married, he had promised, personally and earnestly, that he would take me to Norway for our honeymoon. But every time I brought it up, he found an excuse, a reason, a sudden obligation. Eventually, I stopped asking.
Now, after all these years, he was bringing it up on his own. Yet, instead of excitement, all I felt was indifference.
"Today is your birthday. Come home early tonight; I have a gift for you."
He hesitated, looking awkward. "I have an important business dinner. I might be home late."
I let out a soft chuckle, effortlessly exposing his lie. "With Ava, right?"
His eyes dropped. "I promised her I’d spend my 40th birthday with her."
Then, as if realizing how it sounded, he quickly added, "It’s just a meal; nothing else will happen."
I smiled, pretending to believe him. "I trust you. Just don’t forget to open the gift I prepared for you tonight."
"You’ll never forget it."
He pinched my cheek, and for once, I didn’t pull away.
"Love you, wifey."
As Hugo disappeared through the door, I turned and headed to the dining room.
Jasper was already by the door, his backpack slung over one shoulder, ready to leave for school.
Ava stood beside him, her hand in his, the two of them laughing together like the perfect picture of a family.
Then she saw me.