Divorce on New Year’s Eve,My Husband’s Mistress Gave Him HIVChapter 1

1

This year, my husband claimed he had a business trip and couldn't come home for New Year's Eve.

He insisted I go celebrate with my own family instead.

But a blizzard grounded all flights.

So I turned back toward his parents' house, planning to surprise them for the holiday.

When I pulled up outside with a car full of gifts, I heard laughter and clinking glasses from inside—a full-blown celebration.

"Daughter-in-law, eat more! Your mother-in-law made this whole spread just for you."

Then I heard my husband's voice: "Mom and Dad have been waiting all year for you to come home."

My body went rigid. My hands and feet turned to ice. My mind went blank.

I couldn't stop myself—I kicked the door open.

And there was my husband, the one supposedly away on business, with his arms wrapped around a young woman.

They looked comfortable together. Intimate. Like lovers who'd been together for years.

——

The air left my lungs. The scene before me was a knife twisting in my chest.

For a long moment, I couldn't breathe.

Then I forced it all down. Forced myself to stay calm.

"Mom, Dad, Ray—I'm home."

I glanced around the room with practiced ease. "Oh, we have a guest?"

My eyes landed on the woman tucked against my husband's side, and I smiled. "Isn't this Ruth Newton?"

I slipped off my coat and sat down at the table like nothing was wrong.

Inside, I was hemorrhaging. The pain was unbearable.

But my pride—my dignity—demanded composure.

I picked up my chopsticks, took a bite of fish, and gave my mother-in-law an appreciative thumbs-up.

"Mom, this braised carp is my absolute favorite. Thank you for the wonderful surprise."

I lifted a glass of warm Maotai and let it burn down my throat.

Then I turned a bright smile toward my father-in-law.

"I do love a good baijiu. This is excellent—thank you for warming it, Dad."

The liquor hit my stomach, and warmth spread through my veins.

I wasn't cold anymore. Feeling returned to my fingers and toes. And the tension in the room? I'd wound it tight as a spring before a storm.

Ray Dickerson finally cracked. A muscle in his jaw twitched.

"Lottie Dickerson, weren't you supposed to be at your parents' house?"

I met his frigid stare with a smile.

"Flight got canceled."

His expression soured. I pretended not to notice.