For the past nine years, my children had been the only reason I stayed.
But now, they stood firmly on Camila's side, turning my years of silent sacrifice into a cruel joke.
If this was going to hurt, I wanted a clean break. One swift, sharp cut would be better for everyone.
I repeated myself, "Let's get a divorce. You can have Caleb and Abigail."
"You can make whoever you want their new mother."
Preston stared at me, his voice hoarse. "Are you throwing a tantrum just because I didn't let you attend the gala?"
"What right do you have to demand a divorce? I'm giving you time to cool down. You'd better not disappoint me again."
With that, he took Camila's hand and walked away without a backward glance.
I was used to Preston's contempt.
I had no intention of playing his games any longer.
If Camila could give up love for her ideals, why couldn't I give up a worthless man for my freedom?
I wanted to see what a world without him looked like.
I contacted my lawyer in secret and had the divorce documents prepared.
He was too busy wining and dining Camila to pay any real attention, likely signing the documents I submitted after a cursory glance, blind to what they actually were.
I didn't go home right away. I drove to my favorite bar.
I had the divorce agreement ready, but just in case, I also spent a fortune on a foolproof backup plan from a top-tier lawyer.
On my way back, I took a detour to my favorite patisserie and bought a bottle of expensive champagne.
As the delicate bubbles burst on my tongue, my spirits lifted.
Even when I returned home to find that the children had trashed my entire walk-in closet, it couldn't spoil my mood.
When they saw the smile on my lips, both of them looked furious.
"You're a bad mom! You went out to have fun by yourself and didn't even buy us the limited-edition game console!"
Caleb threw himself onto the floor, grabbing at my dress while kicking and screaming, "I want the game console too!"
I traced a finger over my lips, letting a slow, deliberate smile spread across my face.
"If you want a game console, go ask your new mom to buy it for you."
They froze for a second, then their protests escalated into a full-blown tantrum.
"You're a bad mom! You're so selfish! We hate you!"
"If you don't buy me a game console today, I'll hate you forever!"
As they shouted, they grabbed figurines from a side table and hurled them at me.
In that moment, they were like two little demons, a world away from the sweet, well-behaved children I remembered.
The irony was almost funny.
I had once considered them my anchor. For their sake, I had willingly endured Preston's coldness and cruelty year after year.
I thought my sacrifice would earn their love.
I never imagined Preston had already poisoned their minds, turning them against me and arming them with such vicious words.
I sighed, a hollow sound.
Then I turned to go back to my room to pack.
The moment I entered, I froze.
