8
400words
"Some things can't be fixed, David. You know that."
Trust, once broken, stays broken.
David's eyes turned cold. "I'm not signing. Forget it."
I sighed. "Then I'll wait. A few years of separation—I know the law."
"You might not win."
He looked calm but seethed. "As long as we're married, you're mine."
I laughed bitterly. "We're alike, David—both afraid to love fully."
"You hurt me to conquer me—hired Chloe to make me jealous. Did it feel good?"
He froze, speechless.
I felt only exhaustion. "I'd predicted everything in this marriage—but not this."
"You revived my father's business, just to torture me."
"Your twisted love isn't worth it."
Wearily, I added, "Your company just went public. A messy divorce will attract competitors."
"Don't throw away your life's work."
"Let's part cleanly. It's best for both."
David held the papers, hollowed out.
Finally, he signed, hand shaking.
As I turned to leave, he whispered, "Emma, can't we be friends?"
I didn't look back.
If I can't hold onto happiness, I'll pretend everything's fine.
After the divorce, Mom never blamed me.
She cooked for me daily, fattening me up.
One night, she asked, "Emma, are you happier now than before?"
"I just don't want you to regret it."
I smiled. "No regrets. Live in the present."
"This peace is more than I ever dreamed of."
Healthy, financially secure, with Mom—what more could I want?
You can't have it all.
That summer, David brought Lily to see me.
She cried, "Kids tease me for having no mom! Come to school with me!"
"I'll behave, I promise. Just come back!"
I let her cry it out.
Then I wiped her tears. "Remember how this feels? Don't bully others."
She begged, "Aunt Emma, come to my parent-teacher meeting?"
I shook my head. "No, I'm not your mom."
"I'm from a single-parent home too. It's not shameful."
"But if you're good, I'll visit you at school sometimes."
It'd take time to fully let go.
I wanted Lily to know: life goes on, with or without anyone.
After six months off, I returned to my law firm.
Back in my element, I relearned everything I'd missed.
Work was hectic, but my life felt full again.
I'd learned: healing comes from loving life on your own terms.
I was grateful I'd woken up in time.
